Common FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania

Common FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania

Pedestrian accidents are the most frequent type of auto accident that occurs in Pennsylvania, with thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths. One of the reasons is because pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere, at any time, and to anyone.

If you live in Pennsylvania, understanding your legal rights when you are involved in a pedestrian accident is important. If you or a loved one were involved in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, here are answers to some common questions that will help.

Diagnosing and Commencing the Treatment of a Victim: Who Handles the Medical Bills?

Pedestrian accidents often leave victims with injuries such as broken bones and spinal injuries. “Merely diagnosing these injuries costs a lot of money, not to mention treating them, which may lead  to  expensive surgeries,” says personal injury attorney Jeffrey P. Lowenthal of Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys. Thankfully, Pennsylvania law protects pedestrians by covering their medical bills (to an extent) by an applicable insurance policy.

Thus, if you have a car insurance policy in Pennsylvania, you can make a claim under that policy. Otherwise, you can use someone else’s; a household member’s car insurance policy can work too. Apart from that, you can also file a claim for compensation under Pennsylvania personal injury law against the driver who hit you.

Getting the Adequate Authorities Notified: What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Disorientation, confusion, and pain are some of the symptoms one can feel after being in a pedestrian accident. While it can be hard to focus on anything at that moment, your actions after the accident matter. Taking these steps after a pedestrian accident is crucial if you intend to pursue a personal injury claim.

• Inform the police immediately
• Get checked up at a medical care facility
• Call your lawyer – or consult with one if you do not already have a lawyer
• Get everyone’s information at the crash site, including their names, license information (for the driver), phone numbers, and other contact information.
• Take pictures and videos of the scene, showing damages to your vehicle and injuries.
• Contact your insurance provider.

The Timeline for Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits: How Long Do You Have to File a Case In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for filing a car accident claim is two years from the day the accident occurred, excluding  other one-off  cases. Ultimately failing to file the claim means forfeiture of whatever compensation you might be entitled to for your damages. If the two years go by  without you filing a claim, you cannot open the case anymore, let alone claim damages.

Understanding Fault: How Can You Determine Fault In a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident?

Determining fault is the backbone of every personal injury case, but it can be a tricky thing. More often than not, there are many parties at fault, including the pedestrian themselves. Let us consider two scenarios and determine who caused the accident:

• A motorist ran a red light and hit a pedestrian crossing the road – the motorist is at fault because the pedestrian had the right of way.
• The traffic light is green, but the pedestrian crossed the road anyway – the pedestrian is at fault.

What Types of Compensation Can You Get After a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident?

You may be entitled to two types of compensation following a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania: economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages refer to compensation for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills, expenses used in fixing property damage, lost wages, and more.

Conversely, non-economic damages refer to compensation for unquantifiable losses such as pain and suffering, loss of benefits, physical disfigurement, and more.

Do You Need Legal Representation After Being Involved In a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can be complicated for someone that does not have any  knowledge of Pennsylvania law . Therefore, while there is no law that mandates getting a lawyer, you should strongly consider hiring representation to help your case. Apart from helping you fight on the legal front and ensuring you get your due compensation, they can also provide encouragement and support.

Conclusion

Being in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania is not something one can prepare for, but it does happen, and frequently, too. Therefore, being versed in the subject and knowing what to do afterwards is essential for every Pennsylvania resident.