Cleveland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Even when pedestrians are obeying the law, crossing when the light turns green and staying in the crosswalk, prospective jurors will often put themselves in the place of the driver without even realizing it. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, our Cleveland pedestrian accident lawyer can help educate the jury and dispel this unconscious bias. We bring the facts back in focus: an irresponsible and careless driver hurt you and should make things right.

Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

It’s a common refrain: “Pedestrians always have the right of way.” But while it’s true that motorists should do everything possible to avoid hitting people on foot, pedestrians are also required to follow set laws, including yielding to oncoming vehicles in certain situations.

In 2024, there were 703 crashes involving pedestrians that led to injuries or fatalities in Ohio. If you were hit by a car, truck, or another motor vehicle when you had the right of way, the driver of that vehicle is likely liable for your damages. In Ohio, pedestrians have the right of way in the following circumstances:

• When crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
• When crossing on a green light, “walk” sign, or comparable signal

When there is no marked or unmarked crosswalk, or when a pedestrian is attempting to cross outside of an intersection, they must yield to oncoming vehicles. Pedestrians should also use sidewalks when they are available and avoid “darting out,” or entering the roadway suddenly when motor vehicle drivers cannot reasonably yield. The driver of the motor vehicle that hit you is most likely liable for your damages if they:

• Failed to yield the right of way to you when required
• Hit you while you were crossing in a crosswalk with a green light or “walk” signal
• Hit you while you were crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
• Caused the collision because they were distracted or intoxicated

Our Approach

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we know how to investigate pedestrian accident claims to determine how the incident occurred and, most importantly, who was at fault. Cleveland’s annual crime rate is 35.64 per 1,000 residents, and drunk driving contributes to those figures. In some cases, a drunk driver may be at fault for causing a crash.

Even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you could still be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages under Ohio’s modified comparative fault rule.

If We Take Your Case, It Will Get the Individual Attention It Deserves

We are selective in the cases we take. Our cases have merit to succeed in court. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we take your pedestrian accident personal injury claim beyond the skid marks on the road surface. We work with independent consultants and use the latest technology to investigate and prepare a sophisticated, intelligent case that insurance company lawyers know will resist jury prejudice against pedestrians.

Our Cleveland pedestrian accident attorneys have more than 74 years of legal reputation, trial success, and resources backing your case. We work as a team of skilled, knowledgeable professionals to present the strongest case possible for a full and fair settlement, or we’ll see them in front of a judge and jury.

Why You Should Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Being struck while crossing Superior Avenue E, Detroit Avenue, or another street in Cleveland can leave you contending with serious and ongoing challenges. Medical bills from Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, can lead to financial stress.

When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer who understands Ohio’s complex pedestrian accident laws, you gain support from an advocate who can establish fault and pursue compensation while you recover. Distracted driving caused 315,167 injuries in 2024, for example, and an attorney can gather phone records and other evidence to show who is at fault for causing the crash.

Pursue the Justice You Deserve

Don’t let the insurance company tell you the crash was your fault. Talk with us to determine whether you have a legitimate pedestrian accident case for yourself or your child.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have experience representing individuals and families in all types of pedestrian accident injury and wrongful death cases, including cases involving:

• Brain injuries and skull fractures
• Broken bones
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Accidents involving children
• Crosswalk collisions
• Parking lot accidents
• Sidewalk and bus stop injuries
• Loading dock truck accidents
• Construction site pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents

FAQs

Q: Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Ohio?

A: When a driver strikes a pedestrian, it is often due to some form of negligence. Proving fault is an important first step for any injured pedestrian who is seeking compensation. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and the victim’s own testimony can play a role in holding a negligent driver accountable for causing harm. Because Ohio law allows multiple parties to share liability, it is crucial to secure legal support soon after an injury.

Q: What Happens if a Driver Disputes Fault?

A: If a negligent driver disputes fault, you can work with an attorney to set the record straight. The outcome of an injury claim depends on the evidence, not accusations. Witness statements, the police report, and other key pieces of evidence can be used to conclusively show that the driver’s negligence caused the collision. Complex cases may ultimately be resolved in court or through a trial verdict.

Q: What Compensation May Be Available After a Pedestrian Accident?

A: If you were injured by a negligent driver while walking, compensation could address the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffered. A settlement or court verdict may include lost wages, medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and other out-of-pocket losses. Non-economic damages can reflect pain and suffering, and some cases may involve punitive damages when the driver’s misconduct was especially egregious.

Q: When Can You File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Ohio?

A: Personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. These filing deadlines are called the statutes of limitations, and missing these legal deadlines could mean that your case is dismissed. Legal support can help you avoid these and other setbacks to your injury claim. By taking decisive action, you can protect your claim to compensation and hold the negligent driver accountable for causing you harm.

Call Today for a Free Case Evaluation

Injured in a pedestrian accident? Contact our Cleveland pedestrian accident lawyers today to discuss your case. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is here to provide the compassionate, supportive counsel and dedicated representation you need and deserve. Over the course of our firm’s history, we have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients in both jury verdicts and settlements.

Our experienced legal team is ready to help you through your case. With our team on your side, you have a better chance of succeeding. Contact us today.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.