If a driver drives distracted, speeds or is negligent in any other way, and strikes a pedestrian, a personal injury lawyer can bring a claim on your behalf. The lawyer must show that the driver did not operate his vehicle safely, and that as a result, he caused you to suffer an injury. In a standard negligence case, the law requires the injured party to prove that the driver breached a duty of reasonable care to the pedestrian, and caused the pedestrian injuries.