Multiple pedestrians have been injured and killed in hit and run accidents with vehicles all across Pittsburgh this year. In January, a man was struck in the Homewood neighborhood at the 7300 block of Frankstown Avenue, and the driver left the scene. Later in March, a man was struck and killed at the intersection of Columbus Avenue at Chateau Street in Manchester on the North Side. The driver did not stay on the scene, and the pedestrian victim was declared dead at the hospital. Finally, a mother and daughter were injured in a hit and run accident this week in Fineview, and the driver left the scene.
Every year, there are many pedestrian accidents in Pittsburgh caused by negligent and reckless drivers. If you or someone you know has been injured walking in the city, it is critical that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Disney Law, your claims will get the dedicated attention they deserve. Call or text Robert Disney at 412-999-5765 or contact us at Disney Law today to schedule a free consultation of your case.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents represented around 3% of all traffic crashes in 2018 but account for almost 17% of all traffic accident fatalities. In 2018, there were 4,129 accidents reported with pedestrians statewide and 201 fatalities. The majority of pedestrian accidents occur when the walker is crossing the street or a driveway entrance, followed by accidents involving jogging or running on the street.
In addition, two-thirds of all pedestrian fatalities are male, and victims ages 75 years and older are most likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident with a vehicle. However, victims under the age of 19 years old are the most likely to be injured in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania. It comes as no surprise to many people that 60% of pedestrian accidents in 2018 happened in cities, as opposed to suburban or rural areas. More pedestrian accident injuries occur during daylight hours, but more fatalities happen at night.
There are many factors that cause pedestrian accidents in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include drivers failing to obey traffic signs and signals, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and failing to check for pedestrians before making left-hand turns. Drivers failing to check for pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks and improper lane usage also cause a number of pedestrian injuries and deaths every year. An experienced attorney will be able to review the facts of the case and determine who is at fault for your accident injuries.
Given the lack of protection a pedestrian has compared to a driver behind the wheel of a vehicle, the injuries sustained in these accidents are almost always entirely to the pedestrian, and these injuries are often severe. Some of the most commonly reported injuries in Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents includes:
If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you speak with a qualified pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after the case.
After a pedestrian accident, victims are entitled to collect both economic and noneconomic damages for their injuries. Economic damages refer to all out of pocket expenses caused by the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, loss of future income and benefits, and any damaged property. Noneconomic damages compensate the victim for all pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Currently, there are no caps on economic or noneconomic damages that a pedestrian accident victim can collect for their case.
However, it is important to note that Pennsylvania utilizes a modified comparative fault rule, which means that the court determines in every personal injury case the amount of fault for each party involved and reduces the overall compensation by that percentage. If a person is found to be more than 50% at fault, they are barred completely from collecting any compensation. For example, if a pedestrian is found 25% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages the final award is reduced to $75,000. In the same example, if the pedestrian is found 55% at fault, they collect nothing. Insurers are always trying to blame the victim for the accident in order to pay less for their claims, which is why it is critical that you have an experienced pedestrian accident attorney representing your case.
The recovery time for a pedestrian accident victim can take months, or even years, after the initial incident to reach maximum medical recovery. Even then, some victims face permanent and serious disabilities that will affect them for the rest of their lives. The last thing that a victim wants to deal with during their recovery is the legal aspect of their case. By hiring an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney, the burden of navigating the legal claims are lifted.
An experienced lawyer protects victims from insurance companies looking to settle cases quickly and for as little as possible. A lawyer knows what the claim is truly worth and will ensure that the settlement is fair. An attorney can do their own investigation into the case, interview witnesses, review medical records, and gather all relevant evidence to prove your claims. If the insurers are unwilling to settle for the full and fair value of the case, an experienced lawyer can take the claims to trial.
If you would like to learn more about your legal options after being injured in a pedestrian accident in the Pittsburgh area, call or text Robert Disney at 412-999-5765 or contact us at Disney Law today to schedule a free case consultation.
