Columbus Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

The sudden impact of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can shatter lives in an instant. In Columbus, Ohio, these tragic accidents leave victims and their families grappling with overwhelming physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty. One moment, you're crossing the street or walking along a sidewalk, and the next, you're facing a long road to recovery—or mourning the unthinkable loss of a loved one. 

A pedestrian accident can go far beyond visible injuries. It can lead to permanent disabilities, ongoing medical treatments, lost wages, and profound changes to your quality of life. One of our Columbus pedestrian accident lawyers can offer legal help if you or a loved one were struck by a negligent motorist while walking.

We understand that no amount of compensation can truly undo the harm you've suffered. However, seeking justice and holding negligent drivers accountable is often a crucial step in the healing process. 

It's not just about the medical bills or lost income—it's about reclaiming your sense of security and ensuring that your voice is heard. Whether you're struggling with your own injuries or mourning a family member, know that you don't have to face this challenging time alone.

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Why Choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy for a Pedestrian Injury Claim?

Our firm's deep roots in Columbus mean we're more than just your legal team; we're your neighbors. With our local office, we're readily accessible for in-person consultations, allowing us to provide the personal attention your case deserves. We know the streets where your accident occurred, the local courts, and the unique challenges faced by pedestrians in our city. 

We recognize that the aftermath of a pedestrian accident often brings financial strain on top of physical and emotional trauma. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis—you don't pay us unless we win your case. This approach allows you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery and well-being. You can pursue justice without the added stress of upfront legal fees, knowing that our interests are aligned with yours. 

Our experienced personal injury attorneys will provide sound advice about whether you can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit and help you seek compensation for pain and suffering damages, medical bills, income loss, and more. Our lawyers will advocate for your legal concerns and draw upon the full extent of their resources to fight for the full value of your damages.

Understanding Columbus Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 2,582 pedestrian-related crashes statewide in the last reporting year. The Columbus metropolitan area encompasses three counties - Delaware, Fairfield, and Franklin. OSHP reported a total of 29,015 crashes in the Columbus metro area in the last year. 

Of that number, there were 573 pedestrian-related accidents. There were 29 fatal pedestrian crashes, 113 with serious injuries, and 416 with minor injuries or injuries suspected. 

The City of Columbus recognizes that downtown streets are one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians. In 2023, the City implemented a plan to lower the speed limit on downtown streets to 25 miles per hour to improve pedestrian safety by slowing motorists. The plan reduced pedestrian crashes in the area by 15%. 

The speed limit change affected 11 streets downtown: Broad Street, Third Street, Fourth Street, Spring Street, Long Street, Cleveland Avenue, Town Street, Rich Street, Main Street, Mound Street, and Grant Avenue.

Why Do Pedestrian Wrecks Occur?

The bustling streets of Columbus should be safe for everyone, but sadly, pedestrian accidents remain a serious concern. As experienced Columbus pedestrian accident lawyers, we've seen firsthand the devastating consequences of these incidents. Understanding the root causes is crucial not only for prevention but also for building strong legal cases for victims.

• Distracted Driving: In our increasingly connected world, distracted driving has become a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers checking their phones, adjusting GPS systems, or even eating behind the wheel often fail to notice pedestrians until it's too late. These split-second distractions can have life-altering consequences.
• Reckless and Aggressive Driving: Some motorists prioritize their own rush over the safety of others. Speeding, weaving through traffic, or running red lights puts pedestrians at severe risk. These reckless actions show a blatant disregard for the well-being of others sharing the road.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to give pedestrians the right of way, especially at crosswalks or intersections. This often stems from impatience or a lack of awareness of pedestrian rights under Ohio law.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs continue to play a tragic role in pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them a significant danger to vulnerable people walking along the road.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often spike during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours when visibility is reduced. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving for low-light conditions put pedestrians at risk.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: While not always the fault of individual drivers, poorly designed intersections, lack of proper sidewalks, or insufficient lighting can contribute to collisions with pedestrians.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers making left turns often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street they're turning onto. 

Each of these causes represents a failure in the duty of care that drivers owe to pedestrians. At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we meticulously investigate the circumstances of each accident to identify all contributing factors. This thorough approach allows us to build the strongest possible case for our clients, holding negligent drivers accountable and seeking just compensation for the harm they've caused.

Pedestrian Rights Under Ohio Law

Understanding your rights as a pedestrian in Columbus is crucial for both safety and legal protection. Ohio law provides specific protections for pedestrians, and knowing these can be vital if you're involved in an accident.

Right of Way at Crosswalks

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.46, pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in or entering a crosswalk. This right extends to both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Sidewalk Priority

When a sidewalk is provided and accessible, pedestrians are required to use it. However, if there's no sidewalk, pedestrians have the right to walk on the left side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.

Pedestrian Signals

At intersections with pedestrian signals, walkers have the right to cross when the WALK signal is displayed. However, they must not start crossing if the DON'T WALK signal begins flashing while they're waiting to cross.

Driver Responsibilities

Ohio law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. This means drivers must be vigilant and take precautions to avoid accidents, even if a pedestrian is not in a designated crossing area.

Mid-block Crossings

While pedestrians should yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked crosswalk or intersection, drivers still have a duty to exercise caution and avoid collisions.

School Zones

In school zones, pedestrians have heightened protections. Drivers must obey reduced speed limits and be especially vigilant for children crossing the street.

Visually Impaired Pedestrians

Drivers must yield the right of way to any pedestrian guided by a guide dog or carrying a white cane, regardless of where they are crossing. 

Our Columbus personal injury lawyers are familiar with these laws and regulations and how they apply to vehicles navigating around foot traffic. While pedestrians should always use caution when walking around heavily trafficked areas, it is ultimately the responsibility of motorists to look out for vulnerable people on foot.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

When a pedestrian collision occurs, the human body is no match for the sheer force and weight of a motor vehicle. The injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe and life-altering. As Columbus pedestrian accident attorneys, we've seen firsthand the devastating impact these catastrophic injuries can have on victims and their families. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A sudden blow to the head can result in a TBI, ranging from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening trauma. These injuries can affect cognitive function, memory, and personality, sometimes leading to long-term disabilities that require ongoing care and support.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The delicate nature of the spinal cord means that damage can have catastrophic consequences. Injuries here may result in partial or complete paralysis, forever changing how a person moves through the world and interacts with their environment.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common in pedestrian accidents, particularly in the legs, hips, and arms. While some breaks heal with time, complex fractures may require multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation, potentially leading to chronic pain or mobility issues.
• Internal Organ Damage: The impact of a vehicle can cause unseen but serious damage to internal organs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause significant pain and limited mobility. While often overlooked in the presence of more severe injuries, soft tissue damage can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications if not properly addressed. 

Each of these injuries carries its own set of challenges, both in the immediate aftermath of the accident and in the long term. They can affect not just your physical health, but your emotional well-being, your ability to work, and your relationships with loved ones.

We understand that behind every injury is a person—someone whose life has been unexpectedly and dramatically altered. Our role as your advocates is not just to seek compensation, but to ensure that the full impact of your injuries is recognized and accounted for in your claim. We're here to fight for the resources you need to adapt to your new circumstances and rebuild your life.

What Is The Deadline To File A Pedestrian Injury Claim or Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Time is of the essence when it comes to seeking justice after a pedestrian accident. Ohio sets strict legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing civil suits. Missing these deadlines can irreversibly harm your right to recover compensation. 

Personal injury claims must be submitted within two years of the date of the incident. This applies to most pedestrian accident cases where the victim survived but suffered injuries. In the tragic event that a pedestrian accident results in death, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. It's important to note that this deadline may differ from the date of the accident if the victim didn't pass away immediately. 

If a case is not filed by the close of this timeline, it could prevent an injured party or their family from recovering damages.

Possible Exceptions

During your confidential consultation, one of our attorneys will determine if you qualify for any exceptions to these rules by reviewing your Columbus pedestrian injury or wrongful death claim. For example, one possible exception applies to minors who are injured in a pedestrian accident. Under these circumstances, the individual would have until their 20th birthday to start a claim. 

You must act promptly after a pedestrian accident. Waiting not only risks missing these critical deadlines but can also make it more challenging to gather evidence and build a strong case. Don't let the clock run out on your right to seek justice.

Recovering Damages for an Injured Walker or in Wrongful Death Cases

A pedestrian accident claim can recover compensation for various losses, whether for an injured victim or the family of someone who tragically lost their life. Our Columbus pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to seeking the full range of damages you're entitled to under Ohio law. 

In a personal injury lawsuit, injured pedestrians can seek compensatory damages from the at-fault party for several types of losses, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical treatment costs
• Prescription expenses
• Doctor visit fees
• Ambulance charges
• Hospital stay expenses
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and income, and future earning capacity
• Property damage (e.g., damaged personal items)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress and emotional anguish
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)

Wrongful Death Claims

When a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, the deceased's family may pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages in these cases can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased's future income and benefits
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of services the deceased would have provided
• Loss of care, protection, and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of society and companionship 

In both personal injury and wrongful death cases, you may recover punitive damages in rare instances. These damages punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct. Courts may consider punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving or extremely reckless behavior. 

Ohio law caps non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. However, these caps do not apply to wrongful death cases or cases involving permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of use of a limb, or loss of a bodily organ system. 

Each case is unique, and the types and amounts of damages you may be eligible for can vary. That's why you need experienced legal representation to accurately assess and pursue your claim.

Talk With A Columbus Pedestrian Accident Attorney About Your Case

Our seasoned Columbus pedestrian accident lawyers are well-versed in Ohio civil law and understand the nuances of these types of claims. We will provide unwavering support throughout your case. Our attorneys will represent your interests and aggressively pursue compensation for your past, present, and future losses. Call and schedule your case evaluation with us today. 

When you choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, you're not just hiring a law firm; you're gaining a dedicated ally in your fight for justice. We'll leverage our extensive resources, legal expertise, and deep understanding of Ohio pedestrian accident law to advocate fiercely for your rights. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible, ensuring you have the support you need to move forward. 

Our team of skilled Columbus personal injury attorneys brings years of experience to your case. We'll provide clear, honest advice about your options, whether that involves filing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. We'll review your case and answer any questions you may have. There's no obligation, and you won't pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. Call our Columbus office at (614) 545-5162 or contact us online.

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