Failing to give people on foot the protection they deserve could result in serious injuries. It is important for drivers to understand that pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing the street at marked intersections. Vehicles must also slow down for pedestrians who stop at crosswalks or walk on the left shoulder of a road when there is no sidewalk. State laws define pedestrians as anyone walking on foot, using a wheelchair, or riding in a professionally designed motor vehicle meant for a disabled person.

However, it is also important to understand that pedestrians need to walk carefully.  When someone on foot ignores traffic signals or crosses outside of a crosswalk, a court could partially blame them for an accident.

If you were walking carefully and were hit by a careless driver, a skilled personal injury attorney could help. A Wausau pedestrian accident lawyer could investigate the accident, demonstrate that you were acting responsibly, and help you file a civil claim.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Many different situations could cause an accident that leaves a pedestrian with serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of these crashes include:

Distracted Driving

Driving a car while distracted is extremely dangerous and causes many deaths every year. Even looking away from the road for a second to send a text message could cause someone to hit an innocent pedestrian.

Poor Visibility

Many collisions between cars and pedestrians happen at night. After the sun sets, anyone crossing the street or walking on a sidewalk is less visible to a driver. It might also become difficult to see people on foot when there is fog, snow, or heavy rain. Poor visibility leads to many unfortunate accidents and injuries.

Driver’s Failure to Yield

State laws require that drivers stop for pedestrians at all corners and crosswalks. Many unexpected accidents happen when a driver fails to stop in time. The full force of a vehicle could cause serious injury to a commuting pedestrian.

Regardless of the cause of an accident, a hardworking attorney in Wausau could investigate the crash to demonstrate that a driver’s negligence caused the pedestrian’s injuries.

The Difficulties of Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

When another driver’s careless behavior causes an accident, the injured pedestrian can usually fight to hold the defendant and their insurance provider responsible.  However, since pedestrians often suffer severe injuries that require costly follow-up treatment, insurance companies might fight to avoid paying a settlement.

For instance, while an insurance agent might appear helpful, they are usually looking for the opportunity to blame the pedestrian for the crash. This would impact the financial compensation that the plaintiff collects. The insurance company might, for example, argue that the pedestrian’s injuries are not serious or claim that the person on foot was not walking carefully.

Fortunately, an experienced lawyer in Wausau understands these tactics and could fight to show that their client did not contribute to the pedestrian accident.

How Long do Injured Pedestrians Have to File a Claim?

Each state in the U.S. has a statute of limitations in place that creates a time limit for filing civil claims. For example, Wisconsin Statutes section 893.54 establishes that after an accident, a pedestrian usually has three years to file their personal injury case. If the pedestrian passed away because of their injuries, their family must typically submit a claim within two years of the collision.

If a plaintiff does not file their claim before this statute expires, they will most likely lose their opportunity to pursue financial compensation. Thankfully, a knowledgeable attorney in Wausau could help a client submit their pedestrian accident claim on time.

Meet With a Wausau Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Learn More

Pedestrian accidents are always frightening since people on foot have little protection from the weight of a vehicle. Thankfully, state laws give injured walkers options for holding careless drivers responsible for these collisions.

If a negligent driver injured you or someone you love, do not hesitate to contact a Wausau pedestrian accident lawyer about your case. A skilled legal representative could protect your rights and make sure that insurance companies do not deny you compensation. Reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation.

Contact a Wausau Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you are recovering from an injury, you need to focus on regaining your health. You should not have to negotiate with stubborn insurance companies or compromise with a defendant.

A Wausau personal injury lawyer could lessen the stress and complications associated with collecting compensation, allowing you to recover fully. Call today to learn more about your options.

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