If you were involved in a pedestrian accident in Sandusky, OH, you may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional suffering, and financial losses. While this may be an immensely challenging time, you do not have to go through it alone.
The Sandusky pedestrian accident lawyers at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers have 181 years of combined experience helping accident victims like you. Since opening our law firm in 1946, we’ve helped injured clients recover over a hundred million dollars in much-needed compensation for treatment costs, reduced earning capacity, emotional harm, and more.
Contact our law office in Sandusky, Ohio, by calling (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free consultation with a Sandusky pedestrian accident attorney and learn more about your legal options after being injured in a pedestrian accident.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Sandusky
Our Sandusky pedestrian accident lawyers have remained committed to helping accident victims get the justice they deserve. In doing so, members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, Multi-million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We are prepared to bring our decades of experience, resources, and knowledge to work for your case.
When you hire our skilled Sandusky personal injury attorneys, you can expect us to do the following for your case:
- Conduct an investigation into your claim
- Discuss your options and create a strategy tailored to your case
- Gather relevant evidence to support your case
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Consult experts to strengthen your claim
- Comply with deadlines
- Negotiate for a settlement agreement
- Represent you at trial if needed
To learn more about how our Sandusky personal injury lawyers can help with your pedestrian accident case, contact our law office in Sandusky, OH.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accident Cases in Sandusky, OH?
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents occur far too frequently in Sandusky, Ohio. These accidents are increasingly more likely to occur when there is no sidewalk present. In 2022, there were 165 pedestrian deaths in Ohio. In 2023, Erie County saw 16 pedestrians involved in accidents.
What Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The value of your pedestrian accident case will likely depend on the following crucial factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- The medical treatment required
- The amount of time you miss from work
- Whether you are able to return to work
- Applicable insurance policy limits
- Whether any property was damaged
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- How the injury impacts your quality of life
An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate what your pedestrian accident case is worth and fight to ensure you don’t settle for less.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be able to recover economic damages for monetary losses and non-economic damages for emotional harm.
The following economic damages may be available:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You may also pursue non-economic damages, including the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
In rare instances, punitive damages can also be awarded in cases involving malice or aggravated or egregious fraud.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess what compensation you may be entitled to after a pedestrian accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Most pedestrian accident attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis. This fee arrangement helps accident victims secure the legal help they need without having to take on a financial burden. Instead of paying for legal representation upfront, you are only required to pay your attorney’s fees if they win your case. If you lose your case, you are not responsible for paying for the attorney’s work.
If your case is won, your attorney will receive a percentage of your settlement or trial award. Contact our law office to learn more about our contingency fee arrangements for pedestrian accidents during a free consultation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Pedestrian Accident in Ohio?
Ohio is a modified comparative negligence state that allows you to still recover compensation for your injuries if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. If you are more than 50% at fault for the pedestrian accident, you will be unable to recover compensation in court.
Facing allegations of comparative fault can seriously impact your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced personal injury lawyer can combat claims that you are responsible for the accident and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When vehicles collide with pedestrians, the injuries can be catastrophic, leading to significant treatment costs and lost wages.
Common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries
- Concussions
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Road rash
- Amputations
- Paralysis
Pedestrians are afforded less protection than drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders when collisions occur. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a pedestrian accident.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Sandusky, OH?
Pedestrian accidents occur for a variety of reasons in Sandusky, OH, including the following:
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running stop signs
- Failure to stop at red lights
Whether your pedestrian accident was caused by a driver failing to yield at a crosswalk or a motorist speeding through an intersection, we can investigate how it occurred and help you pursue justice.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Pedestrian Accident in Ohio?
Most pedestrian accidents occur as a result of negligence. This means you typically must prove the elements of negligence by a preponderance of the evidence in order to recover compensation.
You must establish the following elements to prove negligence:
- A duty of care was owed
- The duty of care was breached
- The breach of duty caused your injuries
- You suffered damages
The following evidence is often used to establish negligence occurred:
- Photos
- Videos
- Medical bills
- Surveillance footage
- Repair estimates
- Invoices
- Receipts
- Pay stubs
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
If you prove that negligence occurred, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the at-fault party.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in Ohio?
You typically only have two years to bring a personal injury lawsuit if you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Ohio. If you fail to bring your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you will be unable to recover compensation in court.
It is crucial to keep track of the timeline of your case; however, doing so can be challenging while you also seek to focus on healing physically and emotionally after an accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can keep track of critical deadlines in your case and ensure you don’t lose the right to pursue just compensation.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
When vehicles collide with pedestrians, catastrophic injuries and chaotic accident scenes often result. Understanding what to do after a pedestrian accident can help you be better prepared.
Take the following steps after a pedestrian accident:
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Exchange contact details and insurance information with the driver
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, damaged property, and your visible injuries
- Gather witness statements
- Document what occurred, any road construction or debris, and weather conditions
- Notify the insurance company
- Consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible
It is crucial not to admit fault at the accident scene or when speaking to insurance adjusters. Anything you can say can be used to undermine your personal injury claim, blame you for your injuries, or undervalue your damages. Consulting a seasoned Sandusky pedestrian accident attorney before agreeing to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company can help protect your interests.
Contact Our Sandusky Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Sandusky, OH, you may be facing significant medical bills, time missed from work, emotional suffering, and more. While this can be an immensely difficult time for you and your loved ones, you do not have to face it alone. Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers has remained committed to helping accident victims seek justice since opening our law firm in 1946.
With 181 years of combined experience and over a hundred million dollars recovered for injured clients, you can count on our legal team to help you every step of the way. We are prepared to advocate for you to receive the compensation you need to move forward after a pedestrian accident.
Contact our law office today to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Sandusky pedestrian accident attorney.