Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Crosswalks are meant to provide safe and visible places for pedestrians to cross the road. Unfortunately, they have become frequent locations for pedestrian accidents, injuries and deaths in Kentucky. At Bryant Law Center P.S.C., we are passionate about giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Our pedestrian/crosswalk fatality attorneys can represent your family in a wrongful death lawsuit against a driver or another party. We are a local Kentucky law firm with a national reputation for excellence.
Why Choose Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Kentucky?
- Bryant Law Center P.S.C. has been a trusted source of legal advocacy for personal injury cases in Kentucky for over 20 years.
- We are known for putting the people first – we don’t represent businesses or insurance companies.
- You will receive frequent communication and case updates from your attorney throughout your pedestrian accident claim.
- Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Kentucky operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront attorney’s fees for our services.
Kentucky Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Sadly, pedestrians are not safe in Kentucky. Driver errors such as speeding, running red lights and distracted driving can cause pedestrian-vehicle collisions in crosswalks, intersections, school zones and parking lots. According to the Kentucky State Police’s data for 2020, there were 896 total pedestrian collisions and 96 deaths. Seven pedestrian deaths occurred in hit-and-run accidents. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 13 percent of all traffic deaths in Kentucky. At Bryant Law Center P.S.C., we are dedicated to reducing these numbers, spreading awareness and holding wrongdoers accountable for the risks faced by Kentucky’s pedestrians.
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian/Crosswalk Fatality in Kentucky?
Pedestrians are Kentucky’s most vulnerable road users. Every motor vehicle driver in Kentucky has a legal responsibility to protect pedestrians by obeying traffic laws and paying attention to the road. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to fulfill this responsibility. They drive carelessly and recklessly, sometimes causing fatal pedestrian/crosswalk accidents. Under Kentucky’s “choice no-fault” rule, pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle can receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from the driver’s insurance company.
PIP insurance is meant to pay for a driver’s medical bills and other losses after an accident, regardless of fault for the collision. In a case involving an injured or killed pedestrian, PIP insurance can extend to the pedestrian (or surviving loved ones) to provide up to $10,000 in coverage. If this is not enough to reimburse you for the death of a loved one after a fatal pedestrian accident, you may wish to file a lawsuit against the driver instead. The death of a victim allows surviving family members to sue a driver outside of Kentucky’s no-fault system.
Wrongful Death Laws in Kentucky
Kentucky has special laws in place for wrongful death claims. The definition of wrongful death is one that occurs as a result of the negligence or wrongful acts of another person or party. Your family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal pedestrian collision that takes place at a crosswalk if someone caused the accident through carelessness, recklessness or intentional wrongdoing. Learn the basics of Kentucky’s wrongful death laws to better understand your rights:
- Who can file? In Kentucky, a personal representative must file a wrongful death claim, in most cases. The courts can appoint one if the decedent did not assign one in a will or estate plan. If your child passed away in a crosswalk accident, you can join the personal representative in filing the lawsuit as a parent.
- What is the time limit for filing? A law known as the statute of limitations places a time limit on the ability to file a lawsuit for a fatal pedestrian accident in Kentucky. This deadline is either one year from the date on which the personal representative is appointed or two years from the date of the decedent’s death if a representative is appointed later than one year from the date of death.
- What damages are available? The damages, or financial compensation, available for a fatal pedestrian/crosswalk accident can pay surviving family members or the decedent’s estate for related losses that may include funeral and burial expenses, estate administration costs, and legal fees.
Kentucky’s wrongful death laws are complicated and constantly changing. To make sure that you correctly navigate them and are prepared for the legal process ahead, consult with a lawyer from Bryant Law Center P.S.C. after a fatal pedestrian accident. Your family may be entitled to compensation that can help you move forward and hold the driver accountable for breaking Kentucky’s crosswalk laws. Our attorneys can help you move through the legal process as effectively and efficiently as possible.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Working with a lawyer can make all of the difference during a pedestrian fatality lawsuit in Kentucky. With a lawyer representing your best interests, an insurance company cannot take advantage of you. This can lead to a better financial outcome for your family’s losses. While we know that no amount of money can ever replace the life of a loved one, we also recognize the merits of less financial stress during a traumatic time.
Hiring a lawyer can bring your family greater peace and the ability to focus on healing, as your lawyer can take care of complicated legal matters for you. Your lawyer will help you avoid common mistakes during the filing process, such as trusting insurance companies or accepting the very first settlement offered. An attorney will investigate the fatal crosswalk accident, gather any available evidence of fault, explain your legal options and help your family fight for justice.
Contact Our Pedestrian/Crosswalk Fatalities Attorneys Today
Suffering the loss of your spouse, child or another loved one in a pedestrian accident means your life will never be the same. At Bryant Law Center P.S.C., our attorneys wish to bring you as much assistance, closure and advice as we can during this difficult time. We will relentlessly advocate for you during a wrongful death claim after a fatal crosswalk collision in Kentucky.
Starting with a free case evaluation, we will guide you and your family through the legal process, making sure that you have everything you need along the way. Our local pedestrian accident lawyers are experienced, compassionate and ready to help. Schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers today at (270) 550-1230.