Although any traffic collision is dangerous, those involving unprotected pedestrians can be particularly devastating. If you or a loved one were hit by a vehicle, you may be suffering from physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. However, you have the right to pursue compensation from the negligent motorist and hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

A skilled attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can review your circumstances and help build a strong claim against the at-fault party. Let a Covington pedestrian accident lawyer handle your legal case while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Pedestrian Rights in Covington

KRS §304.39-050(1) notes that the state considers all parties not actively operating a motor or manual vehicle to be pedestrians when out and about on the road. These parties are entitled to certain rights when moving from one location to another, which a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney at our firm can further explain.

Right of Way

According to KRS §189.570, pedestrians have the right of way on the road when traffic lights signal their turn. Pedestrians are also afforded the right of way when walking on a sidewalk. No vehicle may move to pass another if a pedestrian is in the process of crossing the road, and all motorists must give pedestrians a safe amount of space for crossing the street.

Duty of Care

All motorists owe pedestrians an inherent duty of care in accordance with KRS §189.570(6)(d). This means that drivers who willfully violate their duty of care or do so via negligence may face legal repercussions.

Expectations of Pedestrians

Pedestrians are expected not to jaywalk or otherwise leave a curb or sidewalk without warning. Pedestrians are also expected to yield to motorists when crossing unmarked crosswalks.

In short, both pedestrians and motorists are expected to exercise reasonable care. Failure to do so could result in a collision and severe injuries.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver error or negligence. Some of the common factors in crosswalk and intersection collisions include:

Driver distraction
Intoxicated driving
Driver fatigue
Reckless driving

It can be difficult to understand what caused a serious crash in the immediate aftermath, especially for a pedestrian suffering from injuries. A Covington attorney who handles pedestrian accidents will investigate the incident and help determine who may have been at fault. Beyond the negligent driver, potentially liable parties include the vehicle manufacturer (if a faulty part caused the crash) or a local government entity (if poor road conditions contributed to the incident).

Compensation after Being Hit by a Car

Victims of pedestrian accidents should work with an experienced lawyer to pursue compensation from the at-fault parties. A successful claim for damages could recover payments for:

Medical expenses
Physical therapy
Lost wages or opportunities for employment
Pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life

Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Injuries

It is important for an injured pedestrian to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after the collision. According to Kentucky law outlined in KRS §413.140(1)(a), an injured victim has one year from the date of the accident to bring a claim for damages. Failure to do so could lead to the court dismissing their claim.

Speak with a Covington Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you were hit by a motor vehicle, you do not have to face medical bills and other financial burdens on your own. A Covington pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process of recovering damages and provide support at every step of the way. Discuss your case with the legal team at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. Give us a call today to set up a consultation.

Covington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer