Anytime you’re walking on a sidewalk or in an area where motor vehicles are present in Ohio, you’re at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Accidents involving pedestrians often leave the victim with serious injuries. Sadly, sometimes these injuries are fatal. If you’re injured by a motor vehicle while walking, you may suffer from pain and not be able to return to work for a lengthy period while you recover from your injuries, leaving you in a financial bind.
Pedestrian accidents
Each year thousands of pedestrians are killed nationwide after being involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. When drivers are traveling at higher speeds, these accidents tend to be much more serious. Distracted driving often contributes to accidents involving pedestrians. Driving while intoxicated can also cause a driver to be more likely to strike a pedestrian while in a populated area.
While you can do everything right to try to be safe, negligent drivers can still cause accidents with injuries. Pedestrian accidents often happen in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic close to roads with higher speeds. Most pedestrian deaths occur in areas where the speed limit is 45-55 mph.
What to do after an injury
If you’re suffering from an injury that occurred when you were struck by a vehicle, you should be aware of your rights. When driver negligence causes an accident in Ohio, the injured party can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. A successful lawsuit can provide you with funds to cover your damages and help you recover.