Injury & Accident Attorneys Serving Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman & All Of Oklahoma
In any meeting between somebody on foot and a vehicle weighing more than one ton, the pedestrian is not going to come out unscathed. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in devastating injuries – sometimes fatal ones.
At Johnson & Biscone, P.A. our motor vehicle accident lawyers represent clients injured in pedestrian accident. Find out how we can help you and your family by calling 405-232-6490 today for a free consultation. Our attorneys serve clients in and around Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and the nearby areas.
Jump to specific information about pedestrian injuries below:
Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
Even at low speeds, the collision of a vehicle with a pedestrian can cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the injuries pedestrians frequently sustain when they are struck by a vehicle include:
- Open or closed head injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Road rash
- Broken bones, especially to the lower legs
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries
Sadly, pedestrian accident fatalities are not uncommon. In addition to pursuing full compensation for the injuries our clients sustain, lawyers at Johnson & Biscone also have extensive experience pursuing wrongful death claims in the event that your loved one is killed by a vehicle while on foot.
What are some of the reasons Pedestrians Get Hit by Cars?
Drivers and pedestrians are both bound by laws designed to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of people who are in a vehicle or outside of one. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always follow the law or pay adequate attention to the road. This is how pedestrians are hit by cars.
Intersections are the most common site for pedestrian accidents. Crosswalks may be clearly marked, but they afford no protection to the pedestrians who use them. Some of the major causes of pedestrian-car crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are otherwise occupied are unlikely to see people on foot, and might even fail to stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
- Failure to yield: Under Oklahoma law, pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road.
- Speeding: In the absence of a signal, pedestrians are required to judge when it’s safe to cross the road. Vehicles traveling at high speeds make this judgment difficult and increase the likelihood of an accident.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use both inhibit reaction time and sound judgment. Drivers who are drunk or high pose a danger to everyone around them, including pedestrians.
Pedestrians can improve their safety by also remaining diligent. Cell phone use is a distraction for people on foot as well as behind the wheel, so stay away from the roads and crosswalks when you’re focused on your phone. In addition, if you’re walking at night, wear light-colored clothing to help drivers see you in the dark.
Safe, sensible decision making is good for your well-being as well as your claim.
Jaywalking and other activities that may contribute to an accident will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining compensation for your injuries, but the recovery will be reduced under Oklahoma’s contributory negligence law.
What to Do after a Pedestrian Accident
Like any vehicle accident, what you do in the immediate aftermath of a collision will significantly affect the value of your case. These are the steps you should take:
- Get out of the road: If you are able to move on your own, get yourself out of harm’s way as soon as possible. You’ve suffered enough without additional encounters with subsequent vehicles.
- Seek medical attention: Call 911 and get an ambulance to your location. Injuries in pedestrian accidents are often serious; you may need to go to the emergency room immediately. If you are able to receive treatment at the scene, you can continue building your case with the following:
- Get the driver’s information: Exchanging information is an essential step in the aftermath of a vehicle accident. Treat this like you would a car accident; copy down details from the driver’s license and insurance documents.
- Contact the police: A police report is an enormous help when our attorneys start to investigate your case. The police report is an official document that covers a wide range of important information, from the parties involved to witnesses to road and weather conditions.
- Document the scene: You can help your pedestrian accident claim by making your own report. Speak to bystanders and write down their contact information, take pictures of the scene, photograph your injuries – making a record of what happened will strengthen your case.
Your first priority should be an examination and treatment of your injuries. Failure to receive care is not only bad for your claim; it can also make the trauma you’ve suffered worse. Not every injury in a pedestrian accident is immediately apparent, such as internal injuries to the head, neck, and chest. Delaying treatment for these injuries could lead to life-threatening complications.
Once you’ve received medical treatment, find out how Johnson & Biscone, P.A. can help you pursue compensation for the costs you’ve incurred. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Who Is Liable in Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrians hit by cars usually assume that the driver of the vehicle is the one responsible for their injuries. This might be correct in your case, but other factors could also contribute to the accident.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers at Johnson & Biscone, P.A. will identify all liable parties in your claim. We may be able to recover compensation from the additional sources:
- The municipal agency or private company responsible for maintaining roads and sidewalks where the accident occurred
- The vehicle manufacturer, in the event that a defective part contributed to the crash (examples include tire blowouts and faulty brakes)
- Trucking companies and other third parties – accidents involving semi trucks, delivery vans, and similar vehicles are complex and may involve negligent hiring practices, poor maintenance, and other factors that contributed to the accident
If you were struck by a vehicle, don’t assume that just any lawyer can handle the case. Rely on a law firm that has the wide-ranging experience to handle pedestrian accident cases stemming from a variety of different circumstances.
Bicycle Accidents
Riding bikes is both a popular pastime and mode of transportation in Oklahoma City. From urban streets to trail systems, multiple opportunities are available for bicyclists. Unfortunately, the availability of good biking also means that cars and bicycles are more likely to collide.
Legally, bicycles are considered vehicles in Oklahoma. Therefore, they are subject to the rules of the road.
However, local laws can vary, with Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and other communities having different laws when it comes to banning headphones, mandatory bike lane use, and more.
Bike crashes often result in some of the same injuries that are common in pedestrian accidents. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injury to the face
- Trauma to the neck and back
- Broken bones
- Organ and soft tissue damage
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
Commonsense bike safety, such as always wearing a helmet, being aware of traffic and pedestrians, and wearing reflective tape when riding at night, can all reduce the risk of a bicycle accident. Unfortunately, even the best precautions don’t stop accidents caused by careless drivers.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a bike accident, our experienced lawyers can help. Your initial consultation is free.
Why should I Choose Johnson & Biscone, P.A. as Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
The main thing that sets our law firm apart is a combination of experience and integrity. Taken as a whole, our attorneys have nearly 100 years of experience serving clients. We know the law in Oklahoma, and apply our knowledge to your benefit after an accident.
Our passion is serving injured people and helping families so they can move on with their lives after a serious injury or tragic death. Catastrophic outcomes in pedestrian accident cases are not uncommon, which only motivates our lawyers to work harder on your behalf.
Johnson & Biscone, P.A. has achieved multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including those involving pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Our past performance doesn’t guarantee the same outcome in your case, but our commitment to compassionate, knowledgeable legal service never changes.
Client Testimonial
"First time ever needing an attorney to handle a case and they didn’t disappoint. They care about you and make sure that you are recovering while they take care of the legal stuff. Thank you everyone at Johnson & Biscone!"
Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident or Bicycle Accident Case for Free Today
If you were injured on foot or while riding a bike, the attorneys at Johnson & Biscone, P.A. are prepared to help. When you first call our office , you will speak to one of our lawyers directly. You can count on us to provide a thorough, honest assessment of your case.
For experienced assistance with a pedestrian accident and bicycle accident claims, please contact or call 405-232-6490 for a free, confidential consultation. Johnson & Biscone, P.A. serves clients throughout the Oklahoma City area and all of Oklahoma, including communities like Edmond, Norman, and others.
