Des Moines Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Helping Bicyclists, Walkers, Joggers & Other Pedestrians Recover

Iowa has one of the lowest rates of traffic-related pedestrian deaths in the country, with .59 pedestrians killed per 100,000 people in 2010. However, the 18 families of pedestrians killed and the innumerable other people injured in traffic accidents in 2010 know that this rate is not low enough.

Hope Law Firm seeks zero tolerance for pedestrian deaths in Iowa. Our Des Moines pedestrian accident lawyers can fight for the justice you deserve if a negligent motorist ran into you while you were walking, jogging, bicycling, or engaging in any other activity on one of our state’s roadways or sidewalks. Our team can investigate the cause of the crash and build a strong case against the driver and any other responsible party to recover the maximum possible damages for a claim. We effectively counter assertions that our clients contributed to an injury, a tactic used by defense attorneys to reduce the damages owed by the negligent person, government, or corporation.

Contact us online or call (515) 298-5056 to get started on your case with a free consultation.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian is vulnerable to serious injuries even if a motorist hits the person at slow speed. A pedestrian lacks the protection to counter the 4,000 pounds of metal that make up an average American car. Heavier automobiles, such as SUVs, vans, buses, commercial vehicles, and tractor-trailers, and vehicles traveling at high speeds compound the risks of catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Motorists can put pedestrians’ safety in jeopardy by:

• Texting
• Using a mobile phone
• Being distracted
• Driving drunk or on drugs
• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Failing to yield at crosswalks
• Trying to pass too close

In almost all cases, a pedestrian accident is avoidable if motorists take precautions.

Municipalities Can Prevent Pedestrian Injuries

The municipalities of Des Moines and the surrounding towns can take steps to create a more pedestrian-friendly community.

Common design and maintenance problems that municipalities can improve include:

• Dim street lighting
• Broken traffic signals at busy intersections
• Stop signs obscured by overgrown vegetation
• Lack of crosswalks
• Inadequate bike lanes
• Damaged or absent sidewalks

The failure to address these conditions can result in pedestrian traffic deaths and injuries.

Corporate Responsibility

Corporations can also cause dangerous conditions for pedestrians by:

• Illegally parking a commercial vehicle in a bike lane
• Blocking sidewalks with construction materials
• Damaging walkways, thereby forcing pedestrians to walk into traffic

These are just some of the risks that increase the risk of traffic accidents.

Vehicle Speed and Pedestrian Injury

Studies show that the faster a vehicle is traveling when it strikes a pedestrian, the more likely that pedestrian is to suffer serious injuries or death. The risk of severe injury is:

• 10% at an impact speed of 16 miles per hour
• 25% at an impact speed of 23 miles per hour
• 50% at an impact speed of 31 miles per hour
• 75% at an impact speed of 39 miles per hour
• 90% at an impact speed of 46 miles per hour

Similarly, the risk of death increases with the speed upon impact.

Recover for Your Pedestrian Injuries

Hope Law Firm pursues justice for pedestrians hit by drivers. Our Des Moines pedestrian accident attorneys have one goal: To maximize your recovery in an effective, efficient manner. There is no risk in pursuing damages. Our firm offers a free initial case evaluation and takes cases on contingency. You do not owe attorney fees unless we successfully obtain compensation in a verdict or settlement.

To learn more about your rights, call our law office at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online.