After getting into a car accident I called Barbara and it was the best decision I ever made. She is amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to represent me. She got me the best settlement to pay back my medi...
The fight with insurance companies is just as hard as fighting for your life after an accident. As long as you dont give up on yourself Barbara will fight for you. The staff at Kidwell and Gallagher were great as well. I...
These two are specialists in two related fields, personal injury and workmen’s comp. Both they and their staff were VERY responsive to me and my questions, and handled my case with patience and competence. I would,...
I feel like kidwell & Gallagher went above and beyond for me. Craig himself and his staff are so nice and helpful. I would highly recommend this law office for your workmans comp/injury needs. You will not be disappo...
The best place to go if you need good hometown lawyers. They are very informative and kept us updated on what was going to happen through out our case.
Was the best experience, we told them the problem and they took over everything, was such a relief. Always there to answer any questions and help is fast is possible.
I was at my job mountain crew changes there in the basement of kidwell and Gallagher
They weren’t able to help with my case, but they directed me to someone who could.
When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the outcome can be devastating and result in significant injuries and major legal consequences. Experiencing an accident of any kind is frightening and stressful, but pedestrian accidents are especially distressing.
Unfortunately, severe pedestrian accidents are more common in Nevada than in most states. Our personal injury attorneys understand the nuances of pedestrian cases and can provide comprehensive legal guidance on what to do next.
A car hitting a pedestrian in Reno often leads to severe outcomes, from broken bones to life-threatening trauma. Vehicle occupants have airbags and seatbelts for protection, but pedestrians are directly exposed, leaving them more vulnerable to head injuries, spinal damage, or internal bleeding. Immediate medical response plays an important role in stabilizing those harmed.
Nevada law also requires drivers involved in such incidents to stop and provide aid. Under NRS 484E.030, motorists must:
Failing to comply with these obligations is a criminal offense, adding further consequences for negligent drivers.
For pedestrians, injuries vary by speed, point of impact, and health condition at the time of the crash, but what remains consistent is the need for immediate evaluation and documentation. Emergency treatment protects health and establishes medical records that may later serve as important evidence in a legal claim.
These physical effects often create long-term challenges that extend beyond the emergency room, requiring rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and, in some cases, lifelong care.
As a pedestrian, you are extremely susceptible to serious injury or loss of life in the event of an auto accident. Without the protection that a vehicle provides, pedestrians involved in car accidents often sustain injuries that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Common injuries like head trauma and internal organ damage significantly impact your overall well-being and have permanent implications for your health. Head injuries are particularly common and can affect your ability to communicate, decrease your mobility, and impair total cognitive function.
Injuries such as these can lead to additional physical and psychological health decline,
considerable medical expenses, and lost wages. If you have sustained any injuries from a pedestrian incident, including the following, contact a reliable personal injury attorney to help understand your legal options.
Following a motor vehicle accident, legal assistance and guidance from a reliable personal injury lawyer can help simplify an otherwise complicated and tedious process.
Our accident attorneys can help navigate the claims process and gather evidence. Documents such as police reports and medical bills will demonstrate who caused the accident and the damages that occurred. After which, our lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Immediately following the accident, be mindful of the next steps to ensure your safety and initiate the protection of your rights.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Reno may pursue compensation even if they share some responsibility for the crash. Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule outlined in NRS 41.141. This statute allows injured pedestrians to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the incident.
For instance, a pedestrian who steps outside a crosswalk may bear some responsibility, yet liability may still rest primarily with the motorist if the driver was distracted or speeding. In that situation, damages would simply be reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault; for example, a 25 percent finding of negligence would lower the final award by the same amount.
The compensation available in a car hit pedestrian case is broad, covering far more than immediate medical bills. Victims may recover the costs of surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term rehabilitation, as well as prescription medications or adaptive equipment needed after the accident. Claims may include lost income during recovery and reduced earning capacity caused by lasting impairments. Non-economic damages often cover pain, suffering, and emotional distress, while property losses like damaged clothing or broken personal items can also be part of compensation.
Drivers who flee the scene or operate under the influence may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. Nevada imposes criminal penalties and civil damages, underscoring the critical importance of pedestrian safety. While insurance companies are key players in these claims, adjusters frequently try to reduce settlement amounts. They may argue that the pedestrian’s actions contributed significantly to the crash. This is why partnering with a professional Reno pedestrian accident lawyer is crucial to balance the scales and present strong evidence supporting the victim’s recovery.
A car hitting a pedestrian in Reno creates a situation where every action taken afterward carries weight. Your immediate actions can directly affect your health and legal rights. What you do in the moments and days following the accident may determine the strength of your claim, the quality of the evidence available, and eventually, the outcome of your case.
Here are the key steps pedestrians should follow:
In Reno, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the accident date. Waiting too long may forfeit the right to compensation. Acting quickly safeguards your case and gives your attorney time to collect evidence before it disappears.
In pedestrian accident cases, the person driving the vehicle often attempts to deny responsibility. Regardless of the details of the incident, you can seek justice for your injuries with the help of a reliable personal injury attorney.
While you focus on recovery and healing, our lawyers work diligently to build your case and recover optimal compensation for your injuries.
At Kidwell & Gallagher, we apply over 20 years of background and dedication to fight for you. Contact our trusted personal injury lawyer near Reno, Nevada, to schedule a free consultation.
Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Craig W. Kidwell who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.