Collisions involving pedestrians nearly always result in severe injuries. In addition to the physical injuries, pedestrians hit by cars or trucks often suffer tremendous mental and emotional trauma. That is because these accidents are, by definition, life threating.

The personal injury attorneys at Lawton Cates specialize in getting the highest compensation for pedestrian victims of crashes. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in these case spanning over 60 years. We are recognized by our peers as one of the preeminent personal injury law firms in Wisconsin.

Unlike the impersonal corporate law firms who operate on a volume basis, we give you and your case the personal attention you deserve. When you call your lawyer at Lawton and Cates, you'll talk to your lawyer. Above all, we know your case is not just a case, it's your life.

Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Laws

If you or someone you love is hit by a car in a crosswalk, at an intersection, or even in a parking lot, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. The state of Wisconsin holds motorists accountable for nearly all types of pedestrian-vehicle collisions, but that does not mean that you won’t face resistance from the at-fault driver or their insurance company.

When you work with experienced personal injury attorneys at Lawton Cates, you send a message to the insurance company that you will not back down from a challenge. With more than 63 years of experience, our team has an in-depth understanding of the legal system. We can help you navigate this process and fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed.

Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Wisconsin represent clients throughout the state who have suffered catastrophic injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you with your case.

For a free, no-obligation consultation with a pedestrian injury attorney near you, call (608) 282-6200 or contact us online.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law requires motorists to exercise care around pedestrians and, whenever possible, to do everything in their power to avoid a collision.

Whether you are driving a car or sharing the road on foot, it is important that you know your rights and responsibilities as either a motorist or a pedestrian. Here, we have put together some of Wisconsin’s most important pedestrian laws so that you can stay safe.

Some Wisconsin pedestrian laws include:

• Motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians in all marked and unmarked crosswalks. An “unmarked crosswalk” refers to areas where a sidewalk or walkway continues across a roadway, often but not always at intersections. This is true whether or not there are traffic control devices, such as traffic signals or “walk/do not walk” signs, in operation.
• When crossing a roadway anywhere other than a marked crosswalk, unmarked crosswalk, or designated pedestrian crossing, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles.
• Pedestrians are not allowed to suddenly “dart out,” or leave a place of safety, such as a sidewalk or from behind a parked car and enter a roadway in a manner that does not afford oncoming vehicles enough time to yield or stop.
• If a pedestrian must walk along a highway or road, they should stay as far to the left as possible and face oncoming traffic. Whenever possible, the pedestrian should move to the extreme outer limit of the shoulder or roadway when an oncoming vehicle approaches.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists must obey all traffic control devices, including traffic signals, stop signs, walk/do not wait signs, and crossing guards/traffic control officers.
• When a vehicle stops to allow a pedestrian to cross a roadway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, any vehicle that comes up behind the stopped vehicle may not lawfully go around or pass the stopped vehicle.

At Lawton Cates, we utilize our extensive legal experience and knowledge of the law to determine when motorists have been negligent. We often work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, life care planners, economists, safety experts, and other experts who help us build the best case to recover the most money possible for injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Low visibility
• Poor conditions, including nighttime
• Distracted or careless drivers
• Speeding Vehicles
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Failure to stop at red lights, stop signs, etc.
• Drunk driving (operating a vehicle while intoxicated)
• Unlawful passing
• Failure to see pedestrians in crosswalks when turning left or right
• Fatigued or drowsy driving

When someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct is responsible for your injuries and resulting damages, you have the right to seek money damages. The personal injury attorneys at Lawton Cates specialize is recovering as much money as possible in your case.

Compassionate Representation for Victims of Catastrophic Injuries

Because pedestrians have essentially no protection, they often suffer severe, life-altering injuries when they are struck by large, heavy, fast-moving vehicles. Even more tragic, many pedestrian accidents are fatal.

At Lawton Cates, we recognize just how difficult it is to navigate new disabilities, permanent disfigurement, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Our Wisconsin pedestrian accident attorneys offer compassionate counsel and personal attention throughout the legal process. Unlike the big, impersonal corporate law firms that operate on a volume basis, Lawton Cates provides our clients with the attentive and focused service they deserve, and we are tireless when it comes to holding negligent motorists accountable and fighting for maximum compensation for accident victims and their families. When you call your lawyer at Lawton Cates, you'll talk to your pedestrian injury lawyer, not an assistant. Above all we know your case is not just a case, it's your life.

To request a free case evaluation, call (608) 282-6200 or contact us online to speak with a pedestrian injury lawyer near you. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.