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Morrin Law Office

Louisville Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Kentucky

A local Kentucky report indicated there were 29 reported incidents of pedestrian collisions in 2020, marking it as a record year for the state. Despite measures to install safety features for more at-risk roads, instances of pedestrians being struck by a motor vehicle continue to occur in Louisville and the rest of Kentucky.

Key findings from Louisville’s Pedestrian Master Plan highlighted the following accident trends from 2006-2010:

  • An average of 404 pedestrian collisions occurs annually;
  • Pedestrians sustained injuries in 89.8% of collisions; and
  • The most common motorist conditions included:
    • Inattention (22.1%);
    • Failure to yield right of way (8.8%);
    • Alcohol involvement (2.1%); and
    • Disregarded traffic control (1.8%).

“A vehicle is a weapon,” a metro transportation division manager was quoted saying. “You can kill somebody with that. Every day you’re behind the wheel, you should be thinking ‘I could hurt somebody seriously with this.”

The statement is not only true but should serve as a warning to anyone operating a motor vehicle in Kentucky. When a collision occurs between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, the outcome can be life-altering. If the pedestrian is not killed in the collision, it is likely that they have suffered severe injuries.

The accruing medical bills and pain are understandably stressful for any person. If you sustained injuries from an accident that was caused by the negligence of another person, you may be able to seek relief by filing a personal injury claim. An experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney can provide you with insight and helpful information to get you through this challenging time.

Contact Morrin Law

Were you or a loved one recently involved in a pedestrian accident in Louisville, Kentucky? If so, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to obtain documentation outlining your injuries. You should then consider contacting a Kentucky personal injury attorney who can review the case details and walk you through the legal processes surrounding these claims. When you trust the attorneys at Morrin Law, our goal is to get you back into optimal health and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at (859) 358-0300 for a free case evaluation. Our firm represents those wrongfully injured in Lexington, Georgetown, and Covington.

What are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

According to a study on pedestrian injuries, two primary factors that effect the impact of pedestrian collisions are the time and place of the accident. Most fatal pedestrian collisions occur between 6pm and midnight, due to the lack of visibility at night. Other common causes of pedestrian collisions can include:

  • Distracted driving;
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances;
  • Speeding;
  • Texting while driving;
  • Unmarked or poorly marked crosswalks;
  • Poor visibility; or
  • Lack of sidewalks or pedestrian crossing.

 

Kentucky Laws Relating to Pedestrian Accidents

The state of Kentucky has specific laws relating to pedestrians and filing personal injury claims.

  • Right-of-Way law – Under Kentucky Statute Section 189.570, pedestrians must obey the traffic control devices that are specifically applicable to them, unless they are otherwise directed by an officially designated person. Pedestrians are granted the right-of-way in Louisville for any of the following scenarios:
    • Crossing a sidewalk;
    • Within any zone specifically designated for pedestrian use;
    • On a marked intersection or sidewalk after the cross walk indicates for pedestrian crossing; or
    • On a marked intersection or sidewalk when a traffic light is not present or not in use.
  • Kentucky’s No-Fault Law – Under the Motor Vehicle Reparations Act (KRS 304.39), the state of Kentucky requires motorists to have basic personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage is meant to be paid by the insurer of the vehicle at the time of a collision, or by the vehicle which strikes the injured pedestrian. Basic PIP covers up to $10,000 for medical bills, lost wages, or any other out of pocket costs caused by the injury. If a pedestrian is struck by an uninsured motor vehicle, they may be able to receive compensation through the Kentucky Assigned Claims Plan.
  • Statute of Limitations – Under Kentucky law, a person seeking to file a personal injury claim for a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle is provided two years from the date of the collision or discovered injury. This is a legal point that Morrin Law stresses to our clients. While two years may seem like a long time, when dealing with legal and litigation issues, it can go by extremely fast. We encourage any injured person in Kentucky to consult with us as soon as possible to get started on your personal injury case.

Contact the legal office of Morrin Law to receive a free case evaluation to determine the necessary steps for your personal injury claim.

Potential Injuries from a Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is involved in a collision, the resulting injuries can range from serious to life-threatening. Take for example a standard passenger car accident—when two cars hit each other, there are safety measures such as seat belts, airbags, and interior features designed to protect passengers and minimize injuries. On the other hand, a pedestrian who is struck by a motor vehicle has no protection from impact. This can result in extremely serious injuries, including:

Even if your specific injuries are not listed above, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to be awarded compensation for the damages caused in your Louisville pedestrian accident. If you are a family member of a loved one who was killed in a pedestrian accident, contact Morrin Law Firm about the process for a Wrongful Death suit.

Potential Damages Awarded in a Personal Injury Claim

After getting injured in an unexpected accident, you may need to receive extensive medical treatment. This can accumulate into piling medical bills, forcing you into a position where you are now in physical pain, as well as emotional pain for fear of your future.

Finances are the last thing you should have to worry about when faced with an injury that was not your fault. Luckily, you may be able to receive compensation for the “damages” caused by the pedestrian collision. Morrin Law can help you recover the following damages:

  • Medical expenses;
  • Future medical costs;
  • Rehabilitation;
  • Medical assistive devices;
  • Lost wages;
  • Property damage;
  • Pain and suffering; and
  • Reduced quality of life.

Example Louisville Cases

The following provides several pedestrian collisions that have occurred in Louisville, Kentucky:

  • October 2021 – A child was injured after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to walk to school. According to a Jefferson County Public School spokesperson, the collision occurred on October 4th around 7:20am in front of Thomas Jefferson Middle School on Rangeland Road. A student at the school was dropped off by a car and was attempting to cross Rangeland Road to the school when they were hit by a motor vehicle. The child was transported to a local hospital to treat their sustained injuries.
  • July 2022 – A father in Louisville was killed by a driver who was under the influence as him and his family were standing on a Louisville sidewalk. According to the local report, Trey Jones, his wife, and their two children were in Louisville for a basketball tournament. The family was standing on the sidewalk at 2nd and Market Street when Michael Hurley failed to make a turn onto South Second Street, causing him to jump the sidewalk curb and hit the Jones family. The entire family sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, Trey Jones died from the collision injuries. Hurley was reported to have been under the influence of Hydrocodone at the time of the collision, claiming he was “so tired that he could not make the turn.” Hurley is set to face criminal charges for operating a vehicle under the influence, four counts of first-degree assault, and murder.
  • August 2022 – Officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) responded to a call regarding a dead body on the median of I-64. According to the report, LMPD arrived at the scene and found 29-year-old Dr. Ira Land, who was determined to be a victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash.

Tips on Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Kentucky

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident and you are seeking to file a personal injury claim, you should follow these tips to ensure a straightforward process:

  1. Document all injuries and any immediate evidence of negligence from the accident scene;
  2. Receive a medical evaluation to receive official documentation of any injuries;
  3. Collect information from the driver or other party involved in the collision;
  4. Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian collisions; and
  5. File the claim with the goal of being awarded compensation for the resulting damages.

Emphasizing the complexity of Kentucky’s legal system for the layperson is crucial. Handling a personal injury case independently is a highly challenging and time-consuming endeavor. Opting for Morrin Law’s legal services means gaining valuable insights into your case, as well as having us manage communication with both the insurance company and the party at fault on your behalf.

How Morrin Law Can Help

Obtaining an injury in any sense can alter your day-to-day life. When you’ve been injured at the hands of another person’s negligent actions, it can feel unfair to have to endure the pain and additional suffering that comes with a medical injury. You could be facing expensive medical bills and a long journey to recovery. When a life-altering injury occurs, you should be able to focus on your recovery while letting an experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney oversee the legal steps.

The personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law Firm are proud to represent those who have been wrongfully injured in a pedestrian accident in Louisville, Kentucky. We understand how stressful this period can be, and we want to provide the utmost help for you and your case. When you contact our office, we’ll provide you with a free case evaluation. From there, we’ll determine if we think we add significant value and help guide you through the legal steps along the way. Contact the office of Morrin Law today at (859) 358-0300 to get started on your case.