Losing a loved one in a senseless tragedy can change your future in the blink of an eye. If you have lost a family member to a wrongful death caused by a pedestrian accident in Jackson, you owe it to yourself and other loved ones to seek justice. At Hearn Law Firm, a wrongful death lawyer will examine your case, negotiate for a satisfactory outcome, and support you while you grieve. Reach out to our wrongful death law firm in Jackson for guidance on how to move forward.
Pedestrians Are at High Risk of Death in Mississippi
Unfortunately, our state lost 86 pedestrians in accidents in 2023. This accounts for a fatality rate of nearly 3 deaths per 100,000 people, which ranks Mississippi as the 7th most dangerous state for pedestrians that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That ranking appears to be getting higher, with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reporting a nearly 27% increase in pedestrian traffic fatalities for 2024.
Victims often suffer serious injuries before passing away, while others are killed instantly. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your family member’s death, you have the right to file a wrongful death action against those at fault. The spouse, children, parents, and personal representative of the deceased are eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their losses.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accident Deaths
Most pedestrian traffic fatalities happen due to the negligence or carelessness of motorists. In some instances, the pedestrian may contribute to the accident, but this does not excuse drivers who ignore those who are walking near the roadway. Common reasons we see for wrongful pedestrian deaths include:
- A driver disregards a person using the crosswalk at an intersection.
- A driver sees a pedestrian walking along a street and wants to “teach them a lesson.”
- A motorist is using their cell phone (which is illegal in MS) and doesn’t see the person.
- An inexperienced driver doesn’t obey the right-of-way at a road crossing without pedestrian crossing signs.
- A distracted driver in a parking lot is looking for a parking space and ignores people walking around their vehicle.
Children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian injury and death because they often act impulsively. They may dash into a street without warning or walk away from a parent handling groceries or another child in a busy parking lot. No matter what happened to your loved one, your Hearn Law Firm attorney will determine whether you have a wrongful death lawsuit and hold those at fault accountable.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accident Case Can Be Complicated
In a pedestrian accident, there’s no doubt that the human being is in more danger than someone in a car or truck. Yet, it’s likely that there’s no one party entirely at fault. If your family member crossed a street against the light or otherwise played some part, the insurance company or other party may insist on a lower settlement.
Under the Mississippi contributory negligence law, any fault assigned to your loved one could reduce your compensation by the same percentage. Showing who is really to blame can be difficult, which is why it’s essential that you speak with a legal professional about choosing a course of action. In addition, you can’t wait too long, because the Mississippi statute of limitations only provides you 3 years to file a lawsuit, or you could lose your right to do so.
You don’t have to face the overwhelming matter of a loved one’s death in a pedestrian accident alone. Schedule a free consultation with a Jackson wrongful death lawyer at Hearn Law Firm to get the compassionate yet forceful legal representation you need today.