Compensation for a Pedestrian Hit By a Car in PA
Philadelphia, United States - May 4, 2023 / Justice Guardians /
No one plans on being struck by a car while crossing the street, but unfortunately, pedestrian accidents occur. In Pennsylvania, pedestrians who are injured in an accident with a motor vehicle may be eligible for compensation if certain criteria are met. This article will explore what these requirements are and how victims of such accidents can get compensated in Pennsylvania.
That’s where the pedestrian accident lawyers at Justice Guardians come in. Their team of experienced attorneys has the knowledge and skill to investigate these accidents and hold the negligent parties accountable. They are dedicated to getting their clients the maximum compensation they deserve for the injuries and losses they have suffered. Their legal team understands the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that these accidents can cause, and are committed to helping clients get the justice they deserve.
High-rated hospitals that treat pedestrians who got hit by a car:
- Jefferson Methodist Hospital
- Mercy Philadelphia Hospital
- Jefferson Frankford Hospital
- Pennsylvania Hospital
Pedestrian Accidents Overview
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 1,914 reported pedestrian accidents in 2019, resulting in 1,500 injuries and 144 fatalities. That amounts to an average of five pedestrian accidents with injuries every single day.
Pennsylvania imposes strict liability on drivers if they injure an individual while operating a motor vehicle negligently or recklessly. This means that even if the driver did not intend to cause harm, they could still be held liable for damages suffered by a pedestrian victim as long as negligence can be proven in court. Negligence includes failing to follow applicable traffic laws or driving by conditions at the time such as speed limits or weather warnings. Damages typically sought include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement costs, and property damage expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
When pursuing compensation after being injured in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle, individuals should contact an experienced attorney familiar with cases like theirs so that all available remedies can be explored and pursued accordingly. Doing so will help ensure fair outcomes are achieved consistent with Pennsylvania law governing such incidents.
Insurance Coverage For Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian fatalities made up 16% of all traffic fatalities in 2018, according to the NHTSA. Pedestrians are constantly at risk of being involved in a life-altering accident. In Pennsylvania, the statistics on pedestrian accidents are grim. Pedestrians who are hit by a car in Pennsylvania may be able to receive compensation for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, victims of a pedestrian accident can seek payment from the at-fault driver's personal injury insurance or other sources. Medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages could all be recovered through an insurance claim.
In some cases, the at-fault driver’s car insurance company will pay out claims related to a pedestrian accident. The victim of the accident should contact the relevant insurance companies as soon as possible after the incident to begin filing a claim. These steps must be taken quickly because many auto insurers have strict deadlines by which claimants must submit paperwork.
Seeking legal advice from a lawyer experienced with pedestrian accidents can also help ensure that any potential damages are pursued correctly. An attorney familiar with dealing with insurance companies can provide invaluable guidance throughout this process. They can also work closely with medical providers to make sure they get paid appropriately for services rendered due to the accident. With expert legal representation, pedestrians injured in Pennsylvania may be able to recover fair compensation for their losses resulting from being struck by a vehicle.
Establishing Negligence In A Pedestrian Accident
When it comes to establishing negligence in a pedestrian accident, the general rule is that a driver must yield to pedestrians when they are crossing the street. In these cases, the negligent driver may be held liable for any injuries or damages sustained by the injured party. To determine whether liability exists in an accident involving a pedestrian, courts consider several factors including the speed of the vehicle at impact and whether there were other vehicles involved in the accident. Additionally, Courts also look into how far away from the crosswalk was the pedestrian attempting to cross the street and if appropriate safety precautions were taken before crossing.
For a claim to be successful against a negligent driver, it must be proven that their actions caused injury or harm to another person. This can require collecting evidence such as eyewitness testimony and medical records as well as analyzing police reports and traffic laws which might have been violated at the time of the incident. If successful, compensation awarded may include payment for medical expenses incurred due to treatment of injury, lost wages due to time off work while recovering, pain and suffering experienced following the collision as well as punitive damages imposed on the driver found guilty of reckless driving resulting in an accident with a pedestrian.
It is important for those who have been hit by a car while walking across a street to seek legal advice from an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who will help them understand more clearly their rights under personal injury law and represent them during negotiations with insurance companies as well as court proceedings should the case go before a judge.
Common Pedestrian Injuries From A Car Accident
A pedestrian accident can be like being hit by a ton of bricks. Such accidents frequently cause serious injuries that may require expensive medical treatment and ongoing care for the injured pedestrian. In many cases, the victim is entitled to compensation through various means such as an insurance claim or personal injury protection (PIP) claim.
Common injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Broken bones are one of the most common injuries associated with a pedestrian accident. The force from the vehicle hitting a person on foot can result in fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. If not set correctly or treated quickly enough there may be long-term problems resulting from this type of injury.
- Head trauma is another major issue following a pedestrian accident due to impact on the car's hood or windshield. This could lead to traumatic brain injury which impacts mental health including memory loss and difficulty concentrating; temporary paralysis; vision impairment; hearing issues; dizziness; anxiety and depression; along with physical impairments such as reduced mobility.
- Spinal cord damage often occurs when a person’s back collides with something hard during an accident—such as concrete ground or even part of a vehicle involved in the crash—causing permanent disability ranging from partial paralysis to complete quadriplegia.
- Internal organ damage can also occur if organs are crushed due to impact or punctured by broken glass fragments present at the scene after a collision takes place.
- Psychological trauma includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, flashbacks, fearfulness, and anger outbursts which can all have significant effects on daily life activities for victims suffering from them after their accident experience has occurred.
Injured pedestrians should consult experienced legal professionals who specialize in handling accident cases involving pedestrians so they understand their rights better and receive appropriate support throughout their claims process for fair compensation for their pain and suffering caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness behind the wheel while driving motorized vehicles on public roads across Pennsylvania state lines where similar incidents take place every day despite laws meant aiming at preventing them occurring in the first place before PIP claims need filing each time they do happen unexpectedly.
Pennsylvania Laws Governing Pedestrian Accidents
The state of Pennsylvania requires drivers to be aware of pedestrians while driving and take reasonable care when approaching them on roadways or at intersections. This means that if a driver is negligent in causing an injury to a pedestrian, they can be held liable for any damages caused by their negligence. Therefore, an injured pedestrian can make a claim against the driver who caused the accident and seek financial compensation for their injuries.
Under PA law, personal injury lawyers can help victims of a pedestrian accident recover medical expenses, lost wages from missed work due to recovery time, pain and suffering as well as other costs related to the incident. A skilled Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyer will be able to review all evidence associated with the crash and determine what type of legal action should be taken.
Moreover, experienced attorneys understand how insurance companies operate and may even negotiate directly with them on behalf of their clients to ensure that full and fair compensation is sought after. They also provide invaluable advice regarding filing deadlines so victims do not waive important rights related to seeking damages from those responsible for their injuries. Examples include:
- Filing claims:
- Gathering evidence
- Submitting documentation
- Understanding statutes:
- Investigating liability issues
- Analyzing applicable laws
By working closely with an attorney knowledgeable about pa law pertaining to these types of cases, it becomes much easier for victims of pedestrian accidents to receive financial restitution owed under state laws. In turn this helps promote safety among pedestrians since reckless drivers know they could face expensive penalties if found guilty of negligence leading up to an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
File A Lawsuit For Medical Bills After A Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians injured in car accidents may have the right to make a claim for medical bills. In Pennsylvania, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits provide coverage of medical expenses related to an accident involving a motor vehicle. These benefits can be used by pedestrians who are injured as a result of contact with such vehicles. PIP claims for medical bills after a pedestrian accident must be made within two years from the date of the incident and require proof that the injuries were caused by contact with a motorized vehicle. The claimant must also prove the financial responsibility of the driver involved in order to receive compensation.
It is possible to receive payment for medical bills incurred following a pedestrian accident if certain conditions are met and the proper steps are taken when pursuing legal action against those responsible for causing such harm. Experienced attorneys understand what needs to be done in order to maximize one's potential recovery and should be consulted prior to initiating proceedings against negligent parties.
Legal Rights Of The Victim In A Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Claim
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, they have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. In Pennsylvania, pedestrians who are injured due to the negligent actions of another driver may be eligible to receive damages if they can prove that the other party was liable for causing their harm. The amount of compensation available will depend on the specifics of the case and any evidence presented in court.
In addition to seeking monetary damages from the at-fault driver, an injured pedestrian may also use their own health insurance coverage to pay for medical bills or treatment related to the accident. If necessary, victims may also pursue legal action against any parties deemed responsible for their injury. This includes filing personal injury lawsuits which could result in further financial awards depending on how successful these proceedings turn out to be.
It is important that those involved in such cases understand their rights and responsibilities as outlined by Pennsylvania law regarding civil claims involving bodily injury or property damage resulting from negligence. Victims should consult with experienced attorneys familiar with state laws surrounding pedestrian accidents so that proper steps can be taken toward obtaining justice and full compensation for losses suffered due to another’s careless behavior.
Get Compensated After Being Hit By a Car
Payouts and penalties for car accidents involving pedestrians in Pennsylvania can vary, depending on the specifics of the incident. Pedestrians who have been hit by a vehicle can make a claim against the driver or owners of that vehicle through a personal injury case, to get compensated for any damages they may have incurred due to the accident.
In order to receive compensation after an auto-pedestrian collision, it is important to understand how insurance policies work in this state. Every motorist must carry mandatory coverage on every car they own; however, if their policy does not offer sufficient protection from liability, then another party will be responsible for paying out any claims made by injured parties. This could include parents or guardians of teenage drivers as well as employers who provide vehicles for business purposes.
It is also essential to remember that there are time limits associated with filing a lawsuit for compensation after being involved in a Pennsylvania car accident. A pedestrian has two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim; otherwise, their rights to seek legal action may be forfeited entirely. Therefore, anyone affected by such an event should take steps immediately towards securing justice and monetary damages so they will not miss out on potential compensation opportunities afforded them under law.
Insurance Claims And Settlement Agreements After An Injury
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, they may be able to get compensated with an insurance claim or settlement agreement. Compensation can come from several sources depending on the type of auto accident that occurred and the coverage provided by the car insurance policies involved in the accident. Those injured in an automobile accident can most commonly receive compensation through bodily injury liability coverage offered by most vehicle owners’ car insurance policies. In situations where parties are uninsured or underinsured against medical costs associated with their injuries, health insurance would kick in next as a source of financial protection for medical expenses related to accidents involving vehicles. Additionally, if there was negligence or recklessness on behalf of one party involved in the accident, punitive damages could also be sought when filing claims for personal injury settlements. Ultimately, it depends on the specifics of each individual case and should be discussed directly between both parties to determine who will bear responsibility for payment of damages incurred during such unfortunate events.
Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Offer Free Consultations
The causes of these tragic accidents range from distracted drivers to malfunctioning traffic signals and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. Regardless of the cause, the victims of these accidents are left with life-altering injuries and the emotional trauma of surviving a traumatic event. In some cases, the negligence of another party is the cause of the accident, and the victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses.
If someone has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the pedestrian accident attorneys at Justice Guardians can help. Their experienced attorneys will fight for victims to get compensation for their injuries and losses. Contact them today to schedule a free consultation. Their local law office serves the following areas, including but not limited to Philadelphia, Center City, Rittenhouse Square, Bell Vista, Queen Village, Dickinson Narrows, South Philadelphiassyunk Square, Girard Estates, Point Breeze, Fairmount, Poplar, Ludlow, Yorktown, North Philadelphia West, Cecil B. Moore, North Philadelphia East, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Glenwood, PA.
Contact Information:
Justice Guardians
1515 Market St suite 825-A
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
Charles Petrone
(215) 974-6376
https://justiceguardians.com/pa/philadelphia-personal-injury-lawyer/
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