A pedestrian accident can forever change a person’s life. While many people assume that pedestrian accidents are caused by motor vehicles alone, there are actually many different types of accidents to which a pedestrian may fall victim. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, talk to our pedestrian accident lawyers in Newtown, Pa., to get help recovering benefits. Call us at 215-642-2335.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles are often the most devastating type of accident a pedestrian can be involved in. However, walking can be dangerous, even when motor vehicles are not present. Other types of pedestrian accidents include slips, trips and falls, as well as injuries incurred from falling signage, debris or construction site materials .All types of accidents can cause serious and life-threating injuries for a pedestrian.
Injuries Resulting from a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians are vulnerable; unlike motorists, they have no protections to shield them from dangers. As such, the injuries that pedestrians incur are often severe.
For example, a pedestrian who is struck by a motor vehicle, experiences a slip and fall accident, or is hit by falling signage or debris may sustain injuries including, but not limited to, those listed below.
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- External injuries, such as severe lacerations or cuts
- Death
For pedestrians, being involved in an accident is devastating. Many of the injuries listed above can lead to long-term or even permanent disabilities. These injuries can prevent a victim from being gainfully employed, enjoying activities and hobbies, or even caring for oneself.
Liability for Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania
Whenever an accident involving a pedestrian occurs, the victim should start exploring liability. In many cases, the accident occurs due to someone else's negligence. Often, negligence falls on the shoulders of a distracted, aggressive or impaired driver or the owner of an improperly maintained property, presenting hazards to those walking. For example, debris that falls because it is improperly contained is an example of property owner irresponsibility, as are improperly maintained sidewalks that have cracks.
In order to hold a driver or a property owner liable for pedestrian injuries, the victim will have to prove that the driver/property owner acted outside of what would be considered normal and reasonable behavior by either driving poorly or illegally or by failing to correct a known hazard (like an uneven walking surface). If liability can be proven – and our pedestrian accident attorneys in Newtown can help establish fault and liability – then the pedestrian will be able to recover damages.
Damages Available to an Injured Pedestrian
By filing a personal injury claim, an injured pedestrian may be able to recover damages. An injured pedestrian can recover economic damages, such as the cost of medical expenses, future medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, a victim can recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. There are no caps on economic or non-economic damages in the state of Pennsylvania.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Newtown Today
If you need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit for damages following a pedestrian accident in Newtown, the attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC, can help. If you’re an accident victim, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible – the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case expires two years after your pedestrian accident, according to Pennsylvania code section 5524. To begin filing your claim, call us now at 215-642-2335.
