Champaign has seen a notable rise in pedestrian accidents in recent years due to motorists’ negligent actions, such as distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving. At Wagner Reese, our pedestrian accident attorneys in Champaign have over 150 years of collective experience fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians. We have successfully recovered $300 million in damages for our clients through settlements and jury awards.
Our founding partners, attorneys Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese have been ranked among Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers® and earned recognition as Best Lawyers® honorees. Our Champaign personal injury lawyer understands the devastating consequences of pedestrian accidents and will leave no stone unturned to achieve the highest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
Most Common Negligent Driving Behaviors that Cause Pedestrian Accidents
Here are the three most common negligent motorist behaviors that cause pedestrian injuries. Our Champaign accident law firm attorneys will establish fault and hold the negligent parties liable for maximum damages.
Failing to Yield Right of Way
Drivers often need to pay more attention to yield the right of way to pedestrians, particularly at crosswalks and intersections. This negligent behavior can lead to severe accidents, especially when pedestrians are legally crossing the street.
Our Champaign pedestrian accident attorneys will gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to demonstrate the driver’s failure to yield. We will also examine traffic laws, including the relevant statutes that mandate yielding to pedestrians, to establish liability in these cases.
Careless Left-Hand Turns
Accidents frequently occur when drivers make left-hand turns without adequately checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk or oncoming traffic. This negligence can result in severe injuries to pedestrians who are crossing at the same time.
To prove liability, our attorneys will analyze the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the driver’s actions before the turn and whether they failed to see the pedestrian due to distractions or impaired visibility. We may also consult accident reconstruction experts to illustrate how the driver’s negligent actions contributed to the collision.
Texting and Driving
Texting while driving is a significant distraction that can prevent drivers from noticing pedestrians in their path. This negligent behavior increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in urban areas where pedestrian traffic is high.
Our legal team will use phone records, eyewitness testimonies, and any available surveillance footage to establish that the driver was texting at the time of the accident. By proving that the driver’s inattention directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries, we will hold them accountable for their reckless actions.
Steps to Take After Your Pedestrian Accident in Champaign
- Check for Injuries: Your priority after a pedestrian accident is to check yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible and safe to do so, move out of the way of traffic to prevent further accidents. This is especially important if you are on a busy street.
- Call the Police: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. The police will document the scene and create an official report, which will be essential for your insurance claims and any potential legal action.
- Gather Evidence: If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, including the location, any vehicles involved, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is essential to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation and document your injuries.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the incident and any relevant information. This will help with any claims you may need to file.
- Call Our Attorneys: After a pedestrian accident, be prepared to call our experienced Champaign personal injury lawyers at Wagner Reese as soon as possible to receive dedicated legal support and guidance.
Choose Our Top-Rated Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Champaign, IN
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is time to get solid legal representation from our Champaign pedestrian accident attorneys at Wagner Reese. We will fight for the most extensive possible compensation for you and not just settle for what you can live with.
With over 150 years of combined experience, we are well-positioned to take on major insurance companies and level the playing field. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless and until we win your case. We also speak Spanish. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 991-4892 or contact us online.
