Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Countless people stroll Bloomington’s beautiful downtown streets and vibrant communities throughout the year. Whether commuting to work, shopping, or exercising, these pedestrians contribute to our beloved city’s economy, energy, and splendor.

Unfortunately, these pedestrians are often unknowingly vulnerable to a catastrophic accident that could permanently alter their lives. In the blink of an eye, a driver’s mistake could turn a stroll into a devastating nightmare for the victim and their family.

Pedestrian accidents are much more common than people realize in our city, and these incidents frequently cause severe physical injuries that are accompanied by heavy emotional and financial burdens.

As the top-rated accident lawyer in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamlsey understands the devastation that occurs when a person is struck by a motor vehicle. We also realize that most of these incidents are caused by others’ negligence, so we fight for victims to achieve justice while recovering maximum compensation for damages.

The Devastation of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents produce some of the most devastating outcomes for victims, given the lack of protection people on foot have against the impact of a car or truck. Still, the statistics are shocking and concerning. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2022, accounting for 18 percent of traffic fatalities. Pedestrian deaths have increased by a whopping 83 percent over the past 15 years.

Pedestrian accidents are most common in urban areas like Bloomington, where pedestrian traffic is the most dense due to the proximity of offices, shopping, restaurants, housing, and other destinations. The foot traffic population has also increased significantly nationwide over the past five years as people seek out the physical, financial, and environmental benefits of walking.

Unfortunately, the increase in pedestrian traffic has been accompanied by a rise in traffic accidents involving pedestrians. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported a five-year high total of 1,967 pedestrian accidents across the state in 2022, resulting in 114 deaths. Pedestrians are disproportionately affected in these collisions, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities despite being involved in only one percent of the accidents on Indiana’s roadways.

As the leading Bloomington pedestrian accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands the devastating impacts these incidents have on victims and their families. That is why we provide compassionate legal representation, allowing victims to focus on their recovery while we handle complex legal matters. We ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Bloomington

As an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Bloomington, we have seen too many incidents on our streets. Our goal is to make our city’s roads safer for everyone who uses them by holding at-fault motorists and other parties accountable for their negligence.

We’ve successfully represented clients who were injured in pedestrian accidents caused by numerous factors, including:

• Distracted Driving: It only takes a moment of distraction from a phone call, texting, eating, or talking with someone in the back seat to cause a serious pedestrian accident.

• Failure to Yield: Motorists must yield to pedestrians on Indiana’s roadways. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences.

• Speeding: Excessive speed, especially at spots with heavy pedestrian traffic, creates dangerous risks of collisions with individuals on foot.

• Driving Under the Influence: Motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol have impaired judgment and slow reaction time, which can lead to a pedestrian collision.

• Poorly Marked Crosswalks: Faded or otherwise difficult-to-see crosswalks can increase the likelihood of a pedestrian accident.

• Traffic Control Light Failure: If traffic lights designed to control cars and pedestrians are not working or are poorly timed, this failure may result in a pedestrian collision.

As the leading pedestrian accident attorney in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamsley thoroughly investigates these collisions to determine precisely what circumstances led to the accident. Based on the evidence, we hold all liable parties accountable so that we can pursue maximum compensation for your damages while upholding the law.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Pedestrian Accidents Cause Devastating Injuries

The injuries victims sustain in pedestrian accidents are often quite severe or even fatal since individuals on foot have nothing to protect them from the impact of a motor vehicle. Far too frequently, the physical harm victims suffer permanently changes their lives and requires ongoing medical appointments, long-term care, and rehabilitation.

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact of a motor vehicle, as well as secondary impacts to the road surface or stationary objects, causes severe head injuries that can lead to permanent disability.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Pedestrian accidents often leave victims with severe injuries to their backs, necks, and spinal cords, including full or partial paralysis.

• Broken Bones: Impacts for these collisions frequently cause multiple fractures and broken bones, including to the arms, legs, ribs, shoulders, and other parts of the body.

• Internal Injuries: The force of these collisions may cause severe damage to a person’s internal organs, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
• Severe Lacerations and Abrasions: The initial impact on the motor vehicle, along with secondary effects on the road, sidewalk, or parked cars, frequently causes severe lacerations and abrasions across the victim’s entire body.

Additionally, numerous pedestrian accident victims die each year, with Indiana traditionally averaging more than 100 pedestrian fatalities, according to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute. In these cases, families are left facing the emotional and financial challenge of burying a loved one under tragic circumstances.

Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, we understand how pedestrian accident injuries can permanently alter a person’s life. We strive to achieve justice on behalf of these victims, helping them find justice and be fairly compensated for their suffering.

Indiana’s Pedestrian Accident Laws

To help protect pedestrians in the Hoosier State, Indiana has various laws that spell out motorists’ responsibilities to pedestrians. These laws require drivers to exercise a duty of care in the presence of people on foot. Furthermore, this legislation provides a framework for holding motorists and other parties accountable if they do not uphold this duty of care.

Relevant Indiana laws include:

• Crosswalk Laws: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks.
• Collision Avoidance: Motorists must practice due care and take appropriate steps to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

• Comparative Fault Rule: Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which states that accident victims may be entitled to compensation if they are less than 51 percent at fault for causing the incident. However, that compensation may be reduced by the percentage at which they are judged to be at fault in the accident.

• Statute of Limitations: According to state law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.

• Damages Available: Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Vaughn A. Wamsley is the answer to the question, “Is there an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer near me?” that you will likely ask yourself if you’ve been injured by a motorist while on foot. Our experienced and knowledgeable team provides peace of mind in your time of need.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident is critical for protecting your health and legal rights.

If you are struck by a vehicle, be sure to:

• Call 911: Paramedics can treat injured people and transport them to the hospital if needed. Police officers will gather evidence and write an accident report.

• Get Medical Attention: A medical professional can diagnose and tend to apparent and non-apparent injuries while documenting your medical condition after the incident.

• Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the scene, including visible injuries, property damage, and any contributing conditions.

• Collect Contact Information: Get the contact information of anyone else involved in the accident, including witnesses and first responders.

• Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: A top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer in Bloomington can provide priceless legal guidance to protect your rights.

We understand the aftermath of a pedestrian accident is often chaotic and highly emotional. We are fully prepared to provide the compassionate support and legal representation you deserve. We aim to make your recovery easier by being a trusted advocate who will fight for justice on your behalf.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help You

As the leading Bloomington pedestrian accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley treats our clients like family members. We take the time to get to know you and understand how your accident impacted your life and dreams.

Our comprehensive approach to each case positions your claim for success. We work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances that led to your accident to hold all negligent parties accountable. From there, we calculate what constitutes fair compensation for all your damages. Armed with compelling cases, we have an outstanding track record of achieving maximum compensation for victims through negotiation and litigation.

Call us today if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident to learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.