Year after year, Philadelphia ranks one of the top most walkable cities in the country. Whether it’s for exercise or practicality, Philidelphians love the opportunity to ditch the car and enjoy the outdoors. With so many opportunities to walk instead of drive, the streets are always filled with crowds of people. That being said, unfortunately in 2020, pedestrian accidents accounted for 2.7% of all car related accidents and over 12% of car accident related fatalities. As a pedestrian, being struck by a vehicle has a far greater risk of injury or death than if you were safely buckled up. If you’re lucky enough to survive being struck by a car, don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Call a car accident attorney in Philadelphia before you talk to anyone else.
General Pedestrian Law
The state of Pennsylvania believes that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that both drivers and pedestrians should take the proper precautions to avoid accidents. In general, people walking the street are allowed to enter the road at any time, however, the liability depends on the circumstance.
According to the department of transportation, if a pedestrian is entering the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection, the driver must yield. On the other hand, if someone is crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or intersection, they must yield to traffic. Pedestrians also must always use sidewalks when applicable, and it’s recommended to walk against the flow of traffic if a sidewalk is not available.
But even if you’ve obeyed all the rules and taken all the precautions such as wearing bright or reflective clothes, a driver may not be able to see you for a variety of reasons. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, whether you feel you’re at fault or not, call 911 and then call an accident lawyer.
Call 911 And Gather Evidence After A Pedestrian Accident
Chances are, if you’ve been hit by a car, you won’t be able to call 911 on your own. As a pedestrian, being hit by a car will likely result in serious injury. If you can’t call yourself, ask someone to call the police right away and let them know if you need immediate medical attention. Even if you have no visible injuries, you could have sustained life threatening internal injuries that may not be apparent.
Once the police have arrived, be sure to request a copy of any police or accident report. Also get the names and insurance information for anyone involved including any witnesses. Having evidence and documentation will help your lawyer defend your case and get you the settlement you need to cover any medical bills, missed work, or other losses that result from the accident.
Call A Lawyer Immediately After An Accident
After the police are called, before you talk to anyone else, call an accident lawyer. Anything you say to an insurance company or to anyone involved in the accident can be officially documented and held against you. After an accident, most parties are confused or in shock, so it’s best to write down everything you remember and discuss the details with an experienced lawyer. They know how to best present your case and talk to the insurance companies to make sure you aren’t held liable. Even if you think you may be at fault, a lawyer will give you professional advice and let you know if you have a case.
