Lancaster Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Get the representation to get the maximum compensation you and your family deserve

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, boasts a rich history with landmarks like the Central Market and the Wheatland estate, home to the 15th U.S. President, James Buchanan. The Fulton Opera House stands as a testament to the city’s cultural heritage, while the Railroad Museum highlights its pivotal role in railway evolution. Visitors to the serene Amish farms are transported to an era of simplicity and tradition. Yet, these attractions bring a surge in pedestrian traffic. 

The blend of modern and historical roads increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Such incidents near landmarks can detract from Lancaster’s charm. Local officials prioritize safety, emphasizing the balance between preserving history and ensuring public well-being. Victims of such accidents need adept legal representation. Firms like Munley Law champion these victims, ensuring their rights amidst Lancaster’s iconic backdrop.

What is a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian accident refers to incidents where individuals walking or standing are struck by vehicles or bicycles. These accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities, given the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to vehicle occupants. Due to the complex nature of traffic laws, determining fault can be intricate. Legal representation is crucial in such cases to ensure victims receive rightful compensation, navigate insurance claims, and hold negligent parties accountable. An experienced lawyer can advocate for a victim’s best interests, making sure they are protected and fairly treated throughout the legal process.

The Impact of Pedestrian Accidents in Lancaster County and pedestrian accident law

Lancaster, with its rich historical landmarks and bustling streets, has unfortunately not been immune to the issue of pedestrian accidents. The consequences of these incidents extend beyond immediate injuries, leaving a lasting impact on the community. The impacts of pedestrian accident injuries often include: 

• Physical and Emotional Toll:  Victims of a pedestrian accident often suffer from significant physical injuries ranging from fractures to traumatic brain injuries. The emotional scars can be just as profound, with survivors sometimes battling anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression.
• Economic Burden: The financial implications of these accidents can be overwhelming. Medical fees, therapy costs, and loss of wages due to prolonged recovery or disability place a strain not only on victims but also on their families.
• Community Concerns: Frequent pedestrian accidents can tarnish Lancaster’s reputation as a safe tourist and residential destination. This can lead to reduced tourism, affecting local businesses and the overall economy.
• Infrastructure and Policy Implications: As a response to the accidents, local authorities may be pushed to reevaluate and redesign traffic systems, pedestrian crossings, and signage. This can lead to increased taxes or reallocation of city funds.
• Awareness and Education: A rise in such accidents often sparks community-led initiatives aimed at educating both drivers and pedestrians on road safety, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

It’s undeniable that pedestrian accidents have a ripple effect on the Lancaster community. Addressing and mitigating these impacts requires a combined effort from local authorities, community members, and legal professionals to ensure safer streets for all.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

According to the NHTSA, most pedestrian accidents happen in an urban setting at a non-intersection. Here are some of the common scenarios that lead to pedestrian injuries:

• Distracted Driving: Use of cell phones, adjusting in-car entertainment or navigation systems, or other distractions can lead drivers to miss seeing pedestrians.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Failure to Yield: Not giving pedestrians the right of way, especially at crosswalks.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications.
• Left-Hand Turns: Vehicles making left-hand turns are more likely to hit pedestrians than those making right-hand turns.
• Backing-Up Accidents: Especially in parking lots, drivers might not notice pedestrians while reversing.
• Poor Road or Crosswalk Design: Inadequate or confusing signage, lack of pedestrian crosswalks, or poorly lit areas can contribute to accidents.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents are more common during nighttime, fog, rain, or other low-visibility conditions.
• Not Using Crosswalks: Pedestrians jaywalking or crossing roads outside designated areas can increase the risk.
• Distracted Walking: Pedestrians using cell phones, headphones, or being otherwise distracted while walking.

Tips for pedestrians to stay safe in Lancaster County

Pedestrians should remain vigilant at all times, especially at intersections and crosswalks, making eye contact with drivers before crossing. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that in 2020, 80% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas. At night, wearing reflective clothing and using well-lit paths can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enhance visibility, and deter accidents and even pedestrian deaths.

Navigating crosswalks in Lancaster County: proper practices for safe street crossing

1. Use Designated Crosswalks: Always use marked crosswalks or pedestrian crossings when available. These areas are designed specifically for pedestrian safety and are more visible to drivers.
2. Stop, Look, and Listen: Before stepping onto the road, stop and ensure it’s safe to cross. Look left, then right, and left again, ensuring you’re aware of oncoming traffic from both directions. Listen for any oncoming vehicles, especially if you can’t see far due to parked cars or other obstructions.
3. Make Eye Contact with Drivers: When preparing to cross, try to make eye contact with drivers. This ensures they’ve seen you and are more likely to stop or slow down.
4. Don’t Assume: Never assume that a driver has seen you or will stop. Always be prepared for the unexpected and be ready to stop or retreat if necessary.
5. Avoid Distractions: When crossing, it’s essential to stay focused. Avoid using mobile devices, headphones, or anything that might distract you from the environment around you.
6. Cross at Right Angles: Where possible, cross the road at right angles. This reduces the time you’re on the roadway and is the quickest way across.
7. Use Pedestrian Signals: If pedestrian signals are available, wait for the green “walk” signal before crossing. However, even with the signal, remain alert for any vehicles that might not be obeying traffic lights.
8. Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, or nighttime. Carrying a flashlight can also enhance visibility.
9. Be Extra Cautious at Intersections: Many accidents happen at intersections where vehicles are turning. Be aware of turning cars from all directions, even if you have the right of way.
10. Avoid Darting Out Between Parked Cars: If there are parked cars on the side of the road, avoid crossing in between them. It’s harder for drivers to see you emerge suddenly from between parked vehicles.

By incorporating these practices into their daily routines, pedestrians can significantly enhance their safety and ensure that they get to their destinations unharmed.

Awareness in High-Traffic Areas: Reducing Risks and Enhancing Visibility

In high-traffic areas, pedestrians face increased risks due to the volume and speed of vehicles. It’s crucial to remain hyper-aware of one’s surroundings, anticipate sudden vehicle movements, and prioritize being seen by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Utilizing well-lit pathways, adhering to pedestrian signals, and avoiding distractions like headphones or mobile devices further mitigate dangers in such zones.

Nighttime Precautions: Essential Tips for Walking Safely After Dark

Walking at night presents unique challenges due to reduced visibility and potential driver fatigue. Pedestrians should prioritize wearing reflective materials or using a flashlight to ensure they’re easily spotted by oncoming vehicles. Additionally, sticking to well-lit paths, avoiding dark or secluded areas, and being extra cautious at intersections can further enhance safety during nighttime excursions.

The legal process for pedestrian accident cases in Lancaster County

If a pedestrian is involved in an accident, there’s a process that typically follows to determine liability, compensation, and to ensure justice is served. This legal procendure for injured pedestrians generally includes:

1. Emergency Medical Attention: Always prioritize health and safety. If involved in an accident, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

2. Police Report: A law enforcement officer typically arrives on the scene to investigate. They’ll gather statements, document evidence, and eventually draft a police report.

3. Gathering Evidence: This includes photos of the scene, witness statements, surveillance camera footage, and any other evidence that can be useful in establishing the facts.

4. Contact Insurance Companies: If the driver is at fault, their insurance company should be contacted. However, if the pedestrian has specific insurance coverages, they might need to contact their insurer as well.

5. Hire an Attorney: Especially in cases where injuries are severe, liability is disputed, or there’s difficulty getting fair compensation, it’s advisable for the pedestrian to hire a personal injury attorney.

6. Negotiation with Insurance Company: The attorney (or the pedestrian, if they’re not represented) will negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

7. Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory settlement, the pedestrian might opt to file a lawsuit against the driver. The case will then enter the litigation phase.

8. Discovery Phase: Both parties gather evidence, conduct depositions, and build their cases.

9. Mediation or Settlement Talks: Before going to trial, both sides might try to reach a settlement again, often with the help of a neutral mediator.

10. Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case will go to trial. Here, both sides present their evidence, and a judge or jury will decide on the outcome.

11. Judgment and Collection: If the pedestrian wins, they’ll receive a judgment, which they can then attempt to collect from the defendant or their insurance company.

12. Appeals: If either side is unsatisfied with the trial’s outcome, they can appeal the decision.

This is a broad overview, and the specifics can vary depending on local laws, regulations, and the details of the accident. If someone is involved in such an incident, they should consult with a local attorney to understand their rights and the specific legal procedure in their jurisdiction.

Understanding pedestrian accident victims’ rights in Lancaster county

Lancaster County, like all other counties in Pennsylvania, is governed by state laws regarding pedestrian accidents. Understanding the rights of injured pedestrians in Lancaster County, therefore, involves understanding Pennsylvania state laws on the matter:

• Right to Medical Treatment: Anyone injured in an accident has the right to seek immediate medical attention, and this should be the first priority.
• Right to Compensation: If a pedestrian is injured due to the negligence of another party (like a motorist), they have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other relevant damage, detailing in their personal injury case.
• Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that if a pedestrian is found to be partly at fault for the accident, their compensation might be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if they are found to be more than 50% at fault, they might not be able to recover any damages.
• Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (which includes a pedestrian accident) is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that the victim has two years to file a lawsuit. If they don’t file within this period, they might lose their right to sue.
• Right to Legal Representation: Injured pedestrians have the right to hire an attorney to represent their interests, either in negotiations (presented as a personal injury claim), with insurance companies or in court.
• No-fault Auto Insurance Rule: Pennsylvania has a choice no-fault system for auto insurance. If a driver chooses no-fault insurance, they can’t sue another driver for pain and suffering unless their injuries meet a certain threshold (like serious impairment of a bodily function). However, this system primarily applies to drivers and not pedestrians. A pedestrian injured by a vehicle can usually sue the driver for pain and suffering without regard to any threshold.
• Right to Report: Victims have the right to report the accident to the police, and this can be crucial for establishing a record of the incident.

This is a general overview, and the specifics of each case can vary widely. If someone is involved in a pedestrian accident in Lancaster County or anywhere in Pennsylvania, they should consult with a local attorney to understand their specific rights and any local nuances that might apply.

Potential compensation for pedestrian accident victims in Lancaster County

It’s important to remember that insurance companies, while providing essential services, operate as businesses. Their primary goal often leans towards minimizing costs, financial compensation and liabilities. As a result, pedestrians involved in accidents should be cautious in their dealings with insurers, and it’s often beneficial to seek legal counsel to ensure fair representation and compensation.

Factors Affecting Compensation Amount

The compensation amount for injured pedestrians is influenced by several factors. The severity of the injuries, the extent of medical expenses, and loss of income play critical roles in determining the payout. Additionally, the degree of the driver’s negligence versus any potential contributory negligence from the pedestrian can also sway the final compensation figure.

The role of insurance companies and your pedestrian accident claim

Insurance companies play a central role in the aftermath of pedestrian accidents. Their primary function is to provide financial protection for their policyholders by covering damages and potential liabilities that arise from such incidents. Here’s a closer look at their role:

• Claims Assessment: Once a pedestrian accident is reported to an insurance provider, they will initiate a claim and assign an adjuster to evaluate the incident. This adjuster investigates the circumstances of the accident, assesses the damages, and determines the compensation amount based on the policy’s terms.
• Determination of Fault: Insurance companies play a crucial role in determining who was at fault in the accident. They’ll analyze evidence, witness statements, police reports, and sometimes even hire accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
• Negotiation: If a pedestrian or their attorney seeks compensation from the driver’s insurance provider, there will be negotiations between the parties. Insurance companies aim to minimize their payout, so they might offer a settlement lower than what the victim believes they deserve.
• Payment of Medical Fees: If the driver is at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for covering the pedestrian’s medical expenses. However, the specifics can vary depending on state laws and individual policy details.
• Defensive Stance in Lawsuits: If a pedestrian decides to sue the driver, the driver’s insurance provider usually provides legal defense. They’ll employ attorneys to defend their policyholder and, by extension, their financial interests.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage: In cases where the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage, the pedestrian’s own insurance might step in if they have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Why timing matters: Statute of limitations

Timing is crucial in a pedestrian accident case because evidence can quickly deteriorate or become lost, making it harder to prove liability. Witnesses’ memories may fade over time, potentially weakening their testimonies. Additionally, the legal statutes of limitations in PA is two years and there are strict deadlines on filing claims; missing these can forfeit a victim’s right to seek compensation. Lancaster pedestrian accident attorneys can assist with making sure that you are aware of the timelines critical to your claim.

How to select the right Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyer

When seeking the right Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyer, it’s essential to research their experience specifically in pedestrian-related cases and track record in achieving favorable outcomes. Personal recommendations and online reviews can provide insight into their reputation and client satisfaction levels. Additionally, an initial consultation will help determine their approach, ensuring they understand the unique aspects of your case and can provide the personalized attention you need.

Why choose Munley Law Injury Attorneys for your Lancaster pedestrian accident attorney

For over six decades, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have advocated for victims of pedestrian injuries and their families throughout Pennsylvania. Munley Law is renowned for its expertise and dedication in representing injured pedestrians in Lancaster County. With a track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts, their attorneys demonstrate both experience and efficacy.

We empathize with your situation and are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Our distinguished legal team is relentless in their pursuit of justice. When you choose Munley Law, we promptly dispatch investigators to gather evidence, and our top-notch experts work diligently to fortify your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Munley Law’s team of pedestrian accident lawyers

Lancaster’s pa pedestrian accident attorneys at Munley Law firm offer a no obligation complimentary assessment for victims of pedestrian accidents, ensuring they and their families understand their legal rights, recovering damages, punitive damages and potential avenues for compensation. This free evaluation provides victims with valuable insights without any financial commitment. It exemplifies Munley Law’s dedication to assisting and empowering those affected by pedestrian accidents in Lancaster. Contact us for your free consultation to help you navigate your legal options and to get the maximum compensation that you and your family deserve. Remember, you pay nothing unless we secure a victory in your case.