Florence Pedestrian Accident Attorney

With its mix of suburban charm and busy streets, Florence, Kentucky, sees its fair share of pedestrian traffic. While the city and commonwealth have laws to protect those on foot, pedestrian accidents still occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident that wasn't your fault, you need to speak with a Florence pedestrian accident attorney to understand your rights and options.

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Table of Contents

• Why Choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy for Your Florence Pedestrian Accident Case?
• How Our Florence Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help Strengthen Your Case
• Steps to Take After a Florence Pedestrian Accident
• Kentucky Laws That Protect Pedestrians
• Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florence
• Types of Injuries in Florence Pedestrian Accidents
• Compensation Available in Florence Pedestrian Accident Cases
• Proving Negligence in Your Florence Pedestrian Accident Case
• Time Limits for Filing a Florence Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
• How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Pedestrian Accident Case in Florence?
• Contact O'Connor, Acciani & Levy: Your Florence Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Why Choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy for Your Florence Pedestrian Accident Case?

At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we've advocated for residents in Florence and throughout Kentucky for over 30 years. Our team of experienced attorneys understands pedestrian accident cases and is committed to fighting for the compensation you need.

Here's what sets us apart:

• Proven Track Record: Our firm has impressive case results. We’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Kentucky.
• Local Experience: We understand Florence's traffic laws and how they apply to pedestrian accidents.
• Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize your recovery and well-being, offering personalized attention to every case.
• No Win, No Fee: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay legal fees unless we win your case.

Choose O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, and let us use our experience and resources to help you. We're dedicated to securing the compensation you need to move forward after your pedestrian accident in Florence.

How Our Florence Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help Strengthen Your Case

After a pedestrian accident, having skilled legal representation can impact the outcome of your case.

Here's how our legal team at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy can make a difference:

• Thorough Investigation: We'll conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident, gathering crucial evidence to support your claim.
• Skilled Negotiation: Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who will fight for fair compensation from insurance companies.
• Litigation Preparation: If a fair settlement can't be reached, we'll take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge and jury.
• Paperwork Management: We'll handle all the legal documentation, ensuring everything is filed correctly and on time.
• Ongoing Support: Throughout your case, we'll provide regular updates and be available to answer any questions.

Steps to Take After a Florence Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident in Florence, to protect your health and strengthen your potential legal claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Report the Accident: Make sure an official police report is filed.
3. Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from any witnesses.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault: Don't admit fault or make statements about the accident to anyone except the police and your attorney.
5. Contact O'Connor, Acciani & Levy**: Speak to a Florence pedestrian accident attorney at our law firm as soon as possible for a free consultation.

Kentucky Laws That Protect Pedestrians

Kentucky has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians.

Understanding these laws helps determine liability in a pedestrian accident case:

• Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in barked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
• Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and crosswalk signs when present.
• Sidewalk Use: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians are required to use them. If no sidewalk is present, pedestrians should walk facing traffic on the left side of the road.
• Driver Responsibility: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, regardless of right-of-way rules.

Our Florence pedestrian accident attorneys at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy are well-versed in these laws and how they apply to your case.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florence

Understanding the causes of pedestrian accidents helps determine liability when they occur. Some common causes include:

Distracted Driving:

• Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distraction. It takes a driver's eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds – enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speeds.
• Other distractions include talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using GPS devices.
• Even a moment of distraction can result in catastrophic pedestrian accident injuries, especially in busy areas of Florence like Mall Road or near Florence Y'all Water Tower.

Speeding:

• Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in a collision.
• Speeding is particularly dangerous in residential areas or near schools.
• The impact of a vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour is much more severe than one traveling at 20 miles per hour, highlighting the importance of adhering to posted speed limits.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way:

• Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
• This is often due to driver inattention or misunderstanding pedestrian right-of-way laws.
• Drivers who don't yield the right of way to pedestrians in areas like the intersection of U.S. 42 and Mall Road in Florence can cause particularly serious injuries.

Driving Under the Influence:

• Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and affect a driver's ability to assess distances accurately.
• Even legal medications can sometimes impair driving ability, making it crucial for drivers to understand the effects of any substances they've consumed.
• Unfortunately, Florence sees its share of impaired driving incidents, especially during weekends or holidays.

Poor Visibility:

• Weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow can significantly reduce driver visibility.
• Inadequate street lighting, especially in residential areas or less-traveled roads in Florence, can make it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians.
• Drivers might not see pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night.

Improper Turns:

• Left turns are especially dangerous for pedestrians, as drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and fail to notice people in the crosswalk.
• Right turns on red can injure pedestrians if drivers don't come to a complete stop and check for pedestrians before turning.
• Negligent drivers can make complex intersections near Florence Mall or along Burlington Pike into hotspots for turn-related accidents.

Backing Up Without Checking:

• This is a common cause of accidents in parking lots or driveways.
• Children are particularly vulnerable to these accidents due to their small size and the limited rear visibility in many vehicles.
• While backup cameras are now standard in new vehicles, not all drivers use them effectively or have them in older models.

Poorly Designed or Maintained Roads:

• Lack of proper sidewalks, crosswalks, or pedestrian signals can increase the risk of accidents.
• Potholes, uneven surfaces, or obstructed walkways can cause pedestrians to move onto the road unexpectedly.

Aggressive Driving:

• Behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights put pedestrians at high risk.
• Road rage incidents can escalate quickly and lead to reckless behavior that endangers pedestrians.

At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify all contributing factors and liable parties.

Types of Injuries in Florence Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of those on foot. Some common injuries we see in these cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

Our team at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy understands the long-term impact these injuries can have on your life. We work diligently to ensure your compensation accounts for all current and future medical needs.

Compensation Available in Florence Pedestrian Accident Cases

After a pedestrian accident in Florence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses (Current and Future):

• This covers all medical costs related to your accident, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and follow-up appointments.
• We also account for anticipated future medical expenses, such as ongoing treatments, physical therapy, or potential surgeries you may need.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity:

• You can recover wages lost due to time off work for medical treatment and recovery.
• If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future or limit your career prospects, you may be compensated for this loss of earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering:

• This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical pain and discomfort you've experienced due to your injuries.
• It also accounts for ongoing pain that may affect your daily life in the future.

Emotional Distress:

• Accidents can cause significant psychological trauma. You may be compensated for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues resulting from the accident.
• This can include the cost of mental health treatment and therapy.

Rehabilitation Costs:

• Many pedestrian accident victims require extensive rehabilitation. This compensation covers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services.
• It may also include the cost of assistive devices like crutches, wheelchairs, or prosthetics.

Home Modification Expenses:

• If your injuries require modifications to your home (such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, or bathroom renovations), these costs can be included in your compensation.
• This ensures your living space is accessible and comfortable as you recover or adapt to long-term changes.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:

• This compensates you for how your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy your usual activities, hobbies, or lifestyle.
• It may cover your inability to participate in sports, play with your children, or engage in other activities that were important to you before the accident.

Disfigurement or Permanent Disability:

• If your injuries result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• This accounts for the long-term impact on your life and self-image.

Loss of Consortium:

• In cases of severe injury, your spouse may be able to claim compensation for the loss of companionship and support.

Punitive Damages:

• In cases where the driver's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

The specific compensation available depends on the details of your case. Our Florence pedestrian accident attorneys will work to maximize your recovery across all applicable categories.

Proving Negligence in Your Florence Pedestrian Accident Case

To secure compensation in your pedestrian accident case, we must prove that the driver or another party was negligent. This involves demonstrating four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The driver had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely.
2. Breach of Duty: The driver failed to uphold this responsibility.
3. Causation: This failure directly led to the accident and your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered actual harm as a result.

Our team at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy will gather and present compelling evidence to establish these elements, which may include:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness testimonies
• Surveillance footage
• Expert witness statements
• Medical records
• Accident reconstruction reports

Time Limits for Filing a Florence Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is generally one year from the accident date. This means you have one year to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.

This is why you need to consult with a Florence pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we'll ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe, protecting your right to seek compensation.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Pedestrian Accident Case in Florence?

The duration of a pedestrian accident case can vary widely depending on:

• The severity of your injuries
• The clarity of liability in the case
• The willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement
• Whether the case goes to trial

At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we strive to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Contact O'Connor, Acciani & Levy: Your Florence Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Florence, don't face this challenging time alone. The experienced team at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy is here to help. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.

Contact us today by calling (859) 581-7993 or filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us use our experience, resources, and dedication to help you. Remember, you don't pay legal fees unless we win your case.