When a pedestrian collides with a motor vehicle or even a bicycle, they usually suffer severe and sometimes permanent injuries. Unlike motorists and cyclists, they lack the protection of a vehicle or protective gear, so traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death are more likely to result. This is why drivers are supposed to be vigilant but, unfortunately, distracted or reckless driving often leads to tragic accidents.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Tulsa, the personal injury attorneys at Carr & Carr stand ready to help you hold the negligent parties accountable. Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians often leave victims dealing with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, and we believe you deserve full and fair compensation for them. We don’t charge anything upfront and consultations are always free, so contact us today.
Why Hire Us for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Tulsa?
With over 49 years of experience handling personal injury claims, Carr & Carr has built a strong reputation for helping injury victims across Oklahoma. Pedestrian accidents often involve more than just driver negligence; factors such as poor road conditions, poor weather conditions, or malfunctioning traffic signals can complicate these cases. You’ll benefit from our ability to uncover all potential sources of liability and make your legal claim as strong as possible.
Other advantages of working with us include:
- We Value You as a Client: You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who takes the time to understand how your accident injuries have impacted your life. This approach helps us create a legal strategy that meets your needs while we keep you updated in clear, easy-to-understand language.
- Strong Investigative Ability: A solid case requires thorough investigation. We don’t just gather surface-level evidence like police reports. Our personal injury attorneys dive deeper by interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and consulting with experts when needed.
- We Are Skilled Negotiators: Insurance companies often try to settle pedestrian accident claims quickly for less than what victims deserve. As your legal counsel, we don’t let insurance adjusters undervalue your claim. If necessary, our pedestrian accident attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court to secure a fair result.
- Our Attorneys Are Trial-Ready: While many cases settle out of court, we always prepare every case as though it will go to trial. If negotiations with the insurance company don’t result in a fair settlement, our trial-ready attorneys will fight for your rights in court.
- No Upfront Costs: At Carr & Carr, our pedestrian accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. You only pay if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to take necessary legal action without worrying about attorney fees.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file an accident claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as accidents involving government entities or minors, where different deadlines may apply. It’s essential to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you take legal action against all liable parties in time.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect From A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
The maximum compensation you receive after a pedestrian accident can vary based on factors such as:
- The severity of your accident injuries (as indicated in your medical records)
- Their long-term effects on your daily life, and;
- The extent to which the at-fault party was responsible.
For instance, more serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries often result in higher compensation due to the extensive medical treatments and rehabilitation required.
In addition to medical care costs, you may also be entitled to fair compensation for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. This could include income lost during recovery as well as future earnings if your ability to work has been permanently affected. For example, if your injuries limit your physical mobility or cognitive abilities, compensation may account for a reduced earning capacity in the future.
Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. This can include anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may arise as a result of the accident. In severe cases, where accident victims are unable to return to their previous lifestyle or activities, compensation may reflect the emotional and psychological toll of the injury.
Lastly, compensation can also cover long-term care needs. If your injuries require ongoing medical care, in-home care, or specialized equipment, such as a wheelchair or modifications to your home, these financial losses can be factored into your compensation from the insurance company. This ensures that your current and future needs are addressed without the added financial burden.
By addressing all of these factors, your personal injury lawyer helps ensure that you receive the full compensation necessary to support your recovery and restore your quality of life as much as possible.
What If You Were Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation from the responsible party even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. An experienced lawyer can explain how this rule may impact your case.
Common Pedestrian Accidents in Tulsa
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various situations. Understanding these common scenarios can help accident victims and their attorneys identify liability and make their case as strong as possible. At Carr & Carr, our experienced lawyers handle a wide range of cases that include:
- Crosswalk Accidents: Crosswalks are meant to provide a safe passage for pedestrians, but accidents still occur when negligent drivers fail to yield or ignore traffic signals. These auto accidents are often caused by driver errors such as distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior. Even in marked crosswalks, where pedestrians have the right of way, drivers sometimes don’t notice them until it’s too late.
- Intersection Accidents: Intersections are high-risk areas for pedestrians. Many automobile accidents occur when motor vehicle drivers fail to see pedestrians crossing or make illegal turns, especially during left turns when visibility may be reduced. Pedestrians can also be struck when drivers misjudge the timing of lights or try to speed through yellow lights, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Parking lots are hotspots for pedestrian accidents, despite vehicles traveling at a lower speed. Drivers may be distracted while searching for parking spaces or fail to look behind them when backing out. Parking lot accidents can result in severe injuries despite the relatively low speed of the vehicle due to the pedestrian’s lack of protection.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Hit-and-run collisions are particularly devastating because the driver leaves the accident scene without offering assistance or calling for help. This not only delays critical medical attention but also makes it harder for pedestrian accident victims to seek justice. These accidents can happen in a variety of situations, such as in low-traffic areas, at night, or when the at-fault driver is impaired or distracted.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Whether drivers are texting, talking on their phones, adjusting the radio, or even eating, these distractions can take their focus off the road and pedestrians nearby. Because distracted drivers often don’t react in time to stop or avoid hitting a pedestrian, these accidents can result in catastrophic injuries.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs are also leading causes of pedestrian injuries and death. These negligent actions have permanently changed the lives of many families across Tulsa, and our experienced attorneys have secured thousands of dollars in compensation for them.
- Backing-Up Accidents: Backing-up accidents typically happen in residential driveways or parking lots. Drivers are often focused on looking for other cars or obstacles and may not check thoroughly for people walking behind their vehicles. In some cases, poor visibility, such as bad weather conditions or blind spots, increases the likelihood of an accident due to driver inattention.
- School Zone Accidents: Traffic laws are stricter in school zones to protect children and pedestrians. Despite these precautions, accidents can still happen when drivers fail to slow down or disregard crossing guards and warning signs.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe, life-altering physical and emotional damage. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians frequently suffer broken legs, arms, or ribs when struck by a vehicle. These serious physical injuries often require long recovery periods.
- Head Trauma and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common, with impacts ranging from cognitive impairments to long-term physical disabilities and even pedestrian deaths.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, which can seriously affect an accident victim’s quality of life.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may require emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health complications.
- Lacerations and Road Rash: Deep cuts and abrasions can cause severe pain, infection risks, and permanent scarring.
- Psychological Trauma: Accidents can leave victims dealing with emotional distress, mental anguish, and psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
How a Tulsa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
A pedestrian accident lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case, so that you don’t have to worry about filing insurance claims and lawsuits yourself. They start by investigating the accident scene and gathering critical evidence (including eyewitness statements, accident reports, medical reports, and any available video footage) to establish who the at-fault party or parties are. Then they will negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation for medical care bills, lost wages, and any long-term impact the accident may have on your life.
By carefully calculating the full extent of your financial losses (taking into account future medical needs, lost income, and emotional trauma) your personal injury attorney ensures that no potential costs are overlooked. If negotiations fail to secure a fair settlement, they can represent you in court.
This level of support not only helps to maximize your financial compensation but also gives you peace of mind during a challenging time, allowing you to focus on healing while your personal injury lawyer takes care of the legal burdens.
Questions? Get a Free Consultation From a Tulsa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian injuries, whether they’re caused by car crashes, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents, can have devastating consequences. At Carr & Carr, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to help you recover the compensation you need during this difficult time.
From dealing with insurance companies on your behalf to building a strong case for a wrongful death claim, we are here to support you and fight for the fair settlement you deserve. For more information or to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call our law firm at 918-201-0423.