Being struck by a vehicle while walking can result in devastating injuries that change your life forever. The physical trauma, emotional distress, and financial burden that follows a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming for victims and their families.
At Anderson O’Brien, we understand the unique challenges pedestrian accident victims face in Stevens Point and throughout central Wisconsin. Our experienced Stevens Point, Wisconsin pedestrian accident attorneys have been fighting for injured clients since 1886, and we’re ready to put our dedication, experience, and skill to work for your case.
Why Choose Anderson O’Brien?
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Stevens Point, you deserve a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights.
At Anderson O’Brien, we have been serving central Wisconsin residents for over 135 years, building a reputation as one of the most respected legal teams in the region. Here’s why you can trust us with your pedestrian accident case:
Extensive Personal Injury Experience
Our pedestrian accident lawyers have decades of experience handling all types of motor vehicle and personal injury cases throughout Wisconsin. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accident litigation, including proving driver negligence, demonstrating the severity of pedestrian injuries, and countering insurance company arguments that attempt to blame the victim.
With our proven track record of success, we build strong cases on behalf of our clients and advocate relentlessly for their legal rights.
Resources to Challenge Powerful Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have significant financial resources and legal teams working to minimize payouts to accident victims. At Anderson O’Brien, we have the tools and skills necessary to level the playing field.
Our firm works with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and traffic safety experts to thoroughly investigate your claim and demonstrate how the accident occurred and its full impact on your life. We are relentless in holding negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable.
Team Approach and Personalized Representation
What sets Anderson O’Brien apart and makes us unique in central Wisconsin is our ability to utilize the experience of each of our attorneys to benefit our clients.
Every pedestrian accident case differs, and we believe in providing personalized legal representation. Whether you’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, or are dealing with long-term disabilities, our team takes the time to understand your specific circumstances and how the accident has affected your life.
Free and Confidential Consultations
We know the financial and emotional strain that comes with a serious injury. That’s why we offer free initial consultations to make the legal process easier for you. During this meeting, we’ll review your case, answer your questions, and provide an honest evaluation of your legal options—all with no upfront costs to you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Convenient Stevens Point Location
Our Stevens Point office is conveniently located just a few blocks from Centennial Park, making it easy for local residents to meet with our legal team. We understand the roads, crosswalks, and traffic patterns throughout central Wisconsin, where pedestrian accidents commonly occur, giving us valuable insight into building your case.
Beyond individual cases, we are committed to promoting pedestrian safety awareness and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation
The value of your Stevens Point pedestrian accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of ongoing medical treatment needed, and how the accident has impacted your ability to work and enjoy life.
Wisconsin law allows pedestrian accident victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and future medical care costs. It covers everything from emergency room visits and trauma surgery to long-term rehabilitation, prescription medications, medical equipment, and any modifications needed to your home or vehicle due to your injuries.
Non-economic damages address the pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life you’ve experienced because of the accident. These damages recognize that pedestrian accidents often result in more than just financial losses—they can cause permanent disabilities, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Our Stevens Point pedestrian accident attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to accurately calculate the full value of your claim. Our goal is to secure compensation that truly reflects the full extent of your damages and provides financial security for your recovery and future needs.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Stevens Point?
Stevens Point’s combination of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus creates numerous areas where pedestrians and vehicles interact, sometimes with tragic results. Our attorneys have handled pedestrian accident cases throughout central Wisconsin and have observed common accident locations and patterns in the Stevens Point area.
The downtown business district along Main Street sees heavy foot traffic throughout the day, with pedestrians shopping, dining, and conducting business. The area near the university campus is particularly busy, with student pedestrians crossing streets at various points, often during evening hours when visibility is reduced. Division Street, with its commercial establishments and heavy traffic flow, presents ongoing challenges for pedestrians trying to cross or walk along the roadway safely.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics show that pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur during evening hours when visibility is poor, with nearly 70 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents happening between 6 PM and 6 AM.
In Portage County, which includes Stevens Point, intersection accidents and mid-block crossings account for a significant percentage of serious pedestrian injuries. These statistics highlight the vulnerability of pedestrians and the importance of having experienced legal representation when you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident.
The Portage County Business Park area, with its mix of commercial traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure, also presents hazards for people walking in the area. Weather conditions unique to Wisconsin, including snow, ice, and reduced visibility during winter months, contribute to pedestrian accident risks throughout the Stevens Point area.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Stevens Point and central Wisconsin can occur in various situations and often result in serious, life-threatening injuries. Understanding the types of accidents and injuries can help you recognize when you need experienced legal representation.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents:
- Crosswalk accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks or turn without watching for people crossing.
- Intersection accidents happen when drivers run red lights or stop signs, striking pedestrians who have the right-of-way.
- Backing accidents involve drivers who fail to see pedestrians while backing out of parking spaces or driveways.
- Left-turn accidents occur when drivers making left turns fail to see pedestrians crossing the crosswalk.
- School zone accidents involve children walking to or from school being struck by drivers who fail to observe reduced speed limits.
- Parking lot accidents happen when drivers navigate crowded parking areas without adequate attention to pedestrians.
The physics of pedestrian accidents make serious injuries almost inevitable. When a 4,000-pound vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the human body absorbs tremendous force, often resulting in multiple injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Fighting the Insurance Company
One of the most challenging aspects of a pedestrian accident case is dealing with insurance companies that are determined to minimize their financial responsibility.
Insurance companies frequently try to blame pedestrians for their own accidents, claiming they were jaywalking, not paying attention, or somehow contributed to the collision.
They may argue that your injuries aren’t as bad as you say or that your medical treatment is excessive or unnecessary. Some insurance companies will make quick, lowball settlement offers, hoping you’ll accept them before you understand the full extent of your pedestrian accident injuries and future needs.
Without experienced legal representation, you’re at a severe disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies. They have teams of lawyers, investigators, and medical experts working to minimize your claim while you’re trying to recover from serious injuries and manage overwhelming medical expenses. The experienced attorneys at Anderson O’Brien know how insurance companies operate, and we’re prepared to counter their tactics with strong evidence and aggressive advocacy.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
First, seek immediate and ongoing medical attention for all injuries, no matter how minor they seem. Some serious injuries like whiplash and neck injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Follow all treatment recommendations from healthcare providers without exception. Attend all appointments, complete therapy programs, take medications, and follow restrictions. Insurance companies use treatment gaps against you.
Keep meticulous records of all medical expenses, lost earnings, and accident-related costs. Include prescription receipts, transportation costs, and missed work documentation. Consider keeping a daily journal of pain levels and physical limitations.
Obtain the police report if law enforcement responded. It provides important accident details, citations, witness statements, and fault conclusions.
Preserve all evidence, including photos of injuries, damaged clothing, accident scenes, medical records, bills, and correspondence.
Avoid discussing your case on social media or with anyone except your attorney and immediate family. Insurance companies monitor social media for posts to use against you.
Contact experienced pedestrian accident attorneys immediately. Wisconsin has a three-year statute of limitations, but waiting makes evidence gathering and case building more difficult.
How Our Stevens Point Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our Stevens Point lawyers help people hurt in pedestrian accidents get the money they deserve.
We start working on your case right away and collect proof before it’s lost, like traffic camera videos and phone records. We work with doctors to show how badly you’re hurt and figure out how much money you should get for medical bills, lost work, and future problems.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys also work with money experts to calculate what your injuries will cost you over time. We know how to deal with insurance companies who try to pay you less than you deserve.
While many cases settle without going to court, we prepare every case like it will go to trial. It helps us get better offers from insurance companies.
We get to know each client and their needs because every accident differs. We make a plan that works best for you and fight hard to get you the most money possible.
Who Is Eligible to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Stevens Point or central Wisconsin, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the responsible driver and their insurance company.
Injured Pedestrians
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking and suffered injuries as a result, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. It includes accidents that occur in crosswalks, on sidewalks, in parking lots, or on roadways throughout central Wisconsin.
Family Members of Deceased Pedestrians
If a pedestrian accident resulted in death, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It can include spouses, children, parents, and other dependents who suffered financial losses due to the death of their loved one.
Parents of Injured Children
Parents or guardians of children injured in pedestrian accidents can file lawsuits on behalf of their minor children to seek compensation for medical expenses, future care needs, and other damages.
Call Our Stevens Point Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Stevens Point or anywhere in central Wisconsin, don’t wait to seek experienced a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Pedestrian accidents can leave you with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. Even if the driver who struck you doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
The dedicated pedestrian accident attorneys at Anderson O’Brien have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to fight for your deserved compensation. They know the laws in your jurisdiction and can handle the legal challenges of a pedestrian accident case while you or your loved one recovers. Contact us at (715) 344-0890 for your free initial consultation.