Columbus pedestrian accident lawyer

When do pedestrians have the right of way in Ohio?

Pedestrians in Ohio have the right of way when crossing inside a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk in an intersection.*

Where traffic signals control the intersection, the signals regulate when a pedestrian can lawfully cross. If there are no traffic signals, or they are not working, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians.*

To yield the right of way, a driver slows down or comes to a complete stop as needed, so pedestrians can cross safely. This applies when the pedestrian is on the same half of the road as the driver. It also applies when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger if the driver goes ahead.*

If necessary, the driver should stop until the pedestrian has left the street, stepped onto the curb or crossed to the opposite side of the road.*

When a vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk, or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, to let a pedestrian cross, it is illegal for another vehicle to pass it. This is a dangerous maneuver and a common cause of pedestrian accidents.*

Even if the driver doesn’t hit anyone, the driver is still guilty of a misdemeanor, a criminal offense less serious than a felony. Additional penalties apply if the driver was distracted at the time, for example by looking at a phone or texting.*

What must pedestrians do under Ohio law?

Pedestrians may not suddenly leave the curb and dart into traffic, even when they have the right of way.*

Pedestrians must also yield the right of way to motorists outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. It is illegal in Ohio to cross in the middle of the street if there is no marked crosswalk. Pedestrians must instead go down to the corner and cross at an intersection.*

Whoever has the right of way, Ohio law is clear that drivers must still exercise due care, meaning reasonable caution, to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Drivers can and should be held liable for hitting a pedestrian when they could reasonably have avoided it.*

Questions about how Ohio traffic laws affect your pedestrian accident claim? Contact our attorneys today for answers.*

What injuries do pedestrian accidents cause?

In many pedestrian accidents, the impact hits the lower body first, which makes severe injuries more likely, including fractures and injuries to the head, spine and internal organs.*

In Ohio (on the State of Ohio site) motor vehicle collisions, pedestrians are the most vulnerable group of potential victims. Nothing protects them from catastrophic or fatal injury on impact.*

When a pedestrian is involved in a collision with a vehicle, the pedestrian is at a higher risk of sustaining severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to those inside vehicles.

Even at fairly low speeds, a car hitting a pedestrian can do significant harm. Speed is a critical factor: higher speeds often cause more severe injuries, because of the force of the impact. This is a concern across the country, not only in Ohio.*

Walking to get around town is a necessity for many Columbus residents.*

The NHTSA data show that pedestrian accidents have been trending upward significantly over the past decade, and we see no signs of things getting better.

What compensation can you get after a pedestrian accident?

Compensation typically includes medical expenses, past and future, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, and rehabilitation costs.*

In fatal cases, it can include wrongful death damages. The value of your claim depends on how severe your injuries are and the impact on your life.*

In some cases, these accidents can have long-term effects on the victim’s quality of life.

If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a pedestrian accident in Ohio, our skilled personal injury attorneys can review your case during a free consultation and outline your legal rights and options to pursue the negligent driver for your complete compensation needs.

What do you get when Oliver Law Office takes your pedestrian case?

When you hire Oliver Law Office, you get no upfront costs, local Columbus experience, a thorough investigation and direct attorney access.*

• No upfront costs: We handle all pedestrian injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Local Columbus experience: We know Columbus roads, intersections, and accident patterns. We understand where pedestrian accidents commonly occur, from High Street near OSU to busy downtown crosswalks.
• Comprehensive investigation: Our team investigates every aspect of your accident, including surveillance footage, witness statements, traffic camera data, and accident reconstruction when needed.
• Personalized attention: You’re not just a case number. We provide direct attorney access and regular updates throughout your claim.

Who will handle your pedestrian accident case?

Oliver Law Office’s Ohio pedestrian injury attorneys and team handle your case, and they have successfully represented clients for over 30 years.*

Our law firm founder and managing attorney, Jami S. Oliver, has been named 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbus, Ohio, for Medical Malpractice Law, Plaintiffs, and named to Best Lawyers in America 2027 for Litigation, Labor and Employment; Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs; and Product Liability Litigation, Plaintiffs, after being named 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbus for Product Liability Litigation, Plaintiffs.*

Our team can review your pedestrian accident claim during a free consultation.*

We know Ohio’s personal injury laws closely, and how to seek compensation from every insurance coverage and policy for each client’s recovery needs.*

We make sure our clients know how important they are to us. You are not simply another case, and you are not a number. You have been through a physically and emotionally traumatic experience, and you deserve our full attention.*

Oliver Law Office was built to put you first, with clear communication and commitment to your needs. We aim to earn your trust and pursue justice ethically and with passion.*

Your complete recovery is essential, and you are worth the fight. Getting your life back on track means not giving up on the process, and we won’t either.*

When Jami Oliver launched her own firm in 2000, she had one simple idea in mind: to seek justice for people who have been hurt, injured or wronged because of the negligence of others.*

While she’s won numerous awards and accolades in the years since, her philosophy hasn’t changed.

If you need an attorney to advocate for you after an accident, a product recall or another tragedy, call Oliver Law Office.*

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