Akron Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Types of Akron Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Summit County, Ohio can happen anywhere—from busy intersections to quiet residential streets. The most common types include:

• Crosswalk & Intersection Accidents – Often occur when drivers fail to yield, run red lights, or make unsafe turns at high-traffic areas like Exchange Street and Route 8.
• Hit-and-Runs – Some drivers flee the scene, leaving victims with serious injuries and uncertainty about compensation.
• Back-Overs – Often take place in parking lots, driveways, and alleys, where reversing drivers fail to check blind spots.
• Side-of-the-Road Collisions – Pedestrians walking along streets like Goodyear Boulevard or Brown Street are at risk from distracted or speeding drivers.
• Children & School Zone Accidents – High-risk areas include school crossings near Firestone CLC and North High School, where speeding and inattentive drivers pose a danger.
• Work Zone Pedestrian Accidents – Construction and roadwork zones expose workers and pedestrians to potential collisions when drivers ignore posted warnings.
• Drunk & Distracted Driving Crashes – Impaired or inattentive drivers often fail to notice pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of severe accidents.

Pedestrian Right of Way & Accidents

Pedestrians have the right to safety, whether crossing at a marked intersection or walking along a roadside. Awareness of driver negligence, traffic laws, and personal safety measures can help reduce risks.

Those injured in pedestrian-related auto accidents should understand their options for medical care, financial recovery, and legal recourse to protect their well-being and future.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Akron?

Pedestrian accidents are often the result of driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, or poor visibility. Some of the most common contributing factors include:

• Speeding – Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of collisions.
• Distracted Driving – Using phones, GPS, or other distractions can cause drivers to miss pedestrians.
• Failure to Yield – Ignoring crosswalks and right-of-way laws puts pedestrians at risk, especially at busy intersections.
• Drunk & Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slowing reaction times and increasing accident risks.
• Left-Turn Accidents – Drivers often focus on oncoming vehicles during turns and fail to notice pedestrians crossing.
• Running Red Lights & Stop Signs – Reckless driving behaviors frequently lead to accidents in areas like University Park and West Akron.
• Poor Visibility & Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, and low lighting make pedestrians harder to see, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.

Understanding these risks can help pedestrians stay vigilant, but driver awareness and responsible road behavior remain key to preventing accidents.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians in Akron, OH are highly vulnerable to severe, life-altering injuries when struck by cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. The most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) & Concussions – Head trauma can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Damage & Paralysis – Severe impacts may cause partial or total paralysis, affecting mobility and independence.
• Broken Bones & Fractures – Pedestrians often suffer fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis due to the force of impact.
• Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma can cause serious internal bleeding or damage to vital organs.
• Lacerations, Road Rash & Scarring – Skin abrasions and deep cuts can result in permanent scarring or require reconstructive surgery.
• Knee, Shoulder & Joint Injuries – Torn ligaments, dislocations, and joint damage can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility.
• PTSD – The emotional toll of an accident can cause anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  Even minor injuries can have long-term consequences, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Understanding the potential severity of pedestrian accidents highlights the importance of safety, driver responsibility, and pedestrian awareness.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Akron

Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents result in tragic fatalities, leaving families devastated. Losing a loved one in a pedestrian-involved accident not only brings emotional distress but also financial hardships, including medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of future income.

While no amount of compensation can replace a life, wrongful death claims can help families seek justice and financial stability.

What Should Injured Pedestrians in Akron Do?

If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, legal rights, and potential compensation. Whether the accident occurred in Downtown Akron, near Highland Square, or at a crosswalk, following these actions can help strengthen your claim:

• Call 911 Immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance. A police report from the Akron Police Department or Summit County Sheriff’s Office will document key details for your case.
• Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, visit a local hospital like Summa Health System or Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
• Collect Driver & Witness Information – Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. If possible, speak with witnesses and record their statements.
• Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of the crash site, vehicle damage, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Landmarks like Exchange Street, Route 8, or Waterloo Road can help establish location details.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurance – Insurance companies may try to offer quick, lowball settlements that don’t cover your full medical expenses or lost wages.
• Consult a Local Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – An experienced attorney can handle negotiations, investigate liability, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Are You Entitled to After a Pedestrian Accident?

You do not have to struggle to do everything yourself if you are an injured pedestrian. At KNR, our Akron pedestrian injury lawyers’ priority will be obtaining all the compensation you deserve, which can include your:

• Pain and suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
• Disfigurement – Compensation for permanent scarring or life-altering injuries.
• Mental anguish – Psychological trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
• Lost income – Wages lost due to missed work and potential future earning losses.
• Physical limitations – Reduced mobility or permanent disability affecting your quality of life.

If your loved one was killed in a fatal pedestrian accident, you may also be entitled to compensation for:

• Loss of companionship and support
• Loss of future earnings and benefits
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional suffering for surviving family members

Don’t Settle for Less After a Pedestrian Accident

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts after pedestrian accidents by:

• Offering quick, lowball settlements that don’t cover long-term medical needs.
• Downplaying the severity of injuries to reduce compensation.
• Blaming the pedestrian for the accident to limit their liability.

Understanding Ohio’s comparative negligence laws is crucial—if the insurance company argues that you were partially at fault, it can impact the compensation you receive. Seeking legal guidance ensures that you are not unfairly blamed or pressured into accepting less than you are owed.

Pedestrians should not have to bear the financial burden of a driver’s negligence. Acting fast can help you recover what you need to move forward and hold the responsible party accountable.

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Who Is at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining fault in a pedestrian vs car accident is not always straightforward. While drivers are often responsible for failing to yield, obey traffic signals, or avoid distractions, other factors—such as road conditions, pedestrian actions, or multiple parties—can complicate liability.

A thorough investigation is crucial to establish negligence and ensure the responsible party is held accountable. Key elements that help determine fault include:

• Accident Reports & Witness Testimony – Statements from bystanders, surveillance footage, and official police reports provide critical details.
• Traffic Laws & Violations – Speeding, failing to stop at crosswalks, or distracted driving can serve as evidence of driver negligence.
• Accident Reconstruction Experts – Specialists can analyze the scene, impact, and vehicle movement to determine how the crash occurred.
• Medical Expert Witnesses – Doctors can assess injuries and long-term effects, which help strengthen claims for compensation.

Working with Our Akron Pedestrian Injury Attorneys

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we strive to make the recovery process after a pedestrian – related accident in Akron as smooth as possible. We understand the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, but with our experienced team of personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to face them alone.

With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered for clients across Ohio—including many successful outcomes right here in Akron—we are prepared to help you, no matter the severity of your injuries.

“KNR was outstanding. They listened, understood, and handled everything. I’m grateful for their support.” – John P.

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Akron Pedestrian Accident FAQs