Reading PA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you enjoy getting out and about on foot, you’re in good company, and it’s a great way to take advantage of everything the outdoors has to offer. As a pedestrian, however, you’re far more vulnerable to being injured in an accident. Motorists often fail to notice pedestrians in their midst in the first place and to take the precautions necessary to afford them safe passage in the second. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver in a pedestrian accident, an experienced Reading pedestrian accident attorney can help.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian
As a pedestrian in Pennsylvania, you have the right-of-way when you’re crossing the street at a marked crosswalk. If, however, you see that oncoming traffic is too close to proceed safely, erring on the side of caution by waiting for the vehicle or vehicles to pass is always advised. The right-of-way is also yours when you’re crossing unmarked intersections but ensuring that oncoming motorists have the time they need to come to a safe stop before you head across is key.
When you cross anywhere other than an intersection or marked crosswalk in Pennsylvania, oncoming traffic always has the right-of-way, and you should cross only when it’s safe to do so.
The risks to you as a pedestrian are so great that it’s in your best interest to assess the safety of the situation before crossing the street – regardless of who has the right-of-way.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Often Caused by Driver Negligence
Motorists owe everyone on the road a serious duty of care, and this includes paying special attention to pedestrians. Ultimately, pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver negligence, which can take each of the following dangerous forms:
- Distraction, which can translate to not noticing pedestrians in the area
- Impairment, which puts everyone on the road at increased risk
- Excess speed, which makes accidents more likely to be deadly
- Aggression, which makes everyone else on the road a potential victim
- Exhaustion, which leads to impairments of its own
- Failure to follow the rules of the road
Your Legal Damages
In your pedestrian accident claim, you can seek compensation for the legal damages – or losses – you experience as a result of the motorist’s negligence in each of the following categories:
- Your medical bills, including bills for related future medical needs
- Your lost income, including any losses related to your career or overall earning power
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can eclipse your other categories of loss combined
Your focused pedestrian accident attorney will ensure that your full range of losses is well established and well represented – in pursuit of just compensation that supports your most complete recovery.
Turn to an Experienced Reading PA Pedestrian Accident Attorney for the Help You Need Today
The seasoned pedestrian accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., in Reading, Pennsylvania, dedicate their practice to fiercely advocating for our clients’ rights – and for their rightful compensation. Contact Ken Millman at Fanelli, Evans & Patel P.C. by completing our online contact form. or by calling 484-869-2113 to schedule your free consultation.