Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky

Kentucky suffered 174 fatalities (deaths) and 3,500 injuries to pedestrians and cyclists on our roads and sidewalks from 2005 to 2007. Louisville, Kentucky is ranked as the 7th worst city in the country for the safety of pedestrians. Serious pedestrian accident cases, often involving children, are all too frequently seen in our local news. Many of these injuries and deaths could have been avoided.

When a pedestrian in Kentucky is injured or killed as a result of someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, negligence or intentional act, that victim or their family may assert a claim for damages. In the case of a death, a wrongful death case may be brought against the responsible person.

Victims or victim’s families may recover damages for the pedestrian accident or wrongful death case in Kentucky including compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Some common causes of pedestrian accidents in Kentucky include:

• A driver’s failure to stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk or intersection
• A distracted driver (using cell phone or texting while driving)
• A driver’s failure to observe posted speed limits
• A driver not obeying traffic lights or signals
• A driver failing to reduce speed in a school zone, work zone or failing to stop for a bus
• A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• A driver’s failure to signal when turning a corner

Children age 5 to 9 are most at risk for pedestrian injury or death. Nationwide, a sizeable percentage of all fatalities are children. Drivers have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. This “duty of care” is heightened when children are in the immediate area.

If you or a family member has been hit by a motor vehicle, a Kentucky attorney can assist you in determining your rights and the appropriate compensation for pain, suffering, medical bills, loss of wages, loss of consortium, and regrettably even funeral expenses. Severe injuries can give rise to future medical expenses that need to be factored into your legal claim, such as future surgeries, physical therapy, pharmaceuticals and potential psychological needs.

Please contact Louisville pedestrian accident lawyer Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC, to discuss your legal rights today at (502) 242-8877.