Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you need a trusted advocate who will fight for your rights. At Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, the dedicated pedestrian accident attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, bring years of experience. 

Attorneys Stephen Wolfe, Elizabeth Mote, Hailey Doliveira, and Nicole Good are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and determination. Trust Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC to be your partner in this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is Considered a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident is when someone walking, jogging, or standing on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. These accidents can occur in various situations, such as:

• Crosswalk accidents: When pedestrians are lawfully crossing a street at a designated crosswalk and are hit by a vehicle.

• Non-crosswalk accidents: When pedestrians are walking outside of designated crosswalks or on the roadside and are struck.

• Parking lot accidents: When pedestrians are hit in parking lots, which are often congested and lack clear pedestrian pathways.

• Hit-and-run accidents: When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian and the driver flees the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information.

Pedestrian accidents often involve severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities. These incidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, including driver negligence, poor road conditions, or pedestrian errors.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Ohio

Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents, most of which are tied to negligence or unsafe behaviors. Some of the leading causes include the following.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who engage in distractions—such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technologies—are far more likely to overlook pedestrians. Distraction diminishes the driver's ability to respond quickly to unexpected obstacles, including pedestrians crossing the street.

Speeding

When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, their reaction time decreases. This can make it difficult for them to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians frequently cross the streets.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Pedestrians often rely on traffic signals to cross streets safely. Drivers who fail to stop at red lights or stop signs put pedestrians at serious risk, particularly in busy intersections.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to react to hazards. Impaired driving is a leading cause of accidents, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these situations.

Poor Road Conditions

In some cases, pedestrian accidents are caused by poorly maintained roads. Issues such as potholes, inadequate lighting, or lack of proper signage can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and contribute to accidents.

Inattentive Pedestrians

Although the driver is often to blame in pedestrian accidents, pedestrians themselves can be at fault. Crossing the street while distracted, jaywalking, or failing to use crosswalks can contribute to accidents. Pedestrians should remain aware of their surroundings, even in areas where they have the right of way.

What Are Ohio’s Pedestrian Laws?

Ohio law sets clear rules for drivers to follow when interacting with pedestrians. Some of the key laws governing pedestrian safety in Ohio include:

Pedestrian Right of Way

Ohio law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are crossing at a crosswalk, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked. However, pedestrians are also required to exercise caution and not enter a crosswalk if doing so would create a hazard to traffic.

Jaywalking

Jaywalking, or crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or at an intersection where it's not permitted, is prohibited in Ohio. While pedestrians aren't necessarily prohibited from crossing the street at any point, they must do so in a safe and responsible manner.

Pedestrian Duty of Care

Pedestrians have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care when using roadways. This includes not stepping out in front of moving vehicles, avoiding distractions like smartphones, and using pedestrian crossings whenever possible.

Speed Limits and Crosswalks

Ohio law requires drivers to slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings or areas where pedestrians are present. This includes not speeding in residential areas, school zones, or any place with heavy pedestrian traffic.

Drunk Driving and Pedestrian Safety

Under Ohio’s laws, impaired driving is a criminal offense. When a driver is intoxicated and causes harm to a pedestrian, the legal consequences extend beyond personal injury claims, potentially resulting in criminal charges against the driver.

What Is the Legal Process After a Pedestrian Accident in Ohio?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Ohio, the legal process begins by establishing who was at fault for the incident. Fault can lie with either the driver, the pedestrian, or other third parties, depending on the circumstances.

Seek Medical Attention

The first priority after any pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention. Whether the injuries seem minor or severe, it's crucial to be evaluated by a healthcare professional to create a record of your injuries, which will be essential for any legal claims.

Gather Evidence

After the accident, you should gather as much evidence as possible. This includes obtaining the names and contact information of witnesses, taking photos of the scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries, and documenting anything related to the accident.

Consult an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

It's strongly advised to consult with pedestrian accident attorneys. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you work through the challenges of Ohio law, including determining liability, assessing the value of your case, and negotiating with insurance companies.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Once you’ve gathered the necessary evidence and consulted with a lawyer, your pedestrian accident attorneys will help you file a personal injury claim. 

In Ohio, personal injury claims must be filed within a certain statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline may result in the loss of your right to file a lawsuit.

Negotiations and Settlement

In many pedestrian accident cases, insurance companies may attempt to settle the claim out of court. Your pedestrian accident attorneys will negotiate on your behalf to help make sure you receive as fair a settlement as possible to account for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Trial

If a fair settlement can't be reached, the case may go to trial. During a trial, both parties will present evidence, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome. Having experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can be invaluable during this process to help make sure that your case is properly presented.

Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Ohio may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Some of the types of compensation that may be available include:

• Medical expenses: Victims can seek compensation for both current and future medical expenses related to the accident. This may include hospital bills, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.

• Lost wages: If the pedestrian accident results in missed work, victims may be entitled to compensation for the wages they would have earned during their recovery period. This may also include compensation for lost earning potential if the injuries cause long-term disability.

• Pain and suffering: In addition to economic damages, victims may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. Pain and suffering are non-economic damages and can be difficult to quantify, but an experienced attorney can help assess these damages based on the severity of the injuries.

• Property damage: In some pedestrian accidents, personal property such as clothing, mobile phones, or other belongings may be damaged. These costs can be included in the compensation claim.

• Punitive damages: In cases where the defendant's conduct is found to be particularly reckless or malicious, such as in drunk driving accidents, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter future harmful behavior.

By working with pedestrian accident attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, you can feel confident knowing which types of compensation you can fight for when it comes to your personal injury case.