Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Columbus, IN
Being struck by a vehicle while walking is a life-altering event that can leave you facing severe injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and the uncertainty of what comes next. At The Ken Nunn Law Office, Attorney Ken Nunn has dedicated over 50 years to helping individuals and families throughout Indiana rebuild their lives after devastating accidents. Our Columbus pedestrian accident lawyer team understands the emotional, physical, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take. That’s why we’re here to stand by your side, fighting to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery and well-being.
It’s Easy to Get Started
Getting started with your case is as simple as a click or a phone call. Reach out to our law office today, and we’ll start reviewing your case immediately.
We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness. We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve, so you can focus on recovering.
No Upfront Fees
At The Ken Nunn Law Office, we work on contingency. This means there’s no fee to hire us and no cost at all unless we win for you.
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Protect Your Claim by Taking These Steps After an Accident
After a pedestrian accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation. Here’s how you can protect your claim:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor promptly. Medical records provide evidence of your injuries and their connection to the accident. - Avoid Admitting Fault
Never admit fault or apologize to anyone involved in the accident, including the driver or witnesses. Determining fault is a legal process that requires a thorough investigation. - Limit Social Media Activity
Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies may use your posts against you to minimize your claim. - Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Adhere to all medical advice and treatment plans. Failing to do so could hurt your case, as the insurance company may argue that you didn’t take your recovery seriously. - Gather Evidence
If you’re able, collect information at the scene, such as the driver’s contact and insurance details, witness statements, and photos of the accident site. - Report the Accident
File a police report and ensure it accurately reflects the details of the incident. This report will serve as an important piece of evidence. - Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Columbus to guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you may deserve.
Taking these steps can strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Eligibility to File a Claim
To file a claim after a pedestrian accident in Columbus, you must establish that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Proving negligence involves demonstrating the following elements:
- Duty of Care
The driver or responsible party had a legal duty to act reasonably and safely to prevent harm. For example, drivers must obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. - Breach of Duty
The responsible party failed to uphold this duty. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, or failing to stop at a crosswalk. - Causation
The breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. Evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony can help establish this link. - Damages
You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, due to the accident. Documenting these losses is essential for a successful claim.
Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule also affects eligibility. Under this rule, you may still file a claim as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys can help determine your eligibility to file a claim for free.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional toll it has taken on your life. The damages you may recover compensation for include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering, as well as future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal items damaged in the accident, such as a cellphone or other belongings.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one, compensation may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related expenses. Learn more about wrongful death claims.
Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Columbus, Indiana, can help you identify and document these damages to ensure you pursue the full amount you may deserve.
Injuries That May Be Compensated
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection from vehicles. Common injuries that may qualify for compensation in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains
If your injuries required medical treatment or impacted your ability to work or live your life as you did before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Proper documentation of your injuries and their impact on your life is critical for a successful claim.
The Deadline to File a Lawsuit Is 2 Years
In Indiana, you typically have 2 years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Columbus as soon as possible to protect your rights and meet critical deadlines.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Underpay or Deny Your Claim
Insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts over fairly compensating accident victims. They may offer low settlements, delay processing your claim, or even deny it outright.
By working with The Ken Nunn Law Office, you’ll have an advocate to negotiate with the insurance company, handle the paperwork, and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. Don’t settle for less than you may deserve—help ensure your rights are protected and your potential losses are fully accounted for.
How Pedestrian Accidents Are Caused
Pedestrian accidents happen for a variety of reasons, often due to the negligence of drivers or hazardous conditions. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore crosswalks or fail to give pedestrians the right of way can cause serious accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, endangering pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility: Low light, bad weather, or obstructed views can lead to accidents.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Lack of signage, poor lighting, or hazardous intersections can contribute to pedestrian injuries.
Understanding how your accident occurred is key to building a strong case. The Ken Nunn Law Office can investigate the cause of your accident and determine who may be held accountable.
Laws That Apply to Pedestrians in Indiana
Pedestrians in Columbus, Indiana are required to follow specific laws designed to ensure safety and regulate interactions with drivers. These include:
- Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, such as walk and don’t-walk signs, at intersections.
- Right-of-Way: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Outside these areas, they must yield to traffic and avoid stepping into oncoming traffic when it’s unsafe.
- Crosswalk Safety: Drivers are prohibited from passing vehicles stopped at a crosswalk to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Sidewalk Use: Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, they should walk along the outer edge of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic.
- Blind Pedestrians: Motorists must yield to blind pedestrians carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog.
- Visibility: Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing in low-light conditions to remain visible to drivers.
What Our Columbus Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Do to Assist You
At The Ken Nunn Law Office, our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and seek the compensation you may deserve. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident, including gathering police reports and witness statements.
- Identify all parties that may be held liable for your injuries.
- Handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies.
- Gather and preserve evidence, such as photos, videos, and medical records.
- Consult with experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, if needed.
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Ensure all legal deadlines are met to protect your right to compensation.
- Provide ongoing legal advice and support throughout your case.
Put A “Real Fighter” On Your Side!
Recent Indiana Pedestrian Accident Statistics
In 2024, drivers in nearby Marion County struck pedestrians or cyclists more than twice daily, with 729 reported crashes by November—an increase from 684 the previous year.
While Columbus, IN, sees fewer incidents than the Indianapolis metro, the rise in pedestrian accidents underscores the risks individuals face across Indiana. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, The Ken Nunn Law Office may be able to help you understand your options and seek the compensation you may deserve
Columbus Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Yes, insurance can cover pedestrian accidents depending on the circumstances. If the driver is at fault, their auto insurance typically covers the pedestrian's medical expenses and other damages. Pedestrians may also use their own health insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if applicable.
Indiana does not have a specific deadline for insurance companies to settle claims, but they are expected to act in good faith and resolve claims within a reasonable timeframe. Delays can occur, so consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure the insurance company processes your claim promptly.
While it’s possible to file a lawsuit without a lawyer, it is not recommended. Pedestrian accident cases often involve complex issues like proving negligence, negotiating with insurance companies, and understanding Indiana’s modified comparative fault laws. Having an attorney can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Fault is determined by examining the actions of all parties involved and whether they violated traffic laws or acted negligently. Evidence such as witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction may be used to establish who was responsible for the accident.
Affordable, Honest Legal Representatives
At The Ken Nunn Law Office, we understand how overwhelming a pedestrian accident can be. With over 50 years of experience helping our community, our team is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you may deserve.
As your Columbus personal injury lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn how we may be able to assist you.