Pedestrian accidents result in severe injuries. Vehicles offer no protection to pedestrians. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the impact forces cause catastrophic damage to the human body. Fayetteville pedestrian accident victims face complex insurance claims and liability disputes. At Odom Law Firm, our Fayetteville personal injury lawyers bring experienced legal representation that is essential.
Insurance companies often undervalue pedestrian injury claims. They argue comparative fault or question injury severity. Without proper legal advocacy, victims accept settlements far below the case value. Getting legal help quickly protects your rights and your recovery.
Why Choose Odom Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Since 1982, Odom Law Firm has helped injured victims recover compensation for falls, unsafe property conditions, and other premises liability cases across Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. With more than 100 years of personal injury experience, our attorneys deliver thorough investigation, client-focused advocacy, and personalized legal representation.
- Clients and families choose our firm for premises liability claims because:
- Dedicated experience in slip and fall, dangerous property, and complex premises claims.
- Involvement in national and statewide co-counsel networks allows us to handle multi-party cases and unusual liability scenarios.
- Proven skill negotiating with property owners, insurance companies, and large corporations.
- Contingency fee basis ensures clients pay nothing unless we recover.
- Free case evaluation and direct attorney communication through every step.
We fight for your rights and maximize results so you can focus on healing after a premises accident.
Common Pedestrian Accident Locations in Fayetteville
Pedestrian accidents occur in predictable locations throughout Fayetteville. Crosswalks and intersections account for many incidents. Drivers fail to yield or run red lights at these locations. Parking lots and commercial areas present additional hazards. Drivers operate vehicles at close range to pedestrians in these spaces. Residential neighborhoods see accidents when drivers exceed safe speeds. Downtown Fayetteville corridors experience frequent pedestrian-vehicle collisions. High traffic volume and pedestrian activity increase accident risk.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle
Odom Law Firm represents pedestrians injured in all types of vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Crosswalk accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians with the right-of-way. Intersection collisions happen when drivers run traffic signals or stop signs. Hit-and-run incidents leave victims without immediate identification of the responsible driver. Investigation and uninsured motorist claims become necessary. Parking lot accidents involve drivers backing up or turning without proper visibility. Sidewalk strikes occur when vehicles leave roadways and strike pedestrians on adjacent sidewalks.
How Liability Is Determined in Pedestrian Cases
Establishing liability in pedestrian accident cases requires thorough investigation and legal analysis. Driver negligence and traffic violations form the foundation of most pedestrian accident claims. Arkansas pedestrian right-of-way laws establish clear rules about when pedestrians have the legal right to cross streets. These laws clarify when drivers must yield to pedestrians. Comparative fault considerations apply in Arkansas. A pedestrian’s own negligence may reduce recovery, but does not eliminate it if the pedestrian is less than 50% at fault. Evidence collection and investigation prove how the accident occurred. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction all contribute to establishing responsibility.
Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries range from moderate to catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries and concussions occur when pedestrians strike their heads during impact. Pedestrians may also be thrown to the ground, causing head injuries. Spinal cord injuries and paralysis result from direct impact or compression injuries. Broken bones and fractures affect the legs, pelvis, ribs, and arms. Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening complications. Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain persist long after the accident. These injuries affect quality of life and work capacity. Wrongful death claims arise when pedestrian accidents prove fatal.
Long-Term Impact on Your Life
Pedestrian accident injuries create lasting consequences beyond immediate medical treatment. Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs accumulate over months or years of recovery. Lost wages and earning capacity represent income you cannot earn during recovery. Permanent disability may reduce your future earning potential. Pain and suffering damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Emotional trauma and PTSD develop after surviving a traumatic accident. Mental health treatment and ongoing support become necessary.
How Odom Law Firm Recovers Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Odom Law Firm employs a comprehensive approach to pedestrian accident cases. We begin with immediate case investigation and evidence gathering. Preserving critical evidence before it disappears is essential. Medical documentation and expert coordination ensure your injuries receive proper evaluation. Treatment planning follows the rough medical assessment. We negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for fair settlements. When necessary, we provide trial representation. Our willingness to fight in court motivates insurers to settle fairly.
Our Track Record in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Odom Law Firm has recovered substantial compensation for pedestrian accident victims. We secured a $1.8 million settlement for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk, resulting in fatal injuries. We obtained a $975,000 settlement for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk with severe injuries. We recovered $75,000 for a car versus pedestrian accident in a neighborhood setting.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Arkansas law allows pedestrian accident victims to recover multiple categories of damages. Medical expenses include all current treatment costs and anticipated future medical care. Lost wages and lost earning capacity compensate for income lost during recovery and permanent disability. Pain and suffering damages address physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Disability and disfigurement compensation applies when injuries cause permanent physical changes or functional limitations. Wrongful death benefits provide financial recovery for family members when pedestrian accidents prove fatal.
Understanding Arkansas Pedestrian Accident Laws
Arkansas pedestrian accident law establishes important protections and limitations. The 3-year statute of limitations for filing claims means you must file suit within three years of the accident date. Missing this deadline means losing your right to recover. Comparative negligence rules in Arkansas allow recovery even if you bear some responsibility. You can recover, provided you are less than 50% at fault. Insurance coverage requirements mandate that drivers carry minimum liability coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection applies when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. You can recover from your own policy in these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Fayetteville
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Arkansas?
Arkansas law provides a 3-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. This deadline is critical. If you fail to file suit within three years, you lose your right to recover compensation. The strength of your case does not matter if you miss this deadline. Contact our office immediately after your accident. We will help ensure we preserve your legal rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?
Arkansas follows comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. You can recover provided you are less than 50% at fault. For example, if you were jaywalking but a driver was speeding and failed to avoid you, you might be 20% at fault. The driver might be 80% at fault. You would recover 80% of your damages. Insurance companies often exaggerate pedestrian fault to reduce settlements. Legal representation helps counter these tactics.
Do I need to file a police report after a pedestrian accident?
Yes, a police report creates official documentation of the accident. It helps establish liability. The police report includes the officer’s observations, witness statements, and preliminary determination of fault. Request a copy of the police report and provide it to your attorney. If police did not respond to the scene, you can file a report yourself at the police station.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Your case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Minor injuries with full recovery typically result in lower-range settlements, while serious injuries requiring surgery and ongoing treatment generally lead to higher compensation. Catastrophic injuries or fatal accidents can result in the most substantial settlements. We provide a free case evaluation to discuss your specific situation and estimate your case value based on your circumstances.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply. This allows you to recover from your own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. It also applies in hit-and-run accidents where you cannot identify the driver. We handle these complex claims by negotiating with your own insurance company. We work to obtain fair compensation for you.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take to resolve?
Settlement timelines vary based on case complexity and injury severity. Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may resolve in three to six months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants may take one to two years. Some cases proceed to trial, which extends the timeline further. We keep you informed throughout the process. We work efficiently to resolve your case.
Contact Odom Law Firm Today
Contact Odom Law Firm today for your free pedestrian accident consultation. Call 479-442-7575 or visit our office at 161 W. Van Asche Loop, Suite 1, Fayetteville, AR 72703. We represent pedestrian accident victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
