When drivers get into their cars, they are responsible for ensuring that they follow the rules of the road, avoid distractions and operate their vehicles while exercising their duty of care to others. It is no small feat for a driver to get to their intended destination without incident, since accidents and collisions are relatively common occurrences on Kentucky roads. Accidents happen with other vehicles, but less commonly they occur between vehicles and pedestrians.
According to a recent news article nine pedestrians were killed in Lexington by vehicles in 2017, and this year appears to be ahead of that unfortunate pace. Just recently a 59-year-old man was killed while at the intersection of Russell Cave and New Circle roads. It appears that the victim may have been in the crosswalk when the early morning collision occurred.
This victim is the sixth pedestrian to lose their life in an accident with a vehicle this year. Pedestrian accidents are tragic and preventable and can leave victims who survive with catastrophic injuries and lifelong problems.
Pedestrian accident victims can advocate for the recovery of their damages when the negligence of others causes them harm. Surviving victims may pursue a legal claim under personal injury theories of law while the family members of deceased pedestrian accident victims may pursue wrongful death claims.
As previously discussed on this blog, a wrongful death claim may provide survivors with damages to cover the deceased party’s medical and future costs, lost wages and other accident-related expenses. Other damages may also be available. Individuals with possible wrongful death claims are asked to seek case-specific guidance on their wrongful death questions.