Most Common Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania
Pedestrians are vulnerable to many types of accidents. They are often hit by cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians themselves. Injuries sustained during pedestrian accidents vary widely depending on where they are hit, what type of vehicle hits them, and whether they are wearing protective gear.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 2020, there were 146 fatalities and 2,788 injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents in the state of Pennsylvania. Here are the most common causes of pedestrian injuries in Pennsylvania:
Pedestrian Hit By a Car
This is the most common cause of pedestrian injury. A car or truck strikes a pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to fall and sustain injuries. Pedestrians are often struck by cars or trucks while walking across roadways. There are several common causes of these types of accidents. Some of the most common ones include:
- Drivers who fail to yield right of way to pedestrians crossing the street at crosswalks.
- Drivers who run red lights or stop signs.
- Drivers who drive too fast for conditions.
- Drivers who fail or refuse to wear seat belts.
- Drivers who drink alcohol before driving.
Pedestrian Hit By a Motorcycle
A motorcycle collides with a pedestrian, causing the motorcyclist to strike the pedestrian. This is usually caused by a driver failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian.
Pedestrians are often hit by motorcyclists. In fact, pedestrians account for about 25% of all motorcycle accidents. This is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania. If you’re walking on the road and a car hits you, you may be able to sue the driver if you were injured. However, this isn’t always true. Here are some of the most common causes:
- A motorcycle driver who doesn’t see you.
- A motorcycle driver is distracted by texting or talking on the phone.
- A motorcycle driver is speeding or driving too fast.
- A motorcycle driver running a red light or stop sign.
- A motorcycle driver turning left into traffic without looking both ways.
Pedestrian Hit By a Bicycle
Bicycles collide with pedestrians, causing the bicycle rider to strike the pedestrian. Bicyclists should always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Pedestrians are often hit by bicycles while walking on sidewalks, streets, and trails. In fact, pedestrian accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries among bicyclists. If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover damages if you were injured due to another person’s negligence. However, you should never assume that you won’t be able to collect compensation for your injuries.
Pedestrian Hit By Another Pedestrian
Two pedestrians collide with each other, causing one or both pedestrians to fall.
Pedestrian Hit By a Skateboard
A pedestrian trips over a skateboard, falling and injuring himself.
Pedestrian Hit By a Dog
A dog runs into a pedestrian, knocking him down.
What are common Injuries Sustained in a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians are particularly susceptible to these types of injuries because they are usually unaware of vehicles approaching from behind until it is too late. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents may include:
- broken bones
- head trauma
- internal bleeding
- spinal cord injury
- death
What Are Some Helpful Tips to Keep Pedestrians Safe?
Pedestrians should always walk facing traffic and watch out for cars turning left into their path. They should also pay attention to crosswalks and obey traffic signals. They should never assume that drivers will see them and give up their right of way. When walking along busy streets, pedestrians should use sidewalks whenever possible. This reduces the likelihood of being hit by a car. Pedestrians must also remember that they are responsible for their own safety. According to NCBI, children between the age of 10 and 15 have the highest non-fatal injury rates in the country. Drivers cannot see them when they are crossing the street. Pedestrians who are aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid collisions are much less likely to sustain serious injuries in pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrians can minimize their chances of being involved in a collision by:
- Walking slowly and watching where they are going.
- Using handrails and curbs to steady themselves when crossing roads.
- Wearing bright clothing so drivers can easily spot them.
- Avoid wearing headphones or listening to music.
- Paying attention to what is happening around them.
- Following posted speed limits.
- Keeping an eye on children playing near the sidewalk.
- Never jaywalking.
- Always look both ways before stepping off the curb.
- Remember to use crosswalks whenever possible.
- Remaining calm and following directions given by police officers.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians are often hit by cars while walking on sidewalks, streets, and crosswalks. In fact, pedestrian accidents are one of the most common causes of car crashes in Pennsylvania. If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, there are some steps you should take to make sure you get compensation for your injuries.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in helping people injured in pedestrian accidents.
- Make sure you document all of your medical expenses and lost wages.
- Keep records of any witnesses to the accident.
- Get copies of police reports and witness statements.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident Injury?
If you’re hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you. An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim against the driver who caused your injuries. A pedestrian injury lawsuit requires expert testimony to prove negligence. This means that the plaintiff must provide evidence that the defendant was negligent. Contact our experienced attorneys at Schuster Law today to learn how we can help you maximize your pedestrian accident settlement.
