Pedestrians in Fort Wayne face serious risks on the roadways, particularly the elderly, children, and other vulnerable populations. With little to no protection against the impact of a motor vehicle, pedestrians are at a high risk of sustaining severe or fatal injuries in an accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of traffic-related injuries and fatalities in the United States, and Fort Wayne, IN, is no exception.
At Wagner Reese, LLP, we’re ready to fight for maximum financial recovery for injured pedestrians and their families. When the stakes are the highest, our Fort Wayne personal injury lawyers are here to fight for you. Since 1997, we have been advocating for victims of negligence, recovering more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on individuals and families, and we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.
Pedestrian Safety Laws in Fort Wayne, IN
At Wagner Reese, our knowledgeable Fort Wayne pedestrian injury lawyers are well-versed with the state laws to protect pedestrians, and investigate and prove potential violations by motorists to recover maximum compensation for you.
For Pedestrians
- Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, they must ensure it’s safe to cross and avoid suddenly stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Obligation to Use Crosswalks: Pedestrians are required to use crosswalks at intersections where they’re available. Crossing outside of designated areas (jaywalking) is illegal and can lead to liability concerns.
- Walking Along Roadways: When sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, to increase visibility and safety.
- Obeying Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must follow traffic control signals and signs at intersections, including walk and don’t-walk signals.
For Motorists
- Yielding to Pedestrians: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, and must stop for pedestrians crossing at intersections.
- Exercise Due Care: Indiana law mandates that drivers exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, particularly in areas where children, the elderly, or disabled individuals are present.
- Prohibition on Passing Vehicles Stopped for Pedestrians: Motorists may not pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk or intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross safely.
- Speed Limits in Pedestrian Zones: Drivers must adhere to posted speed limits in school zones, residential areas, and other pedestrian-heavy locations.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Wayne
Motorist negligence is one of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents. In the experience of our Fort Wayne pedestrian accident lawyers, some of the most major negligent actions include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers who text, use their phones, or otherwise engage in distracted behavior often fail to notice pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
Failure to Yield
Many pedestrian accidents occur when motorists fail to yield at intersections or crosswalks. This can happen during left or right turns, especially when drivers are in a hurry or distracted.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more severe the injuries to the pedestrian are likely to be.
Driving Under the Influence
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to strike pedestrians.
Disregard for Traffic Signals
Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and failing to adhere to pedestrian crossing signals are all negligent behaviors that frequently lead to accidents.
Unsafe Driving in School Zones or Residential Areas
Speeding or reckless driving in areas where children are likely to be present—such as near schools, parks, or neighborhoods—puts young pedestrians at particular risk.
Backing-Up Accidents
Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use caution when reversing out of driveways or parking spaces often strike unsuspecting pedestrians.
Maximize Your Compensation with Our Fort Wayne Pedestrian Injury Lawyers
At Wagner Reese, we’re here to advocate for you when the stakes are the highest. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Fort Wayne, let our experienced attorneys fight for the justice and fair recovery you’re owed. With over $300 million recovered for our clients, we’re strongly positioned to take on insurance companies and recover maximum compensation for injured victims. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. We provide bilingual services in Spanish. Evening and weekend appointments are available at our law firm for your convenience. Reach out to us today for dedicated legal support for Fort Wayne pedestrian accidents, and let us pursue the compensation you need to move forward in life. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.
