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Last month, a man from Philadelphia was walking through an intersection when he was hit by a car traveling at a high speed. The man was thrown into the wall of an apartment building, yet survived the crash. It was one of the most gruesome accident scenes Philly residents had seen in some time. It’s not yet clear what caused the accident, but video footage seems to indicate the driver was negligent. In fact, when looking at the common causes of pedestrian accidents below, driver’s negligence is largely to blame for these types of crashes.
Left-hand Turns
Whenever a pedestrian is walking straight through an intersection, and a driver is turning left at that same intersection, it’s dangerous. The pedestrian is looking straight ahead, in the direction they are walking. Drivers are also looking straight ahead, watching for vehicles coming through the intersection. When there are no other cars, the driver turns, not watching the crosswalk or area pedestrians may be walking, and crash into those on foot.
Distracted Driving
While texting while driving is banned in Pennsylvania, drivers continue to engage in the practice. When they do, they take their eyes off the road and don’t see pedestrians nearby. Pedestrians should also make sure they are not distracted by their phones when they are out walking. If they do, they could be found partly liable and any compensation they are awarded could be reduced.
Impaired Driving
Like texting while driving, it is also illegal to drive while impaired in Pennsylvania. This is for good reason, too. When motorists are impaired, their reaction time is slowed, they can’t fully concentrate, and they can’t make reasonable decisions. Many times impaired drivers don’t see pedestrians, or they don’t see them in time to stop or slow down. When a person breaks the law, they may face criminal charges. However, accident victims can also hold them civilly liable.
Lack of Crosswalks
Even when crosswalks are present at an intersection, pedestrians still get hit. When there is no marked crosswalk though, the chances of a pedestrian accident are even greater. A lack of crosswalks is a very dangerous situation and in addition to holding drivers liable, accident victims may also be able to hold a government entity responsible.
Reckless Driving
Driving behaviors such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting off other motorists all lead to pedestrian accidents. When drivers engage in these behaviors, they show a blatant disregard for the safety of others and can be held liable for an accident.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Call a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
There are many causes of pedestrian accidents. However, most of these crashes are due to a driver’s negligence. When that is the case, victims need the help of a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we know that accident victims have rights, and we work hard to ensure they are upheld. If you’ve been injured, call us today at (215) 610-3440 or contact us online. You may be entitled to compensation, and we want to help you get it.
Resource:
nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/A-Pedestrian-Was-Slammed-Against-Wall-and-Miraculously-Came-Out-Alive_Philadelphia-509769072.html
https://www.mtvlaw.com/can-you-sue-your-landlord-in-philadelphia/
