Gulf Coast Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents can prove fatal for victims, who are vulnerable to severe or fatal injury in even a relatively low-speed crash with a vehicle. If you have sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident in Mississippi, call the experienced attorneys at Gardner Law Firm as soon as you can.

We will make sure that your claim is thoroughly investigated and can be supported by the most robust evidence possible. Our lawyers will work hard to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and the pain and suffering that you endured due to another’s negligence.

Reasons for Mississippi Gulf Coast Pedestrian Accidents

Elderly people who tend to walk slowly, disabled individuals who might need a little extra time to cross the street, and children crossing the street on the way to and from school are vulnerable to being knocked down by an oncoming vehicle driven by someone who is distracted behind the wheel.

Some other reasons for MS Gulfcoast pedestrian accidents are as follows:

• Inability to follow traffic signs
• Speeding
• Impatient, aggressive motorists
• Drowsy drivers
• Drugged or drunk drivers

All of the above are a threat to pedestrians. Another reason for pedestrian accidents is pedestrian jaywalking, including crossing outside of a crosswalk or against the light, which can place pedestrians in a position where motorists do not expect them to be.

Common Gulf Coast Pedestrian Accidents

In certain areas, pedestrians and vehicles must intercede. These types of areas represent the most danger for pedestrian and car crashes. The Mississippi Department of Transportation reports the following areas as high-risk:

Crosswalks

A motorist may not see a pedestrian in the crosswalk, even if the right of way belongs to the pedestrian.

Blind spots

A blind spot in an area where many cars are waiting for a traffic light on a multiple lane road might obstruct the motorist’s vision, preventing them from seeing a pedestrian crossing the street until it’s too late.

Side of the road

A driver may fail to notice a pedestrian walking or jogging, leading to a sideswiping accident.

Parking lots

A motorist may start backing out of a parking spot without viewing their mirrors, causing them to strike a pedestrian.

In any of the above cases, the lack of attention and care around the pedestrian on the driver’s part will be a vital element in your personal injury suit.

Auto Driver Liability in a Pedestrian Accident in the MS Gulf Coast

When a MS Gulf Coast pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, who will be held liable? The answer depends on the circumstances of the accident. The vehicle’s driver may be responsible, the pedestrian may bear some liability, or the local municipality might be accountable. Under Mississippi law, when multiple parties contributed to a crash, each defendant can be held liable.

In general, Mississippi law holds a motorist responsible for pedestrian injuries if they do not maintain a safe lookout for other vehicles and people on the road. But in certain cases, the pedestrian may also be held responsible, to some degree, for the collision. Fault allocation is crucial for a pedestrian accident case.

According to state law, damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses may be reduced if the victim contributed to what occurred. Comparative fault is not a complete bar to recovery, but it can play a vital role in how much the victim will receive as compensation.

Liability of the Local Authorities

Under what circumstances can the city or another local municipality be held liable for a pedestrian wreck? If a non-operational traffic control device or unsafe street layout is a contributory factor to the crash, then there may be some liability. For instance, if a faulty streetlight gives both the pedestrian and motorist the green light at a crosswalk leading to an accident, then a lawsuit can be filed accordingly.

Special rules apply when the defendant is a government agency within Mississippi. For example, a higher burden of proof must be satisfied, and the statute of limitation is much shorter when a government entity is involved. Thus, it is crucial to consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you are involved in a pedestrian accident.

The Responsibility of the Pedestrian

MS Gulf Coast motorists have specific traffic rules that they must follow. Similarly, pedestrians also have a specific set of regulations they must follow. In particular, pedestrians must not cross the street or enter the roadway in front of an automobile which is too close for the motorist to yield to the pedestrian. Moreover, pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. Pedestrians are typically prohibited from crossing anywhere other than sidewalks in the business district.

Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

The size, speed, and weight of the car often determine the severity of the injuries that a pedestrian may suffer. A van or truck weighs more than a passenger vehicle, causing more serious injuries to the pedestrian.

Serious Injuries

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 50 percent of pedestrians experience lower-body injuries after being struck by an automobile, 27 percent suffer upper-body injuries, and nearly 38 percent have injuries to the neck and face. Some pedestrians also sustain injuries in more than one area.

Common pedestrian injuries include the following:

• Head injuries: Broken skull, concussions, lacerations to the head or face, and traumatic brain injuries
• Back and neck injuries: Vertebrae fractures and spinal injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis
• Fractured bones: Broken wrists, legs, hips, and arms
• Soft tissue injuries: Torn knee ligaments, elbow, and wrist, as well as muscular injuries

Besides the above, accident victims could also suffer from emotional turmoil from the crash that could significantly impact their quality of life. It is possible to receive compensation for all the injuries described earlier.

Legal Help from an Experienced MS Gulf Coast Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Today, pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Mississippi. Passenger cars and trucks are now equipped with more advanced safety features than ever before. Yet, more pedestrian accidents are occurring due to the negligence of drivers behind the wheel.

Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Mississippi Gulf Coast? If yes, the negligent party (or parties) should be held responsible.

You deserve compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages due to the accident. The attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm have handled countless pedestrian accidents and will work hard to ensure that you receive fair compensation. To schedule a free consultation and case assessment with one of our attorneys, message us online or call today at (228) 436-6555.