Pedestrian Accidents

Stillwater Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Protecting the Victims of Street-Bound Traffic Accidents

When pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles, the injuries they suffer are often catastrophic or fatal. Pedestrians don’t stand a chance against a moving car, truck, or bus. By the hundreds, pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents in Oklahoma. Many others suffer life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one were the victims of a negligent driver while walking on the road or sidewalk, you are entitled to pursue full compensation for your injuries.

At Martin Jean & Jackson, our pedestrian accident attorneys in Stillwater fight to help the injured. We are passionate advocates who have earned a trusted reputation for being aggressive and knowledgeable in and out of the courtroom. We seek maximum compensation for your current and future treatment, time off work, disability, emotional stress, and more.

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today at (405) 384-7887.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to motor vehicles. Common injuries include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even fatalities.

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, including crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and sidewalks. When a driver acts negligently, whether by speeding, texting while driving, or failing to yield, they put pedestrians at serious risk.

Oklahoma Pedestrian Laws

Oklahoma has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians and regulate interactions between pedestrians and drivers. Understanding these laws is crucial for determining liability in an accident.

Right-of-Way Laws: Oklahoma law states that pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in these areas.
Jaywalking: While pedestrians should use designated crosswalks, jaywalking is not always illegal. However, if a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk, they must yield to vehicles on the road.
Sidewalk Rules: If sidewalks are available, pedestrians must use them. If no sidewalks exist, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Duties of Drivers: Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially in school zones, near crosswalks, and in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Violations of these laws can be used as evidence of negligence in a pedestrian accident case.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Stillwater, OK, occur due to various reasons, often linked to driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio diverts a driver's attention from the road.
Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of pedestrian injuries.
Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore traffic signals or fail to yield at crosswalks often cause pedestrian accidents.
Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving: Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making them more likely to hit pedestrians.
Poor Visibility: Accidents often happen at night or during bad weather when pedestrians are harder to see.
Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers making left turns may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial in building a strong legal case and holding the responsible party accountable.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Liability in pedestrian accidents depends on various factors, including traffic laws, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. Potentially liable parties include:

Negligent Drivers: If a driver was speeding, distracted, or intoxicated, they could be held responsible for the accident.
Pedestrians: If a pedestrian jaywalks or behaves recklessly, they might share some liability, but Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning they may still recover damages if they were less than 50% at fault.
Government Entities: If poor road conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of crosswalks contributed to the accident, the city or state may be liable.
Third Parties: Employers can be liable if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, such as a delivery driver.

Determining liability is complex, but our Stillwater pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the incident and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to your injuries and loss of future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional distress, physical pain, and mental anguish.
Permanent Disability: If the accident results in long-term disability, additional compensation may be available.
Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

At Martin Jean & Jackson, we will fight aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your losses.

Call (405) 384-7887 or contact us online today for more information about our experienced legal services.