Pedestrian accidents in West Lafayette can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents mostly occur due to driver negligence, leaving victims and their families to deal with life-altering consequences. At Wagner Reese, LLP, our pedestrian accident lawyers in West Lafayette have been fighting and winning compensation for injured victims since 1997.

Over the decades, our attorneys have built a reputation for legal excellence, earning top awards for our vigorous and responsive representation. Eight of our attorneys were recently honored on the coveted Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists. During the same period, three of our attorneys were named in The Best Lawyers in America©. With a record of over $300 million recovered in settlements and verdicts for clients, our West Lafayette personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your financial recovery.

Laws for Pedestrian Safety in West Lafayette, IN

At Wagner Reese, our West Lafayette pedestrian accident attorneys have a deep understanding of state laws aimed at protecting pedestrians. We will use our knowledge to your advantage while proving the liability of the negligent driver.

Right-of-Way in Crosswalks

Indiana Code § 9-21-17-6 requires vehicles to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, provided the pedestrian is on the vehicle’s side of the road or approaching from the opposite side closely enough to constitute a danger.

Obligations of Pedestrians at Traffic Signals

Under Indiana Code § 9-21-17-3, pedestrians must obey traffic control devices, including walking signals at intersections. Pedestrians can cross when the signal indicates, but they must not cross when facing a “Don’t Walk” signal.

Pedestrians Not to Suddenly Enter Roadway

According to Indiana Code § 9-21-17-8, pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close it creates an immediate hazard.

Walking on Roadways

Indiana Code § 9-21-17-14 mandates that if there are no sidewalks, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, to maximize their visibility to drivers.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in West Lafayette, IN

In the experience of our West Lafayette accident lawyers, some of the common pedestrian accidents resulting due to motorist negligence include:

  • Crosswalk Accidents: Pedestrians may be struck by drivers who fail to yield or stop when pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks, often due to distraction or disregard for traffic rules.
  • Turning Vehicle Accidents: Pedestrians are at risk when drivers make left or right turns without checking for people crossing the street, particularly at intersections where the driver is focused on other vehicles.
  • Backing Up Accidents: Drivers may not see pedestrians while reversing in parking lots or driveways, increasing the risk of collisions, especially with children or elderly pedestrians.
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Drivers running red lights or stop signs may not notice pedestrians crossing the road legally, leading to serious accidents at intersections.
  • Speeding Accidents: Excessive speed makes it difficult for drivers to stop in time for pedestrians, particularly in areas with high foot traffic like school zones or residential streets.
  • Parking Lot Accidents: Pedestrians walking through parking lots are vulnerable to drivers pulling out of spaces or turning corners without checking for pedestrians.
  • Distracted Driving Accidents: Drivers distracted by texting, phone calls, or other activities may not see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision, particularly near intersections or crosswalks.
  • Sidewalk or Shoulder Accidents: Drivers who lose control due to distraction, fatigue, or poor weather may swerve onto sidewalks or shoulders, hitting pedestrians walking nearby.
  • Blind Spot Accidents: Pedestrians walking in a driver’s blind spot, particularly when a vehicle is turning or changing lanes, are at higher risk of being hit, as the driver may not be fully aware of their presence.
  • High-Speed Zone Accidents: Pedestrians crossing or walking near roads with high-speed limits face increased risks, as drivers traveling at high speeds may not have enough time to stop or react to them.
  • Bus Stop Accidents: Pedestrians waiting at or walking near bus stops are vulnerable to being hit by vehicles that swerve off the road or by buses pulling in or out of the stop without properly checking for pedestrians.

Our Seasoned Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in West Lafayette Are Ready to Fight for You

At Wagner Reese, our West Lafayette pedestrian accident attorneys know the life-altering consequences of a pedestrian accident, and we are here to provide you with the legal support you need during this difficult time. Our record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts speaks for itself.

We offer flexible evening and weekend appointments, and we also speak Spanish. We operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 991-4892 or contact us online.