Meridian, MS Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian Accident Cases at The Hamilton Law Firm in Meridian, Mississippi
Advocating for Injured Pedestrians
Our Meridian personal injury lawyers have helped clients who have been injured as a pedestrian, as well as their families. These types of incidents frequently result in very high medical bills, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses. It is not uncommon for clients to be hospitalized for an extended period of time as they recover from their injuries.
Our personal injury lawyers, headquartered in Meridian, Mississippi, are knowledgeable about these types of incidents, and we know the law where it concerns pedestrians and the right-of-way. Our firm has a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for clients injured in pedestrian accidents, and we are committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring justice is served.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur when a motor vehicle strikes a person walking, jogging, or standing. Our Meridian, MS pedestrian accident lawyer knows these incidents often happen at crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots, but they can also occur in residential areas and neighborhoods or along any roadway where this is no designated pedestrian sidewalk. In many instances, children are the victims of these types of incidents, as their actions are less predictable. However, the law understands this fact, and drivers who are operating a vehicle where children are present are under a duty to expect children to act unexpectedly. Even where the speed limit may indicate that it is safe to travel at a certain speed, the presence of children in the area impacts what is considered a safe and reasonable speed under those circumstances.
Statistics on Mississippi Pedestrian Accidents
The statistics about car and pedestrian accidents are sobering. In Mississippi, pedestrian accidents are a significant concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mississippi has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation. In 2023, there were over 80 pedestrian fatalities reported in the state. According to the NHTSA, Mississippi is in the worst 10 states in the country for pedestrians killed per capita. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), deaths from motor vehicles hitting pedestrians have increased 83% since 2009. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2024 Fatality Analysis Reporting System found that pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all crash fatalities. There is little doubt that the rise of cell phone usage and distracted driving has greatly contributed to this rise.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers have a duty of care to be reasonably cautious. And, indeed, motorists owe a heightened duty of care in the presence of young children, such as roads near schools and parks and in neighborhoods. Several factors contribute to driver negligence, including:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists using mobile phones or other distractions
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction times and the risk of injuries increase substantially with every additional 5 miles per hour
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely and watch for pedestrians who are legally crossing the road or walking on the shoulder of the roadway.
- Illegal Parking: Vehicles parked in no-parking zones or blocking crosswalks can obscure a driver’s view of pedestrians.
Mississippi Laws and Statutes on Pedestrian Safety
Mississippi has several laws in place to protect pedestrians:
- Right of Way: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
- School Zones: Heightened standards are enforced in school zones where children are present, requiring drivers to exercise extra caution.
- Speed Limits: Lower speed limits are enforced in areas with high pedestrian traffic to reduce the risk and severity of accidents.
- Crosswalks: Motorists are required to stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Choose Our Dedicated Meridian, MS Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The Hamilton Law Firm has successfully recovered significant compensation for clients injured in pedestrian accidents. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of these cases, which can involved nuanced laws relating to negligent conduct. We work diligently to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Meridian, Mississippi, The Hamilton Law Firm can help. Contact a Meridian, MS pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free consultation at (601) 693-5548 and let us work to secure you the compensation that you deserve.