Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Certain areas are more prone to pedestrian accidents. Intersections with heavy traffic flow and complex signal systems pose significant risks to people on foot. Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians while turning or overlook someone crossing the street, or they might not know when they have the right of way. Poorly marked or inadequately lit crosswalks also increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when visibility is low. Another hotspot for pedestrian accidents is urban areas with high population densities and activity, such as Philadelphia. Busy city streets, characterized by congested traffic, distracted drivers, and a constant stream of pedestrians, create a challenging environment for both motorists and those on foot. Areas near schools, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs also tend to experience higher rates of pedestrian accidents. Residential neighborhoods with narrow streets, poor visibility, and lack of designated crossing points can also be prone to pedestrian accidents, particularly in areas where speed limits are not strictly enforced. That is a real concern for neighborhoods with small children and older ones who might run into the street.

Pedestrian accidents happen for different reasons, often stemming from driver negligence, poor judgment, or a disregard for safety. Understanding the common causes can help individuals take proactive measures to decrease risks. Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions take their eyes off the road, posing a significant threat to pedestrians.
• Failure to yield: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or other designated crossing points can cause devastating collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or the presence of pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Poor visibility: Low light conditions, bad weather, or obstructed views due to parked vehicles or foliage can impair a driver’s and pedestrian’s visibility, heightening the risk of an accident.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, endangering pedestrians.

If you find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident, take immediate steps to protect your well-being and legal rights:

• Contact emergency services: Call 911 for help. Once they arrive, law enforcement officers can examine the scene and write up a police report.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not feel injured at first, you should get a medical evaluation to assess any underlying injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Internal organ damage and other injuries might not show symptoms for hours, days, or weeks. Traveling to a hospital in an ambulance is not always necessary, but you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
• Gather evidence: Collect relevant information, including the driver’s contact information, license, and insurance card. Snapping photos is the fastest way to do this; use the camera to take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene. If witnesses are present, ask a police officer to speak with them and get their contact information.
• Refrain from admitting fault: Avoid making statements or apologies that could be construed as an admission of liability, as it could impact your ability to pursue compensation later on.
• Consult a lawyer: Contact an experienced Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyer to evaluate your case.

If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, it is prudent to enlist the services of a seasoned attorney. Retaining a pedestrian accident lawyer in Pennsylvania will significantly enhance your likelihood of receiving compensation. If negligence contributed to the accident, you may be entitled to much larger compensation than the insurance company initially offers. A lawyer can safeguard your rights.

Pedestrian-car accidents often lead to severe injuries such as fractures, brain trauma, and spinal cord damage, necessitating expensive medical interventions, including surgeries. A specific law is in place to safeguard pedestrians in Pennsylvania. This law ensures that the medical expenses of an injured pedestrian are compensated up to the limit specified in the relevant auto insurance policy. Additionally, a pedestrian injured in an automobile accident can pursue medical coverage under Pennsylvania law by filing a personal injury protection (PIP) claim. Here is how Pennsylvania’s personal injury protection coverage law is structured:

• Your own insurance provider.
• Your parent’s or spouse’s insurance provider.
• The insurance provider of the at-fault vehicle driver.

This means that if the pedestrian has their own auto insurance policy, they can file a claim under that policy. However, suppose they lack such coverage and are not included in another individual’s policy as a household member. In that case, the responsibility for covering the claim falls on the driver involved in the pedestrian accident. This hierarchy outlines the order for medical coverage in Pennsylvania.

The statute of limitations dictates the period you must file a lawsuit. This varies from state to state, but it is two years in Pennsylvania. You have two years from the accident date to initiate legal action against the negligent driver responsible for your injuries. It is important to note that failing to act within this time limit can result in the forfeiture of your right to claim compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.