Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Navigating Philadelphia by foot can be rewarding and economical, and as a major city, Philadelphia has its share of pedestrians. But when drivers don’t respect their rights, pedestrians can be killed or badly injured through no fault of their own.

The NHTSA found that pedestrian auto accidents accounted for nearly 10 percent of all Pennsylvania traffic fatalities in 2008. A collision between a car or truck and someone on foot is no contest at all, pitting an unprotected human body against two tons of speeding metal and glass. The result can be wrongful death or paralysis, brain injuries and other permanent disabilities.

If you were involved in an accident, contact a Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer. Our attorneys at Rosenbaum & Associates are here to fight for your rights and help you recover compensation. Contact our firm to see how we can help.

Why Choose Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

We have extensive experience pursuing compensation for injured pedestrians and will aggressively fight for your rights.
We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients and can help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
We take pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe any legal fees if we don’t win.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Being hit by a vehicle can be devastating, and you may be facing a lengthy recovery while unable to work. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation from an at-fault driver, but that doesn’t mean their insurance company will offer a fair settlement. An insurer’s goal is to minimize their liability and pay as little as possible, including placing blame on you. With that in mind, a Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorney can step in by conducting an independent investigation into your accident and collecting the evidence needed to support their negotiations for the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Philadelphia?

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are relatively common in Philadelphia. The leading causes can vary by the party that is at fault; for example:

At-Fault Motorist

Distracted driving (e.g., cell phone use, eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, etc.)
Failure to yield to a pedestrian
Unsafe or illegal turns
Speeding
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs(DUI)

At-Fault Pedestrian

Ignoring traffic light signals
Walking outside of a crosswalk
Walking on the road rather than a sidewalk
Walking along a highway
Jaywalking
Intoxication

Other potential causes can involve third-party liability. For instance, hazardous road conditions such as potholes or improper signage or defective vehicle parts (e.g., brake or tire failure).

Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?

Statistically, pedestrian auto accidents are often the driver’s fault. Although Pennsylvania law requires pedestrians to take reasonable care, drivers still have a legal obligation to yield to pedestrians whenever they can, even when the pedestrians are doing something unsafe. The law requires special courtesy when the pedestrian is a young child, elderly or incapacitated. Nonetheless, some drivers ignore this responsibility, impatiently going around stopped traffic or corners without considering who might be in a crosswalk. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers have also seen plenty of cases involving drivers who were drunk, drugged or fatally distracted.

No matter what the reason, pedestrians injured by a negligent driver have the right to hold that person legally and financially responsible for the results. A Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorney help clients specifically sue for money to pay for all past and future medical bills and any lost income, as well as compensation for their physical and emotional injuries. If you or someone you love was hit by a car whose driver wasn’t paying attention, you should call Rosenbaum & Associates today to tell us your story and learn how we can help.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Pedestrian accident victims may be able to recover compensation for the following:

Medical Expenses

Any previous ongoing and future medical care expenses related to the accident injury.

Lost Wages

Any income lost from being unable to work while you recover and the amount you will likely lose in the future. If you experience a decrease in your ability to earn an income or are forced to go into a different line of work, you can also obtain compensation for diminished earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for the physical and/or emotional pain and suffering the accident has caused you.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not awarded in every pedestrian accident case, as they are designed to punish a defendant for extremely reckless or malicious conduct.

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Philadelphia?

The statute of limitations is a law that dictates the amount of time a person has to file a claim with the court after a personal injury. In Pennsylvania, claims for pedestrian accident cases must be filed within two years from the accident date. If you fail to pursue a claim within that period, the court will likely prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.

There are some scenarios in which the time limit can be “tolled” or delayed. If you are concerned about the amount of time you have left to pursue a claim, speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Our Experienced Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Rosenbaum & Associates, we offer free consultations, so potential clients can ask us about the strength and value of their cases with no further obligation or charge. If you or a loved one have been injured or wrongfully killed due to a negligent driver – you and your family deserve compensation. Call the experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum & Associates today for questions or a free case evaluation at (215) 569-0200