Pedestrians are more likely to suffer injuries or die if hit by a car in Wisconsin. Statistics show pedestrian fatalities are at record highs in the U.S., with over 7,500 people killed in a single year. That’s a 70 percent increase in pedestrian deaths over a little more than a decade.
In Wisconsin, the outlook for people on foot is no brighter. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, an average of 53 pedestrians are killed and 1,300 more are injured in accidents each year.
Motorists have a duty to ensure the roads are safe for pedestrians. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a Milwaukee pedestrian accident, an experienced attorney from LawtonCates can explain your rights in a free consultation. We have a history of obtaining top-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, including $900,000 for a client injured in a pedestrian collision. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation case review with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Milwaukee.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries. Working to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses can be challenging, especially when you need to focus on your physical recovery.
A Milwaukee pedestrian accident lawyer from LawtonCates can manage this whole process for you. We will:
- Determine who is at fault for the accident
- Identify all potential sources of compensation
- Calculate the full financial impact of the accident on your life, including potential future costs
- Manage communications with insurers and other parties
- File your pedestrian accident claim on time
- Negotiate for maximum compensation with the insurance company
- Represent you at trial if we believe optimal results may come through a judge or jury verdict
Trusting an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer in Milwaukee will free you to concentrate on healing while feeling confident that your claim is in capable hands.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Milwaukee
Pedestrian accidents often occur due to driver negligence stemming from violations of state traffic laws. Examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while impaired
- Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Reckless driving
Other factors that may cause or contribute to pedestrian accidents include poor road design and inadequate signage. In its annual Dangerous by Design report, Smart Growth American ranked Milwaukee-Waukesha as the 81st most dangerous metro area for pedestrians out of 101 regions studied.
Injuries and Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
People on foot have no physical protection from the impact of a car. As a result, pedestrians often take the brunt of the injuries, even when struck at relatively low speeds. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
- Soft tissue injuries
Many injury victims suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges after getting hit. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may accrue substantial medical expenses, a long period of time off work as you recover, and emotional difficulties due to such a traumatic incident. Consulting a pedestrian accident attorney about how to hold the at-fault party accountable for your losses can provide relief during this difficult time.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Accident victims can take several actions to protect their personal injury claims, but your health always comes first. Take the ambulance ride if paramedics recommend transportation to the hospital. However, if you can, here are some ways you can strengthen your case after a pedestrian accident:
- Gather evidence from the accident scene – Photos, videos, and even the clothing and shores you wore when you were hit can be important evidence in a pedestrian accident case.
- Seek medical treatment – If you didn’t need emergency treatment, see your doctor right away to rule out invisible injuries like a concussion or internal bleeding. Tell the physician you were hit by a car to link your injuries to the accident.
- Attend all follow-up medical appointments – Adhering to your treatment plan shows the insurance company you took your injuries seriously.
- Keep a pain journal – Document the extent of your pain during your recovery and its limitations on your life.
- Keep all accident-related documents – Medical bills, pay stubs, prescription medication receipts, and other documentation can show the extent of your financial losses.
- Contact a Milwaukee pedestrian accident lawyer – The sooner an attorney gets started on your case, the better the chances of securing valuable evidence and recording witnesses’ statements while their memories are fresh.
Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases
The outcome of your pedestrian accident case hinges on another party — usually, the driver who hit you — being found responsible (liable) for your injuries and losses. Determining and proving liability requires a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the accident and all responsible parties.
Potentially liable parties in pedestrian accident claims may include:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Government entities responsible for road design and maintenance
- Property owners
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles or parts
- The pedestrian themselves
LawtonCates will review the facts of the accident, determine whether anyone violated any Wisconsin pedestrian accident laws, and work to hold all at-fault parties accountable. In most cases involving driver negligence, claims are filed with the responsible driver’s insurance company.
Types of Compensation Available
Experiencing an injury as a pedestrian can be both traumatic and life-altering. Understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to is crucial in ensuring you receive the support needed for your recovery.
An accident victim in a pedestrian accident case may obtain compensation for a wide range of financial and personal losses, including:
- Medical expenses – Medical costs incurred due to the accident, such as emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, and any ongoing medical treatments or medications required for your recovery
- Lost wages – Compensation for lost income during your recovery period
- Reduced earning capacity – Money if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future
- Rehabilitation – Physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, etc.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you endured as a result of the accident, including any long-term effects on your quality of life and well-being
At LawtonCates, we are committed to seeking the maximum compensation possible for pedestrian accident victims. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident that injured you to account for the full scope of your losses and pursue every dollar you deserve.
Contact LawtonCates Today for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Milwaukee
You deserve full and fair compensation after a pedestrian accident. Let LawtonCates handle your personal injury claim from start to finish. For over six decades, our Milwaukee pedestrian accident lawyers have helped restore financial security to residents of South-Central Wisconsin so they can rebuild their lives. Call or contact our law firm for a free case evaluation with a Milwaukee pedestrian accident attorney.