Pedestrian Hit on I-64 Dies From Injuries

One of three pedestrians hit by a van on I-64 on Friday died over the weekend, the Kentucky Herald-Leader reports. 

According to a news release from the Kentucky State Police, a 65-year-old man of Morehead died at 8:15 p.m. Sunday. 

Two other men were also struck in the accident on the eastbound side of I-64 in Carter County. One remains in serious condition at a hospital in Huntington, W. Va. The other man was treated and released. 

The men were in a Toyota pickup truck pulling a U-Haul at 4:30 p.m. Friday when they pulled onto the shoulder and got out of their car. They were hit by a GMC van, but police said they have not determined whether the men were on the shoulder or in the road when the accident happened. 

Pedestrian accidents can have tragic consequences. Because pedestrians are not shielded from harm by airbags or other safety equipment, they often suffer serious injuries, including brain injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and burns or lacerations. More than 4,000 pedestrians died and 59,000 suffered personal injuries in collisions in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Pedestrians have the right of way in traffic, but are also responsible for exercising caution by using crosswalks when available, obeying traffic signals and taking reasonable precautions to make sure that drivers see them before stepping into their path. Kentucky law requires a driver to come to a full stop for pedestrians, even when in unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians, however, may be held at least partially to blame for their injuries if they are hit because they did not cross a road legally or were in violation of known traffic laws. 

If you or someone you love was struck by a car, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle in Kentucky, you may be entitled to compensation if the driver caused your injuries. A monetary award from a personal injury lawsuit can be vital in helping accident victims pay for necessary medical treatment and provide financial cushioning for short-term or permanent disabilities as a result of the wreck.