Were you or a loved one hit by a car while walking in Kentucky? Pedestrian accidents can happen in the blink of an eye—and the consequences can last a lifetime.
Whether it happened in a busy Louisville crosswalk, a quiet neighborhood street, or a dimly lit parking lot, you deserve answers and experienced legal help.
At Gray & White, our Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need.
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Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why You Need a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- What Makes Pedestrian Accidents Different from Other Injury Cases?
- Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Kentucky
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky
- Who Pays Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Accident in Kentucky?
- Can You Sue If You Were Hit While Crossing the Street?
- Understanding Pedestrian Laws in Kentucky
- Types of Compensation You May Recover
- Fatal Pedestrian Accidents: We Help Grieving Families File Wrongful Death Claims
- How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
- Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why Choose Gray & White?
- Call a Top-Rated Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Why You Need a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, you may be feeling overwhelmed by mounting medical bills, the inability to work, and pressure from insurance companies to settle.
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through this without help.
At Gray & White, we handle every part of your case so you can focus on healing. With over 50 years of experience, our law firm is known across Kentucky for standing up for accident victims and delivering big results.
Our team understands the legal, medical, and emotional complexities involved in pedestrian accident cases. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, review traffic camera footage, and consult with experts when needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
With us by your side, you get a team that understands the law—and knows how to make it work for you.
What Makes Pedestrian Accidents Different from Other Injury Cases?
Pedestrian accidents are often more severe than other traffic collisions because pedestrians have no protection from the force of a vehicle. Unlike car or motorcycle accidents, pedestrians absorb the full impact of the crash, which can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Legal liability can also be more complex. Insurance companies may try to place blame on the pedestrian, especially if the accident happened outside of a crosswalk or at night. Our attorneys know these tactics—and we push back.
Because pedestrian accidents frequently involve multiple parties, we investigate all potential sources of liability. This comprehensive approach strives to ensure that no responsible party escapes accountability.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Kentucky
Understanding the scope of pedestrian accidents helps put your situation in context. Kentucky has seen an alarming rise in pedestrian injuries and deaths in recent years:
- In 2022, over 1,100 pedestrian crashes were reported across Kentucky, with 90+ fatalities, according to the Kentucky State Police Collision Facts Report.
- Louisville consistently ranks among the top cities for pedestrian accidents in Kentucky, particularly in areas like Dixie Highway, Bardstown Road, and Preston Highway.
- The majority of pedestrian crashes occur at night, especially in areas with poor lighting or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.
These numbers underscore how vulnerable pedestrians are, especially in high-traffic zones or when walking along streets without sidewalks. It also highlights the need for experienced legal guidance to navigate these complex claims.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky
Pedestrian injuries are often caused by careless or reckless drivers. Below are common causes we frequently see across Kentucky:
- Speeding through Louisville intersections like Broadway and Bardstown Road, where heavy foot traffic and poor visibility increase the risk of crashes.
- Distracted driving near UK’s campus in Lexington, especially during class changes when thousands of students are crossing streets.
- Failure to yield in downtown Frankfort at unmarked crosswalks and intersections without proper signage.
- Reversing accidents in grocery store parking lots in Elizabethtown and Owensboro, where pedestrian pathways are often ignored by hurried drivers.
- Driving under the influence near nightlife spots in Covington or Bowling Green, where impaired judgment contributes to accidents.
- Inattentive driving during early morning or late-night hours in rural counties like Pulaski or Graves, where lighting and shoulder space are limited.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2021 alone. Many of these tragedies were preventable. Our mission is to make sure negligent drivers are held accountable—and that you get the support you need to recover.
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Accident in Kentucky?
Kentucky is a no-fault state, which means that a driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for initial medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, PIP coverage has its limits. In addition to PIP, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, your own health insurance, or by filing a personal injury lawsuit if the accident resulted in serious injuries.
Navigating these various options can be overwhelming—especially when you’re injured and trying to heal. That’s why our attorneys step in to handle communications with the insurance companies, ensure your medical bills are submitted properly, and fight to prevent you from being stuck with expenses that weren’t your fault.
Can You Sue If You Were Hit While Crossing the Street?
Yes. If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to sue—even if you were partially at fault. Kentucky follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation may be reduced by your share of the blame, but you can still receive money for your injuries.
It’s important to understand that fault in pedestrian accidents isn’t always clear-cut. Many people assume they have no case because they weren’t in a crosswalk, were distracted by their phone, or crossed against a light. But these details do not automatically disqualify you.
We investigate the full context of the crash—lighting, signage, driver behavior, road design, and more—to show how a driver’s negligence played the primary role. And when necessary, we work with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability.
Understanding Pedestrian Laws in Kentucky
Knowing your rights as a pedestrian in Kentucky can help you make sense of what happened—and what comes next. Here are some of the key pedestrian-related laws that may affect your case:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks when the pedestrian is on the same side of the roadway or approaching from the opposite side.
- Pedestrians are required to follow traffic signals at intersections and cross only when it’s legally permitted.
- Jaywalking is not a criminal offense in Kentucky, but it may be considered in determining shared fault in an accident.
- Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available; if there are no sidewalks, they should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
Kentucky also enforces a strict time limit for filing a pedestrian accident claim: one year from the date of the injury, as outlined in KRS § 413.140. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely.
Pedestrian laws exist to keep people safe—but they’re not always followed. When a driver breaks the rules and someone gets hurt, Gray & White is here to hold them accountable and pursue justice on your behalf.
For more legal information, visit the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.
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Types of Compensation You May Recover
A pedestrian accident can impact every area of your life. Our Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers will fight for compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death damages (for fatal crashes)
Some victims also require long-term rehabilitation, home modifications, or mobility aids. These expenses should not come out of your pocket. We’ll work to calculate the full value of your losses—both economic and non-economic—to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents: We Help Grieving Families File Wrongful Death Claims
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash, we are truly sorry for your loss. Under Kentucky law, certain family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
Compensation in these cases may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and lost income or benefits that the deceased would have provided. In cases involving extreme negligence—such as drunk or reckless driving—you may also be entitled to punitive damages.
At Gray & White, we have represented many families during these heartbreaking times with both compassion and determination. We will stand by your side and fight to pursue justice for your loved one.
How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
We know money is a major concern after a serious injury. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case.
This means our interests are fully aligned with yours. We don’t get paid unless you do. Our initial consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. It’s simply a chance to get answers and find out how we can help.
Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run cases are common. We can help you file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage, the Kentucky Crime Victims Compensation Fund, or investigate alternate paths to recovery.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Kentucky. This deadline is strict—waiting too long may forfeit your right to compensation.
Will I have to go to court?
Most pedestrian injury cases settle without going to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial lawyers are fully prepared to represent you in court.
What if I was jaywalking or outside a crosswalk?
Even if you were not in a crosswalk, you still may be eligible for compensation. Under Kentucky law, comparative fault applies, meaning you could still recover damages based on the other party’s share of responsibility.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?
Yes. Some injuries—like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal trauma—may not show symptoms immediately. It’s still possible to build a strong case as long as you seek medical attention and document your condition.
How do I know if I have a case?
The best way to know is to speak with an experienced attorney. Gray & White offers free consultations to help you understand your legal options and next steps.
What if I was injured in a parking lot or private property?
You may still have a valid claim. Property owners and drivers can be held responsible depending on the circumstances. We’ll evaluate liability based on Kentucky premises liability and traffic laws.
Can a pedestrian be found entirely at fault?
It’s rare, but possible. However, most cases involve shared responsibility. Even if you think you may be partially to blame, you could still recover compensation. Let us review the facts before you assume the worst.
What kinds of evidence help support my case?
Useful evidence includes the police report, medical records, witness statements, video surveillance, accident reconstruction analysis, and photos from the scene. We will help you gather and preserve all necessary documentation.
Can I file a claim on behalf of a child who was hit?
Yes. Parents or guardians can file a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor child. These cases require special attention, and our attorneys are experienced in representing injured children and their families.
Why Choose Gray & White?
When you’re injured and overwhelmed, the lawyer you choose truly matters. That’s why so many victims across Kentucky trust Gray & White. With over 50 years of experience handling complex pedestrian injury cases, our firm has recovered millions for injured clients throughout the state.
Based in Louisville, we have deep knowledge of Kentucky’s roads, laws, and court systems—giving you a local advantage.
You won’t pay us unless we win, because your case is our priority. We deal directly with the insurance companies on your behalf, shielding you from lowball offers and aggressive tactics.
Most importantly, we fight to maximize your compensation for every area of loss, pain, and disruption you’ve endured.
Call a Top-Rated Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Matt White, Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
You don’t have to go through this alone. At Gray & White, we know how difficult this time can be. Let our team give you the legal support, peace of mind, and aggressive representation you deserve.
Call us today at (502) 210-8942 to schedule your free consultation with Kentucky personal injury lawyers.
We proudly serve Louisville and all of Kentucky. There’s no fee unless we win. Let’s get started today.