Were you walking down the sidewalk, or crossing the street, and seriously injured in an accident involving a vehicle? According to the NHTSA, pedestrian fatalities increased 27% from 2007-2016, while all other traffic deaths decreased by 14%. In Pennsylvania, pedestrians have the right of way when you are on a sidewalk or at a crosswalk with no traffic signal. Drivers involved in a traffic accident with a pedestrian on foot may be liable in other cases as well.
Our personal injury lawyers represent victims in cases of serious medical injuries or wrongful death caused by automobile accidents. If you are injured due to the negligence of a driver, it doesn’t matter that you were not in a vehicle at the time you were harmed. We will fight for the compensation that you deserve.
What Causes These Accidents?
It’s unfortunate that there are so many ways that cars and trucks can become deadly, but far too often, drivers are speeding, running a red light, or otherwise operating in an unsafe manner. Here are the common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Intoxicated driving
- Running red lights and hitting pedestrians in the crosswalk
- Right turns through crosswalks without looking for pedestrians
- Distracted driving, such as driving while texting
- Illegally parked cars making it difficult to see pedestrians and bicycles
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
In a collision between a car and a pedestrian, the results are almost always inevitable, and the injuries from these accidents are both severe and one-sided. The lawyers at McEldrew Purtell have helped pedestrians who have suffered:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Amputations
These injuries don’t just cause extensive pain and suffering, but they also carry with them staggering medical expenses. A personal injury suit can help you handle the heavy burden brought on by the driver’s negligence.
Other Pedestrian Injuries
There are other ways to be severely injured while walking as a pedestrian. Slip and fall injuries on icy or dangerous sidewalks, open manhole covers, falling debris from construction projects, and slippery stairs to SEPTA transportation. Negligent property owners may be liable for some or all of your injuries, including medical bills and other economic damages.
If you or a loved on are injured due to the negligence of a driver, property owner, or construction project, don’t hesitate to contact our team of lawyers today by filling out our form or calling (215) 545-8800. We are hard-working lawyers for hard-working people.