In Pennsylvania, simply walking on the sidewalk can be dangerous. Pedestrians risk being seriously injured if a car or truck loses control or veers off the road and into their path as they traverse the streets. Sadly, pedestrians are frequently involved in automobile accidents and sometimes die due to their injuries. If such a tragedy occurs, it is crucial to have a pedestrian accident attorney on your side, such as Brandon J. Broderick. After sustaining injuries in a pedestrian accident, your or a loved one's immediate concern should be receiving medical care.

Calculating your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses and determining how you will be reimbursed can be a substantial burden. This is where Brandon Broderick's Pennsylvania attorneys come in, as they represent injured pedestrian accident victims. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney, places a high premium on compassion and integrity. Instead of worrying about your legal issues, you can focus on caring for your family and getting better. At the same time, we employ our expertise and dedication to achieve the best possible resolution.

It is essential to remember that retaining a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident attorney such as Brandon J. Broderick is initially free. We must win your case in order to be paid. It is in our best interest to obtain the largest settlement or award possible for you because we do not get paid if you do not win. There is also a good chance that an insurance company will attempt to offer you an insufficient settlement to cover your costs. This is typically the case if you do not have legal counsel. Do not place yourself in this situation; contact us today, and we will assist you in recovering from this setback.

The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania and other important information regarding filing a personal injury lawsuit following a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania.

Brandon J. Broderick: Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

File a Claim to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries and Expenses

No one is completely prepared to be involved in a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident. Being injured will increase your stress, especially if a personal injury lawsuit is imminent. Nonetheless, you need to know your rights and what you must do to protect them. Once an accident has occurred, it is typical for an insurer to attempt to contact the injured party directly to settle the case as quickly and cheaply as possible. In this manner, they will not be responsible for any future expenses that may arise.

You should not attempt to negotiate directly with the insurance company. In addition to covering the immediate costs associated with your accident-related injuries, your insurance policy may also cover medical costs, lost wages, and long-term treatment and rehabilitation. You likely qualify for everything.

We Are Trial Attorneys and Experienced Negotiators

Due to their financial resources, insurance companies are able to contest high-value injury claims. Hiring a lawyer, such as Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, as your advocate will significantly increase your chances of succeeding in your case. Our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will handle all communications with your insurance provider and work tirelessly to secure the settlement award you are entitled to. And if we are unable to reach an agreement, we will pursue the case all the way through trial. We will do everything possible to win.

We Will Stand By Your Side

It is comforting to know that Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is pursuing a resolution that is in your best interest. Your primary focus should be on recovering your health.

After a pedestrian accident, it may be difficult to organize your finances, recover from your injuries, and consider your next steps. Client care and communication: Our pedestrian accident lawyers place a premium on client service and communication. for you every step of the way to make sure you're taken care of.

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen? 

Even though some are more vulnerable than others, a car could hit any single pedestrian. According to the CDC, pedestrian accidents are more likely to result in injury for teens and young adults than they are to result in death for elderly people and small children. Alcohol also plays a factor. In fact, in almost half of all pedestrian accidents, the motorist or pedestrian is intoxicated. It is an extremely dangerous situation that nobody should have to deal with.

The Most Frequent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in the U.S.

Every driver is responsible for driving safely and in accordance with all laws. Accidents caused by unsafe driving practices can endanger not only the driver but also passengers and pedestrians.

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

As stated previously, alcohol is a significant factor in car accidents involving pedestrians. No one who has consumed alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications) should operate a vehicle.

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers endanger all road users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists. Distracted driving is when a driver's attention is diverted from the road, even for a moment, by activities such as texting, using a mobile phone, or using a GPS. This is another leading cause of car accidents.

Walking at Night

At night, it is significantly more difficult to spot pedestrians, especially those wearing dark clothing. Statistics indicate that the majority of pedestrian deaths occur at night.

Turning Motor Vehicles

Left-turning Drivers should be aware of pedestrians who may be crossing the intersection in order to avoid hitting them. Cars entering traffic may not pay attention to pedestrians on the opposite side of the street.

Speeding

In addition to being illegal, driving too fast may also be considered "reckless" by the law. Drivers who speed through intersections, run red lights, or otherwise disobey traffic laws may be responsible for pedestrian accidents, especially those resulting in severe injuries. Typically, reckless drivers are up for serious punishment, but this does not stop reckless driving in its tracks.

Vehicles in Reverse

Walking through parking lots poses significant risks for pedestrians. When drivers are distracted, do not pay attention, or are in a hurry, backing into people, particularly small children, can result in severe or even fatal injuries.

Who is Liable in Pedestrian Accidents?

Usually, at least in part, the driver is held accountable when a car strikes a pedestrian. A pedestrian who sustains injuries has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver to recover damages.

Since a pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right-of-way, the vehicle driver is almost always held liable (or deemed "at fault") for an accident involving a pedestrian.

In Pennsylvania, motorists must stop completely and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and all intersections. They must also hold their position until the pedestrian has finished crossing. If a pedestrian is struck within the boundaries of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, the law considers that the driver failed to exercise "duty of care" for the pedestrian's safety.

Pedestrians and drivers are subject to a "duty of care," which is a set of obligations. Within pedestrians "duty of care", they must use designated crosswalks, and they are required to always look both ways before crossing the street, but only when the crossing signs indicate that it is safe to do so. If a pedestrian runs into the road without giving oncoming traffic a chance to avoid them or is intoxicated while walking, they will share some of the blame for any accidents that result. In the state of Pennsylvania, a pedestrian is still entitled to seek comparable compensation, despite some fault. The pedestrian is able to seek compensation as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident.

Pennsylvania regulates accidents based on modified comparative negligence. All drivers in Pennsylvania are required to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in order to register a vehicle. Your own PIP coverage would first pay for any medical expenses, whether you were the driver or the pedestrian. The main source of coverage will be your own insurance policy, even if your car was not at all involved in the collision.

Sadly, the majority of collisions involving pedestrians involve serious injuries. As a result, there are instances when PIP coverage's limits may not be sufficient to cover all of your accident-related medical costs. It is possible that a car insurance policy will not provide coverage for pedestrians injured in a collision. Alternatively, your insurance provider might dispute the veracity of your assertions or your account of what happened leading up to the accident. These are just a few of the reasons why, in any of these situations, you should speak with a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you can after an accident to discuss your legal options. The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick will put in endless effort to make sure you get the full amount of your damages.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

The seriousness and long-term effects of your injuries will have a big impact on the value of your claim. Other elements that may affect value include intangible losses like pain, suffering, and a lower quality of life.

If a car hits you while you are walking, you should first try to get compensation from the driver of the car. In other words, you'll file a claim with the driver's insurer for your damages. If a hazardous road or traffic condition caused your accident, you might be entitled to compensation from a third party, like the municipality where the accident occurred. If a hazardous parking lot condition caused the accident, you might also be able to file a claim for compensation with the property owner's insurance.

Examples of compensation to which you may be entitled include:

  • Expenses for treatment and lodging
  • Rehabilitation
  • Ambulance Services
  • Medication prescriptions
  • Transportation to doctor's appointments
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

It is crucial to consider the possible outcomes when estimating the value of your case. Those who sustain injuries that may require long-term care or rehabilitation should file a personal injury claim for compensation for future medical expenses. Included should be the income that you would have made in the absence of the accident.

The law of modified comparative negligence in Pennsylvania allows accident victims to be compensated for their damages even if they contributed to the accident that caused them. You are entitled to compensation as long as your fault remains under 51%. The lower your fault is deemed in the accident, the higher the possibility of compensation

As stated previously, the amount of compensation you receive from the other party's insurance company will be deducted from your losses based on your degree of fault. As an example, an insurance company may declare you 30% responsible for a pedestrian accident in which the pedestrian was under the influence of alcohol. Your claim for $100,000 would be reduced to $70,000.

Deadline for Filing a Claim in PA

Personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years of the incident. If you believe the city or state is responsible for your injuries and decide to sue Pennsylvania, you must provide written notice within six months of the injury. After these deadlines have passed, you will no longer be eligible for compensation.

In any case, you should immediately consult with a pedestrian accident attorney. Time is required to build a strong case, which is best accomplished while the witnesses' memories are still fresh. Immediately consult a lawyer if you or someone you care about has been injured.

What are the Most Frequent Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents?

Numerous pedestrian accidents result in the victim suffering serious injuries because of the enormous difference in mass between the pedestrian and the vehicle. Usually, the car's bumper, hood, or windshield strikes the pedestrian, causing them to collide with the pavement. The following serious injuries could result from this kind of impact:

  • Traumatic brain damage
  • Broken bones
  • Amputations
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Fatal injury

How Dangerous is Pennsylvania for Pedestrians?

In Pennsylvania, pedestrian accidents pose a significant threat to public safety, with alarming statistics highlighting the severity of the issue. According to recent data, the state has witnessed a concerning increase in pedestrian fatalities and injuries. 182 pedestrian accidents resulted in death in 2021. Factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, impaired visibility, and inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians. The dangers are particularly pronounced in urban areas where traffic congestion and a high volume of pedestrians intersect with motor vehicles. The statistics reveal a pressing need for enhanced safety measures, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the risks faced by pedestrians.

Do I Need An Attorney If I have Been Involved In A Pedestrian Accident?

After a pedestrian accident, you are not required by law to retain the services of a lawyer. Personal injury attorneys, on the other hand, have the experience and knowledge necessary to collect evidence, interrogate witnesses, consult with specialists, and negotiate with insurance companies that you likely lack. Those who hire a lawyer have a greater chance of receiving a larger settlement than those who represent themselves.

We are Here to Assist you. Brandon J. Broderick is Available Day or Night for Legal Assistance

Accidents of any kind can have a negative impact on your life, particularly if you are injured. In a pedestrian collision, the likelihood of this is even greater. Your health, both physical and mental, as well as your financial situation, are at risk, which can cause anxiety. We have fought for our clients' rights against insurance companies and other attorneys for years.

The firm of Brandon J. Broderick places a premium on client care and positive results, which is why we are regarded as one of the best pedestrian accident attorneys in Pennsylvania. You can count on us to make every effort to resolve the issue. After being injured as a result of someone else's carelessness, you are not alone in seeking assistance from us. For a free consultation, please call or email us immediately.

Please do not experience this alone. Our offices are located in Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Leola, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Reading. Our Pennsylvania pedestrian accident attorneys will visit you if needed. Call (877) 640-5615 to get in touch with us.

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