Common Types Of Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits

Pedestrian accidents and injuries in Columbus can have a wide variety of causes, from motor vehicle collisions to crashes involving bicyclists on sidewalks to hazards on premises that lead to slips and falls. When a pedestrian has been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, it may be possible for the pedestrian to file a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for losses. The following are among the most common types of accident claims in which a pedestrian seeks damages.

Auto Accident Claim for Pedestrian Injuries 

Pedestrian accident claims most frequently involve lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries caused by a negligent motorist. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about 73 percent of pedestrian deaths occur on the open road, and about 26 percent occur in intersections. A particularly high number of deadly pedestrian collisions with motor vehicles occur after dark. Regardless of whether it is daylight or after dark, motorists have a duty to stop at crosswalks for pedestrians to cross, and to be aware of pedestrians on roads that are frequented by motorists and pedestrians alike.

If a motorist crashes into a pedestrian as a result of distracted, intoxicated, aggressive, or drowsy driving, the injured pedestrian may be able to file an accident lawsuit against the responsible driver.

Bicycle Accident Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident 

While most traffic-related pedestrian accidents involve drivers of cars, trucks, or motorcycles, collisions can also involve negligent bicyclists. Sometimes these injuries occur when a bicyclist is unlawfully riding on the sidewalk and is traveling at speeds unsafe for sharing the space with a pedestrian. In other circumstances, a bicyclist might fail to follow the rules of the road and may fail to stop at a crosswalk, for example. A pedestrian who is injured in a crash with a bicyclist could be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Premises Liability Lawsuit for Pedestrian Injuries 

While we often think about pedestrian injuries as those occurring in collisions with cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, it is important to know that many pedestrian injuries result from poorly maintained premises. Under Ohio law, anyone who possesses property—such as a property owner, or a commercial or residential tenant—has a duty to maintain the property in a manner that is reasonably safe for individuals who are on the property. Indeed, anyone in possession of property must “exercise reasonable care” to eliminate dangers on the property or to warn about the risk of danger on the property.

If a pedestrian suffers an injury on the property because of a hazard, the party in possession of the property may be liable in a premises liability lawsuit.

Contact Our Columbus Pedestrian Accident Attorneys 

Anyone who has been injured in a pedestrian accident should speak with an experienced Columbus pedestrian accident attorney to find out more about filing a claim for compensation. Liability in pedestrian accidents can vary depending upon the specific facts of the case, and it is important to have a lawyer assess your case to determine which party or parties may be responsible for losses. Contact Brian G. Miller CO., L.P.A. to learn more about how we can assist you with a pedestrian injury lawsuit.

Source:

injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/