When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, it is usually the pedestrian that is left severely harmed with potentially life-threatening injuries. For example, the driver of a van was speeding on 67th Street when it hit a 57-year-old man who was crossing the street. If that was not bad enough, the negligent driver decided to flee the scene of the accident, leaving the pedestrian to fend for themselves, according to 6 ABC News. The pedestrian wound up losing his life as a result of the collision.
Sadly, fatal pedestrian accidents are becoming more common in Philadelphia and across the United States. In Philadelphia, nearly half of all auto accidents deaths in 2016 involved a pedestrian. In fact, pedestrian and bicyclist account for more than half of traffic fatalities, according to the Bicycle Coalition.
Nationally, the numbers are just as disturbing. According to the Washington Post, the death rate in pedestrian accidents between 2010 and 2015 increased by 25 percent. That is a shocking increase, especially considering the fact that the overall fatality rate in auto accidents only increased by 6 percent during the exact same period. Today, fatal auto accidents involving pedestrians account for approximately 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
Benefits of Hiring a Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
As you can see, pedestrian accidents are a serious safety issue and the victims who are hit by negligent motorists are often left with debilitating bodily injuries. If this has happened to you or a family member, you should be focusing your energy on healing and getting your life back in order, not haggling with an auto insurance adjuster.
An experienced and skilled Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer can be a tremendous help and will take the burden off your shoulders. Your attorney will handle the following tasks on your behalf:
- Order and review copies of your medical records and expenses
- Contact any eyewitnesses and obtain their statements
- Collect and review documentation regarding your lost wages
- Investigate the scene of the accident
- Negotiate with the auto insurance company for the negligent driver
- File a lawsuit in a Philadelphia court
Monetary Compensation Available in Pedestrian Personal Injury Case
If you or a family member suffered a debilitating injury in an accident caused by a negligent motorist, you may be able to recover financial restitution for the following harms and losses:
- Medical bills, including accrued and future expenses.
- Lost income, including wages you would have earned had it not been for the accident and future earnings.
- Pain, suffering and mental anguish, which includes all of the intangible harms that you suffered as a result of the accident.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Do not take on the auto insurance company alone. van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim in Philadelphia is ready to fight for you and pursue maximum compensation for your harms and losses. We will evaluate your potential personal injury case and discuss your legal options during a free, comprehensive, and confidential case review.
Resources:
6abc.com/man-struck-and-killed-in-sw-philadelphia-hit-and-run/2537661/
bicyclecoalition.org/trackingfatalities/
washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/pedestrian-deaths-soar-in-the-uneven-battles-with-cars/2017/03/29/9984cc56-141c-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html?utm_term=.d7b5bacc24ac