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Pedestrian accidents are devastating. Medical bills pile up, and missed paychecks drain your savings. But Ohio law gives you the right to hold reckless drivers accountable. Compensation is on the table. The key is working with a lawyer who knows how to get it.
At TopDog Law, our network of Ohio pedestrian accident lawyers helps people like you every day. Call (888) 778-1197 now, and a local attorney will review your case and explain your next steps.
When a car strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are usually severe. These aren’t fender benders. Human bodies weren’t built to take this kind of punishment. Here’s what commonly shows up in these cases:
Ohio law doesn’t leave much room for guessing about who has the right of way or when legal action is possible. Here are the main laws that impact pedestrian accident claims:
When a car slams into a pedestrian, the damage isn’t measured in scrapes and bruises. It’s measured in hospital bills, missed paychecks, sleepless nights, and the long road back to normal life—if normal ever returns. That’s why people ask about compensation. Not because they’re greedy, but because they need it to survive.
The law in Ohio recognizes this, and if someone’s negligence injured you, you have the right to pursue damages. But what’s your case actually worth? That depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and even how the driver behaved behind the wheel.
Here’s how compensation breaks down.
Economic damages are the easy ones to tally because they’re based on actual costs. If there’s a receipt, a bill, or a pay stub, it goes in this column. These damages are intended to make you financially whole—or at least as close as possible.
These damages are about what the accident took from you that isn’t easily measured in dollars. Ohio law acknowledges these losses, even if they don’t show up in a spreadsheet.
Punitive damages exist to punish the other party and making an example out of them. Ohio law, specifically Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.21, allows for punitive damages when the defendant’s actions showed “malice or aggravated or egregious fraud,” or when they knowingly disregarded someone else’s rights or safety.
Think drunk driving, street racing, or hit-and-run situations. If a driver’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, punitive damages may come into play.
Some parts of Ohio see pedestrian accidents more frequently than others—and once you look at the data, it’s easy to see why. High traffic areas, distracted drivers, and risky intersections form a dangerous mix. It doesn’t take much for a casual walk to turn into a hospital visit.
Some counties seem to show up on the radar year after year. Based on the Ohio Department of Public Safety pedestrian safety bulletin, Franklin County, Cuyahoga County, and Hamilton County lead the state in pedestrian accidents. Between them, they account for more than half of all pedestrian-related crashes in Ohio. These are dense, urban areas where cars, buses, and pedestrians all cram into the same streets.
Some roads in Ohio have gained a reputation. For example:
Once the dust settles, the insurance company shows up. Not to help—but to protect its own bottom line. Their adjusters aren’t paid to be fair. They’re paid to settle claims quickly and cheaply. And they’ve got a toolbox full of tricks to do it.
Skipping follow-up appointments or ignoring doctor’s orders doesn’t just slow your recovery—it gives the insurance company ammo. They’ll argue you made things worse by not taking care of yourself. Stick to the plan. Attend every appointment. Follow medical advice down to the letter.
The official report lays out what happened, who was involved, and what witnesses said. Request a copy from the local police department as soon as it’s available. This document lays the groundwork for your claim.
Start a journal. Document your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how the injuries disrupt daily life. This helps explain the real impact of your injuries beyond the medical charts.
Don’t give a recorded statement. Don’t answer loaded questions. Insurers look for anything to twist your words. Let a lawyer handle the talking. They know how to keep things focused on facts, not opinions.
Posting photos at a family barbecue, even if you’re sitting down the whole time, makes it look like you’re doing just fine. Insurance companies watch for posts they can use against you. Stay off your accounts or keep them locked down.
A good attorney will use every piece of evidence to build a case that’s hard to argue with. The more you bring to the table, the stronger your claim starts.
Call (888) 778-1197 today. A local lawyer will review your case and explain your next steps—no guesswork, no nonsense.
