Eagle Creek Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

On any day, Eagle Creek Park’s vibrant neighborhoods and busy streets are full of people on the move. Whether they are on their way to work, shopping, exercising, or simply enjoying the beauty of our community, the sight of pedestrians exudes energy and activity in the city.

Unfortunately, such tranquility can be interrupted in the blink of an eye for any of these pedestrians. All it takes is a quick moment of negligence by a motorist to cause a devastating and life-altering accident with someone on foot. These incidents, which are on the rise, cause long-lasting effects on the victims and their friends and family.

Vaughn A. Wamsley understands how catastrophic pedestrian accidents are. We support victims throughout their recovery by providing compassionate legal representation to hold negligent parties accountable while recovering maximum compensation for damages suffered.

If you or someone you love is involved in a pedestrian accident, our accident lawyers in Eagle Creek Park are here to help. It all starts with a phone call to our office to schedule a free consultation.

The Rise of Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana

Pedestrian traffic has increased nationwide in recent years as people are more motivated by the health, financial, and environmental benefits that walking offers. That trend is evident in cities like Eagle Creek Park, where destinations such as stores, offices, restaurants, and housing are nearby, making walking a practical option.

Unfortunately, the rise in foot traffic in Indiana has been accompanied by increased pedestrian accidents. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported over 1,500 pedestrian accidents statewide in 2022 alone. Many of these incidents resulted in severe injuries or death, upending countless lives in the process.

Most pedestrian accidents occur in cities like Eagle Creek Park, where walking is a preferred way to get around the city. Even though our community has taken significant steps to improve pedestrian safety, there is still work to be done. Additionally, a split-second mistake by a driver can end in tragedy.

As the most trusted pedestrian accident attorney in Eagle Creek Park, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands that the negligence of another party almost always causes pedestrian accidents. That is why we fight for justice on behalf of our clients: to help ensure these incidents don’t happen to others while assisting victims in securing the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Eagle Creek Park

Simply put, increased foot traffic does cause pedestrian accidents. We are seeing more pedestrian accidents not because more pedestrians are on the streets but because drivers are more negligent.

Understanding what is causing pedestrian accidents in our city is key to making our roads safe for everyone. We’ve handled numerous pedestrian accident cases over the years, and we’ve consistently seen some of the same causes, including:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who divert their attention to texting, taking a phone call, or some other distraction in the car may cause a pedestrian accident.
• Speeding: Motorists who exceed posted speed limits, particularly when pedestrians are present, may be unable to react in time to prevent a collision.

• Failure to Yield: Accidents with pedestrians frequently occur at intersections when a motor vehicle fails to yield to pedestrians.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are at a greater risk of hitting a pedestrian due to impaired judgment and slow reaction abilities.
• Poorly Marked Crosswalks: Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur where crosswalks are faded or otherwise difficult to see. Additionally, pedestrian or traffic lights that are not working correctly or are poorly visible can contribute to such an incident.

As the leading Eagle Creek Park pedestrian accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley thoroughly investigates every aspect of an incident to understand what factors led to the collision. Armed with this evidence, we hold all liable parties accountable so that you can get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians are almost always devastating for the person who gets struck, given the lack of protection against the mass of the colliding car. Even impacts at low speed or a glancing collision will cause tremendous injury and hardship for the pedestrian.

Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact from a motor vehicle frequently causes severe head injuries, including concussions and other devastating brain trauma.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Pedestrian accidents often cause severe back, neck, and spinal cord injuries, including full or partial paralysis.

• Broken Bones: The devastating impact of a car against a person typically results in multiple fractures and broken bones throughout the body.

• Internal Injuries: The force of a motor vehicle against a person commonly causes injuries to internal organs that can be life-threatening.
• Lacerations:  The initial collision and secondary impacts with the road or other objects often cause severe lacerations and abrasions all over the body.

Additionally, far too many injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are unsurvivable. Pedestrian accidents were responsible for nearly 18 percent of all traffic deaths in 2022, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), including 114 fatalities in Indiana.

Victims who do survive face a long and challenging road to recovery that also includes emotional trauma and extensive medical expenses. As the top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer in Eagle Creek Park, we strive to aid victims in their recovery by protecting their legal rights and pursuing maximum compensation for their damages.

Indiana’s Laws Protecting Pedestrians

Indiana recognizes the dangers pedestrians face and seeks to protect them through various laws enacted by the state government. This legislation primarily targets motorists and requires drivers to exercise care around pedestrians.

Important state laws include:

• • Crosswalks: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks.

• Collision Avoidance: Motorists must exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

• Comparative Fault: Indiana has a modified comparative fault rule, which states that accident victims may claim damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault in the incident. Their compensation may be reduced by the percentage they deemed at fault for the accident.

• Statute of Limitations: Claims for personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the date of the accident, according to Indiana law.

• Damages Available: Victims may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

If you’ve been struck by a motor vehicle, you’ll likely wonder, “Is there a good pedestrian accident lawyer near me?” The answer is yes, Vaughn A. Wamsley is, and our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate the complex legal process to achieve the outcomes you deserve.

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

Proving Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident Case

For your pedestrian accident claim to succeed, we need to establish negligence. Establishing negligence decisively shows that your accident was not merely an unavoidable incident but caused by someone else’s actions.

Four key elements must exist to establish negligence:

1. Duty of Care: Drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, including pedestrians.
2. Breach of Duty: A driver breaches this duty of care by acting recklessly or negligently. Examples include distracted driving or other violations of traffic laws.
3. Causation: The breach of duty must directly cause the accident and resulting injuries.
4. Damages: We must demonstrate that you suffered harm from the accident. Harm may include physical, emotional, or financial damages.

At Vaughn A. Wamsley, we thoroughly investigate the evidence in each claim, including examining police and medical reports, witness and expert testimony, and work with crash reconstruction experts. Our team can confidently establish negligence based on our detailed investigation, which our findings support.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

The moments after a pedestrian accident are often chaotic and overwhelming. However, knowing what to do is essential for your physical well-being and protecting your legal rights while starting to build a case.

If you or someone you know is struck by a vehicle, be sure to:

• Call 911: First responders will assist anyone injured, while police officers will collect evidence and file an accident report.

• Get Medical Attention: Medical professionals can diagnose and treat obvious and non-apparent injuries and will document your condition after the incident.

• Document the Scene: Take pictures of the crash scene, including any visible injuries, property damage, and conditions that may have factored into the crash.

• Collect Contact Information: Get contact information for anyone else involved in the accident, their insurance company, witnesses, and first responders.

• Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: A leading Eagle Creek Park pedestrian accident lawyer will provide valuable guidance for protecting your legal rights.

Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, we understand that nothing is easy after a pedestrian accident. That is why we are here to assist you in your recovery. We offer compassionate legal representation that lets you focus on your recovery by having confidence that you have a trusted advocate who will battle for the compensation you are entitled to.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help You

As the top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer in Eagle Creek Park, Vaughn A. Wamsley has an unwavering commitment to our clients. Each person who walks through our doors is treated like family, and we offer the care and understanding that you need following such a life-altering accident.

We strive to make Eagle Creek Park a safer community for everyone by holding negligent parties accountable. We are driven by this mission and secure favorable outcomes for our clients, which we have a long and proven track record of doing so through negotiation and litigation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.