Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyer in Richmond KY

Whose Insurance Pays Medical Bills After Your Pedestrian Accident Injury

In a car accident involving two vehicles each driver’s insurance coverage pays the first $10,000 in medical bills and then the insurance companies sort out fault later with the at-fault driver’s insurance company reimbursing the other insurance company for those payments.

A pedestrian normally doesn’t have applicable PIP insurance because that usually only kicks in when they are using a vehicle. Because of this, if you are hit by a vehicle in a crosswalk or on the sidewalk then that driver’s insurance will pay your first $10,000 in medical bills from the basic reparations policy and the rest of your bills and pain and suffering out of their liability policy.

Proving Fault for Your Pedestrian Accident and Injury in Richmond, KY

To pursue your case, we will need to show the driver of the truck or car was at fault for the accident—and therefore, responsible for your injuries. To do so, your attorney from the Morrin Law Office will seek the following evidence from the accident:

• Pictures or videos of the accident scene, including location and damages
• The police accident report
• Your medical history and records of injuries and treatment
• Any accident witness statements
• Documents and bills demonstrating your costs and damages

Your Kentucky accident lawyer will likely use additional sources of evidence to build the strongest case possible. Then, they will file claims with all liable insurance policies in your case.

The Statute of Limitations in Kentucky

After a pedestrian accident in Kentucky, you have two years to either settle your claim with the driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is why it can be important to contact our office as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss your deadline. Your two year deadline to file your lawsuite will begin anew with each basic benefits reparations payment issued.

There are some exceptions to this rule with the most common being a pedestrian who is under eighteen and a minor. If a minor is hit by a car and injured then their statute of limitations does not begin to start until their eighteenth birthday.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky

Pedestrian accidents may be more common than you think, unfortunately. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), around 7,668 pedestrians died in traffic and non-traffic accidents in 2019. Non-traffic accidents are those that occur on private property such as parking lots and driveways.

Typically, pedestrian accidents are caused by careless or negligent drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way or who drive too close to a pedestrian. Pedestrian accidents may be caused by:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Distracted driving
• Driving into a crowd
• Cell phone use
• Illegal passing
• Poor visibility
• Drunk driving
• Inclement weather

Whether you were hit by a driver on Lancaster Avenue near Eastern Kentucky University or while walking to a retailer on Main Street, we can help show how your accident happened.

Our pedestrian accident lawyer serving Richmond will investigate all forms of driver negligence that could have caused your pedestrian accident.

Common Pedestrian Injuries

When a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, the injuries can be serious and even life-threatening. Medical advice should be sought immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Sometimes symptoms only arise several hours after an accident. Common pedestrian injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These types of injuries include those to the head and brain, such as concussion, fractured skull, hemorrhage, brain contusions, and penetrating brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injury: Many pedestrians incur spinal cord injuries each year due to car collisions. Any injury to the spine is serious and can lead to paralysis or death. This type of injury is often life-altering and can require long-term care.
• Broken and fractured bones: Fractured legs, hands, arms, shoulders, and back are frequent injuries in pedestrian accidents. More serious bone breaks can also occur, such as when the broken bone punctures the skin. This type of injury can be very painful and may cause long-term disability. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
• Soft tissue damage: This type of injury covers sprains, strains, lacerations, tears, dislocations, burns, and contusions. Although these injuries generally heal faster than other types, they can leave lasting scars and disfigurations.