Pedestrians, especially children and the elderly are highly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and fatalities in pedestrian accidents in Akron. Unlike drivers or passengers in vehicles, they have no protection against the force of impact, which makes them vulnerable to serious injuries. Children have slower reaction times, while elderly pedestrians may face reduced mobility, increasing their risk of being injured.
At The Henry Law Firm, our Akron pedestrian accident lawyer, Eric Henry, will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and achieve the highest possible settlements for injured victims. We move fast to obtain high-quality evidence and refuse to back down against pressure from insurance companies. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, get legal representation from our top-rated personal injury lawyer Akron.
Pedestrian Safety Laws in Ohio
- Right of Way in Crosswalks – Ohio law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks when traffic control signals are not in place or not functioning.
- Obligation to Stop for School Buses – Drivers must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus when it is loading or unloading children.
- Sidewalk Use Requirements – When sidewalks are available, pedestrians must use them instead of walking on the road. If no sidewalk exists, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- No Jaywalking in High-Traffic Areas – Pedestrians cannot cross outside of designated crosswalks in areas where crosswalks are provided and must yield to vehicles if crossing outside one.
- Prohibition of Distracted Walking in Intersections – While the law does not explicitly prohibit walking while using a mobile device, pedestrians must exercise due care when crossing streets.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Akron
Driver negligence is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Akron, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Motorists who fail to follow traffic laws or drive recklessly put pedestrians at significant risk.
- Failing to Yield at Crosswalks – Many drivers ignore pedestrian right-of-way laws, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Speeding in Residential and School Zones – Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it harder for drivers to stop for pedestrians.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs – Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs increases the likelihood of striking pedestrians crossing legally.
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who text, eat, or engage in other distractions may not see pedestrians until it is too late.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, leading to devastating pedestrian accidents.
- Reckless Turns and Failure to Check Blind Spots – Turning without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks often leads to avoidable crashes.
Steps to Take After Your Pedestrian Accident in Akron
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention – Even if injuries are not visible, underlying trauma like concussions or internal injuries may be present.
- Call 911 and File a Police Report – A police report documents the accident and serves as key evidence in your claim.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene – Take photos of the accident site, vehicle, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault or Give Statements – Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with insurance adjusters before speaking to a lawyer.
- Consult an Akron Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – An attorney will help protect your rights, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with insurers to maximize your compensation.
How Our Akron Pedestrian Accident Attorney Will Prove Liability and Maximize Your Compensation
Listen to Your Account with Care and Compassion
Our pedestrian and car accident lawyer in Akron can meet with you at your hospital bedside, home, or our office to hear your story with care, compassion, and dedication. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your accident. We will go the extra mile to build a robust attorney-client relationship based on trust and personalized legal support.
Move Fast to Collect and Preserve Critical Evidence
Time is of the essence in pedestrian accident cases. We will act swiftly to:
- Obtain Medical Records – Documenting your injuries and treatment.
- Issue a Spoliation Letter or Court Order – Preserving security footage, dashcam recordings, and vehicle black box data.
- Obtain Eyewitness Statements – Strengthening your claim with testimonies that constitute firsthand accounts.
- Collect Police Reports and 911 Call Records – Establishing key facts about the accident.
- Photograph the Accident Scene – Documenting skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions.
- Search and Retrieve Cell Phone Records – Proving driver distracted driving behavior, if applicable.
File a Strong Civil Claim and Issue a Demand Letter
We will adequately file your civil claim for damages and handle all requested legal formalities to prevent insurance delays or denials. Our lawyers will submit a strong demand letter to the insurer (delivered physically to their location or sent through email or website). This multi-page document will demonstrate the severity of your injuries and financial losses.
Shield You from Unfair Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies may minimize or deny claims. We will protect you from:
- Blaming You for the Accident – Arguing pedestrian error or negligence.
- Downplaying Your Injuries – Suggesting pre-existing conditions or minor injuries.
- Delaying the Claims Process – Create an inordinate delay in the hope you will settle for less.
- Offering an Unfair Lowball Settlement – Failing to account for long-term damages.
Engage in High-Powered Settlement Negotiations
We refuse to back down against the pressure tactics of the insurance company. Our dedicated attorneys negotiate from a position of strength, using compelling evidence and expert testimonies to demand the highest possible settlement. We know what your case is worth, and we have the skills, resources, and experience to engage in fearless, high-powered negotiations to maximize the settlement.
Prepare for Trial from Day One
Even during negotiations, we begin preparing for trial and may hire accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economic specialists to build an airtight case. This proactive approach demonstrates our resolve and forces the insurance company to take your claim seriously. Although court outcomes are not guaranteed, insurers generally avoid fighting against injured victims before a jury.
Take the Legal Battle to the Court if Needed
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take the legal battle to the courtroom. Our seasoned litigators in Akron will present strong evidence, expert testimony, and persuasive legal arguments before a jury to achieve the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at (440) 644-2995 or contact us online.
