Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Lexington, Kentucky

People traveling on roadways on foot are at a particularly high risk of suffering devastating injuries or being killed due to being struck by a vehicle. In fact, according to Governors Highway Safety Association statistics cited by The New York Times, there were more than 7,500 pedestrians struck and killed by vehicles nationwide in 2022, the highest since 1981. A pedestrian’s life can change in an instant due to such an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to pursue legal action to seek financial compensation. 

At Wilson & McQueen, PLLC, our team brings decades of combined experience to help you search for the resolution you deserve. We are ready to investigate the details surrounding your pedestrian accident, assess the value of your case, and guide you every step of the way throughout the legal process.  

If you or someone you love is dealing with the devastating aftermath of a pedestrian accident in the Lexington Kentucky area, including the nearby communities of London, Georgetown, Richmond, or Nicholasville, contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

Kentucky Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Under state law, both pedestrians and vehicle drivers have specific sets of responsibilities they must uphold while on the roadway. 

Pedestrian Responsibilities 

• Yielding right-of-way to vehicles when walking outside of marked crosswalks. 

• Using a sidewalk whenever one is present. 

• Not crossing an intersection diagonally. 

• Not walking on roadways if impaired by drugs or alcohol. 

Driver Responsibilities 

• Yielding to pedestrians in the absence of traffic signals. 

• Yielding to visually impaired pedestrians using canes or service animals. 

• Exercising due caution, including using the vehicle’s horn. 

• Not operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Though not an exhaustive list, the items listed above provide a general understanding of what is expected from pedestrians and drivers. 

Determining Fault

Though pedestrian laws and regulations regarding personal injury accidents are present anywhere in the country, different states handle them in different ways. Following an accident, it is important to be familiar with how Kentucky law addresses accidents, insurance claims, and determining fault. 

Comparative Negligence 

Kentucky adheres to a “comparative negligence” system of compensation. This means liability for an accident can be spread among multiple parties. If one party is determined to have been 70% responsible for the accident, and you are found to have been 30% at fault, the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. As an example, if the court awards $100,000 in total compensation, you will only be entitled to receive $70,000 of that amount. 

Statute of Limitations 

Under Kentucky law, an injured party has one year from the date of the accident to take action against the responsible party. Failure to take action within this one-year period will forfeit your opportunity to pursue compensation.  

Potential Compensation 

Every legal case is unique, which is why there can be no concrete answer to the question of what you may receive in a successful injury claim. The financial compensation you receive, however, can be helpful for paying medical bills, covering for lost wages due to not being able to work, and other expenses. 

Next Steps

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need to gather all the pertinent medical documentation for your injuries and treatment, notify your insurance provider of the accident, and work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to get the guidance you need. 

Wrongful Death Claims

If your loved one was struck and killed in a pedestrian accident, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. Losing your loved one has left a void that can never be filled, but a successful wrongful death claim can provide compensation that holds the responsible party accountable and helps as you pay funeral costs and deal with the financial fallout after your loved one’s death. 

Trust an Experienced Law Firm

You don’t have to go through this alone. With so many things happening after your accident — law enforcement reports, insurance providers calling, medical appointments, and more — you need a team of dedicated legal professionals to help carry the load by taking some of the weight off your shoulders. With so much riding on the outcome of your case, your best option is to turn to a law firm with extensive experience in handling personal injury and pedestrian accident cases.