Bethal Park Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Ready to Hold the Negligent Driver Liable

Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating collisions on Pennsylvania roadways. With little to no protection, pedestrians often suffer life-altering injuries that can leave them facing overwhelming medical bills, long recovery times, and permanent changes to their quality of life. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we are committed to helping injured pedestrians and their families seek justice and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle in Bethal Park, PA, our dedicated legal team is here to stand by your side.

Reach out to our team at (844) 383-0565 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or even a motorcycle. These incidents can happen on crosswalks, sidewalks, parking lots, or even in areas without designated walkways.

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, these accidents often result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Sadly, some pedestrian accidents also result in fatalities.

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Bethal Park, you deserve to understand your rights under Pennsylvania law and how our Bethal Park pedestrian accident attorney can help.

Pennsylvania Pedestrian Laws

Pennsylvania has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians. Some of the most important include:

• Crosswalk Right of Way: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
• Obeying Traffic Control Devices: Pedestrians must obey walk signals and may not suddenly leave the curb into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Sidewalks: Where sidewalks are available, pedestrians are required to use them rather than walking on the road.
• Roadway Walking: If no sidewalks are available, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.

Understanding these laws is crucial when determining fault in a pedestrian accident case. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we carefully evaluate the circumstances of your accident to determine liability and build the strongest possible case.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Bethal Park often occur because of negligent or reckless driving. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting navigation systems often fail to notice pedestrians.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore crosswalks or fail to yield at intersections frequently cause pedestrian injuries.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use impair judgment and significantly increase the risk of striking pedestrians.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur at night, during inclement weather, or in poorly lit areas.
• Unsafe Backing: Drivers exiting driveways or parking lots without checking behind them often strike pedestrians.

Identifying the exact cause of the accident is an essential step in pursuing compensation. Our team gathers evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and surveillance footage, to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex. In many cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault, but liability may also involve:

• Employers: If a commercial driver caused the accident while on duty, their employer may also share responsibility.
• Government Entities: Poorly designed crosswalks, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate street lighting could make a local municipality liable.
• Third Parties: Other drivers, bicyclists, or even property owners may be partly responsible.

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault. For example, if you crossed the street outside a crosswalk but the driver was speeding, fault may be shared. Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. works tirelessly to minimize any claims of shared liability and maximize your recovery.

Recovering Compensation

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. These can include:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time away from work and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or lifelong impairments.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was fatally injured, surviving family members may seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and companionship.

Our firm will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Call the police to file an official report and collect information from the driver, witnesses, and scene if possible. Then, contact a Bethal Park pedestrian accident lawyer to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering compensation.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Will my medical bills be covered if I don’t have health insurance?

Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP), which may cover medical bills even if you were a pedestrian. An attorney can help you determine available insurance coverage.

Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can level the playing field, gather strong evidence, and fight for maximum compensation.

Speak with a Bethal Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we understand how overwhelming life after a pedestrian accident can be. Our goal is to relieve your burden, handle the legal process, and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Bethal Park, PA, don’t wait to get help. Contact our office today for a free consultation.