When careless motorists fail to look out for pedestrians, accidents happen. But just like drivers and motorcyclists, pedestrians have rights on the road. If you were injured in an accident while walking or sharing the road, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your injuries.

Our team understands how devastating pedestrian accidents can be for victims and their families, and we want to help. Let us pursue maximum compensation and deal with the insurance company so you can focus on your health. After a pedestrian accident in Wisconsin, don’t go it alone.

Contact a Green Bay personal injury attorney at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers for a free consultation, and let us fight for you.

Understanding Wisconsin Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Pedestrians and drivers both have responsibilities under Wisconsin law.

Motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing legally at intersections and marked crosswalks. Pedestrians should generally yield the right of way to drivers when a crosswalk isn’t present unless the pedestrian is a child under seven years of age.

However, drivers are also expected to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention could fail to see pedestrians until it’s too late.

Understanding how Wisconsin’s right-of-way laws apply can be an important factor when determining liability after a pedestrian accident. A Green Bay attorney familiar with these laws can review the circumstances of your accident and help identify who could be responsible.

Common Causes of Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Injuries

Most pedestrian accidents caused by motor vehicle crashes are preventable and result from a driver failing to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel.

Common examples of driver negligence include:

• Distracted driving
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence
• Fatigued driving
• Improper turns at intersections
• Backing up without checking for pedestrians

These risks are more common in busy Green Bay areas near downtown, the Broadway District, historic Olde Main Street, the Legends District, and the University Avenue corridor.

Severe Injuries from Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions

Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians don’t have physical protection during a collision. Even low-speed accidents can cause devastating injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations
• Road rash
• Pelvic fractures

Injuries this severe require hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. In Green Bay, accident victims can receive emergency trauma care at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Bellin Health Emergency Green Bay, and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital.

Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates documentation of your injuries, which can be important evidence for a potential claim.

What Financial Compensation Can I Recover?

A pedestrian accident can create significant financial and personal hardships. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for:

• Emergency treatment and hospitalization
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If an accident is fatal, the deceased pedestrian’s family may also have the legal right to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. The value of any potential claim depends on the severity of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.

How Wisconsin’s Contributory Negligence Law Affects Your Claim

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this law, an injured person can still recover compensation even if they are partly responsible for the accident, as long as fault doesn’t exceed the legal threshold of 51%. Compensation is generally reduced by the individual’s percentage of fault.

For example, if a pedestrian is found to be 20% responsible for an accident, compensation will be reduced by 20%. If fault is 51% or greater, no compensation may be recovered.

Insurance companies sometimes attempt to shift blame to pedestrians by claiming they crossed outside a marked crosswalk or entered traffic unexpectedly. The Green Bay pedestrian accident attorneys at our law firm have seen insurance companies try these unfair tactics, and we know how to counter them.

Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to establish what actually happened. Our team can gather evidence, consult accident reconstruction experts, and review traffic patterns to build a strong case that insurance companies can’t dispute.

Contact us now for a free case review.

Steps to Take If You’re Struck by a Vehicle in Green Bay

The actions you take after an accident can affect both your recovery and your legal claim.

If possible, you should:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Contact the Green Bay Police Department and request an accident report.
• Take photographs of the scene and your injuries.
• Collect witness contact information.
• Keep all medical records and receipts.
• Follow all healthcare treatments exactly as recommended.
• Avoid discussing fault with insurance adjusters.
• Consult an attorney before accepting a settlement offer.

Taking these steps can help preserve valuable evidence and protect your rights.

Why Injured Green Bay Residents Call Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian accident claims can involve serious injuries, disputed liability, and insurance companies seeking to minimize payouts. Victims and their families often face uncertainty about what the future might hold.

Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers offers clarity. We can help injured pedestrians by:

• Investigating accidents
• Collecting evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Working with medical experts
• Calculating damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Preparing cases for trial when necessary

Our team understands the physical and financial challenges victims face. Our team has served the citizens of Green Bay for decades and has a deep understanding of Wisconsin personal injury law. We work to help our clients pursue the compensation they deserve.

Contact us now for a free case review. You pay nothing unless we win, so don’t wait. Let us know how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Green Bay

What if I was hit by a hit-and-run driver who fled the scene?

A hit-and-run driver may still be identified through witness statements, surveillance footage, or law enforcement investigations. Even if the driver can’t be located, other insurance options could be available depending on the circumstances.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t using a marked crosswalk?

Possibly. Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rules don’t automatically bar recovery simply because a pedestrian was outside a marked crosswalk. Liability depends on the specific facts of the accident, if the victim was a minor under the age of seven, and the actions of all parties involved.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin imposes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Pedestrian accident victims generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim.

Missing the statute of limitations will bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act as soon as possible. A Green Bay pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help ensure you meet each filing deadline.

Fighting for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Northeast Wisconsin

Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic, painful, and may even result in life-threatening injuries, but you don’t have to go it alone. Get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today. We know what it takes to build strong injury claims, and we’re ready to protect your rights. There’s no cost or obligation to get started, so don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.