Fort Wayne Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm, we understand the severe impact that a pedestrian accident can have on your life. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in accidents involving motor vehicles, often resulting in life-threatening injuries or even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, you need an experienced Fort Wayne pedestrian accident attorney. Our team will fight tirelessly for your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced Fort Wayne accident lawyers are dedicated to providing the personalized legal support you need during this challenging time.

Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Wayne

Pedestrian accidents can happen in various locations, from busy intersections to parking lots. Unfortunately, the aftermath is often devastating.

In 2022, 160 people in Fort Wayne were involved in pedestrian accidents, with many leading to serious injuries and fatalities. The lack of physical protection makes pedestrians especially vulnerable, meaning that even low-speed accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries.

As your trusted Fort Wayne pedestrian accident attorney, we will work diligently to investigate your accident’s circumstances and pursue the compensation you are entitled to. Whether your accident occurred at a crosswalk, sidewalk, or parking lot, we are here to help.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are due to driver negligence. As an experienced pedestrian wreck lawyer in Indiana, we are familiar with the most common causes of these tragic accidents.

These include:

1. Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, eating, or using in-vehicle technology often fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or walking along the road. Even a moment of inattention can lead to a serious accident with life-altering consequences.

2. Speeding

Excessive speed is another common factor in pedestrian accidents. Drivers traveling at high speeds have less time to react to pedestrians and are more likely to cause severe injuries or fatalities. Speeding in residential areas, near schools, or in parking lots can be especially dangerous for pedestrians.

3. Failure to Yield

Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks, intersections, or stop signs. Indiana law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in these areas, but some drivers disregard this obligation, leading to preventable accidents.

4. Drunk Driving

Impaired drivers pose a significant threat to pedestrians. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of accidents. If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, our team of Fort Wayne pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help. We will hold the responsible party accountable.

5. Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots can be especially dangerous for pedestrians due to the constant movement of vehicles and the limited visibility. Drivers may be backing out of spaces or navigating tight turns without seeing pedestrians.

As your Fort Wayne parking lot accident lawyer, we will work to determine liability in parking lot accidents and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Due to their vulnerability, pedestrians often suffer severe injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles. At Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing clients with a wide range of injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Pedestrians are at high risk of suffering head injuries, including concussions and more severe brain trauma. TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognitive abilities, physical functioning, and emotional well-being.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or reduced mobility, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause multiple fractures, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Pedestrian accidents can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately visible.
• Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Pedestrians may suffer deep cuts, bruises, and torn ligaments, which can result in permanent scarring or long-term pain.

If you’ve sustained any of these injuries in a pedestrian accident, our top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer will help you pursue compensation. We aim to help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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

Indiana Laws Protecting Pedestrians

Indiana has specific laws in place to protect pedestrians and ensure their safety on the roads. Understanding these laws is essential to building a strong case. As your pedestrian wreck attorney near me, we will use our knowledge of Indiana law to advocate on your behalf.

Right of Way Laws

Indiana law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks, intersections, and other designated areas. If a driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries.

However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and follow traffic signals, as they may be partially responsible if they step into traffic without regard for oncoming vehicles.

Comparative Fault Rule

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that you can still recover compensation for your injuries even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. You may be barred from recovering any compensation if you are more than 50% at fault. Our experienced Fort Wayne pedestrian accident attorney team will work to minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

As your pedestrian wreck lawyer in Indiana, we will ensure that all necessary legal steps are taken within the appropriate deadlines to protect your rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover several types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income and loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are compensable in Indiana pedestrian accident cases.
• Property Damage: In some cases, you may be entitled to recover compensation for damaged personal property, such as clothing, electronics, or bicycles.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury or death, family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and guidance.

Our top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer team will fight to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, taking the right steps immediately after the incident is crucial to protecting your rights and building a strong case. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should always be your top priority. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.

2. Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to personal property. If there were witnesses, gather their contact information. This evidence can be invaluable in proving fault and supporting your claim.

3. Report the Accident

Contact the police and file an official accident report. This report will be important when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the at-fault party.

4. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Navigating the legal process after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. As your Fort Wayne pedestrian accident attorney, we will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and representing you in court if necessary.

Why Choose Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm?

At Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, client-focused legal representation. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a pedestrian accident can take, and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Here’s why clients choose us as their pedestrian wreck lawyer in Indiana:

• Experience: We have successfully handled numerous pedestrian accident cases, securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We are fearless in taking on insurance companies or large corporations to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Client-Centered Approach: We treat each case with the care and attention it deserves, ensuring that you stay informed throughout the process.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our team of experienced Fort Wayne pedestrian accident lawyers will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

Reach out to us today and let our parking lot accident attorney in Fort Wayne advocate for you during this difficult time.