When a car accident occurs, several people can get hurt. This includes drivers of vehicles, like cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and pedestrians. Pedestrians can get directly hit by a vehicle or they may be impacted by flying objects caused by the collision. Because the pedestrian does not have the shell of a car to protect them, they may get seriously injured.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbia County, PA, you need a good lawyer on your side. Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP will see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.
Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pennsylvania is full of busy cities and drivers have a lot of their minds. This increases the risk of a pedestrian accident occurring. Here are some 2017 statistics to consider.
- Pedestrian accidents accounted for 3.2% of all accidents and 13.2% of fatalities.
- 150 pedestrians were killed in Pennsylvania accidents in 2017.
- 5977 pedestrians were killed in accidents nationwide in 2017.
- 70% of pedestrians killed in accidents were male.
- 61.5% of pedestrian accident injuries occurred during the day but 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night.
- Allegheny, York, Delaware, Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties saw the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities in the state.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There are several reasons why a pedestrian accident can happen. Here are some of the most common.
- Left Turns: When a car is making a left-hand turn, they may be looking out into traffic and may not see a pedestrian that is approaching from the right.
- Backing Up: Drivers may back up without seeing a pedestrian behind them. Accidents like these are especially common if there are children behind the car that are too small for the driver to see.
- Jaywalking: Pedestrian accidents are not always the driver’s fault. They may occur if the pedestrian jaywalks or crosses the street against the light.
- Debris in the Road: Debris in the road may cause the driver to swerve or stop short creating a hazardous situation for pedestrians. The debris may also fly around and hit a nearby pedestrian. If the debris was created by nearby construction, the city or the contractor may be responsible for the accident.
- Equipment Failures: A car may be unable to brake or function properly due to equipment failure. If equipment failure causes an accident, the manufacturer or car mechanic may be to blame.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Drivers must be extra careful of pedestrians and nearby vehicles if roads are slippery or if there is poor visibility.
- Illegal Maneuvers: It is up to a driver to minimize the risk of an accident by obeying traffic signs and lights, driving within the speed limit, and not driving fatigued, distracted, or intoxicated. Failure to do so can result in serious injuries.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
There are many types of injuries that can occur in a pedestrian accident. Because pedestrians are likely to be thrown forward when impact occurs, upper body injuries are most common. These can include neck injuries that lead to chronic pain and paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that can result in cognitive issues, and face injuries that may require reconstructive surgery.
Upper extremities such as the shoulders, arms, hands, and wrists may also become injured. These types of injuries can lead to ongoing pain and restricted range of motion.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for My Pedestrian Accident Injury?
The kind of compensation you can get for your pedestrian accident injury will vary according to the extent of damages. Here are some types of compensation you may be looking at.
Lost Wages: Lost wages may be awarded for any time taken off work for recovery. You may also be covered if you are unable to return to work at all or if your injuries force you to take a lower paying position.
Emotional and Physical Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accident injuries can greatly reduce quality of life. In many cases, at fault parties will be responsible for reimbursing you for emotional and physical pain and suffering. It is difficult to put a monetary value on these types of damages, but your lawyer will use their years of experience to come up with an amount that is fair.
Medical Expenses: You may be compensated for any medical expenses incurred immediately after your accident, as well as ongoing expenses for things like wheelchair ramp installation, in-home nursing, medication, and more.
Wrongful Death: If the pedestrian accident victim dies, at fault parties may be responsible for compensating their family for lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional pain and suffering.
Staying Safe on the Road
Pedestrians and motorists can do their part to decrease the risk of a pedestrian accident by following these safety suggestions.
- Pedestrians and motorists should obey all traffic laws and signals.
- Pedestrians and motorists should avoid distractions while walking or driving on the street. They should not be on their devices or be doing anything that takes away from their ability to focus on the conditions around them.
- Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing that makes them more noticeable to vehicles.
- Pedestrians should cross at crosswalks when they have the right of way, and they should walk in the crosswalk at a right angle.
- Pedestrians should never run out in front of an oncoming vehicle.
- Pedestrians should use the sidewalk whenever possible.
Why Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP is Your Best Choice for Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Representation
A pedestrian accident can result in serious damage. It is important to have a reliable lawyer by your side.
Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP has extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims in the Columbia County, PA area. We are known for our affordable rates, our attention to detail and our winning results. We will see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.
Do not let at fault drivers get away with reckless behavior on the road. Call Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP for a free consultation and take the first step in getting the closure you need to move forward with your life.
