When your walk ends in a phone call to a Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyer, it is unfortunate, but the reality is that reckless and negligent drivers can put pedestrians in serious danger. In this article we will look at the steps you can take after a pedestrian accident in Cincinnati to protect your rights and recover what you are owed.
Accident Data
- Across the country 104,000+ pedestrians end up in the emergency room as a result of non-fatal car-related accidents every year.
- According to the CDC, roughly 1 pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident every 66 minutes in the U.S.
If you or a loved one have been in this type of situation, it can be devastating. That devastation can be compounded by a complex legal system and insurance companies focused on their bottom line. It can be difficult for victims, and their families, to access the compensation they deserve in order to put their lives back together.
Law and Liability
Finding the right Cincinnati pedestrian accident attorney won’t ease your pain and suffering. But they can help you navigate the legal system and fight the insurance companies to protect your rights and recover what you are owed.
Depending on where you are and the specific circumstances involved in your situation, the law may work for or against you as you seek to protect your rights after an accident. At Spivak and Sakellariou, our attorneys have decades of experience with pedestrian accidents in Cincinnati and can help you navigate the legal process.
Ohio Pedestrian Laws
In Ohio, there are a few instances where drivers have the right-of-way over pedestrians:
- Outside of a marked crosswalk
- When a tunnel or overhead crosswalk is nearby
- In the case of a funeral procession
- When emergency vehicles are coming through with sirens on
In most other cases, for example in crosswalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Understanding these laws can help Ohio pedestrians stay safe and protect your rights in an accident. If you were injured in Ohio, the experienced Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyers at GSAS can help. Call us for a free consultation to get the guidance you need. When you call, we will walk you through how Ohio laws apply to your case.
Fault in Ohio
Comparative fault is applied to determine negligence after accidents in Ohio. This means:
- If you are involved in an accident in Cincinnati, you can seek compensation for recovery.
BUT
- The amount that you are seeking can be reduced depending on the level assessed to be your fault.
In Ohio if you are found to be 51% at fault or more, you are prohibited from recovering any compensation at all. That number, 51%, becomes the focus of the insurance companies working to limit or eliminate your compensation.
How A Cincinnati Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
After an accident, it’s important to contact a Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyer quickly. An experienced legal team can help you navigate the decisions around fault while fighting for your rights.
When you call Spivak and Sakellariou, you’ll get a free consultation. During that time our team will:
- review the facts of your case
- get to know you and your family
and
- determine how we can best help you get what you are owed
Every case is different, that’s why we will tailor a service that best matches your needs, your goals, and your unique circumstances.
When you make a personal injury claim, there are two likely paths your case will take.
Making a claim in court
Many Cincinnati pedestrian accident cases are settled out of court with insurance companies. Those that aren’t, go to court.
You can feel confident with GSAS in the conference room or the courthouse. Our approach is simple:
- We take the time to listen to every client’s unique needs.
- We believe that individual attention and deep empathy help empower us to get the best results.
Nobody wants to be in your position. Our goal is to help you navigate those unpleasant waters to help you get what you deserve and move on with your life without the unfair financial burdens that can make it difficult to do that.
An insurance settlement
Compensation in accident cases often depends on the amount of fault that is given to each involved party. An insurance company will try to argue that the percentage of fault falling on your shoulders is as high as possible. This lowers the amount they owe. Without a deep understanding of how the law defines fault, it can be difficult to argue those numbers.
Insurance companies and adjusters are masters at negotiation. When you negotiate a settlement with these professionals, it is important that you bring a professional of your own. That is where we come in.
Call Your Cincinnati Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
The Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyers at GSAS have been solely focused on personal injury cases like yours since our firm was founded. We’ve negotiated thousands of settlements for our clients and have a proven track record of results and satisfied clients.
Contact our team of Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyers for your free consultation today.
