Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Resources

Pedestrians have almost no margin for error when something goes wrong on the road. A crash that would be a fender-bender between two vehicles becomes a life-altering trauma when the pedestrian's only protection is skin and bone. That fundamental asymmetry shapes the way pedestrian cases are evaluated, the types of injuries they produce, and the way juries react to them. It also makes insurance coverage the single most important question in the case.

Liability in pedestrian cases is often cleaner than drivers expect. Most states give pedestrians in marked crosswalks, at controlled intersections, and on sidewalks significant right of way, and drivers are required to exercise extra care when approaching people on foot. But defense lawyers still routinely argue comparative fault, pointing to whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk, wearing dark clothing, or crossing against a signal. Under most state comparative-fault rules, those arguments reduce recovery rather than eliminate it, but they can materially affect the dollar value.

The harder problem is often coverage. State minimum auto liability limits are low, and a seriously injured pedestrian can easily run through them in the first week of hospitalization. That is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, including coverage on the pedestrian's own household auto policy, becomes critical. And in hit-and-run cases, UM coverage is often the only meaningful source of payment. George Goldberg has handled pedestrian cases for more than 32 years and knows where the coverage usually hides.

The resources below cover how pedestrian cases are built, how right-of-way rules work, how UM coverage applies, and what to do after a hit-and-run. The FAQ addresses the questions we hear most often.

If you or a loved one was hit while walking, call us as soon as possible. Consultations are free. 1-888-352-9243