Pedestrian accidents have been steadily increasing in the U.S. over the years, with many pedestrians sustaining catastrophic injuries. Each year, hundreds of pedestrians are killed, while thousands sustain injuries. What happens when a driver’s negligence contributed to a pedestrian accident?
Because pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable parties on our roads and prone to the most extensive harm, they often suffer injuries that force them to miss work and incur significant medical expenses. Pedestrians are at risk for serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, organ damage, and more. At Matzus Law, LLC, our personal injury attorneys are highly skilled at helping victims navigate the legal system after a motor vehicle accident has caused them harm. Please contact us as soon as possible at (412) 206-5300 following your collision.
When a Driver is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Pittsburgh, PA
Depending on the circumstances of the case, a driver who has caused injuries to a pedestrian could face criminal charges for the accident. On top of that, they will likely be found liable for the injuries that the pedestrian sustained because of the accident. Many acts of recklessness lead to pedestrian accidents every year.
When a person fails to exercise their legal duty of care to another party, that’s called negligence. Drivers have a legal duty to watch out for pedestrians, especially those who are in designated crosswalks on our roadways. However, many drivers engage in careless conduct while driving. Some examples of negligent driving include, drivers who are speeding, those who are driving distracted because they are using their cell phone to talk or text, or people who drive intoxicated or who follow too closely behind other vehicles. Pennsylvania also engages in comparative fault rules, which means that if a pedestrian contributed to the accident in any way, they will only be able to recover a partial amount of compensation for their losses.
If a pedestrian decides to file a Pennsylvania accident claim, the driver will typically be held liable for both economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages from missed time at work, therapy costs, surgeries, and examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering
How Police Reports Can Be Beneficial in Pedestrian Accident Claims
When police are dispatched to the scene of a pedestrian accident, they will file a police report that will explain many aspects of the accident. Police will make preliminary findings and conduct an investigation of the circumstances leading up to the accident. Because many of these reports help decide who is legally at fault for the collision, they can be one of the most essential pieces of evidence in your claim. If they have determined that the driver is to blame, that will significantly increase the pedestrian’s chances of winning the claim.
Attorneys Are an Important Aspect in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly complex and involve a variety of laws that many pedestrians are not familiar with. If you believe that your accident took place due to an inattentive driver and you have sustained serious injuries, it is essential that you seek the help of an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Matzus Law, LLC represent clients injured because of pedestrian accidents in Pittsburgh, Butler, Green Burg, Washington, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (412) 206-5300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 310 Grant Street, Suite 3210, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.