Practice Areas

Latest Blog

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are injured every day by cars.  In 2003, 11% of all deaths nationally in auto accidents were pedestrians. Different rules and laws apply to those cases.  Do you really need an attorney specifically for a pedestrian accident case? If you are a pedestrian injured in a pedestrian accident and you worry about who is going to pay your medical bills and lost wages while you are off from work the answer is yes.  If you are in Kentucky, your first choice should be Michael A. Schafer in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Mike has been practicing law for over twenty (20) years.  His wife walks almost every day.  She has walked marathons. This means that he understands not only the intricate laws involved in an accident case, but he also understands the issues specific to pedestrians that can arise in such cases. 

Why would you need an attorney who concentrates in pedestrian accidents?  Because accidents that involve pedestrians are different from those that involve cars or trucks or even motorcycles.  Walkers are not protected.  They are not visible to most cars. Common sense tells us that in a car vs pedestrian collision, the walker almost always loses.  Nearly, 5,000 pedestrians were killed in auto accidents in 2003.  70,000 pedestrians were injured or killed. 

Between 1925 and 2001, 175,000 pedestrians have died in motor vehicle accidents nationally. The good news, this trend is decreasing. Injuries that pedestrians suffer in accidents tend to be much more extensive and very serious. They are often fatal; they are life changing.  You are generally off work longer, you have more medical bills and you have many other problems that arise.  There are many different issues that can arise when dealing with insurance companies. Other legal issues are present, such as:

·        Which insurance company will pay the medical bills?

·        Will loss wages be paid?

·        Will pain and suffering be compensated?

·        Can I go to any doctor I want?

Usually a negligent or inattentive automobile driver is at fault when a pedestrian is hurt.  This can take many forms. 

• A driver can turn directly in front of a walker in a crosswalk.   
• A driver can enter the street from a driveway or parking spot and pull or back into traffic without noticing a pedestrian. 
• A driver can run a stop sign or a red light. 
• A driver can pass too close too a pedestrian while trying to pass him on the road.
• Alcohol involvement. 

There are many other ways these accidents can occur.  It is very important for motor vehicle operators to be very attentive and recognize that pedestrians are on the roads and crossing roads. Both must also obey the laws.  For pedestrians, you must not trust the driver.  Just because there is a stop sign doesn’t mean the car will stop.  Just because there is a walk sign doesn’t mean you are safe in the crosswalk. 

For instance, if you live in a rural area there is far less traffic then in a metropolitan area.  Your odds are reduced of being in an accident, but the odds of that accident being a fatality almost doubles.  Almost 2/3’s of pedestrian accidents occur on rural roads. (LINK 2)

Parents need to be careful.  The highest risk group is 5-9 year old male children, because they are more prone to darting blindly into the street to chase a ball or anything for that matter. 

So the answer is “YES”. You will definitely want and need a lawyer that is very familiar with all issues dealing with pedestrian accidents.  And you may ask, why Mike Schafer?  That is an easy question.   Mike understands the issues and he understands you.  He understands the pedestrians and he has represented them for many years. 

If you are badly injured after a crash, maybe in the hospital, maybe suffering from a serious brain injury or broken bones, scrapes and bruises that could leave you unable to work for a very long time you want someone who is completely committed to helping you.  The Schafer Law Office is committed! And again, you will want someone who has the experience and know how to successfully help you get compensation for your pain and injuries, your medical expenses, your lost wages and your loss of quality of life.  You will want someone who knows insurance companies and their policies inside out; Mike does.  In fact, he used to work for an insurance company until he switched sides.

While pedestrian accidents do not occur as frequently as automobile accidents, they are becoming more and more so as people walk to avoid spending money to drive their cars. People are walking to the grocery. They are walking for exercise.

There are a variety of reasons why walking on the roadways, even though you have the right of way is so dangerous and is crucial that your lawyer be familiar with the law.  They range from less visibility on the road to violation of right of ways by cars and trucks.

You will want a lawyer who understands your issues, cares about you and you will find that in Mike Schafer and The Schafer Law Office. 

If you are in Kentucky whether in the Louisville area, LaGrange, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Shelbyville, Brandenburg, St. Matthews, Prospect, Middletown, Douglas Hills, Newburg or even in Bullitt County, Oldham County, Hardin County, Spencer County or Meade County Kentucky please give Mike a call at (502) 584-9511 and let him help you.

A pedestrian accident can change your life.  It will turn your world upside down.  Once Mike is your attorney you can quit worrying about the dealing with the insurance companies and focus on recovering from your accident. Mike will take care of all of the phone calls, paperwork and all the negotiations so that you can get on with your life. 

With Mike as your attorney you will be assured of his personal attention.  Other attorneys may pass their clients off to their staff and legal assistants, but not Mike.  Those other attorneys may make you feel like another number, but not Mike.  He will personally meet with you, he will personally return your calls, listen to you and he will answer all of your questions.  Mike cares about you and your well being. When you hire Mike you will have an attorney who cares enough to personally speak with and advise you throughout your case.

Worried about costs, don’t be.  Your initial consultation is free and after that Mike won’t get paid until he has won you the compensation you deserve.  He works on a contingency fee basis.  If you live in Louisville, Kentucky or any other parts of Kentucky including Bullitt County, Oldham County, Hardin County, Spencer County or Meade County don’t hesitate for another minute.  Contact Mike and he will tell you what he can do for you.  It isn’t bad enough you got hurt once call Mike so that you don’t get hurt twice. 

The Kentucky Accident Attorney

• Is Winters and Yonkers Lawsuit a Lesson For Kentucky Accident Victims?
• Bicycles, Snow and Motorcycle Accident Prevention
• Sussex Safer Roads Partnership Reminds That Seat Belts Prevent Injuries In Car Accidents
• Harper-Angel Sponsored Bill That Will Ban Texting While Driving Passes House
• On Board Computers Add To Distracted Driving Problem

Blog for Pedestrian Accidents

• Pedestrian Killed in Accident Friday Evening
• Safety Tips For Trick or Treaters
• Are Electric Cars Too Quite To Be Safe On the Road?
• One Pedestrian Killed and One Injured in Truck Accident Friday Night Marion County Kentucky
• Alcohol Suspected in Pedestrian Fatality, Hopkins County, Kentucky
• Pedestrian Hit While Crossing the Street in Shelbyville, Kentucky

Frequent Questions for Pedestrian Accidents:

• How soon after my accident while a pedestrian should I contact an attorney?
• How do I pay for legal fees?
• Will I have to pay anything up front if my case goes to Court?
• If I was injured while a pedestrian how do my medical bills get paid?
• If I was hit by a car while walking and the car had no insurance can I still recover?
• Does my own automobile insurance cover me for accidents when I am walking?
• How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident case?
• What is the statute of limitations on a pedestrian accident case?

Ask me a Question

FAQs