Pittston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Collisions between pedestrians and motorists occur much more often than most people realize. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that as many as 70,000 pedestrians are injured in pedestrian accidents every year, which means that a pedestrian is injured approximately every eight minutes. Tragically, 4,280 of those individuals passed away as a result of their injuries.
Fortunately, pedestrians who are injured in collisions with motorists are often able to recover damages compensating them for their accident-related losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about filing a claim after your own pedestrian accident, please contact one of our dedicated Pittston pedestrian accident lawyers today.
Common Pedestrian Accident Causes
Pedestrian-motorist collisions, like any other type of car accident can occur just about anywhere and at any time. There are certain activities, however, that are more likely than others to cause pedestrian accidents, including:
- Driving while under the influence;
- Falling asleep at the wheel or driving while fatigued;
- Driving while distracted;
- Failing to yield the right of way;
- Speeding;
- Improperly changing lanes or weaving between vehicles; and
- Tailgating or driving aggressively.
These types of activities can affect drivers anywhere on the road, but tend to be even more likely to cause collisions with pedestrians in certain areas, including:
- Parking lots and garages;
- Residential commercial driveways;
- Marked crosswalks;
- Sidewalks;
- Intersections; and
- Residential streets.
When drivers cause these kinds of collisions, they can be held liable by the injured parties. However, pedestrian accidents cannot always be chalked up to driver carelessness, but to the negligence of other individuals or entities, such as municipalities and third party contractors. For instance, failing to construct proper pedestrian walkways, instituting excessive speed limits, failing to repair malfunctioning traffic lights, and using improperly designed intersections all result in thousands of accidents every year. In these cases, injured parties have the option of filing a claim against the city or state itself, although doing so requires compliance with specific filing requirements, making it especially important for those who are injured in these kinds of accidents, to speak with an experienced attorney before proceeding with their claims.
Common Injuries
Because pedestrians do not have the benefit of seat belts and airbags, the injuries they sustain in collisions with motorists tend to be particularly devastating and often include:
- Head trauma;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Broken or crushed bones;
- Amputations;
- Lacerations; and
- Emotional trauma.
Treating these types of severe injuries is both difficult and expensive, especially for pedestrians whose injuries are permanently debilitating. Fortunately, past and future medical expenses, as well as lost wages, and property damage can all be reimbursed by the at-fault party. Additionally, pedestrians who suffer particularly horrific injuries or who witnessed the death of a loved one could qualify for non-economic damages compensating them for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Schedule a Free Case Review
For help filing a claim against the driver or other individual or entity who was responsible for your own pedestrian accident, please call the dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers at the O’Donnell Law Offices today. We can be reached at 570-821-5717 or via online message, so please don’t hesitate to call or contact us online at your earliest convenience.
