Philadelphia Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer
Philadelphia is a great city for walking, which is a great way to get some exercise, do your part for the environment, and enjoy everything that the city has to offer. At the same time, however, you’re especially vulnerable to the risks associated with traffic crashes, and even a relatively minor accident can leave you seriously injured. If you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a motorist’s negligence, it’s time to consult with an experienced Philadelphia lawyer.
Pedestrian Laws
In the State of Pennsylvania, pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing at marked crosswalks, but they are cautioned not to enter them when oncoming traffic is too close to allow their safe passage. Pedestrians also have the right-of-way over vehicles on the road when crossing at unmarked crosswalks and intersections, but they should ensure that oncoming traffic has the time necessary to come to a safe stop before proceeding.
Whenever pedestrians cross the street outside of a crosswalk or intersection, they must yield to traffic flow and shouldn’t cross until it’s safe to do so. You’re so vulnerable to the impact of an accident when you’re on foot that you should never cross the street before carefully assessing your safety.
Driver Negligence Is a Common Cause of Pedestrian Accidents
Motorists are often directly responsible for pedestrian accidents, and negligence in all the following forms is often the root cause:
- Impairment – Drunk drivers have a difficult time concentrating on the road ahead and often fail to see or safely account for the pedestrians they hit. Impairment plays a primary role in pedestrian accident statistics.
- Excess speed – Speeding makes it more difficult for motorists to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians, and the fact of their excess speed ensures that any accidents will be that much more dangerous.
- Distraction – Distracted drivers are more interested in whatever it is that’s distracting them than they are in the road ahead, and pedestrians can pay the ultimate price.
- Exhaustion – Drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers who experience many of the same impairments that drunk drivers do.
- Aggression – Aggressive drivers aren’t interested in complying with traffic laws, and pedestrians are often injured in the process.
Your Legal Damages
If a negligent motorist leaves you injured in a pedestrian accident, you can suffer immense losses in each of the following categories:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering