This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Kigan Martineau who has years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles happen far too often. The consequences can be devastating. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of pedestrian deaths occur every year. Many more victims suffer severe injuries.
These incidents can occur in the blink of an eye. Victims and their families are left to face overwhelming challenges. Physical recovery, emotional trauma, and financial burdens can take a heavy toll. It’s a difficult situation no one should have to endure alone.
At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we specialize in helping victims of pedestrian accidents. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Knowing the common causes of these accidents is important. So is understanding your legal rights and the steps to take afterward. What do you need to know?
Pedestrian accidents can happen for numerous reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding the common causes will enable you to stay safer and hold those at fault to account. A few examples include:
One of the prime causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off the road—whether to text, eat, or adjust their GPS—they put pedestrians at risk. Even a second distraction can lead to a collision in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Failure to yield is another major issue. Drivers often fail to stop at marked crosswalks or intersections, ignoring traffic signals and putting crossing pedestrians in danger. For example, a driver turning right at a red light might not notice someone legally crossing the street. These situations are preventable but can result in serious injuries or even pedestrian fatalities. We work hard to establish legal liability in cases like these so you can receive fair compensation.
Speeding is by far the most likely contributor to pedestrian accidents. Higher vehicle speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and make it harder to stop suddenly. When a car hits a pedestrian at high speed, the injuries are often more severe, sometimes leading to wrongful death claims.
Reckless driving practices, such as running red lights, making illegal turns, or aggressively passing vehicles stopped at crosswalks, also contribute to these accidents. In Idaho, strict speed limits and traffic laws are in place to protect pedestrians, but not all drivers follow them. If you’ve been hit by a car due to a driver’s reckless actions, you deserve justice. We’ll fight to hold the responsible party accountable and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your losses.
Environmental factors like fog, rain, snow, and nighttime conditions can obstruct drivers from seeing pedestrians. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate lighting, and missing traffic signs further increase the risk of accidents. For instance, a poorly lit crosswalk on a rainy night can be a dangerous combination.
Pedestrians can take steps to stay safe in low-visibility conditions, such as wearing reflective clothing and walking facing traffic. However, drivers also have a legal responsibility to adjust their speed and remain alert in these situations. If poor visibility or road conditions contributed to your accident, we’ll investigate and determine who is at fault.
Drunk driving remains a significant threat to pedestrian safety. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and also reduced coordination of movement. This makes it difficult for them to avoid hitting pedestrians. DUI/DWI laws in Idaho are strictly enforced to prevent these incidents, but accidents still happen.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, you might qualify for personal injury protection benefits. We’ll walk you through the entire process and work hard to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses and lost income. Our mission is to support your physical recovery while easing the financial burden caused by the accident.
Tired driving is another dangerous behavior that contributes to pedestrian accidents. Fatigue impairs a driver’s alertness and decision-making, making them more likely to miss traffic signals or fail to notice pedestrians. Long shifts, lack of sleep, and untreated sleep disorders are common causes of drowsy driving.
To stay safe, drivers should take regular breaks and avoid driving when overly tired. If you believe the driver was fatigued at the time of your accident, this detail can strengthen your claim. We’ll collect evidence to show how the driver’s actions caused your injuries and make sure you get the support you need.
Liability is a critical factor in pedestrian accident cases. Figuring out who is at fault helps victims seek just compensation for their injuries. In many situations, driver negligence plays a big role. However, pedestrians may also share some responsibility under certain circumstances.
Driver negligence happens when someone behind the wheel fails to follow traffic laws or doesn’t exercise reasonable care. For instance, ignoring traffic signals, failing to yield at designated crosswalks, or not checking blind spots before turning are all examples of negligent behavior. Establishing negligence is crucial for strengthening a personal injury claim.
We collect crucial evidence, including police reports, witness accounts, and traffic camera recordings. This helps us establish the driver’s legal duty and hold them accountable for their actions. Our focus is to ensure you get just compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other losses resulting from vehicle collisions.
In some cases, pedestrians may share fault for an accident. For example, jaywalking or ignoring pedestrian signals can contribute to the incident. Idaho follows comparative negligence laws, which means your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially responsible.
Even if you think you might share some blame, it’s still important to consult with an attorney. We’ll carefully review your case to determine the extent of your liability. Our aim is the highest possible settlement so that you can focus on getting better.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have several legal rights. They involve getting medical care right away, submitting insurance claims, and taking legal steps against those who were negligent. At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to protecting these rights and helping you recover from your injuries.
You have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain you’ve endured. We’ll be with you every step of the way, handling negotiations with insurance companies or helping you file a personal injury lawsuit. We understand how overwhelming it can be to handle these matters on your own, especially after suffering serious injuries.
Don’t wait to take action. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident or any traffic crash, contact our team today for a free consultation. We’ll work tirelessly to keep road users safe and improve pedestrian safety through public awareness campaigns and legal advocacy.
After a pedestrian accident, filing an insurance claim is often the first step toward recovering damages. Dealing with the driver’s insurance company can make the process more complicated than expected. Let's discuss how to file an insurance claim and seek compensation for your losses.
A personal injury claim allows you the right to claim damages for injuries sustained in an accident. Filing requires key documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and evidence of lost wages. These pieces of information are crucial for showing the full scope of your injuries and the financial toll the accident has taken on you.
Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky. They often try to reduce payouts or deny claims altogether. That’s why having a competent attorney on your side is so important. We handle negotiations with the driver’s insurance company, ensuring your voice is heard. Our goal is to make the process easier for you while you focus on recovery and staying safe.
In pedestrian accident cases, compensation can include various types of damages. These may cover medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of pain and suffering. For example, if you’ve been unable to work due to more severe injuries, you may be entitled to recover lost wages.
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on numerous factors like injury severity and long-term effects. If someone else’s careless actions, like ignoring traffic signals or failing to yield to crossing pedestrians, caused the accident, you deserve to be treated fairly. We’ll strive to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping victims of motor vehicle accidents. Whether it’s fighting for compensation after a car accident or advocating for safer roads through pedestrian safety programs, we’re here for you. Don’t let the stress of traffic accidents weigh you down—let us handle the legal details while you focus on your safety and recovery.
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, acting quickly can safeguard both your well-being and your legal rights.
Start by getting medical help right away, even if your injuries are minor. Some pedestrian injuries may not be obvious right away but could lead to more severe issues later. Your health should always come first, and getting checked ensures you’re doing everything to stay safe. In addition, medical treatment will create a record of the injuries that you have sustained, which can be vital to your case.
Next, document the scene by taking clear photos of the area where the accident occurred, including traffic signals, lane narrowing, or any road conditions that might have contributed. Collect contact details from witnesses who observed the incident, as their statements can provide crucial evidence. Filing a police report is also essential, as this official record can help establish negligence and support your claim.
Finally, consult an attorney as soon as possible. Our pedestrian accident attorney is here to guide you through every step of the process, from reviewing your health insurance coverage to helping you understand your legal options. Pedestrian education and safety tips are crucial, but when accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to fight for you.
Let us help you focus on recovery while we secure the compensation you deserve. Remember, most pedestrian deaths and severe injuries occur because of preventable mistakes—taking action quickly can make all the difference.
Valuing a pedestrian accident claim involves considering factors like injury severity, long-term effects, and economic losses. For example, a victim with permanent disabilities may require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, which increases the value of their claim.
We have the expertise to accurately assess your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our objective is to get you fair compensation for any injuries or losses you suffered in the accident.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, time is of the essence. Act quickly to protect your rights and strengthen your case. At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your legal options.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Kigan Martineau, a seasoned Partner at BAM Injury Law, is a champion for those injured in vehicular mishaps, including car, eScooter, and bicycle accidents. His legal journey is marked by notable victories against major trucking companies like Matheson, UPS, and Swift Transportation, where his strategic litigation has resulted in significant client settlements.
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