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Pedestrian Accidents

A Pedestrian Is No Match For A Motor Vehicle

When a car and a pedestrian collide, the results are far too often devastating and even deadly. With over 5,000 people killed each year in traffic accidents, pedestrian accidents can change lives forever in just a moment. Even moving at slow speeds, the human body is not equipped to handle a collision with a two-ton projectile such as a motor vehicle.

Individuals who are involved in such accidents can face a lifetime of medical expenses. At Rehmeyer & Allatt, our attorneys help State College victims obtain the compensation they need for their long road to recovery.

The Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents

It is everyone’s responsibility to behave legally and safely while at or near a roadway, but many car drivers struggle to safely operate their vehicles around pedestrians. These drivers can engage in risky behavior that contributes to accidents, often injuring or killing the pedestrians they hit. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Intoxicated driving: It is harder for drunk drivers to notice pedestrians on the side of the road, especially in the dark, which leads to pedestrian injuries and accidents.
  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting are not looking at the road, meaning it is easy for them to miss oncoming pedestrians. Additionally, any other distracted driving behavior such as changing the radio, eating food, drinking or grooming can result in accidents as well.
  • Speeding: Drivers may fail to slow down and abide by speed limit signs, often increasing the trauma inflicted on the victim by their increased speed.
  • Running red lights: When failing to stop at red lights, drivers can hit pedestrians making use of a crosswalk, resulting in damaging injuries for pedestrians.
  • Ignoring street signs, including stop signs at crosswalks: By failing to abide by posted traffic signs, drivers can miss important indicators of pedestrians, including crosswalk signs, school zones, children at play and other important information about pedestrians in the area.

Pennsylvania State Laws Regarding Pedestrians

Within the state of Pennsylvania, legislators have passed important laws to help ensure the safety of all pedestrians at roadways or when moving with traffic. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at any intersection with lights. Pedestrians are required to give the right of way to all motor vehicles on the road when not in a crosswalk, to ensure the safety of themselves and the drivers.

Pedestrians also need to walk against the flow of traffic when walking on a road without sidewalks. Unfortunately, not everyone knows these important safety laws, and this can result in dangerous consequences for both pedestrians and drivers.

We Can Help You Recover Damages For Your Injuries

Pedestrian accidents are complicated and often messy legal battles, and an experienced lawyer can make the difference. If you are injured, you can receive awards to help with medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and more. Call us today at 814-343-9860 for a free review and consultation of your case. You can also contact us by email.

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