Hilbrich Law Firm | Established 1952

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Hilbrich Law Firm | Established 1952
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Pedestrian Accident Attorneys In Highland, IN, Crown Point, IN, And Portage, IN, Serving Northwest Indiana

Pedestrian accidents are all too common in the United States, and Indiana is no exception. In fact, pedestrian accidents appear to be increasing in both number and severity. This is due to a variety of factors, including a rise in cellphone use behind the wheel, drunk driving, the growing popularity of SUVs and more.

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our experienced and caring attorneys at Hilbrich Law Firm. We have decades of experience fighting for personal injury victims and their families across northwestern Indiana.

Injuries Are Often Serious Or Fatal

Because of the obvious differences in size and weight between an automobile and a person, pedestrians are likely to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. Common outcomes include:

If you were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, our attorneys can help you seek compensation for medical bills (present and future), lost wages, pain and suffering and more. If a loved one died as the result of a negligent driver’s actions, we are prepared to aggressively pursue compensation in a wrongful death claim.

Common Ways Pedestrian Accidents Happen In Northwest Indiana

Some of the most common scenarios include:

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks: State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, yet many motorists either fail to notice or simply ignore this rule. When vehicles continue through, pedestrians are left vulnerable with little chance to move out of harm’s way.
  • Left-hand turns at intersections: Drivers often focus on oncoming traffic while preparing for a left turn. This divided attention makes it easy to miss someone crossing the street, leading to sudden and dangerous collisions.
  • Speeding through neighborhoods or school zones: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase stopping distance. Even a few extra miles per hour can turn a near miss into a devastating impact in residential areas and near schools.
  • Distracted driving: Texting, using navigation apps or even adjusting the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road for several seconds. During that time, a pedestrian may step into a crosswalk or onto a shoulder, with no time for the driver to correct the course.
  • Alcohol or drug impairment: Impaired drivers often have slowed reflexes, poor judgment and limited awareness of their surroundings. These crashes are among the most preventable, yet they remain a persistent cause of serious injury.

Each situation has one thing in common: a driver’s negligence puts pedestrians at unnecessary risk. We can help you understand how the crash occurred to help demonstrate the driver’s accountability.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations After A Pedestrian Accident?

In Indiana, those injured in pedestrian accidents typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. This may seem like a long time, but waiting can jeopardize a case. Evidence such as skid marks, video footage or eyewitness memories can fade or disappear quickly. Insurance companies are also more likely to challenge delayed claims.

Families dealing with wrongful death claims face the same two-year period. Because missing this deadline can eliminate the right to compensation entirely, prompt legal action is essential to preserve your claims.

What If The Driver Claims You Were At Fault?

Sadly, it is common for drivers to deflect blame for their negligent actions. If it works in your case, it could reduce your available compensation or make you ineligible for any compensation.

Indiana uses a legal principle known as modified comparative negligence in cases where both the plaintiff and defendant may share fault. Under this system, an injured person must be considered less than 51% at fault for the accident in order to be eligible for compensation. If they are eligible, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

Let’s say that a court determined you were 15% to blame for your injuries in a pedestrian accident. That determination would mean you could only collect 85% of the total damages you were seeking.

At Hilbrich Law Firm, we are very aware that drivers and insurers commonly try to shift blame, and we are aggressive in our efforts to keep liability exactly where it belongs: with the driver who struck you.

Reach Out Today And Discuss Your Options For Free

To schedule a free initial consultation about your personal injury matter, contact one of our three office locations in Highland, Crown Point and Portage, Indiana. Just call 219-444-4330 or reach out online.