Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Bala Cynwyd

Common Causes for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

We routinely see catastrophic injuries from pedestrian accidents, including paralysis, broken bones, traumatic brain damage, organ damage, lacerations, and spinal cord trauma. It is also not uncommon for these injuries to be fatal.

Vehicles can strike pedestrians when drivers are behaving in a careless or reckless manner. Local attorneys often see pedestrian collisions occur when drivers are:

• Distracted
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs
• Speeding
• Failing to yield
• Failing to use headlights at night or in poor weather
• Failing to check blind spots
• Failing to use turn signals

Pedestrian Rights

Pennsylvania General Assembly Title 75, Chapter 35 outlines pedestrian rights and duties that determine the validity of legal claims. The law states pedestrians must yield to drivers when crossing at non-intersection areas without crosswalks. Pedestrians who do not follow this law and sustain vehicle-related injuries can see their damage amount reduced or the case dismissed, depending on the facts of the specific case.

Pennsylvania state law mandates that motorists must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Those who disregard this requirement risk facing penalties such as fines. However, it's crucial to note that the law doesn't mandate a stop for pedestrians merely standing on the sidewalk.

For example, if a driver cruises through a crosswalk in Bala Cynwyd without stopping for a pedestrian, they might be fined for violating the law. On the other hand, if a pedestrian is merely standing on the sidewalk, the driver is not legally required to stop.

Despite having the right-of-way at crosswalks, pedestrians must remain attentive and exercise due caution. Pennsylvania traffic regulations stress the importance of vigilance while crossing, as not all drivers may abide by crosswalk rules. Therefore, as a pedestrian in Pittsburgh or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, keeping a watchful eye on oncoming vehicles can be crucial when crossing the street.

For instance, if you're crossing at a busy crosswalk during peak hours, it's vital to be extra cautious even though you have the right of way.

Regrettably, the actions of reckless drivers - whether due to aggressive, impaired, or distracted driving - can lead to disastrous consequences if they fail to respect crosswalk rules. A pedestrian could be hit, resulting in severe injuries. For example, a distracted driver texting while driving might overlook a pedestrian at a crosswalk, leading to a traumatic accident.

In the unfortunate event that a pedestrian is injured due to a driver's negligence in a crosswalk accident, they may be entitled to seek compensation. This can cover a range of expenses, including medical bills and lost income. The success of these compensation claims can significantly influence the future wellbeing of the injured party.

For instance, a pedestrian hit by a drunk driver in Bala Cynwyd may face hefty medical bills and loss of income due to their inability to work. An effective compensation claim can provide them with financial relief and support their recovery process.

Therefore, if you're a victim of a crosswalk accident in Pennsylvania, securing proficient legal assistance can be instrumental in your compensation efforts. A skilled lawyer with a thorough understanding of Pennsylvania pedestrian laws can help navigate your claim and fight for the justice you deserve.

What If the Claimant was Partially at Fault?

In Pennsylvania, a court must assign a percentage of fault to both plaintiffs and defendants to determine a claimant’s total recoverable damage award. An injured pedestrian in Bala Cynwyd can still seek financial compensation with the help of an experienced attorney, so long as the court does not find them to be more at fault for the accident than the defendant. However, the claimant’s total award will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Bala Cynwyd Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

If you or your loved one were hit by a negligent driver while out walking, you should not hesitate to seek guidance from a well-practiced attorney. Our team can answer any questions you may have and provide trustworthy advice on how to move forward with your claim. Call our office today and schedule your free case consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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