Pittsburgh Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Veteran Pennsylvania Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims in Allegheny County, PA
Walking or running outdoors provides an opportunity for pedestrians to remain physically fit while also reducing their carbon footprint. Despite this, in many parts of Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania, motor vehicle traffic may be heavy and roadways are not always designed for safe pedestrian travel. This factor, in combination with the advent of smartphones and other distractions for pedestrians and drivers alike, has led to an unfortunate uptick in the number of pedestrian accidents in the area—which, in many cases, are caused by the simple fact that drivers are not paying sufficient attention to pedestrian traffic. Skilled Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers can help after suffering a pedestrian injury.
While a negligent driver may, in some extreme cases, face criminal charges for striking a pedestrian and causing injuries, to recover financial compensation for your injuries it will often be necessary to work with the responsible party’s insurance company. Unfortunately, not all pedestrian accidents are cut-and-dry, meaning that drivers often contest liability and attempt to place the blame on the pedestrian.
At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are here to make sure that the victims of pedestrian accidents are fairly compensated for their injuries. We know that your injuries may be severe if you were struck by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian and are here to handle the heavy lifting in negotiating with the insurance companies, preparing your claim and advocating on your behalf every step of the way.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in the Pittsburgh Area
Pedestrian accidents are alarmingly common in the Pittsburgh area—and most of these accidents are caused by negligence on the part of someone driving a motor vehicle. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian
- Ignoring a stop sign or red light
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
Although many pedestrian accident cases result in serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, loss of limbs or severely broken bones, if you are able to function and take steps to document the scene after the accident, you should:
- Call the police and request immediate medical care
- Take photos and videos of the scene (or ask someone else to do so)
- Obtain the contact information of the driver and any witnesses to the accident
- Look around carefully—small details, such as the presence of skid marks, the presence or absence of a crosswalk, the weather and time of day can provide valuable evidence in establishing the driver’s responsibility for the accident
Action Steps a Pedestrian Can Take to Avoid Accidents in Western Pennsylvania
Although you may not be responsible for causing an accident as a pedestrian, it is ultimately you, as the person who is not protected by a vehicle, who will suffer the most serious injuries. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent pedestrian accidents in the first place if possible by taking these steps:
- Always use the sidewalks or walk as close to the edge of the road as possible,
- Try to cross roadways only in marked intersections and when you are certain vehicular traffic is clear if the intersection is not equipped with “walk” signals for pedestrian traffic,
- Wear brightly colored clothes, especially when walking at night,
- Try to make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle before crossing an intersection to ensure the driver has seen you,
- Avoid wearing earphones and using smartphones or other electronic devices when walking, as these types of distractions can make it difficult for you to act quickly to prevent an accident or even hear vehicles approaching.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Western Pennsylvania? Schedule a Free Initial Consultation to Discuss Available Compensatory Damages in Your Accident Case Today
Although you technically have two years in which to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party who caused your pedestrian accident, the reality is that the success of these cases often depends upon how quickly our lawyers are able to begin gathering evidence. At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our skilled Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to begin work immediately to get the best possible outcome in your case, so call or contact our offices today for a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases
Not all pedestrian accidents are as clear-cut as they would seem—in fact, many drivers involved in pedestrian accidents may claim that the pedestrian darted out in front of the car or otherwise acted unreasonably so as to cause the accident by not giving the driver sufficient time to stop. Depending upon the evidence at hand, the driver of a motor vehicle may have any number of defenses available—making the support of an experienced pedestrian accident crucial in these cases.
Pedestrian accident cases can result in injuries that are particularly severe to the pedestrian, who is simply no match for a heavy, moving motor vehicle. Even if the driver admits fault, there is no guarantee that you will receive a settlement offer that is fair—because it is usually the driver’s insurance company, not the actual driver, who has the authority and ability to pay compensation for your injuries. Our experienced lawyers have handled these cases before, and we know that a simple release from the hospital is not the end of your medical needs. You may face years of physical therapy, inability to perform your previous job and even difficulty enjoying hobbies, sports and other activities that you previously loved. We make sure you are compensated for all of this, in addition to just your initial medical bill.
