Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Muncie, IN
Walking should be a safe and enjoyable way to get around, but negligent drivers can turn a simple stroll into a life-changing event. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
At The Ken Nunn Law Office, a Muncie pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience handling cases like yours, we’re committed to fighting for justice on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us focus on your claim while you focus on healing.
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.
Table of Contents
Do You Have a Valid Pedestrian Accident Claim?
To have a valid pedestrian accident claim, you need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Negligence occurs when a driver or another party fails to act with reasonable care, leading to an accident. Establishing negligence typically involves these elements:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a responsibility to act safely, such as obeying traffic laws or yielding to pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to fulfill this responsibility, such as by speeding, texting while driving, or ignoring crosswalks.
- Causation: Their actions directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, like medical bills or lost wages.
Evidence plays a critical role in proving these elements. Important evidence may include:
- Police reports detailing the accident.
- Witness statements supporting your account.
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, including injuries and vehicle damage.
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Muncie can evaluate your case during a free consultation to determine whether you may have a valid claim. Our team at The Ken Nunn Law Office can gather evidence, build a strong case, and guide you through your legal options to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Damages You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, we can help you understand the types of compensation you may be able to pursue. These damages aim to cover the physical, financial, and emotional impact of the accident.
Potential damages you can recover include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Future earning potential if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Pain and suffering caused by the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
- Costs related to property damage, such as personal items lost or damaged in the crash.
Every case is unique, and the damages you may recover depend on the details of your accident. A lawyer can help calculate the full extent of your losses and ensure no expense is overlooked.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of ways, often due to negligence or unsafe conditions. Some common causes include:
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Lack of crosswalks, poor lighting, or improperly marked intersections can put pedestrians at greater risk.
- Driver Distractions: Texting, using a GPS, or other distractions can cause drivers to miss seeing pedestrians.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in a collision.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who don’t stop at crosswalks or yield to pedestrians in intersections can cause serious accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment and reaction times, leading to preventable crashes.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur at night or in bad weather when drivers have difficulty spotting pedestrians.
Pedestrian Laws in Indiana
Indiana law outlines specific rules to ensure pedestrian safety and clarify responsibilities for both pedestrians and drivers. Understanding these laws can help determine fault in an accident and protect your rights.
- Obedience to Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must follow traffic and pedestrian control signals when crossing intersections.
- Crosswalk Usage: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks. However, they must not step into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop safely.
- Yielding When Crossing Outside Crosswalks: If crossing outside a marked crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road.
- Walking Along Roadways: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians are required to use them. If no sidewalks are present, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic, keeping as far from the roadway as possible.
Knowing and following these laws not only helps reduce the risk of accidents but also ensures legal protection in the event of a collision.
Who Pays Damages for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining who pays for damages after a pedestrian accident depends on who was at fault and the circumstances of the crash. Indiana is an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for covering the damages. Here’s who may be held accountable:
- The Driver: If the driver’s negligence—such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield—caused the accident, their auto insurance typically covers the pedestrian’s damages, including medical expenses and lost wages.
- The Pedestrian: If the pedestrian violated traffic laws, such as jaywalking or ignoring signals, they may share some or all of the blame.
- A Third Party: In some cases, liability may fall on others, such as:
- Government Entities: If poorly maintained roads or unsafe crosswalks contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes, played a role in the crash.
Identifying all liable parties is critical to pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
Put A “Real Fighter” On Your Side!
Take These Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident can help protect your health and your legal rights. Follow these steps to strengthen your potential claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but could worsen over time.
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement and ensure that an official police report is filed.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the accident scene, including road conditions and crosswalks.
- Gather Information: Collect the driver’s contact and insurance details, as well as contact information for any witnesses.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious about what you say at the scene or to insurance adjusters, as statements could be used against you later.
- Consult With a Lawyer: A pedestrian accident lawyer in Muncie can evaluate your case, guide you through the process, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps can make a significant difference in the success of your claim and help you recover more effectively.
Talk to an Attorney for Free Today
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, getting the right legal guidance could mean protecting your rights to justice and compensation. The Ken Nunn Law Office offers free consultations to help you understand your case and determine the best path forward. With decades of experience handling pedestrian accident claims, our team knows how to navigate Indiana’s legal system and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Don’t face the aftermath of an accident alone—contact us today to see how a pedestrian accident lawyer in Muncie could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.