Wisconsin Pedestrian Accidents
Pursuing Recovery For Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Wisconsin, particularly in urban areas of the state, where 88 percent occur. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports a pedestrian is killed here every 7.1 hours. More than 1,230 Wisconsin crashes involve pedestrians every year.
While improvements in education, engineering, enforcement and emergency response have meant a significant reduction in the number of Wisconsin pedestrian accidents overall, the number of pedestrian fatalities has nonetheless remained stubbornly high. One-third of these fatal pedestrian crashes and 10 percent of those resulting in injury, involved either a driver or pedestrian who was impaired. Those between the ages of 15 and 24 were at the highest risk of a crash, though older pedestrians are at higher risk of fatality.
At Lein Law Offices, our Wisconsin pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to helping victims of these horrific crashes fight for the compensation they deserve.
That can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, future medical expenses, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of life enjoyment and loss of consortium. That’s not an exhaustive list, but it does give you some idea of the compensation to which you may be entitled.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrians are defined in WI Stat § 340.01(43) as any person who is afoot or in a wheelchair (or using a similar device). Per provisions of WI Statute § 346, the responsibilities drivers have to pedestrians include:
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when crossing sidewalks or entering alleys or driveways
- Excessive vehicular speeds (especially around local play areas and schools);
- Driver inattention;
- Obscured visibility;
- Failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks, driveways or sidewalks before driving through/ across them;
- Failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs;
- Left-hand turns (three times as many people are struck by vehicles turning left than by cars turning right – because both parties are often looking elsewhere.
Anytime pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic interact, there is the potential for a collision. Vehicle drivers owe pedestrians a duty of care to obey traffic laws and use reasonable care. Those walking in urban areas, crossing at non-intersections and traveling at night are most at risk, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some of the crash factors identified in Wisconsin pedestrian accidents by the WDOT include:
- Darting into traffic (usually young pedestrians)
- Excessive vehicular speeds (especially around local play areas and schools);
- Driver inattention;
- Obscured visibility;
- Failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks, driveways or sidewalks before driving through/ across them;
- Failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs;
- eft-hand turns (three times as many people are struck by vehicles turning left than by cars turning right – because both parties are often looking elsewhere.
Alcohol impairment is a significant contributing factor, and that includes both the driver and the pedestrian. There is no law that expressly prohibits walking while intoxicated, though all pedestrians are expected to abide the rules of the road. In these cases, when a pedestrian is impaired, the greatest risk is defendants may allege contributory negligence, as outlined in WI Stat. § 895.045. A jury’s finding that a plaintiff is at-fault may result in a proportionate reduction of an award for damages. However, if the jury finds the plaintiff 51 percent at-fault or more, they will be barred from obtaining any damages.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries tend to be quite severe because pedestrians lack the same kind of protection as those in a motor vehicle.
In one NHTSA study of pedestrian injury patterns concluded the most common injuries were:
- Lower extremity injuries (particularly to the legs);
- Head/ Face/ Neck injuries;
- Upper extremity injuries;
- Abdominal injuries;
- Spinal injuries;
- Pelvic injuries.
If you are a pedestrian who does have uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage, this can also be used if you are struck by a driver who is uninsured or who lacks sufficient coverage for all your losses. If you do not have this coverage and the driver is uninsured/ underinsured, you may still pursue a claim against the driver’s personal assets.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries tend to be quite severe because pedestrians lack the same kind of protection as those in a motor vehicle.
In one NHTSA study of pedestrian injury patterns concluded the most common injuries were:
- Lower extremity injuries (particularly to the legs)
- Head/ Face/ Neck injuries
- Upper extremity injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Pelvic injuries
Pedestrians are not required to carry auto insurance the way motorists are. Claims will be filed against the other driver’s insurer. In Wisconsin, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per crash and $10,000 in property damage.
If you are a pedestrian who does have uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage, this can also be used if you are struck by a driver who is uninsured or who lacks sufficient coverage for all your losses. If you do not have this coverage and the driver is uninsured/ underinsured, you may still pursue a claim against the driver’s personal assets.
Schedule A Free Consultation With One Of Our Knowledgeable Attorneys
Contact Lein Law Offices for information about your pedestrian accident in Wisconsin by calling toll-free at 715-634-4273.
Free consultations — Flexible office hours and appointments — In-home and hospital visits available
