Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

State law grants pedestrians the right to use sidewalks and to cross streets, but unfortunately, accidents with pedestrians occur daily in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there are over 2,000 pedestrians hit by cars every year in the state, and dozens of these accidents result in death. If you have been hit by a careless driver while walking, you may have sustained serious injuries that will take months or years to heal. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have helped many clients seek damages after being hit by a reckless driver, and we can help you and your family move forward with your lives.

With offices in Plover and Marshfield, Studinski Law, LLC serves clients throughout Wisconsin, including Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Waupaca. If you were a pedestrian hit by a car, truck, or another vehicle contact Studinski Law, LLC, to speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate Wisconsin personal injury lawyer about your right to seek compensation from the negligent driver. Call us today at (715) 343-2850.

Pedestrian Rights

Wisconsin law defines a pedestrian as anyone on foot or anyone in a wheelchair or low-powered mechanical vehicle designed specifically for a physically disabled person. Pedestrians are often found on sidewalks, but pedestrians also include those who are walking in parking lots or along the sides of roads which do not have sidewalks. Pedestrians are granted the right-of-way in many scenarios, and in these cases, drivers are required to yield to them.

We understand that every pedestrian car accident is unique, and a pedestrian accident attorney must look at the details of each case to understand who had the right-of-way and who was at fault. Wisconsin pedestrians’ right-of-way on roads can be broken down into the following categories:

1. Pedestrians can walk on roads when there is no sidewalk, but they are required to walk on the left side when possible and must move to the outer perimeter to keep a safe distance from motor vehicles.
2. At fully controlled intersections with traffic signals, drivers must allow for pedestrians to cross the roadway when they are following pedestrian signals.
3. At intersections or crosswalks without pedestrian signals, drivers must yield once the pedestrian shows commitment to crossing the street.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Personal injury law in Wisconsin allows for damages to an injured party to be reduced by the person’s share of responsibility in the accident. This means that if you are hit by a car, the negligent driver may argue that you were partly responsible for your injury. Pedestrians must follow state laws just like those behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, and their responsibilities include:

• Pedestrians must wait for their signal to begin walking.
• Pedestrians in a crosswalk on a long stretch of road between two intersections must be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic that is too close to safely stop.
• Pedestrians should wait for an oncoming vehicle to fully stop before crossing in front of it.
• Pedestrians must yield to oncoming vehicles whenever crossing outside of a crosswalk or intersection
• Pedestrians are required to walk on the left side of a road that does not have a sidewalk

A pedestrian injury can be devastating, and your lawyer must understand how to defend your rights, and help you seek compensation when the details of your accident are contested or you are uncertain of your rights as a pedestrian.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents and Seeking Compensation

The details of each pedestrian hit by car accident can be complicated, but there are several causes that are quite common. Negligent drivers hit pedestrians often due to one or several of the following reasons:

• The driver neglected to look out for pedestrians when making a turn or going through an intersection
• The driver was traveling at a reckless rate of speed and could not avoid a pedestrian who had the right-of-way
• The driver was distracted, perhaps on the phone or by a passenger in their car
• The driver was intoxicated and therefore could not drive in a safe manner
• The driver did not care to yield for the pedestrian since they assumed that the pedestrian would yield even if they had the right-of-way

A motor vehicle accident lawyer will review evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, toxicology results, and accident reconstruction to determine exactly who owes you damages. We have years of experience in representing accident victims and negotiating with insurance companies as we seek appropriate compensation to allow our clients to move forward with their lives.

Our Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You

A pedestrian who is hit by a motor vehicle can sustain very serious injuries and may be dealing with huge medical bills while also being out of work for a long time. This can be overwhelming for anybody, and you need an experienced lawyer to help if you or a loved one find yourselves in this situation. We have helped many people in Wisconsin recover damages after being hurt by the negligence of another, and our pedestrian accident lawyers understand how to help you during this difficult time as well.

We serve clients in Wood County, Portage County, Waupaca County, Marathon County, and surrounding areas.
Contact us to speak with a highly-skilled lawyer about seeking damages in your personal injury case. Call Studinski Law, LLC, today at (715) 343-2850.