Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Reckless Behavior

Philadelphia offers many opportunities for pedestrians to explore and see what the city has to offer. Whether you’re walking to your favorite restaurant in Center City or crossing the street while visiting downtown, a driver who isn’t paying attention can turn a pleasant stroll into a life-changing accident. Accidents involving pedestrians can result in extensive injuries and long recovery times for the victims, and the at-fault party should be held accountable for their negligence.

At Full Court Justice, we’re proud to help Philadelphia residents as they fight to hold the person responsible for their injuries liable in a court of law. If you were injured in an accident and aren’t sure what your next steps should be, start by calling (215) 770-0282 to schedule a free initial case consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm.

What Are Most Pedestrian Accidents Caused By?

Pedestrian accidents occur in a matter of seconds, and it’s not always clear what happened in the immediate aftermath. While several factors can and often do contribute to an accident, here are some of the most common causes we see.

Driver Negligence

Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are on their phones or otherwise engaging in distracted driving are more likely to violate traffic rules, which can create a dangerous environment. They may also not be paying attention to their surroundings and fail to notice a pedestrian using a crosswalk within enough time to yield.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speed limits are posted for everyone’s safety and ensure that drivers aren’t operating too fast for road and traffic conditions. Speed limits are lower in residential areas that are likely to have a higher level of pedestrian traffic. A driver who is speeding through neighborhoods or operating recklessly, such as not stopping at a stop sign, dramatically increases the chance of an accident.

Impaired Drivers

Someone who is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has a slower reaction time and less spatial awareness, making it more likely they will fail to notice a pedestrian or be able to react in time to avoid an accident. Drivers can be impaired by alcohol and illegal drugs, but it’s also possible for someone to cause an accident if they are taking legal prescription or over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness or lack of coordination.

Malfunctioning Crosswalks

Safe crosswalks rely on precise timers to provide safe signals to pedestrians who are crossing busy roads. If those signals malfunction and tell a pedestrian to cross at the wrong time, it could result in an accident. While the driver still has the responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and look around before moving through the intersection, a third party, such as the city, could be legally liable if their equipment wasn’t working correctly.

These are only a few of the situations that can result in a pedestrian accident. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident that was someone else’s fault, the team at Full Court Justice is here to help. Our attorneys can help you determine who can be held responsible for your injuries and damages.

What Makes a Pedestrian Accident Case so Serious?

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, it doesn’t take much of an impact to cause catastrophic injuries. Automobiles like cars and trucks are reinforced steel boxes that are specifically designed to withstand the impact of another vehicle at a moderate rate of speed while protecting the driver and any passengers inside. In contrast, the human body has relatively no protection against this kind of impact. Every year, dozens of pedestrian fatalities occur across the state of Pennsylvania, and even when the victim survives, they can be left with significant impairments.

The injuries in pedestrian accidents tend to be severe and often include multiple broken bones and serious internal injuries. In many cases, these victims face long recoveries that can involve multiple surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and even potentially lifelong impairment. There is also often a significant impact on their mental health. Pedestrian accident victims may experience depression and anxiety in the aftermath. They may isolate themselves from family and friends or be scared to get into a vehicle or even leave their home. These kinds of injuries may not be visible, but they are just as impactful to someone’s daily quality of life.

Common Pedestrian Injuries

Because the pedestrian’s body takes the full and direct force of the impact, even a low-speed or “minor” accident can result in serious injuries, such as:

• Necessary amputations of limbs
• Fractures and broken bones, often multiple or of larger structures such as the pelvis
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries

Every injury, course of treatment, and recovery timeline can be different. While some pedestrian accident victims may walk away with just a few scrapes and bruises, others could have permanent changes in their mobility and ability to be independent. A pedestrian accident attorney can help you document the full extent of your injuries for the court and prepare a strong case to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that victims can still recover compensation from the other party as long as the victim was less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. These cases can be complicated, and first-party benefits coverage may also need to be taken into consideration before a pedestrian accident claim can be filed. 

You should always consult an attorney about the particulars of your case to find out what laws and exceptions may apply. If you have grounds to file a personal injury claim, you may be awarded compensation for:

• Medical expenses already incurred and those that are expected in the future
• Lost wages for unpaid time off work while recovering
• Reduced earning capacity if you aren’t able to continue in your job or a similar line of employment
• Out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries, such as paying for transportation to appointments or buying medical devices
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Impact on your quality of life

Many people aren’t aware of all the things that can go into calculating compensation, and as a result, may over- or undervalue their claims. Meeting with an attorney can help you establish accurate expectations for what you may be entitled to and help you recover maximum compensation through a lawsuit.

How Do You Know If You Have a Case?

Whether you have a case after you were injured in a pedestrian accident depends on what happened, who was at fault, and how severe your injuries are. In personal injury cases, you need to be able to show that the other party was negligent in some way and that those actions caused your accident and, therefore, your injuries. Evidence that can be used to prove negligence and causation can include police reports, eyewitness statements, phone records, GPS data, and medical records. Our attorneys can help you understand what documentation and other evidence can support your claim.

We’ll also ensure you understand who may be liable for your injuries and what the process of filing a lawsuit will look like for your case. We want to make sure that you fully understand all of your rights and options so you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed.

Our Experienced Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help

At Full Court Justice, we know how devastating pedestrian accidents are, and we’ve witnessed the injuries and difficulties victims and their loved ones often face in the aftermath. Our team wants to help. We’re here to handle your claim, from determining who can be held liable to calculating a fair amount of compensation. We can communicate with insurance companies and review any settlement offers to ensure they are fair and reflective of your damages.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Philadelphia, contact Full Court Justice at (215) 770-0282 We’ll help you pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.