Casper Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Fatal pedestrian accidents have reached their highest levels since 1990.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Administration reports that last year alone, more than 6,000 pedestrians died in traffic accidents across the United States.

Non-fatal pedestrian accidents occur much more frequently and can leave victims with serious, lifelong injuries. Although states have tried to improve vehicle and traffic safety, many pedestrians remain at risk.

Wyoming state law provides protections for pedestrians injured by reckless or negligent drivers.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to legal compensation.

A pedestrian accident law firm can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

Under Wyoming law, a pedestrian accident involves a collision between a person on foot (walking, running, or standing still) and a vehicle.

Pedestrian accidents can include collisions between pedestrians and bicyclists.

But the most common and severe pedestrian accidents involve crashes between pedestrians and motorized vehicles.

Common Types of Accidents

Pedestrian accidents frequently occur because of unsafe conditions or when a driver or pedestrian does not pay attention to his or her surroundings.

Sometimes drivers display bad driving habits that put pedestrians at risk.

Below are some examples of the most common types of pedestrian accidents.

Distracted Drivers 

The use of electronic devices, especially cell phones, has increased substantially in recent years.

Cell phones distract drivers and lead to higher numbers of pedestrian accidents.

Cell phone usage is highest among college-aged young adults and, increasingly, children and adolescents.

Texting while driving causes the most distraction.

Drivers who text while they drive take their eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, enough time to drive the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour.

In 2017, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that over a 30-day period, 42% of high school students surveyed sent a text message while driving.

Alcohol or Drug Use

Alcohol is one of the leading contributors to pedestrian accidents. In 2016 alone, more than 1 million people were arrested for drunk driving.

In that same year, more than 10,000 people were killed in accidents involving drunk drivers.

Intoxicated drivers pay less attention to the road and often fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.

Age

On average, elderly people tend to be involved in more pedestrian accidents.

Children are also at a higher risk for pedestrian accidents. Children do not understand the dangers of a roadway and are less predictable to drivers. They may enter crosswalks or run in front of oncoming traffic.

Accidents at night

Both drivers and pedestrians have less visibility at night. Higher numbers of accidents occur when pedestrians wear dark-colored clothing or try to cross poorly lit parts of the road.

Pedestrian and Driver Responsibilities

Motorists must follow traffic safety laws. Failure to do so might cause severe injury or even death.

However, pedestrians also should take responsibility for their safety when using crosswalks or walking near roadways.

Driver Responsibilities

Wyoming law requires motorists to drive responsibly. Specific laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians using a crosswalk or walking near a roadway.

These include:

• Using reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians on the roadway or shoulder
• Exercising extra caution when a child is crossing the street or when a person appears confused or intoxicated
• Yielding to pedestrians using a crosswalk

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Pedestrians must follow the law and use caution to protect themselves and avoid collisions with cars.

These responsibilities include:

• Obeying traffic-control devices and all traffic signals
• Using designated crosswalks, if available
• Yielding to oncoming traffic if crossing without a crosswalk

Safety Tips to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents 

Most accidents result from negligence or carelessness.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation recommends several practical safety tips to help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents.

The DOT recommends that pedestrians use the following guidelines:

• Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available and use designated crosswalks.
• Stay alert. Avoid using cell phones when crossing the street.
• Be more careful at night. Do NOT assume a car sees you!
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
• Cross in a well-lit area of the road, if possible.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing so you are more visible to drivers.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs when walking near a road. If you are intoxicated, use extra caution when crossing the street.

Why Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Sustaining injuries from a pedestrian accident can cause significant stress and hardship.

Filing a legal claim only adds to that pressure, especially when dealing with insurance companies.

To Save You Time and Money

Attorneys have experience working on similar cases and know what information, resources, and strategies are necessary for a successful claim.

To Achieve Higher Settlements

Studies show that victims of pedestrian accidents received higher settlement payments when they hired an attorney.

Your claim may be worth significantly more than you realize.

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

To Represent You At Trial

Sometimes parties cannot come to an agreement, and a trial may be necessary.

Trial preparation can be extremely time-consuming, expensive, and stressful.

A well-qualified attorney can help you navigate this complicated process and protect your legal interests.

Contact a Wyoming Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered injuries from a pedestrian accident, you should seek medical attention immediately.

You may be entitled to financial compensation.

The pedestrian accident lawyers at Platte River Injury Law Firm have years of experience fighting for their client’s interests.

Our lawyers have earned significant damage awards for clients injured by reckless or drunk drivers.

Our team will provide you with a free legal consultation and answer your questions to help you understand your rights.