You Need an Oklahoma City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Our experienced attorneys can help you file a lawsuit or an injury claim

Accidents involving pedestrians happen every day and often occur unexpectedly in Oklahoma City. You could be lawfully using the crosswalk at the intersection of N. Harvey Avenue and Park Avenue or walking through one of the many parking garages in the downtown district. Suddenly, a driver strikes you or a loved one because the driver failed to stop or yield the right of way.

Unlike motorists, pedestrians don't have car frames, seat belts or air bags to protect them. When pedestrians get hit, their injuries can be severe and life-threatening - resulting in months or even years of recovery.

That's why you should consult with an experienced attorney at Lawter & Associates, PLLC if you or a family member has been hit by a car in Oklahoma City. With over 40 years of experience helping injured pedestrians recover from their injuries, we're ready to take on the most complex cases. Contact us today and find out what our Oklahoma City pedestrian accident attorneys can do for you. We're here for you every step of the way.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Oklahoma City

There are many reasons why pedestrian accidents happen, but most have one thing in common - driver negligence. Pedestrians are often struck when:

Motorists fail to stop when pedestrians are crossing the street.
Motorists drive recklessly in an area where pedestrians are present, such as parking lots or parking garages.
Motorists are distracted by electronic devices, impaired by drugs or alcohol or driving drowsy.
Motorists drive onto sidewalks or other areas where motor vehicles are prohibited.
Speeding motorists don’t have time to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.

Why are pedestrian injuries so severe?

Because pedestrians have essentially no protection in the event of a crash with a motor vehicle, serious and even fatal injuries are far too common. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include, but are not limited to:

Spine injuries
Broken bones
Head injuries
Organ damage
Severed limbs
Abrasions
Cuts, bruises and contusions
Paralysis
Death

How much is my case worth?

There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to pedestrian accident claims. Some may be worth a few thousand dollars. Others may be worth millions. The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your expenses. This includes all your bills immediately after you got hurt, as well as all future expenses, including:

Emergency medical care
Surgical procedures
Prescription medications
In-home medical care
Replacement income during recovery
Lost future income if you cannot return to work
Pain and suffering in certain circumstances

Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong. You were simply cross the street or walking alongside a road when a motorist hit you. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. The at-fault driver should be held accountable for their actions and liable for your injury-related expenses.

What should I do afterwards?

If you have been hurt as a pedestrian in crash caused by a driver, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and your health. Each incident is different. In general, some of the steps you should take include:

Seek immediate medical attention – Whether your injury just happened or it’s several hours or days later, have a medical professional examine you right away. You could have a life-threatening injury and not even realize it.
Have your crash investigated – If you’re still at the scene, call the police and ask them to respond immediately. Injuries to pedestrians caused by motorists is a serious legal matter. Make sure your injury is investigated.
Document your injury – Make sure you keep track of exactly what happened to you. Evidence helps build strong legal cases. This can include:
- Taking pictures of the crash site
- Taking pictures of your injuries
- Keeping all medical bills and receipts related to your treatment
- Keeping a journal of your symptoms, any pain you experience, etc.
Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance company – If the at-fault driver’s insurance provider contacts you after your injury, don’t answer their questions. All they’re probably trying to do is gather information they can use to reduce or deny your claim. Tell them to talk to your lawyer. You do not legally have to answer their questions.
Call a lawyer – The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better. An experienced lawyer can explain the legal options available to you and which ones make the most sense. That way, you can make informed legal decisions.

Remember, you have rights as an injured pedestrian in Oklahoma City – but you have to act quickly. The statute of limitations in Oklahoma is two years from the date of the crash, but other deadlines can apply in some situations as well. Regardless, you need to act fast to secure important evidence and start building your case for full compensation. As your pedestrian accident lawyers, we can fight for you every step of the way, from investigation to settlement negotiations to, if necessary, trial.

Count on us to pursue justice for you

Even pedestrians who follow the rules of the road face the risk of being struck by negligent drivers every day in Oklahoma City. The danger especially exists at night or when visibility is limited. A single accident can leave you out of work for months, or years, unable to collect a paycheck and make ends meet. As the bills pile up from lengthy and expensive medical treatments, you would think that the negligent driver's insurance company would cover all the costs. Unfortunately, it often doesn't work that way. Insurance companies often only care about reducing their own costs, not ensuring that you are cared for and compensated. They may even try to downplay the extent of your injuries or pin the blame on you.

Don't fall for the insurance companies' tricks. And don't try to handle your pedestrian accident claim alone. Our attorneys can launch an investigation and find out what caused your pedestrian accident. We can fight to hold the negligent driver, and his or her insurance company, accountable for your losses. Your claim isn't just about money. It's about holding insurance companies to a higher standard. It's about doing the right thing. It's about justice.

Lawter & Associates works on a contingency basis fee. That means you don't pay unless we win. There are no hidden costs, no gimmicks. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You can also call our Oklahoma City office at 866-584-1027.