Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A Scranton pedestrian accident lawyer at Munley Law can help you understand your legal options for getting the money you need to cover your accident-related expenses and losses. Unlike regular car crashes, a collision involving a pedestrian can result in catastrophic injuries even at relatively low speeds.

With over six decades of experience, our Scranton car accident lawyers can handle the complex issues of your claim as you concentrate on healing from your injuries. We offer free consultations and handle these cases on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay us anything until we recover compensation for your accident. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with our Scranton personal injury law firm member.

Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Scranton, PA

A Scranton pedestrian accident attorney can gather the evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court after the accident. Your personal injury attorney will ensure all aspects of your case proceed according to Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations, and other rules to ensure you have the best chance of success.

It is important to note that investigating this type of accident and proving a case based on driver negligence is complex. We investigate the cause of every pedestrian accident we handle and help you understand how the law will affect your case.

Based on the details we uncover in your case, we will fight for the full value you deserve. This includes managing all communication with the insurance company, protecting your right to compensation, and navigating the process on your behalf so you can focus solely on your physical recovery from your accident injuries.

We will also identify and collect all documentation of your damages. This includes all receipts, bills, and other paperwork. This will allow us to bolster our demand letter to the insurance company with information about the total value of your losses.

Compensation Available For a Scranton Pedestrian Accident

The compensation available in a pedestrian accident injury claim varies based on the severity of your injuries and the damages you suffered. Compensation in personal injury claims generally fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include concrete financial losses you experience as the result of the injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligence. After being hit by a car in Scranton, you’re not just hurt, you’re likely also facing sudden financial insecurity. In addition to medical bills and emergency care, you might be unable to work for an extended period of time. Your injuries might affect your earning power or your lifestyle. A personal injury attorney can recover financial compensation for your costs, including:

• Medical treatment costs
• Ongoing care costs
• Accommodations or alterations to your home or vehicle
• Lost wages
• Lost future income
• Repair or replacement of personal property
• Out-of-pocket costs

Any kind of motor vehicle accident can have a profound impact on your life. Non-economic damages refer to the harder-to-quantify aspects of your suffering. These include pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and similar damages. Calculating the financial value of your non-economic damages takes a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney.

Common Causes of Scranton Pedestrian Accidents

While each case is different, some of the most common forms of driver negligence leading to pedestrian accidents are:

• Speeding, failure to yield, and other common violations
• Carelessness or failure to pay reasonable attention to surroundings
• Failure to use caution in an area where pedestrians are commonly found
• Distracted driving, such as changing the radio station, eating, talking to passengers, texting, or talking on the phone
• Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs

If you enlist the help of our Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers with your case, we will gather evidence, call in accident reconstruction experts, and analyze all the facts of your case to understand exactly how your accident occurred. If we uncover one of these common causes or another cause tied to the negligence of the at-fault driver, we will pursue compensation on your behalf.

How Does a Scranton Pedestrian Accident Attorney Prove Fault?

Recovering accident damages in a lawsuit will require your attorney to establish fault and prove negligence. The most obvious forms of driver fault might involve running a red light or losing control of the vehicle. However, in some cases, multiple parties could share fault in the accident.

For example, in a case where one driver broadsides another car causing the second driver to lose control and strike a pedestrian, most of the fault might lie with the first driver. But what if it was found that the second driver was intoxicated? Perhaps it could be shown that the second driver’s intoxication also played a role in causing the accident and injury.

The Duty of Care in a Scranton Personal Injury Case

Each and every case develops differently. However, regardless of the details of the case, to prove negligence, our Scranton car accident lawyers will need to show four different elements:

• The driver had an obligation to follow certain rules of the road, act reasonably, and follow traffic laws.
• The driver failed to uphold this obligation, breaking laws or acting carelessly.
• This failure caused your accident and your injuries.
• You suffered injuries as well as financial damages.

Your personal injury attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to prove the elements of negligence, and can use it to hold the driver financially accountable for your accident damages. This is possible through an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance liability policy or a personal injury lawsuit.

A Scranton Law Firm Who Fights In Your Corner

We will look into your case to determine the best way to recover the compensation you need; in most cases, we begin by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. Often, we can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer without having to take your case to court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents

How Frequent Are Pedestrian Accidents in Scranton?

According to a joint comprehensive plan published by Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in 2021, the region had 201 pedestrian crashes in 2018.

PennDOT reports that Lackawanna County alone experienced 369 pedestrian accidents between 2018 and 2022. Of those, 274 took place in Scranton. That means a pedestrian is struck and injured by a car more than once a week on average in the city of Scranton.

Pedestrian accidents and fatalities are on the rise nationwide. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association found that pedestrian deaths spiked 19% between 2019 and 2022. Pedestrian accidents are more likely than typical car accidents to be fatal, and factors like speed and the size of the vehicle involved can also increase the deadliness of a pedestrian strike.

Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident in Scranton?

Although many believe that the pedestrian always has the right of way, there are times a pedestrian may be held partially responsible for the accident. For example, if a pedestrian darts out into the path of an oncoming vehicle and the driver has no time to stop, the pedestrian may be considered at fault for the accident. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Scranton injury attorney to learn your legal options following an accident.

Pennsylvania follows a 51% comparative negligence rule. This means that you can seek damages, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you share less than 51% of the blame. How do you determine how much of the blame is yours? That’s where an accident lawyer can help.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you were hit by a car, your first step is to stay calm and assess your injuries. If your injuries do not prevent you from moving, try to move out of the street. Immediately call 911 following the accident. Remember to get the driver’s information and any witness’ contact information while waiting for help to arrive.

Try to gather evidence at the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, where the driver hit you, any signs on the road, and your injuries.

Next is seeking medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt at the time of the accident. Many times, injuries won’t show up until hours, sometimes days after a car accident. The sooner you learn what injuries you have, the quicker you have a chance to heal.

And finally, contact a personal injury lawyer in Scranton to get the compensation you deserve. Never speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance representative without the help of a lawyer. Insurance companies may call to ask for a statement, or they may offer you a settlement in order to resolve your claim. Do not accept any offers before speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney, or you risk settling your claim for less than you deserve.

Who Pays the Medical Bills Following a Scranton Pedestrian Accident?

According to Pennsylvania law, if you own car insurance and are hit by a motor vehicle, you can apply for a Personal Injury Protection claim, also known as a PIP claim. This will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and, if the pedestrian dies, funeral expenses. However, if you do not own car insurance and are not covered under someone else’s policy, the at-fault vehicle driver will be responsible for your bills.

Can Other Parties Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in Scranton?

There may be times when other parties are responsible for your accident. For example, if the crosswalk was poorly designed and Lackawanna County had prior knowledge of pedestrian accidents at this location, it may be held responsible for the accident as well.

What is the Statute of Limitations in a Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Claim in Lackawanna County?

Pennsylvania sets a time limit, also called the statute of limitations, on how long accident victims have to file a personal injury claim in court. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. Failure to file your claim within this timeframe can prevent you from getting the help you need. Preparing and filing a case takes time, so the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better.

Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Scranton

A Scranton pedestrian accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you understand the strength of your case against the driver who caused your accident injuries and other damages. If we believe there is enough evidence to show the driver acted negligently and to hold them liable in your pedestrian accident, we will handle this process for you, fighting to recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at our Scranton office to get started with a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570)865-4699