Pedestrian accidents occur when a motor vehicle strikes a person who is walking, running, or standing near a roadway. The process of pursuing compensation involves distinct traffic laws, which establish right-of-way rules for walkers and vehicle operators. When a crash happens, injured individuals can seek financial recovery from the automobile driver through insurance bodily injury claims.
If you were hit by a car while walking in the Tulsa area, our Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyers at Gilpin Law Office can provide immediate legal assistance to protect your rights. We gather physical evidence to build clear claims against negligent motorists, negotiate with insurers, and represent clients in court. Our staff manages the entire legal process so that you can focus on your physical recovery.
Distracted driving is a primary cause of these car accidents, which often happens when motorists are paying attention to their phones. Drivers also cause crashes by speeding through school zones, failing to yield at crosswalks, or ignoring blind spots while turning. These careless actions leave vulnerable road users with no time to clear the lane.
NHTSA data from 5 years ago show the following:
This source commented that “The 3-year rolling average is trending upward,” and that seems correct: Citing a TRIP (The Road Information Program) report, Oklahoma City’s KOKH FOX News channel posted that “Pedestrians and bicyclists account for a significant portion of traffic fatalities. In the last five years, 520 pedestrians and 77 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes.”
Collisions between automobiles and people usually happen in areas where foot traffic intersects with motorized vehicles. Dangerous locations include busy street intersections, poorly marked crosswalks, commercial parking lots, and residential school zones. Roundabouts can also become crash sites when motorists refuse to yield to individuals sharing the asphalt. Lack of sidewalks forces people close to moving lanes, which increases the overall risk of a severe impact.
Care providers and hospitals should prescribe the correct medication dosage, carefully check for allergies, provide the correct medication to the right patient, and discontinue medication when it’s no longer needed or is no longer effective. Pharmacy mis-fills can also result in a medical malpractice claim. Doctors and hospital staff are obligated to be on the alert for and prevent these occurrences.
Walkers and bike riders do not possess an absolute right-of-way under state traffic regulations. Motorists must yield to individuals inside marked crosswalks, while people walking must use designated crossing areas whenever available. Bicyclists must follow the identical rules as automobiles, which means they cannot run stop signs or ride against traffic.
People can suffer catastrophic physical harm when a heavy automobile strikes their unprotected bodies during a collision. Common ailments include traumatic brain injuries, deep lacerations, spinal cord damage, internal organ bleeding, and broken bones. Unfortunately, many of these impacts result in wrongful death, which leaves families grieving the sudden loss of a loved one.
Our Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyers help clients pursue multiple forms of financial recovery to cover the losses from a collision:
The auto liability insurance policy of the at-fault driver serves as the primary source for financial recovery. If a motorist flees the scene during a hit-and-run, your private uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your bills. Private health insurance can also handle immediate medical treatments while your legal claim moves forward. Our Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyers can locate and analyze every available policy to maximize your total financial recovery.
The legal process begins with an investigation where your attorney gathers evidence and current information about applicable traffic laws. Your representative then sends a formal demand letter to the insurance company outlining your total financial losses. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer files a lawsuit to take the case to court. Most claims settle during negotiations, although some require a trial to obtain full payment.
You can still pursue financial recovery if the driver had time to avoid striking you. The court will evaluate whether your actions contributed to the cause of the collision.
Corporate insurance policies apply if an on-duty delivery driver causes a pedestrian accident. These policies carry much higher financial limits than standard private auto insurance coverage.
The insurance policy of the at-fault driver may reimburse your lost income as part of your final settlement. You must provide employment records and doctor notes to prove your missing hours.
Our firm focuses on holding careless drivers accountable when they cause severe harm to innocent people. We know the specific insurance structures that apply to pedestrian crashes and are familiar with Oklahoma roads. Our team handles every piece of paperwork so that you do not face corporate adjusters alone. Choosing our firm means you get dedicated advocates who fight for the maximum compensation available.
To explore your legal options after a pedestrian accident, contact the Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyers at Gilpin Law Office. Our trusted legal team will investigate your accident and fight to secure full and fair compensation. Call us at 918-583-8900 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Tulsa, OK, and serve clients in the surrounding area.
