Walking Accident on Sidewalk Injury Claim

You’re walking on the sidewalk, minding your own business, when suddenly a car jumps the curb and hits you. It shouldn’t happen sidewalks are supposed to be safe zones for pedestrians. But it does happen, more often than most people realize. When a driver loses control, misjudges a turn, or is distracted, that safety zone vanishes in seconds.

Why does this type of crash matter so much?

Being struck while walking on a sidewalk isn’t just an accident it’s usually preventable. The driver almost always bears legal responsibility because sidewalks aren’t meant for vehicles. These crashes often result in serious injuries: broken bones, head trauma, or worse. And since you weren’t crossing a street or jaywalking, the insurance company can’t easily blame you. That changes how claims play out.

What should you do right after it happens?

First, get medical help even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show up for hours. Then call the police. A report creates an official record, which matters later if you need to file a claim. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, the car, and where it ended up. If there are witnesses, get their names and numbers.

Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company without understanding your rights. They might offer a quick settlement, but those first offers rarely cover long-term costs like physical therapy or lost wages. You can learn more about what car insurance typically covers in cases like this here.

Who pays for your medical bills and lost time?

In most cases, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance is responsible. Their liability coverage should pay for your medical care, pain and suffering, and any income you lose while recovering. If their coverage is too low, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy might step in yes, even if you were on foot.

If you’re in Maine, keep in mind there’s a deadline for taking legal action. The time limit for filing a pedestrian injury claim is strict, and missing it means losing your right to compensation.

Common mistakes people make after being hit

Waiting too long to see a doctor gaps in treatment hurt your case.
Posting about the crash on social media insurers use this against you.
Accepting the first settlement offer it’s almost never enough.
Not getting witness info memories fade fast.

Should you hire a lawyer?

If you broke a bone, needed surgery, missed work, or still have pain weeks later yes. Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side. A lawyer who handles these kinds of cases regularly, like one near Augusta, knows how to calculate what your claim is really worth and push back when insurers lowball you.

Settlements vary widely depending on injury severity, medical costs, and how clearly the driver was at fault. While it’s hard to predict exact numbers, you can get a general idea by looking at what others received in similar situations in intersection-related cases though sidewalk hits often involve clearer liability.

How often does this actually happen?

More than you’d think. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports thousands of pedestrian injuries each year from vehicles leaving the roadway not just in crosswalks or intersections. Residential streets, parking lots, school zones anywhere a driver gets distracted or loses control. You can read their latest data here.