Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Everyone has been a pedestrian at some point in their lives. Whether you walk for miles or just across the street, you have more than likely been out on the road with vehicles. And while walking is a great form of exercise, it’s not necessarily safe.
Pedestrian accidents happen on a daily basis. Drivers don’t watch where they’re going. Pedestrians may dart out in front of cars.
Getting hit by a car is not a lot of fun. You could suffer catastrophic injuries. Many people die.
Have you or a loved one been a victim? If so, Needle Law Firm can help. Let our Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers assess your case.
Pedestrian Laws in Pennsylvania
As a pedestrian or motorist in Pennsylvania, you may wonder about the laws in the state, especially when it comes to yielding. Here are the rules you should abide by:
- When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, the driver must yield.
- If a pedestrian crosses the street and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles.
- Pedestrians should never dart out unexpectedly into the path of a moving vehicle.
- Pedestrians should look left, right, and left again before stepping out into the street.
- As a motorist, it is illegal to pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- When crossing at an intersection with traffic signals, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic control devices.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Failure to yield right of way. The right of way laws are listed above and should be followed at all times.
- Going too fast makes it harder to slow down and avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Distracted driving. When a driver is focused on texting, eating, reading, adjusting the radio station, talking to passengers, or dealing with pets, they’re not paying attention to the road.
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but it’s also unsafe. These substances reduce judgment and reaction times, making it harder to stay on the road without getting into an accident.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
When it comes to an accident between a pedestrian and a vehicle, the pedestrian is the one who is at a severe disadvantage. Vehicles have a lot of protection. Pedestrians? Not so much. They are exposed and unprotected, so in an accident, the pedestrian may suffer serious injuries, such as:
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Torn ligaments
- Muscle and tissue damage
- Nerve damage
Contact Needle Law Firm Today
Pedestrian crashes can be very dangerous. Many people are killed in these types of accidents and those who survive often must deal with long-term injuries.
Contact the Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers from Needle Law Firm if you have been a victim. We’ll help determine liability so you get full and fair compensation. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call (570) 344-1266.