Understanding Crosswalk Injuries Legal Options for Indiana Pedestrians

If you are here, chances are you or someone you care about has been hurt in a crosswalk accident. You may be feeling confused, scared, or unsure of what to do next. That is completely normal. After all, no one plans for this kind of thing. You were just walking like you always do, and now your world has changed. We understand how hard this moment can be. You are not alone, and there are legal steps that can help you get back on your feet. Our law firm has helped many people across Indiana who found themselves in the same place you are now.

What Crosswalk Injuries Are and Why They Happen

A crosswalk is meant to be a safe place for people to walk. It is where pedestrians are supposed to cross streets with the right-of-way. Sadly, drivers do not always follow the rules. Sometimes they are distracted. Sometimes they are speeding or just not paying attention. That is when accidents happen.

Crosswalk injuries can be very serious. Even when a car is going slowly, it can still cause a lot of harm. People hit in a crosswalk may have broken bones, head injuries, or other medical issues that take a long time to heal. Some of these injuries can last forever and change how a person lives day by day. It is not just the body that gets hurt. These crashes bring big stress, medical bills, and time missed from work or school. And for many, there is fear and anxiety every time they step outside again.

Who Is Responsible for a Crosswalk Accident

In Indiana, the law gives pedestrians rights when using a crosswalk. Drivers are supposed to stop and wait if someone is walking across the road. If they don’t stop, they could be held responsible for what happened.

Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you. 

With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.

 

Responsibility, or liability, depends on who broke the rules. If a driver was texting, not watching the road, driving too fast, or failed to yield, they may be held responsible for the injuries. Sometimes, even the city or town could be part of the problem if a crosswalk was not clearly marked or had broken signals. That’s why each case needs a close look.

There are times when the pedestrian might share part of the blame too. For example, if someone crossed the street suddenly or outside the crosswalk. Even then, it does not mean they cannot recover money. Indiana uses a rule called comparative fault. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, you will still get some compensation.

What You Can Recover After a Crosswalk Injury

If you have been hurt in a crosswalk, you may be able to get money to help you recover. This includes things like hospital bills, physical therapy, medication, and doctor visits. If your injuries kept you from working, you may be able to get money for lost pay. If the injury keeps you from going back to your old job, the law also allows for money to cover your loss of earning ability.

But there’s more than just the money side. Indiana law also allows for what is called pain and suffering. This means the emotional toll you have gone through can be considered too. Things like ongoing pain, trouble sleeping, depression, and fear of walking again all count. When someone’s life changes because of another person’s mistake, they have the right to seek full justice.

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My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”

- Kathaleen Boyce

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Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."

- Rita Bridge

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God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."

- Briana Shouse

Why Acting Quickly Matters

It is important to act fast after a crosswalk accident. Indiana has what is called a statute of limitations. That means there is a time limit on when you can bring a claim. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to take legal action forever.

Also, waiting makes it harder to find proof. Evidence like traffic camera videos, witness statements, and even road signs can change or disappear with time. The sooner you speak with someone who understands these cases, the better your chances of building a strong case.

What to Do After a Crosswalk Injury

If you or a loved one is hit while walking, there are a few steps you should try to take, if possible. First, get medical help right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show up right away. A doctor’s visit also makes a record that you were hurt.

Second, if you can, take pictures of the scene. Show the crosswalk, the vehicle, and any injuries. Ask for contact information from people who saw what happened. Then, make sure the accident is reported to the police. A police report can become an important piece of evidence in your case.

Do not speak with the driver’s insurance company before talking to someone who is on your side. Insurance companies may try to get you to take a small amount of money to settle fast. But once you agree to that, you cannot go back and ask for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.

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How Legal Help Makes a Difference

When someone is hurt by a car in a crosswalk, they may not know how to protect their rights. A legal team can help gather proof, talk to doctors, and deal with the insurance companies. They can help make sure all deadlines are met and that no important steps are missed. And most importantly, they can help tell your story in a way that gets results.

Having the right legal support can give you peace of mind. It takes away the stress of trying to figure it out alone. It gives you the chance to focus on healing while someone works to get you the justice you deserve. Every case is different, but with the right plan, people hurt in crosswalks can recover money and move forward.

Why This Case Deserves Careful Attention

This type of injury is personal. It often happens in the middle of what was supposed to be a normal day. You weren’t driving recklessly or doing anything wrong. You were walking. Maybe to school. Maybe to work. Maybe to the store. And now, everything is different. This kind of event deserves to be treated with care and respect.

That is why every detail matters in your case. From how the crosswalk looked, to whether the driver had a history of unsafe driving, to the ways the injury is affecting your life today. The right approach is one that listens to you, understands what happened, and builds a clear plan to make things right.

You Are Not Alone We Can Help

If you have been hurt in a crosswalk accident in Indiana, we are ready to help. We know how to handle these cases. We know what steps to take and how to fight for what you are owed. Our goal is to help you recover and rebuild after a painful moment.

Let us hear your story. Let us stand beside you. You have legal options and a right to seek fair treatment. Don’t wait to take action. Reach out to Wyant Law today and let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.

To learn more about this subject click here: Understanding the Legal Rights of Pedestrians in Indiana