Northwest Indiana Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents happen frequently across Indiana. People who’ve been injured in an accident face mounting medical bills, lost wages and intense physical pain. Figuring out your legal rights is critical after a collision. The attorneys at Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP provide aggressive representation for injured pedestrians. We develop powerful legal strategies to hold at-fault parties accountable so you can secure the compensation you deserve. Our team communicates with clients directly to make certain we address all questions promptly.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Many collisions result from reckless driving behaviors. When motorists fail to pay attention to their surroundings, pedestrians suffer the consequences. Identifying the specific reason for a crash helps our legal team build a strong personal injury claim on your behalf.

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving, like texting
• Speeding through residential neighborhoods and school zones
• Failing to yield the right of way at marked crosswalks
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Turning at intersections without checking for people on foot

Poor weather conditions, limited visibility and badly lit streets also contribute to these incidents.

Indiana Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Indiana traffic laws dictate who has the right of way on the road. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who cross lawfully within a marked crosswalk or an intersection. However, pedestrians also hold specific legal responsibilities. You must act reasonably and avoid stepping directly into moving traffic when a driver has no time to stop. If you cross a street outside of a designated crosswalk, you must yield to approaching vehicles. When sidewalks are available, the law requires you to use them instead of walking on the roadway.

Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians lack physical protection, the damage from a collision is usually catastrophic. Victims frequently require emergency medical care, surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.

People struck by vehicles often sustain the following injuries:

• Broken bones and fractures in the legs, arms and pelvis
• Traumatic brain injuries from striking a vehicle or the ground
• Spinal cord damage that may lead to chronic pain or permanent paralysis
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Psychological trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder

Treating these severe injuries is incredibly expensive. A successful legal claim provides the funds you need for immediate medical bills and future care requirements.

Understanding Negligence and Comparative Fault

To win a personal injury case, you must prove negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise reasonable care on the road. Indiana follows a comparative fault system for personal injury cases. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you share some blame for the crash. The court decreases your compensation by your exact percentage of fault. If a judge or jury finds you more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot collect any money.

Parties Responsible for Pedestrian Accidents

A careless motorist is the most common defendant in a pedestrian accident claim. Yet, other parties might share the blame for your injuries. A local government agency could face liability if a poorly designed intersection caused the crash. Property owners might hold responsibility if overgrown bushes obscured a stop sign or a crosswalk. Our legal team investigates the details of your case to identify every liable party.

How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with insurance companies while recovering from a major injury is highly difficult. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize your financial payout or shift the blame onto you. Your attorney takes care of all communication with the insurance adjusters. Having legal representation allows you to fight for your rights and pursue maximum possible compensation. We gather police reports, interview witnesses and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

Seek Legal Guidance Today

Pedestrian collisions change lives in an instant. You do not have to fight the insurance companies alone. The legal team at Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP is ready to advocate for you. We work intensively to meet your unique needs and resolve your legal problems. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.