Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in York, PA
Legal advocacy when you are injured in South Central Pennsylvania
Any pedestrian who shares the road with cars and trucks is in danger of being struck by a vehicle. Even when following traffic signals and crossing only in marked crosswalks, you can still run the risk of being the victim of a careless or reckless driver. This vulnerability on the road can cause catastrophic physical trauma in the event of an accident, including brain, spinal cord, and fatal injuries.
The York personal injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law can help if you or a loved one were injured as a pedestrian. We understand the severe injuries caused by these types of accidents, and work to secure the compensation to which you are entitled. Our client-centered team takes the legal burden off your shoulders so you can take the time you need to recover and heal. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
How vulnerable are pedestrians to accidents?
Pedestrians hit by cars face a high risk of serious injury. When you are struck by a vehicle, there is nothing to protect you from the impact during a collision. Pedestrians may sustain several injuries, such as broken bones, blunt force trauma, traumatic brain injury, paralysis and even death. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports 6,721 pedestrians killed across the country in 2020. In Pennsylvania, 2020 saw 146 pedestrian fatalities.
The CDC reports that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than vehicle occupants to be killed in a car accident. They also report the following risk factors:
- Alcohol impairment. 47% of accidents resulting in a pedestrian fatality involved alcohol, either for the pedestrian or the driver.
- Older adults and children. Pedestrians aged 65 and up accounted for 20% of all fatalities and 10% of all injuries. Further, one of every five children killed in car accidents were pedestrians.
- Speeding. The faster a vehicle is speeding, the more likely it is to strike and severely injure a pedestrian.
- Location. The majority of pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas, after dark, and at non-intersections.
If you are injured in an accident as a pedestrian, the York attorneys at KBG Injury Law can help.
What should I do after a pedestrian accident?
The days and weeks after your York, PA accident can significantly impact your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. If you or a family member has been involved in a pedestrian accident, follow the steps below, once it is safe to do so.
Contact the authorities
Even if you believe you have not been seriously injured, you should contact the police immediately after an accident. If you wait to report the accident, this could hurt your chances of being compensated for your injuries later.
If there are witnesses, request they stay on the scene to speak to the police. Follow up with law enforcement for a copy of the police report. Do not forget to review the report for any inaccuracies that the police may have accidentally included. If so, you can request a correction.
Document the scene of the accident
If you can, take photos of the accident scene. Take pictures of yourself, any injuries you sustained, the vehicle that hit you, and anything or anyone else that was involved. If you take photos with your phone, be sure you do not post any of these photos to social media, as this could be used against you during your case.
We understand that if the accident leaves you severely injured, you may not be able to gather information while at the scene. If a friend is unable to do this for you, take notes as soon as you are able so you can capture as many details as possible. These notes and memories will be incredibly useful when you consult with your pedestrian accident lawyer.
Exchange information
The next step is exchanging information with the driver. Ask for his or her name, insurance company and phone number. Following the accident, avoid speaking with the driver, his or her attorney, or his or her insurance company by yourself. Instead, communicate with the driver through your personal injury lawyer or your insurance company. Get the contact information from any witnesses as well, if you can.
See a physician immediately
Receiving medical attention as soon as possible is crucial, even if you believe you only have minor injuries. If you are lucky, you will not need an ambulance after you have been hit by a car. Even so, some injuries may not show up for a few days, or even a week, later. Visiting a doctor immediately both protects your health and documents to the insurance company that you sought medical care following your accident. The extent of your injuries typically determines how much compensation you recover after a pedestrian accident.
Contact a local pedestrian accident attorney
The final step after you have been in an accident is speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney. Generally speaking, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after any accident. Your attorney can organize your case and file a lawsuit that can help cover your wage loss and medical bills. An experienced lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What are some pedestrian safety tips?
Although you can never control the actions of reckless and negligent motorists, you can take these pedestrian safety tips into account the next time you are out taking a walk:
- Follow signals and signs when crossing a road.
- Assume the driver of a vehicle cannot see you.
- Use a flashlight at night to make yourself more visible.
- Educate your children on how to stay safe as a pedestrian.
- Use designated intersections and crosswalks whenever available.
- Wear reflective clothing or gear at night to increase your visibility.
- Put your phone away and turn down your headphones when you are walking near a road or intersection.
- Wait to consume alcohol until you have reached your destination, as it can impair your judgment while walking in a busy area.
You must behave cautiously around cars as a pedestrian, but drivers do owe pedestrians a higher duty of care. If you are injured in an accident, contact one of the experienced attorneys at KBG Injury Law to find out your options.
How can a York, PA pedestrian accident lawyer help my case?
For close to 40 years, the personal injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law have been serving those in the South Central Pennsylvania area. We are committed to representing our clients through every step of the process and treating them with the utmost respect. Our interactions with you will always be transparent, honest and trustworthy. Our actions are always result-oriented, and we bring our best work to every case to ensure our clients get the results they deserve.
When we take your case, we take on everything for you – we file the paperwork, collect evidence, gather documents, talk to witnesses and experts, and negotiate with insurance companies. If we cannot come to a settlement that works for you, we will go to trial to fight for the compensation to which you are entitled, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help.
Is there a pedestrian accident attorney near me?
KBG Injury Law is located at 110 North George Street, in downtown York. You can find our offices near Interstate 83 and Routes 30, 74 and 462.
Contact our York, PA pedestrian accident lawyers today
If you or a family member were injured in a pedestrian accident that was not your fault, talk to the attorneys at KBG Injury Law today. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll an accident can take on your life, and we want to help. Feel free to contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced member of our team. Call us at 717-848-3838 or toll free at 800.509.1011 or fill out our contact form. KBG Injury Law maintains offices in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg, and serves individuals and families throughout South Central Pennsylvania.