Morrin Law Office
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro is Kentucky’s fourth largest city, with an estimated population of 60,037. The city is known for its Bluegrass, barbeque food, and picturesque parks which all bring together a portion of both local and tourist pedestrians. Unfortunately, an Owensboro pedestrian’s worst nightmare can happen in the blink of an eye: They are struck by a motor vehicle and are left with serious injuries.
After the dust settles and the pedestrian receives medical help, they may be left to face the financial burden of their injuries on their own. However, contacting a personal injury attorney can make all the difference. If a pedestrian accident is caused by the driver’s negligence or unlawful behavior, the injured person may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. If successful, the injured person may receive compensation for their medical bills, missed work, and future projected losses.
As the laws and regulations regarding a personal injury claim are complex, it is always advisable to contact a personal injury attorney after a pedestrian accident. A personal injury case will benefit from the help of an attorney by receiving support and help to determine who is at fault, estimate the damages, and negotiate or settle for the well-deserved compensation.
Hire a Pedestrian Attorney with Morrin Law Firm
Have you recently been injured in a pedestrian accident in Owensboro, Kentucky? If so, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to win back the damages caused by your injuries. The attorneys at Morrin Law Offices understand how stressful this time may be, especially those who are not familiar with personal injury law.
Our firm can help you every step of the way, from talking with tough insurance companies, collecting evidence, and fighting to win your case in negotiations or in the courtroom. If you need an attorney who is both compassionate and aggressive in representing your case, contact Morrin Law Firm today at (859) 358-0300 and receive a complete free case evaluation.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Owensboro, Kentucky?
Each year an estimated 40,000 people are killed, and millions are injured in Kentucky in accidents involving vehicles. According to Kentucky’s 2018 Traffic Collision Facts Report, the annual “Comprehensive Cost” of these collisions were estimated at $73 billion.
The Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 2021-2045 lists the organization’s safety performance measures in the Owensboro-Daviess County between 2015-2019:
- Fatalities involving motor vehicles – 767
- Serious injuries involving motor vehicles – 2,955
- Non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries – 289
Common causes of pedestrian collisions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Distracted driving;
- Failure to yield;
- Speeding;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances;
- Disregarding traffic laws;
- Improper turning; and/or
- Poor visibility.
There are 355 miles of sidewalks in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area, with 286 sidewalks in the City of Owensboro and 69 within the county. The following lists examples of streets where dangerous pedestrian accidents have occurred in Owensboro, Kentucky:
- SR-1340
- Fairview Dr & Stirrup Loop
- Frayser Ave & W 2nd St
- E Byers Ave & Friendship Dr
- SR-2698 Carter Rd
- SR-2121
- East Parrish Ave
- Owensboro Bypass
- Gemini Drive
Injuries and Damages
Injuries sustained from a collision involving a motor vehicle can be severe, especially if the victim is a pedestrian. Without any of the same safety measures included in a car, motorcycle, or even bicycle, a pedestrian is left with little to no protection. If they are struck by a car, a pedestrian may sustain any of the following injuries:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bone(s)
- Bruises
- Cuts and lacerations
- Emotional or psychological trauma
- Fractured bones
- Organ damage
- Soft-tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
If you have been injured as a pedestrian, you should seek medical attention immediately. Certain injuries may not set in until hours later, or they may be more severe than you initially think. Obtaining medical records that document all injuries is imperative when building a personal injury case.
What to do After a Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian collision, you may feel both shocked and confused. After the dust settles and you can do so, contact the police, and call for medical attention. Once the accident report is completed and your injuries have been tended to contact Morrin Law Firm. Our personal injury attorneys can help you begin your personal injury claim by advising you to:
- Collect evidence to support the personal injury claim;
- Establish liability against the at-fault party;
- Consult and negotiate with insurance companies; and/or
- Negotiate or settle the damages from your pedestrian accident injuries.
While these steps may seem overwhelming or stressful, a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law can provide you non-stop support and assistance and help you negotiate with the insurance companies and at-fault party to ensure you get the compensation your injuries deserve.
Right-of-Way in Kentucky
Each state has specific laws to determine the legal right of each motor vehicle, bicyclist, and pedestrian which is commonly referred to as the “right-of-way.” The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet explains that pedestrians have the right-of-way, or legal priority to proceed before others in the following scenarios:
- On sidewalks;
- In any zone marked for pedestrian use;
- A marked intersection or crosswalk when the traffic light has a sign to indicate pedestrian crossing; or
- A marked intersection or crosswalk when the traffic light is not present or working.
Were you injured in a pedestrian accident in Owensboro where the motor vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way? If so, you may have a personal injury claim. Contact an Owensboro personal injury attorney to discuss your case options.
Determining Fault
If you are planning to file a personal injury claim in Kentucky, it is important to understand and determine how to establish fault. In other words, you must prove that the other person or party involved in the pedestrian collision was responsible for the accident and therefore, your resulting injuries.
Morrin Law Firm helps our clients determine fault with the help of the following evidence:
- Documentation of the accident scene, property damage, or your injuries through images or videos;
- The Kentucky Police Department or Owensboro Police Department’s accident report;
- All medical records that document your injuries, treatment, medication, etc.;
- Witness statements, if available; and
- Proof of damages and financial losses caused by the pedestrian collision.
Seeking Damages after Owensboro Pedestrian Accident
If you are seeking to file a personal injury claim, it is imperative that you understand and document the damages caused by the pedestrian collision. “Damages” refer to the monetary loss or hardship caused by the accident and corresponding injuries.
You may seek any of the following damages when applicable in your personal injury claim:
- Medical bills
- Medical assistive devices
- Any future projected medical expenses
- Lost wages from missing work
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Punitive damages
It is important to understand that each personal injury case will differ in its details, sustained injuries, and recoverable damages. To receive a risk-free case evaluation, contact the attorneys with Morrin Law Firm at (859) 358-0300.
Kentucky Statute of Limitations
It is imperative for any person seeking to file a personal injury claim to be aware of the state’s statute of limitations.
Kentucky Statute Section 413.125 states that a person injured in a collision involving a motor vehicle has two years from the date of the accident or last PIP insurance payment to file.
However, you should never wait to file a personal injury claim. The attorneys at Morrin Law stress that the dangers of waiting to file include losing important documentation or evidence that could be used to help prove your claim. If you wait two years, your case may even be barred from filing.
Prioritize your well-being and financial recovery when you contact an Owensboro personal injury attorney early on to get your personal injury case started.
Owensboro Example Cases
The following lists recent Owensboro pedestrian collisions that have resulted in serious injury or death:
- March 2023 – The Owensboro Police Department (OPD) responded to a fatal pedestrian collision that resulted in the death of a City of Owensboro employee on March 1st, 2023. The collision happened around 7:04am at the intersection of East Parrish Ave and Leitchfield Road. The victim was 46-year-old Billy Tyler, who was performing he work duties to remove debris from the road when he was struck and killed by a vehicle.
- March 2023 – On March 28th before 8pm, Joey and Connie Harralson were attempting to cross State Route 1340 after leaving their granddaughter’s softball game at Webster County High School. The couple were both struck by a car, leaving Connie with severe injuries. Connie was transported to a hospital where she remained in intensive care to recover from her injuries. Prior to the accident, Webster County Schools were discussing with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to make road improvements in areas such as where the accident occurred.
Important: If an Owensboro pedestrian collision resulted in the victim’s death, consult with Morrin Law Firm regarding wrongful death suits in Kentucky.
Contact an Owensboro Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to a motor vehicle’s negligence, you deserve compensation for the resulting damages. As one of Kentucky’s more pedestrian-friendly cities, it is not surprising that Owensboro experiences many pedestrian collisions. Despite the State aiming to make the roads safer for all methods of transportation, collisions still occur and leave pedestrian victims injured or even dead. The best way to protect yourself and your future is by filing a successful personal injury claim with Morrin Law Firm.
Our attorneys have years of experience representing those who have experienced injuries from car accidents, bicycle accidents, and road-sharing accidents. We pride ourselves on standing by our clients’ side and focusing on winning back their lives and financial stability. Call our office at (859) 358-0300 and receive a completely risk-free case evaluation. If we believe your case is worth taking on, we only take payment from you if your case wins! Our firm represents those in need of personal injury assistance in Covington, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Richmond, Kentucky.