Omaha Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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Attorney Robert M Knowles
Last Updated: October 18, 2024
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles

Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm

Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in Omaha, Nebraska, and across the United States. These accidents occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Pedestrian accidents often result from driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right-of-way. However, pedestrians can also contribute to accidents by crossing streets improperly or not paying attention to their surroundings.

The consequences of these accidents can be severe, leading to significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens for the victims and their families. By understanding the dynamics of pedestrian accidents, both drivers and pedestrians can take proactive steps to reduce their occurrence and ensure safer roadways.

 

Why Choose Us for Your Omaha Pedestrian Accident Case?

At Knowles Law Firm, our experience speaks for itself. We’ve secured significant settlements for our clients, including a $3.1 million recovery for a pedestrian who suffered a brain injury. With over 55 years of experience in personal injury law, we understand how to navigate the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and work diligently to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team provides expert legal advice to ensure you understand your rights and options.

When you choose us, you’ll benefit from:

  • Proven results: Multi-million dollar settlements, including $3.1 million for a pedestrian brain injury case.

  • Decades of experience: Over 55 years of handling personal injury and pedestrian accident cases.

  • Personalized attention: We treat each case with urgency and ensure you receive clear communication throughout.

  • Quick resolutions: We strive to resolve cases efficiently, whether through settlement or litigation.

When you choose us, you’re partnering with a firm committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Pedestrian Accident Compensation

Pedestrians have almost no protection when faced with a motor vehicle barreling directly at them, making them vulnerable car accident victims. As such, injuries can often be severe, requiring weeks of medical care. You should not be forced to cover medical expenses and the potential loss of a job when you were simply taking advantage of a great day outside; you deserve financial compensation for your injuries.

The responsible motor vehicle driver should be held liable for any injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. An experienced personal injury law firm can better assist you in walking through your individual claim and calculating out the total amount of damages your injuries are worth.

  • Past medical bills – paid or outstanding

  • Future health care costs for a permanent injury

  • Disability expenses and special accommodations

  • Physical pain and suffering

  • Emotional, mental and psychological distress

  • The loss of a loved one’s care and companionship

  • The loss of parental guidance

  • Lost quality of life

Navigating the legal process can be complex, but our experienced attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.

A personal injury lawyer can also help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

In a pedestrian accident case involving a drunk driver or another act of gross negligence or recklessness, an Omaha judge may also award punitive damages as a means of punishing the defendant.

Punitive damages may also be appropriate if your damages were severe enough that the judge believes a compensatory award is not sufficient to help you recover. Working with our pedestrian accident attorney can help you maximize your damage award.

Who Is Liable In a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

The liable, or at-fault, party in a pedestrian accident case will be the person or entity most responsible for causing the collision and thus holds legal responsibility. The most obvious liable party is the driver that struck you. If the driver was texting and driving, speeding, running a red light or ignoring your right-of-way, he or she could be accountable for your damages.

Another possible defendant is the City of Omaha. The city could be responsible for paying you if a defective sidewalk, poorly designed crosswalk, broken traffic light, dangerous construction site or another hazard contributed to your pedestrian accident. Our attorneys can investigate your collision case to help you determine fault.

Filing a personal injury claim can be complex, and having a dedicated lawyer is crucial to navigate the process and advocate for your rights. An experienced Omaha personal injury attorney can provide essential support in assessing damages and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve, especially in cases involving significant negligence or serious injuries.

Who Is Most at Risk for Pedestrian Accidents?

All pedestrians are vulnerable road users, regardless of age or disability. They all deserve special care and attention from drivers in Omaha. Yet some pedestrians are more at risk than others due to physical or mental incapacities. Drivers should take extra caution around pedestrians when they recognize certain at-risk roadway users.

  • The elderly

  • Children

  • Distracted pedestrians

  • Pedestrians who are texting and walking

  • Alcohol-impaired pedestrians

  • Blind pedestrians (those with sticks or seeing-eye dogs)

  • Pedestrians with physical disabilities

  • Pedestrians in wheelchairs

Drivers need to be extra careful in zones where these vulnerable pedestrians are more likely to cross the road, such as near schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, community centers, and hospitals. Areas with increased foot traffic are also higher danger zones for pedestrians. This includes downtown Omaha, Lincoln, and other urban areas in Nebraska. Drivers need to always share the road carefully with bicyclists and pedestrians.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Omaha

At Knowles Law Firm, our team cares about clients. We advocate for pedestrian rights and more Complete Streets in our community. We help injured pedestrians fight back against reckless and careless drivers as well as negligent city planners.

Another way we help is by talking injured pedestrians through the steps to take after a bad accident in Omaha. When in doubt, give our Omaha personal injury law firm a call after suffering a major injury in a pedestrian car accident. Understanding the legal steps to take after an accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

  • Stay calm and safe. Remove yourself to a safe spot to wait for the police to arrive.

  • Call 911. Call the police and report the pedestrian collision if you have any injuries.

  • Get information. Ask for the driver’s name, auto insurance information and contact number.

  • Take photos. Use your cellphone to photograph the vehicle, the street, and your injuries.

  • Get help. Request an ambulance or go immediately to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

  • Do not admit fault. Be careful not to admit fault to the driver or the police.

  • Make an insurance claim. Call the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage company to file a claim.

  • Contact Knowles Law Firm. Call (402) 431-9000 for a free consultation.

Unfortunately, the driver’s automobile insurance coverage will not want to maximize your recovery. You may struggle with conversations with claims adjusters. They may try to get you to slip up and say something that hurts your case.

Stay on the safe side by minimizing what you say. Stick only to the facts, and only offer details if asked. Do not agree to give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer until you have spoken to our pedestrian accidents attorney and gotten legal advice.

Contact an Omaha Pedestrian Accident Attorney from Knowles Law Firm

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Omaha, navigating the legal system can be challenging. At Knowles Law Firm, we understand the impact an accident can have on your life, and we’re here to help. With over 55 years of experience, we’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, and we work diligently to ensure that your case receives the attention it deserves.

Our team will handle the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We offer a thorough case evaluation to understand the specifics of your situation and determine the best course of action.

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. We strive to bring every case to a fair resolution as quickly as possible, whether through settlement or litigation. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. To discuss your pedestrian accident case with us, call Knowles Law Firm at (402) 431-9000 or complete our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims

Who is liable for paying my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?

The at-fault driver is typically responsible for covering your medical bills after an accident, holding financial responsibility for the damages. If the accident resulted from the driver’s negligence, such as speeding or violating traffic laws, their insurance should cover your medical expenses. Consulting with an lawyer can ensure that all damages, including bills, are properly addressed in your claim.

How can a pedestrian accident lawyer help me after being hit by a car in Omaha?

An experienced attorney can provide legal assistance in gathering evidence, proving negligence, and negotiating with insurance companies. Whether you are dealing with medical expenses or filing a claim against the responsible driver, lawyers will help you maximize your compensation and ensure your rights are protected.

What damages can I recover in an Omaha pedestrian accident case?

In an Omaha pedestrian accident case, you can recover damages such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If the at-fault driver acted recklessly, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. Consulting with an Omaha pedestrian accident lawyer can help you calculate and pursue these legal claims.

Can I file a lawsuit if I’m partially at fault for a pedestrian accident?

Yes, in Nebraska, you can still file a claim even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. Nebraska follows comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. A pedestrian accidents attorney can evaluate your case and help you navigate this process to ensure a fair outcome.

Attorney Robert M Knowles
About Our Attorney

Robert M. Knowles

Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm

Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.

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