Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
in Wisconsin


Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Attorney


While we have offices in Milwaukee and Madison, we handle pedestrian accident cases that happen throughout Wisconsin.

Pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they do not benefit from the protection of an automobile. Each year in the United States there are approximately 5,000 pedestrian accidents that result in death. In Wisconsin, there are approximately 50 deaths every year attributable to pedestrian vs. automobile accidents. Well over 1,400 people are seriously injured each year in Wisconsin pedestrian accidents. That amounts to one Wisconsin pedestrian is injured or killed every 5 minutes.

The majority of Wisconsin pedestrian accidents occur at an intersection or in mid-block. Also, in the majority of Wisconsin pedestrian-car accidents, the automobile operator is at fault for causing or contributing to the accident.

When choosing a lawyer, it is critical that you hire an experienced Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. You should be comfortable with your lawyer’s experience handling Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Cases. in which you have been involved. Contact an Experienced Wisconsin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer.

Wisconsin Pedestrian Law


Wisconsin requires pedestrians to obey the Rules of the Road, just as automobile operators. Pedestrians must yield to automobiles when crossing a road if there is no intersection or crosswalk, or if the pedestrian does not have a green or “walk” signal and where the automobiles do have a green signal. Pedestrians must also walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If no sidewalk is available, then pedestrians must walk on and along the left side of a highway. Click here for a summary of Wisconsin statutes regarding pedestrians.

The most common defense used in pedestrian cases is that the pedestrian “came out of nowhere.” We have successfully defeated this defense in past cases through the use of accident reconstruction experts and human factors experts. Our experts have been able to establish that the driver of the automobile was simply not paying proper attention.

Avoiding Wisconsin Pedestrian Accidents


The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recommends these safety precautions for Wisconsin pedestrians in order to avoid accidents:

Pay attention

A recent report from the Federal Bureau of Transportation Safety concluded that the pedestrian was solely at fault in 43% of car-pedestrian collisions and that both were at fault in 13% of collisions. You can significantly reduce your chances of death or injury by obeying traffic rules and being aware of dangers posed by cars in your vicinity. For example: 58% of pedestrian-car crashes occur while the pedestrian was crossing the street. Pay close attention to cars in your vicinity. Make eye contact with drivers if possible.

Don’t “Drink and Walk”

Unlike driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, walking will probably not result in the death or injury of someone else – but it could very well result in yours. As an inebriated pedestrian your chances of suffering an accident increase significantly. If you’ve been drinking, take a cab or a bus, or let someone sober drive you home.

Take extra care at night and at dusk

Walking at night increases your chances of death or injury. Drivers cannot avoid what they can’t see. When walking at night, wear retro-reflective outdoor clothing or shoes or lights to make yourself more visible. Avoid wearing dark clothing. Most importantly, don’t assume that drivers can see you. Always walk on the left hand side of the road or on the sidewalk. This way, motorists can see you and will not be approaching you from behind.

Provide proper supervision and training for children

Young children up to age 9 often lack the judgment and experience to make good choices when dealing with traffic. Their smaller stature also makes them harder for motorists to see. Adults need to take special care to teach children to behave safely when they are around automobile traffic. Supervision is crucial through about age 9. Motorists are also responsible for child pedestrian safety. Slow down in school zones, near parks and pools and in neighborhoods. Parents dropping off children at school are a major threat to walking children and to those leaving motor vehicles. Stay cautious after dropping off your own child.
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