Walking down the sidewalk or crossing the street should not be a life-or-death situation. But sometimes, that can happen when drivers fail to give the right of way or act recklessly on the road. In the aftermath, many accident victims are left with serious injuries, many of which could affect them for the rest of their lives.
At Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we have helped many clients who have suffered physical injuries and financial burdens due to the negligence of others. If you have been injured when struck by a vehicle in Jackson, MS, there is hope.
Reach out to our Jackson pedestrian accident lawyer to help us learn more about your case. We can help you get the compensation you deserve, but first, you need to schedule a free consultation so that one of our firm’s attorneys can review the evidence in your case. Reach out to us to have that initial meeting today.
How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Hinds County?
Unfortunately, the city of Jackson is no stranger to pedestrian accidents. While the exact number of pedestrian accidents in Jackson fluctuates, Mississippi has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 81 pedestrians were killed in 2022, with 11 of those fatalities occurring here in Hinds County.
Why Pedestrians Get Struck By Vehicles in Mississippi
There are many reasons why the Magnolia State ranks in the top 15 states for pedestrian accidents, according to the NHTSA listing cited above. Some of these factors include:
- Lack of sidewalks and crosswalks: Many areas in Jackson do not have adequate sidewalks and crosswalks. That forces pedestrians to walk on the road or cross streets in unsafe locations. Poorly lit streets also increase the risk of accidents, especially at night.
- Speeding vehicles: Many accidents occur in areas with high-speed limits, and drivers may not have enough time to react to pedestrians. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, if a pedestrian is hit at 40 mph, there is an 85% chance of a fatality.
- Distracted driving and walking: Drivers need to pay attention to the road. When they text, use their phones, or engage in other distractions, they are a risk to pedestrians. This is when distracted driving accidents Also, pedestrians distracted by their phones or other devices may not be fully aware of their surroundings, leading to accidents.
- Drunk driving: Impaired drivers are a major cause of accidents, including those involving pedestrians. These drivers might not have the capacity to stop or yield to others while they are impaired behind the wheel, which explains why drunk driving accidents occur in Jackson.
- Failure to yield: In almost all situations, pedestrians have the right of way at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks violate traffic laws and can be held liable if a pedestrian accident occurs.
- Traffic signal violations: Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign clearly breaches traffic laws. Pedestrians crossing with a green light or at a stop sign intersection expect vehicles to stop. The driver’s failure to do so can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
As you might be able to surmise, many accidents frequently occur at busy intersections with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. These spots can include schools, shopping centers, and other high-traffic locations.
Sometimes, mistakes can occur. But what happens when an accident is the result of someone’s negligence? You may have to take legal action to recover damages from the liable party. A Jackson pedestrian accident lawyer can advise you whether that’s the case if a motorist struck you. Consider reaching out for a complimentary case evaluation so legal counsel can make such a determination in your specific situation.
Understanding Liability for Jackson Pedestrian Accidents
In many pedestrian accident cases, liability is not always clear-cut. In some situations, both the driver and the pedestrian may share some degree of fault.
Mississippi is a pure comparative negligence state. What this means is that any damages you may be eligible to recover if you’re struck as a pedestrian in Jackson, MS may be reduced by your degree of fault.
Some shared liability scenarios could include:
- If a pedestrian crosses the street outside of a crosswalk while a driver is texting and fails to notice them in time. In this case, the pedestrian may be at fault for not using a designated crosswalk, while the driver may be liable for not paying attention to the road.
- If a pedestrian crosses the street when the signal indicates not to walk, and a driver hits them, both may share liability. The pedestrian’s decision to ignore the traffic signal may be seen as a form of negligence on their part, while the driver may still be liable if they were speeding or distracted.
Determining liability can be complicated, with many factors at play in a pedestrian accident. For this reason, you will want to reach out to a skilled Jackson pedestrian accident attorney. They will examine the validity of your claim and help you find the best legal options for your case.
Who Pays for Pedestrians’ Injury Costs?
When a pedestrian is injured in an accident, determining who will pay for the injuries and what compensation is available depends on who is at fault, the type of the injuries, and the insurance policies involved.
If the driver is found at fault for the accident, their auto insurance will cover the pedestrian’s injuries. Injured pedestrians can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. If your personal property, such as a phone or bicycle, is damaged in the accident, this portion of the insurance may cover repair or replacement costs.
In cases where the driver who struck you is underinsured or has no insurance, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Under these circumstances, you will need to consult with an attorney from Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, to determine your options.
Why Is It a Good Idea to Contact an Attorney After You’re Struck?
After a pedestrian accident, you likely have a long path ahead of you to recover from your injuries. The reason we know this is the likely scenario you’re in is because pedestrians have no safety protection from the impact of the vehicle, which can leave you with hefty medical bills, lost wages, and other expensive losses.
When you’re involved in a collision like this, you may want to contact an experienced lawyer. They can help you with your claim, whether that means filing the initial paperwork or negotiating with the insurance company. Your lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Given how the aftermath of a crash like this can involve you needing to fill in confusing paperwork, adhere to strict deadlines, and follow Hinds County court procedures. You don’t want to make errors that could harm your case. With assistance from your pedestrian accident attorney in Jackson, you can ensure that your case will adhere to all requirements and deadlines, such as the Mississippi statute of limitations.
Legal issues can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover. A lawyer can provide some peace of mind in these frustrating and emotional situations.
Talk to Our Jackson Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
We are ready to take on your claim at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC. We understand the frustration of being involved in any type of accident, especially one that includes a pedestrian vs. a vehicle.
Our legal team will hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. You can count on us to be with you at every step of the process.
When you need a Jackson pedestrian accident lawyer, set up a free initial consultation to find out how we can help you and your family.
