Our Skilled Elizabethtown Accident Lawyers Can Help Injured Pedestrians Identify the Cause of the Crash
Pedestrian accidents are some of the most severe on Kentucky roads. In the hectic aftermath of a crash, you may have a hard time knowing exactly what caused the collision. 
The dedicated accident attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey routinely investigate pedestrian crashes. We gather evidence and help victims hold drivers accountable when they hit a pedestrian. If you’re trying to make sense of what occurred and determine your path forward, our attorneys can help. Here, we discuss the rise in pedestrian accidents and what causes them.
Pedestrian Crashes on the Rise in Elizabethtown and Throughout KY
Pedestrian accidents are a major problem in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 983 collisions reported in 2022 caused 96 deaths and 695 injuries to pedestrians, and the data shows an upward trend in this type of accident. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that the fatality crash rates in Kentucky rose 23% from 2021 to 2022.
Understanding the factors that contribute to pedestrian crashes is important, and proving the cause of the crash is the first step toward recovering compensation for pedestrian accidents.
Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky
Pedestrian accidents result from a variety of factors. Often, some type of driver negligence is the cause of the collision. When you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault, you need to determine liability. Identifying the at-fault party and the cause of the crash are critical parts of the claims process.
Driver Error
The types of driver error that contribute to pedestrian crashes include the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, including texting and working the vehicle’s navigation system
- Impaired driving, including drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield or obey traffic signs and signals
- Aggressive driving and road rage
Unsafe Infrastructure
Kentucky’s pedestrian accident rate is on the rise, and a lack of a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure may be a contributing factor. The lack of a safe infrastructure of streets and intersections for those who walk, run, skateboard, or use a mobility aid can jeopardize the safety of all pedestrians and make it difficult for them to navigate. This can include the following:
- Insufficient crosswalks
- Poorly designed roadways
- Inadequate lighting
- Prioritization of vehicle traffic over pedestrian needs
- Improper speed limits for the are
Pedestrian Contributions to Crashes
The actions that pedestrians take may also contribute to collisions. It’s important for pedestrians to avoid distractions. Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks to cross streets safely.
The Serious Consequences of a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians are at an obvious disadvantage because they move much slower than cars and are fully exposed to whatever collides with them. They have no metal frame or airbags to protect them. Thus, victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer serious losses, including the following:
- Severe or catastrophic injuries
- Mounting medical expenses and lifelong medical needs
- Short-term or long-term disability, resulting in considerable income loss
- Pain and suffering due to injuries, loss of function, and the long road to recovery
- Scarring and disfigurement
- A reduction in quality or enjoyment of life because of the injuries
Our Elizabethtown Accident Attorneys Help Injured Pedestrians Obtain Compensation
To get compensation for your injuries, you must identify the cause of the accident. Establishing a driver's negligence is necessary for holding them legally and financially accountable.
The experienced Kentucky accident lawyers can help. We investigate the cause of the pedestrian crash, and by gathering evidence, we can establish all legal elements of the driver’s negligence.
Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey Take the Stress Out of the Legal Process
When you’re recovering from pedestrian accident injuries, you have a lot to worry about. The legal process can add even more stress to an already difficult situation. There are legal procedures you must follow, and there are also time limits for filing pedestrian accident claims.
The attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey provide you peace of mind while seeking compensation for your losses. We simplify the claims process for injured pedestrians with common sense advice. Our honest answers to legal questions help clients approach their claims with confidence.