Hazleton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
All across the country, there are millions of accidents every year. There are over 100,000 accidents on average in Pennsylvania alone. According to the Department of Transportation in the state, around three-fourth of these involve injuries. And, when it comes to pedestrian accidents, they represent around 3.2% of total crashes, but they account for 16.9% of all accident-related fatalities.
Pedestrians take a risk every time they head out to share the road with trucks, vehicles, buses, trains, etc. The very nature of a pedestrian versus vehicle accident can lead to catastrophic results given the weight of a vehicle making impact with your body. Many pedestrian accidents involve children and elderly people. Cars that are traveling over the speed limit can strike an elderly person who is not able to cross the street as quickly as someone younger. Even those who take every precaution are at risk of being struck by a moving vehicle.
If you or a loved one were pedestrians injured in an accident, you need a skilled Hazleton pedestrian accident lawyer in your corner. When you retain a lawyer, he or she will help prepare the strongest case possible to help you get the compensation you deserve. At O’Donnell Law Offices, we have years of experience helping Pennsylvania clients get the compensation they deserve.
Where Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Pennsylvania
According to the DOT statistics, most pedestrian accidents occur when someone is entering a crosswalk or specified location like a driveway entrance, mid-block, etc. Next, the majority of accidents occur while someone is walking, running, playing, or jogging. A number of people are also struck while standing still.
The majority of pedestrian injuries occur during daylight hours, but the majority of fatalities happen at night. You might assume more fatalities occur on streets with no lights, but actually, more injuries and fatalities occur in areas with street lights.
Common Types of Injuries Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the most common types of injuries we see in accidents involving pedestrians include:
- Torn muscles, ligaments, tendons
- Spinal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Crushed or severed limbs
For victims that are lucky, you might walk away with a muscle strain or sprain and a few contusions and lacerations. However, for others, broken bones and more severe injuries tend to be the norm. Unless it’s a minor tap, the potential for catastrophic injuries is rather large.
How Negligence Plays a Role in Pedestrian Accidents
There are countless ways that you can be involved in an accident. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle is the one at fault in these types of claims. Some negligent acts that can cause a pedestrian accident include:
- Texting while driving
- Failing to yield-of-the-way to pedestrians
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Making an illegal U-turn
- Driving while intoxicated
- Poor lighting in parking lot
- Failure to warn pedestrians of dangers
- No visible crosswalk
Contact a Hazleton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t pursue a claim on your own. Let a skilled Hazleton pedestrian accident lawyer help. Contact O’Donnell Law Offices today to schedule an initial consultation.
