When a pedestrian loses their life due to a driver’s carelessness, their families can be overwhelmed with grief. Motorists who neglect pedestrian safety deserve to be held accountable, and wrongful death lawsuits can provide a pathway for justice.
Wrongful death claims arising from Cincinnati pedestrian accidents serve multiple purposes: recovering compensation from negligent parties, improving public safety, and supporting the families left behind. While no legal action can truly compensate for your loss, understanding your rights and options is important as you navigate this difficult path. A wrongful death attorney in Cincinnati may be able to assist your family during this difficult time.
Who Is Liable for Wrongful Death After a Pedestrian Accident?
In Ohio, wrongful death claims arise when someone dies as a result of the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another that would have entitled the person to file a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived. The liable party is financially responsible for any damages suffered by the deceased’s pedestrian or estate.
For pedestrian accidents, the liable party is often a negligent driver. However, this is not always the case. Property owners may be responsible if poor maintenance or hazardous conditions contributed to the accident. Government entities could be liable if defective road design or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role. In some cases, vehicle manufacturers might bear responsibility if a mechanical defect caused or exacerbated the accident.
To prove liability, you will need to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and gather critical evidence like eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and police reports. A Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyer can handle this process on your behalf, leveraging their skills and resources to establish a clear chain of events leading to the fatal accident.
What Are the Common Causes of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Cincinnati?
Determining the cause of a pedestrian accident is the first step toward identifying who was liable. While each case is unique, certain factors often play a role in these tragic events. Some of the most common causes of fatal pedestrian accidents include:
- Driving While Distracted: Drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other distracting activities while behind the wheel may fail to see pedestrians before it is too late. This can lead to devastating collisions at crosswalks or along roadsides.
- Failing to Yield the Right of Way: Many pedestrian fatalities occur when drivers disregard pedestrians’ right of way at crosswalks or intersections. This negligence can catch pedestrians off guard, leaving them with little to no time to react to an oncoming vehicle.
- Poor Visibility: Inadequate street lighting, inclement weather conditions, or obstructed sightlines can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. These conditions can contribute to fatal accidents, especially during nighttime hours or in areas with limited visibility.
- Unsafe Infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained roads, lack of proper sidewalks, or malfunctioning traffic signals can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. These infrastructural issues can force pedestrians into dangerous, sometimes fatal situations.
Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation with Monge & Associates Today
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is a tragic and life-altering event. If another driver’s actions are responsible for the death, you deserve justice—and Monge & Associates can advocate for your family’s rights.
Our Cincinnati wrongful death lawyers are committed to helping families navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact us at (888) 302-7176 for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice for your loved one.