Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia are a serious concern, with urban streets and heavy traffic contributing to hundreds of injuries and fatalities each year. As a densely populated city, Philadelphia sees more than its share of pedestrian activity, whether for commuting, leisure, or exercise. According to the City of Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, Philadelphia has a higher number of pedestrian fatalities compared to similar cities.
When accidents occur, victims can suffer life-altering injuries. Benedum Law helps pedestrian accident victims seek justice and compensation for injuries caused by another negligent party. If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident in Philadelphia, contact Benedum Law to speak with a skilled and compassionate Chestnut Hill personal injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Philadelphia
Pedestrian accidents often result from the negligence of drivers or unsafe conditions on the road. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, using their phones, or engaging in other distractions can fail to notice pedestrians in time to stop. - Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop quickly, increasing the likelihood and severity of accidents involving pedestrians. - Failure to Yield
Many accidents occur at crosswalks when drivers fail to give pedestrians the right of way as required by Pennsylvania law. - Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and the ability to see pedestrians. - Poorly Maintained Roads
Cracked sidewalks, broken traffic signals, or inadequate street lighting can create hazards for pedestrians.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe injuries because pedestrians have no protection from the force of a collision. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries caused by impacting a vehicle or the ground.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Broken Bones: Fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, or ribs, are common.
- Lacerations and Bruising: Cuts and scrapes can require stitches and leave permanent scars.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
Pedestrian Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law protects pedestrians by imposing specific duties on drivers, including:
- Yielding to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Exercising caution in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as school zones or parks.
- Refraining from passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
Despite these protections, pedestrian accidents still happen, often leaving victims to deal with physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Legal Options for Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. To maximize your recovery, it’s essential to understand the legal process. To hold a driver liable, you must show they were negligent. This could mean proving they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise at fault. In addition to proving fault, it is necessary to build a strong case that proves the damages you suffered. In a pedestrian accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for harm such as medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs.
When pursuing a pedestrian accident claim, it is important to understand the role comparative negligence can have in personal injury cases. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows victims to recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident, although their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If more than 50% to blame for the accident, the victim cannot pursue a claim at all. A personal injury attorney will work to prove the full extent of the other party’s negligence to ensure the success of a claim and maximize recovery.
Why Work with a Personal Injury Attorney?
Trying to resolve a pedestrian accident claim on your own can be confusing and time-consuming, especially when you are trying to recover from an injury and get your life back in order. Accident victims who seek legal representation are more often successful and obtain higher recoveries than those who go it alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help by, for instance, investigating the accident and gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation, and representing you in court, if necessary, to fight for your rights.
At Benedum Law, we are dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims in Philadelphia seek justice and rebuild their lives. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
Contact Benedum Law for Skilled Legal Representation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Philadelphia, Benedum Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team will advocate for your rights and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 215-529-7848 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward. Let us handle the legal aspects so you can focus on your recovery.
