Milwaukee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in accidents across the United States. While some of these accidents are simply unavoidable, many are caused by someone’s negligence. Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere near intersections, parking lots, or sidewalks.

There are many reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. Drivers may not see people crossing the road or driving too fast for the conditions. Pedestrians may also be at fault if they cross the street illegally or fail to look out for oncoming traffic.

Were you injured in a Milwaukee pedestrian accident, or did you lose a loved one through someone’s negligence? The personal injury attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, are legal advocates for all pedestrians injured by others. Call for a free consultation on your situation.

National Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Pedestrian mishaps are a severe issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in accidents with motor vehicles. In 2020, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, accounting for 16 percent of all traffic fatalities. It was an increase from 4,910 pedestrian fatalities in 2019.

These accidents are a leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States.

Statistics show:

• In 2020, there were 4,280 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities.
• 76 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• 33 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred between 6 PM and 9 PM, when people are most likely to be crossing streets.
• Alcohol was involved in 47 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
• Head injuries are the leading cause of death in these accidents, accounting for 63 percent of fatalities in 2020.
• In 2020, the fatality rate for male pedestrians was 2.4 times higher than for female pedestrians.
• The fatality rate for pedestrians 65 and older was 3.5 times higher than for pedestrians aged 20-64.
• Most pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections.
• Of the pedestrian fatalities at intersections, 66 percent occurred in crossings with signals.

Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Data

A pedestrian accident can happen at any time and in any place. However, some locations are more prone to pedestrian accidents than others, especially when a driver fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the following are the most dangerous locations for pedestrians:

• Intersections with three or more lanes in each direction
• High-speed roadways such as freeways and expressways
• Roadways with heavy traffic
• High volume areas such as shopping centers and downtown
• Residential neighborhoods near schools or parks

In addition, the time of day can also be a factor in pedestrian accidents. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) data shows that most pedestrian accidents occur between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM when people commute home from work or run errands.

If you know of an injured person involved in a pedestrian mishap, call our lawyers for a free consultation regarding their case.

Most Pedestrian Accidents Involve Children

Children are the most vulnerable pedestrians. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one of every five pedestrian fatalities involves a child under the age of 15.

That’s why it’s so important for drivers to be alert and watch for children when they’re driving, especially in residential areas.

Parents can do a few things to help keep their children safe as pedestrians.

• Teach your children traffic safety and how to stay safe when crossing the street.
• Make sure they always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Wearing bright colors and using reflective materials can help pedestrians stay safe when walking at night or in low-light conditions.
• Remind them never to run out into the street without looking both ways.

These simple tips can help keep your children safe from being injured when walking around town.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents with catastrophic injuries are a severe problem in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted walking: Texting, talking on the phone, or listening to music while walking can lead to severe accidents.
• Drunk walking: Walking while intoxicated can lead to slips and falls, quickly resulting in serious injuries.
• Reckless driving: Drivers distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly can easily hit walkers crossing the street.
• Poor lighting: Lighting can make it difficult for pedestrians to see and be seen by drivers. It can lead to tragic accidents.
• Pedestrian error: Sometimes pedestrians cross streets in areas where they shouldn’t, or they don’t look both ways before crossing the street. It can lead to dangerous accidents.
• Negligent driver: Motorists not paying attention to the road can easily miss a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
• Dark clothing: Pedestrians wearing dark clothing can be difficult for drivers to see, especially at night or in bad weather.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use can impair a person’s judgment and slow their reaction time, making them more likely to be injured.

People crossing against signals is another common cause of accidents. When pedestrians cross streets illegally or against traffic signals, they risk being hit by cars.

Pedestrians walking in the roadway is also a common cause of accidents. When people walk in the street instead of on the sidewalk, they are less visible to drivers and may be struck by cars.

People walking the streets can avoid accidents by paying attention to the streets ahead and the drivers on the road. One should always try and minimize distractions, especially when walking through a busy zone.

Milwaukee Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Milwaukee, WI, has seen an alarming uptick in pedestrian injuries, with many victims suffering severe and fatal injuries. In just the first six months of 2022, there were more pedestrian accidents than in 2021. What is causing this surge in accidents, and what can be done to prevent them?

Pedestrian accidents are often deadly due to their lack of protection when a vehicle hits them. In addition, drivers are often distracted or not paying attention to their surroundings, which can lead to tragic accidents and hit-and-run situations.

Some of the most common pedestrian injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The blunt impact to the head can cause a TBI. A brain injury can lead to long-term problems with cognitive function, memory, and physical abilities.
  • Concussions are a type of TBI from a pedestrian/motor vehicle mishap. This injury can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and other symptoms that may last for weeks or months.
  • Closed head injuries: When a person suffers a TBI, it is often due to a closed head injury. It occurs when the skull is hit, and the impact force impacts the brain.
  • Skull fractures: A skull fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the skull. These fractures can be open or closed and can cause serious injuries to the brain.
• Spinal cord injuries: A pedestrian mishap can cause a spinal cord injury if the person is hit by a car or other object. This injury can lead to paralysis or loss of function in the arms and legs and requires extensive medical treatment.
• Broken bones: A pedestrian accident can cause bones in the arms, legs, or pelvis to break. These fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation (and medical bills to match) to heal properly.
• Internal injuries: When a walker is struck by a car, the force of the impact can cause internal injuries such as organ damage or bleeding in the abdomen. The injured person will often require surgery and intensive care to heal properly.
• Burns: Pedestrian accidents can also cause burns when the person is struck by a car that is on fire or when they are hit by hot metal from a car collision. These burns can be excruciating and may require long-term treatment.
• Nerve damage: These accidents can also cause damage to nerves in the brain. It can lead to movement, sensation, and speech problems and may require long-term treatment.
• Amputations: Severe injuries can sometimes lead to amputation of an arm or leg. This type of surgery is often life-changing and requires extensive rehabilitation after the surgery is complete.
• Cognitive problems: Some people who suffer TBIs may experience mental issues such as difficulty thinking clearly or remembering things. The injured pedestrian may experience these problems as a permanent or temporary condition, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Emotional trauma: Survivors of pedestrian accidents often suffer emotional trauma from the experience. The injured person may feel scared to walk near roads or highways again and have difficulty sleeping or concentrating after the accident.
• Death: Pedestrian accidents are one of the leading causes of death for people aged 5-29. When a person is hit by a car, they often have no time to react and may suffer severe head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries that lead to death.

Wisconsin Law and Pedestrian Accidents

Wisconsin has several laws that relate to pedestrian accidents. Under Wisconsin Law Statute §346.02, it is illegal for a driver to fail to yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian as Wisconsin law requires, they may be liable for any injuries resulting from the situation. To prove liability, the injured pedestrian must show that the driver failed to yield the right of way and that this failure caused their injuries.

Pedestrian accidents can often result in serious injuries, so drivers and people walking the streets must be aware of the laws to protect them. If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you must speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Fair Compensation for Accident Expenses

When you are injured in an accident, there are a lot of expenses that you may incur. You may need to miss work to recover from your injuries, which result in lost wages. You may also need to pay for medical bills and other related expenses. If another person was at fault for the accident, you should seek fair compensation for these accident-related expenses.

Damages could involve:

• Hospital costs and medical bills: Medical expenses are often one of the most significant expenses following a pedestrian accident. You will likely need to provide documentation from a doctor or hospital to receive compensation for these costs.
• Ambulance transport: If you were transported to the hospital by ambulance, your transportation costs might be compensated.
• Lost wages: If you had to take time off work to recover from your injuries, you might be able to receive compensation for lost income.
• Rehabilitation: This could also be compensated if you needed rehabilitation treatment following your accident.
• Property damage: If your property was damaged as a result of the pedestrian accident, you might be able to receive compensation for repairs or replacements.
• Pain and suffering: You may be able to receive compensation for the pain and suffering that you endured as a result of the accident.
• Mental anguish: You may also be able to receive compensation for any mental suffering that you experienced as a result of the accident.
• Loss of consortium: If your spouse or partner’s quality of life decreased due to the accident, you might be able to file a loss of consortium claim.
• Funeral expenses: If someone died, as a result, their funeral expenses might be compensated.
• Other damages: Many types of damages, such as punitive damages, may be compensated in a pedestrian accident case. Speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney about your situation is crucial.

Punitive damages are awarded in addition to actual damages in certain circumstances. Punitive damages are considered punishment and are typically awarded at the court’s discretion when the defendant’s behavior is especially harmful, such as in a hit-and-run situation.

We are prepared to hold the party at fault responsible for their actions. Our experienced attorneys are experts in gathering evidence, such as medical records and testimonies from eyewitnesses and the police officer who arrived at the scene, as well as telling the story of how the injured person was not at fault for the accident.

Milwaukee Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Contact a pedestrian accident attorney to help guide you through seeking compensation. They will be able to negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Your pedestrian accident lawyer can also help you take legal action against the party at fault. Taking legal action can be a complicated process, but your pedestrian accident lawyer will be there to help you every step of the way.

Seeking fair compensation, including punitive damages, for your accident-related personal injury expenses can be difficult, but it is worth it. Make sure to contact attorneys specializing in pedestrian accident cases as soon as possible so they can start working on your case.

Filing Wrongful Death Claims

When a pedestrian accident kills a loved one, it can be challenging to know what to do next. Filing a wrongful death claim is one way to seek justice for your loved one and hold the at-fault party responsible. Here are some things to keep in mind when filing a wrongful death claim:

• Contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
• Gather evidence of the accident and your loved one’s injuries. It includes photos of the scene, an attorney specializing in personal injury cases, eyewitness testimony, deposition from the police officer who came to the scene, and medical records.
• Be prepared to deal with the driver’s insurance company. They will likely contact you soon after the accident and try to get you to settle quickly for a lower amount of money. Don’t sign anything the insurance company presents until you have talked to your attorney, and do not discuss the details of the accident with the other drivers involved.
• Talk to your insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage. If a hit-and-run driver caused an accident leading to your damages, you’d need to use your auto insurance for immediate care and future medical treatment.
• Consult with your attorney about the best course of action throughout your case.

The attorneys are ready 24/7 to provide quality legal services, help you with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and navigate the uninsured motorist coverage in a hit-and-run situation.

Know that our affiliated pedestrian accident lawyers will hear your case in a free consultation and guide you through the possible insurance issues, besides providing all legal services you and your loved ones may require.

Receive a Free Consultation and Hire a Milwaukee Pedestrian Accident Attorney 

Did driver negligence or intentional disregard lead to you being injured in a pedestrian accident? Did you lose a family member in a fatal accident?

The Milwaukee, WI, pedestrian accident lawyers at Injury Lawyer Team have years of experience representing pedestrians seeking compensatory damages for injured victims.

Contact our affiliate Milwaukee pedestrian accident attorney to schedule a free consultation. We accept all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This promise ensures you pay no upfront fees for legal services until our experienced attorneys obtain compensation through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Resources:

• Pedestrian Safety Measures | Motor Vehicle Safety | CDC 
• Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Pedestrians | NSC