Tupelo Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers
Why Professional Legal Help Matters
Pedestrian accidents can shatter lives in the blink of an eye. You wait patiently for the light to change, indicating that it is safe to walk across the road. As you step into the crosswalk, trusting that drivers will respect the signal and your right of way, a distracted or reckless driver barrels through the intersection, forever altering your life or the life of a loved one. In that horrifying moment, the world changes, bringing pain, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of injustice. At Wettermark Keith law firm, our Tupelo pedestrian accident lawyers are here to provide the compassionate support and expert legal guidance you need to navigate the aftermath and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
When the unexpected occurs and a pedestrian finds themselves in the midst of a collision with a motor vehicle, the importance of legal support cannot be overstated. In a world where insurance companies and the complicated arena of personal injury law loom large after an accident, having a knowledgeable legal team by your side can make all the difference in securing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Common Causes of A Pedestrian Accident
Accidents happen every day, especially in a world where our cities are continually expanding to accommodate more vehicles. Unfortunately, this often makes walking the city streets increasingly hazardous. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Tupelo:
Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted often fail to notice pedestrians, leading to dangerous collisions.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, making it difficult to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, putting pedestrians at risk.
Running Red Lights: Impatient or reckless drivers who run red lights can cause severe accidents, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely, significantly increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Poor Visibility: Nighttime, bad weather, or poorly lit areas can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, leading to tragic accidents.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals can force pedestrians to navigate dangerous areas, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Understanding these common causes can help raise awareness and promote safer practices for both drivers and pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, the experienced lawyers at Wettermark Keith are here to help you seek justice and compensation.
The Most Frequent Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to the mass and speed of vehicles. Understanding the types of injuries commonly sustained in these accidents can help victims seek appropriate medical care and legal compensation. Here are some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries occur when the head suffers a significant impact or jolt, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling of the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may lead to lifelong disabilities.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a vehicle can cause pedestrians to suffer broken bones or fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgical intervention and a lengthy recovery period.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are common in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain and mobility issues, sometimes necessitating physical therapy for recovery.
Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, including damage to organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys, can occur due to the force of the collision. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes are common in pedestrian accidents, especially if the pedestrian is thrown to the ground or against another object. While some lacerations may be minor, others can be deep and require stitches or surgery.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can also cause significant emotional and psychological trauma. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues as a result of the accident.
Fatal Injuries: Tragically, some pedestrian accidents result in fatal injuries. The loss of a loved one in such an accident can have a profound and lasting impact on surviving family members, both emotionally and financially.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and consult with experienced pedestrian accident lawyers. At Wettermark Keith in Tupelo, we are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the legal process, ensuring they receive the compensation and support needed to recover and move forward with their lives.
Understanding Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Mississippi
As a pedestrian in Mississippi, it is essential to understand your rights to ensure your safety and to know how to proceed if you are involved in an accident. The state laws are designed to protect pedestrians and regulate driver behavior to reduce the risk of accidents. Here’s what you need to know about your rights as a pedestrian in Mississippi:
Right of Way
In Mississippi, pedestrians have the right of way (or right of safe passage) at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This means that if you are crossing the street at a crosswalk, drivers must stop and allow you to cross safely. Your right of safe passage ensures that you can traverse these areas without fear of being struck by a vehicle, reinforcing the importance of driver vigilance and adherence to traffic laws.
Obeying Traffic Signals
Pedestrians must obey traffic control devices and signals. At intersections with traffic lights or pedestrian signals, pedestrians should only cross when they have a green light or a walk signal. It is important to remain vigilant and ensure that all vehicles have come to a complete stop before stepping into the crosswalk.
Use of Crosswalks
Pedestrians are encouraged to use marked crosswalks whenever available. When crossing at locations other than intersections, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road. However, this does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to exercise due care and avoid colliding with pedestrians.
Sidewalks and Roadways
When sidewalks are available, pedestrians should use them rather than walking on the road. If sidewalks are not available, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder, facing oncoming traffic, to ensure better visibility and safety.
Accidents in Parking Lots
Parking lots can be particularly hazardous for pedestrians due to the high volume of vehicles and frequent backing movements. If you are hit by a vehicle in a parking lot, it is important to know that you still have rights. Drivers are expected to navigate parking lots with caution and adhere to the same duty of care they would on public roads. They must be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians walking to and from their vehicles. If a driver hits you in a parking lot, they may be held liable for your injuries and damages.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Tupelo
Experiencing a pedestrian accident, whether it's you or a loved one who is hit, can be traumatic and disorienting. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help ensure safety, protect rights, and strengthen any potential legal claims. Here are the essential actions to take if you are involved in or witness a pedestrian accident in Tupelo:
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move yourself or the injured person out of the street or roadway to avoid further danger. Ensure everyone is in a safe spot away from traffic.
- Check for Injuries: Assess for injuries, whether it's yourself or a loved one. Even if someone feels fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call 911: Contact emergency services right away. It is crucial to get medical professionals to the scene as soon as possible to attend to any injuries.
- Collect Driver’s Information: Obtain the name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details of the driver involved in the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicle, the injuries, any crosswalks or traffic signals, and the surrounding area. This evidence can be crucial for your case.
- Get Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. Their statements may be valuable in corroborating your account of the incident.
- Speak to the Police: When the police arrive, provide them with a clear and accurate account of what happened. Ensure that your version of events is included in the official report.
- Obtain a Copy of the Report: Request a copy of the police report for your records. This document will be important for any insurance claims or legal actions.
- Visit a Doctor: Even if you or your loved one were treated at the scene, follow up with a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest immediately.
- Document Medical Treatment: Keep detailed records of all medical evaluations, treatments, and expenses related to the accident.
Report the Accident: Inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with the necessary details and any documentation you have gathered.
Seek Legal Advice: Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your case. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing Compensation and Legal Recourse in Tupelo, Mississippi
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Tupelo, Mississippi, understanding your options for compensation and legal recourse is essential. These steps can help you recover from the financial and emotional impacts of the accident, ensuring you receive the support you need to move forward. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Compensation
Pedestrian accident victims in Tupelo may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care required due to the accident.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery, as well as any future earnings lost if the injury affects your ability to work long-term.
Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property damaged during the accident, such as clothing or electronic devices.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the accident on your relationship with your spouse or family members.
Legal Recourse
Mississippi law provides several avenues for seeking legal recourse after a pedestrian accident:
Filing a Personal Injury Claim: If a driver’s negligence caused the accident, you could file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. Negligence might include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or driving under the influence.
Comparative Negligence Rule: Mississippi follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Insurance Claims: You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s crucial to have strong evidence and documentation to support your claim, as insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts.
Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one tragically lost their life in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members could file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
How Our Tupelo Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll can be daunting. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Wettermark Keith in Tupelo are here to provide the support and expertise you need. Here’s how we can help.
Our first step is to conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. We will listen to your account of the accident, review medical records, gather evidence, and assess the extent of your injuries and losses. This comprehensive evaluation helps us understand the unique aspects of your case and develop an effective legal strategy.
Building a strong case requires solid evidence. Our team will gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage of the accident. We may also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to understand the incident's dynamics and establish liability.
Navigating the legal system can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and opposing parties. Our personal injury lawyers will guide you through the entire legal process, explaining your rights and options at each step. We will handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring your best interests are represented.
Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for as little as possible. Our skilled negotiators will fight for a fair settlement that adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We leverage our experience and knowledge to negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who will present a compelling case before a judge and jury, striving to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
We understand the financial strain a pedestrian accident can place on you and your family. Our team can help connect you with medical professionals and financial resources to ensure you receive the necessary care without added stress.
Our goal is to maximize your compensation to cover all your accident-related expenses and losses. This includes not only immediate costs like medical bills and lost wages but also long-term impacts such as ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and diminished earning capacity.
Our team is committed to providing compassionate and dedicated advocacy for accident victims. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face and are here to support you every step of the way.
Our 3-Step Process
Connect With Us:
Call our office at (877) 715-9300 or use our online form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our Tupelo legal team.
We Assess Your Case
In our initial review, our experienced Tupelo legal team will analyze the details of your case and map out potential strategies. If you've experienced an injury due to negligence, we’ll assign one of our expert personal injury attorneys to handle your case.
We Defend Your Rights
As one of the Southeast’s top personal injury firms, Wettermark Keith is fully committed to advocating for your rightful compensation and recovery. If an injury has disrupted your life, let our dedicated Tupelo attorneys seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common injuries in pedestrian accidents include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and fractures. Additionally, pedestrians often suffer from soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains, internal injuries to organs, and lacerations or abrasions. These accidents can also result in significant emotional and psychological trauma, such as anxiety and PTSD. In severe cases, pedestrian accidents can lead to fatal injuries, profoundly affecting the victim's loved ones.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries aren't apparent, and ensure your children are also examined. Notify your insurance company promptly, providing all necessary documentation, and consult with an experienced rear-end accident lawyer to understand your rights and secure fair compensation. Contact Wettermark Keith for a free consultation to support your recovery and legal process.
In a pedestrian accident, several parties can be held liable depending on the circumstances. Typically, the driver of the vehicle involved is held responsible if they were negligent, such as by speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to yield. However, liability can also extend to other parties, such as the city or municipality if poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals contributed to the accident. Additionally, other pedestrians or cyclists who acted recklessly might also share responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is crucial for ensuring fair compensation for the injured pedestrian.
If the driver who hit you left the scene, it's important to take immediate steps to protect your well-being and legal rights. First, seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Contact the police to report the hit-and-run incident and provide them with as much information as possible about the vehicle and driver. Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos of your injuries and any damage, and look for potential witnesses who might have seen the accident. Additionally, consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue compensation, even if the driver is not immediately identified.
In Mississippi, you generally have three years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial for ensuring your legal right to seek compensation. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose the opportunity to pursue a claim.
Yes, you can claim compensation even if you were partially at fault in the accident. Mississippi follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
No Recovery, No Fee - Guarantee!
At Wettermark Keith, we deeply understand the financial and emotional toll a pedestrian accident can impose. We believe everyone deserves top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we proudly offer our services on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that access to justice isn’t limited by the ability to pay upfront costs.
It costs nothing to hire our personal injury attorneys to represent you, as any fees will be collected only at the end of your case if we secure a settlement or verdict. Our commitment is to your successful recovery and peace of mind; let our dedicated Tupelo lawyers shoulder the legal burdens, so your focus can remain on healing. Together, we're dedicated to making high-quality legal services accessible to everyone, empowering you to seek the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Attorneys In Tupelo
Take the first step toward justice and recovery by scheduling a free consultation with our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Tupelo. We are here to listen, provide expert guidance, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Wettermark Keith, we have an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. We offer a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security, and VA disability, to name just a few. At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our clients' stories and make their voices heard. We achieve this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust.
Wettermark Keith was extremely professional and helpful. This personal injury law firm helped my husband over 10 years ago when he fell and broke his foot on vacation. I called them first because I liked their TV commercials. They are very nice people and I would call them again if I needed a lawyer.
- Juanita
Law firm Wettermark Keith has exceeded my expectations! I recommend these lawyers to anyone and everyone I come across. Their commitment to their clients is outstanding. Communication is easy. And I got my settlement very fast. I definitely recommend working with Lee Hawker. He is very gracious and kind. He looked out for me and my family and went above and beyond for us. I’m very grateful!
- Alexa
My personal embattlement with the Social Security Administration went downhill. From a personal recommendation, I reached out to Wettermark Keith law firm. Brian Smith and his team took my case and throughout the whole process, I felt more than just another number. Frequent updates were provided, and emphasis was placed on ensuring all needed documentation was in place. In the end, the accident case resulted in a favorable victory. A big thank you to my lawyer Brian Smith and the team at Wettermark Keith for the hard work throughout the entire personal injury process.
- Dallas
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mark English at Wettermark Keith law firm after my car accident in December 2021. He was very thorough in everything, did a wonderful job of explaining everything that was happening, and was super easy to get in touch with when I needed him. I never had a question that was left unanswered by this lawyer. He's very kind and patient, and he made the personal injury claims process so easy for me. I absolutely recommend him, it was a pleasure working with him!
- Rose
I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.
- Madinah
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