Toledo Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian Accidents in Toledo

There is little time for a pedestrian to react after a car accident. These accidents are common and generally involve reckless drivers.

The Ohio Department of Transportation reports over 2,500 pedestrians are injured every year in Ohio in auto accidents. While every case is different and accidents can happen anywhere, some locations see a lot of pedestrian accidents:

• Busy crosswalks – Drivers sometimes fail to obey state law as they approach designated pedestrian crosswalks. Some of the most dangerous streets for pedestrians in Toledo include Washington St. and Monroe St. in downtown.
• In parking lots and driveways – Many drivers lower their guard in parking lots, even if it is full of people walking.
• Near school zones – Motorists often fail to slow down when driving past a school that can be surrounded by pedestrians. Victims often get hit near high schools as well as college campuses like the University of Toledo.
• At recreational areas – People on foot are often struck at access points to waterways like the Maumee River or Lake Erie. Many victims are also hit by off-road vehicles, driven recklessly or on poorly marked trails.

Common Pedestrian Accidents

It’s important to determine exactly what happened if you get hit by a car as a pedestrian because you cannot recover compensation if you can’t show the motorist’s negligence, and how it resulted in harm.

Some common examples of pedestrians injured by careless drivers include:

• Intoxicated drivers – Pedestrians are frequently hit by drunk drivers, particularly at night.
• Failures to stop or yield – Those in a hurry often fail to make proper stops at intersections and typically fail to yield to pedestrians.
• Hit and runs – Drivers sometimes panic or refuse to take responsibility for an accident they caused. If this happens, it may take longer to receive emergency treatment.
• Motorists making dangerous turns – It’s common for drivers making turns to only look out for other cars, failing to notice people on foot.

Severe Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Being hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle can result in devastating injuries. Many victims will have pain or a lifetime disability. Even a relatively minor injury can require significant medical attention, and these often get worse over time if not properly addressed.

It’s important for your attorney to fully understand how your injuries will affect your life. This allows them to seek adequate compensation for your present and future needs. The Toledo pedestrian accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico, & Redick have seen many pedestrian injuries such as:

• Brain damage and head injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken or fractured bones
• Extensive blood loss
• Loss of limbs or need for amputation
• Deep lacerations or puncture wounds
• Internal organ damage
• Burns
• Damaged joints
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Steps to Take After Being Struck by a Car

Many people do not know what to do after a pedestrian accident. Even if you can walk away from your accident, it’s important to take your injuries seriously. Damage to your joints, organs, and nervous system can get worse over time if not properly addressed.

Injured pedestrains should:

• Call for emergency help immediately
• Speak with police
• Call a lawyer
• Work with your doctors

Medical Care for Injured Pedestrians

Toledo is home to many leading health care facilities that can treat you following a pedestrian accident. With considerable experience helping injury victims, our Toledo lawyers will guide and assist you with documenting your medical care and the costs associated with your injuries.

We have relationships with the many excellent hospitals and trauma centers in Toledo, including:

• ProMedica Toledo Hospital
• Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital
• Mercy Health Children’s Hospital
• Other local ERs

Pedestrian Accidents: Statute of Limitations

Ohio has a strict statute of limitations in personal injury cases. The two-year limit to filing a personal injury suit is pretty firm. While there are some exceptions, you must not delay in calling a lawyer. Do not accept any settlement or payment before discussing your case with legal counsel.

The other party and their insurance provider will try to pay you as little as possible. Our Toledo pedestrian accident lawyers understand how to recover an acceptable settlement offer or take your case to trial if necessary. However, the legal process can be complex, so we encourage you to act as soon as possible.

What Can Injured Pedestrians Recover?

Damages that you may be able to recover include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement

Many people wonder if they can recover compensation if they hold some liability. Ohio law allows you to recover, but your compensation will be reduced by your share of responsibility. However, you cannot recover if you hold the majority of responsibility for your injuries.

Set Up Your Free Consult

Our Toledo Attorneys Will

• Answer your questions and concerns
• Keep you updated during all stages of the process
• Obtain medical records about the extent of your injuries
• Identify the responsible party
• Determine the fair and full value of your damages
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• Fight for everything you deserve in court if necessary