Once the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation and the meeting spot for the Second Continental Congress, York, Pennsylvania, is now a bustling city with a population of more than 40,000. Today, residents and tourists can enjoy live music in the Market District, beautiful murals in the Royal Square District, and delicious food in the Weco District.
As a pedestrian in York, you should feel safe walking and exploring its rich history. However, pedestrians are put at risk every day in York and across Pennsylvania. In fact, York County reported six pedestrian deaths and 77 pedestrian injuries in 2021 alone.
The Munley Law York pedestrian accident attorneys understand Pennsylvania’s complex regulations governing pedestrian accidents. We also understand the life-altering impact your injuries can have on you and your family. We offer a free case evaluation where we will listen to your story, assess your case, and get started on your claim. Call our offices today for your free consultation.
How Munley Law Can Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Case
At Munley Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers will take care of three main areas of your personal injury claim: paperwork, investigations, and costs. Here’s what we pledge to our clients:
- Paperwork: There are several steps to take to file a pedestrian accident claim in York, Pennsylvania. A misstep or delay in the necessary paperwork could cost you the entire case, even if you sustained severe injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at Munley Law will make sure your paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
- Investigations: Building a strong case in your favor requires a thorough and independent investigation of the car accident. Our lawyers will hire accident reconstruction specialists, obtain the police report, speak with the responding police officer, dive into medical records, and utilize our team of legal minds to build a strong case that will secure maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries.
- Cost: Our law firm believes that everyone deserves outstanding legal representation regardless of your ability to pay. That’s why our pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in York, PA
The moments after being struck by a motor vehicle are overwhelming, but the actions you take can significantly impact your longterm health and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Call the police. They will begin an accident report and document the scene.
- Seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may worsen or develop in the days following the accident.
- Gather evidence. If your immediate medical needs are taken care of, start to gather evidence. Take photos and videos of your injuries and any property damage. Exchange insurance information with the driver and collect eyewitness statements.
- Contact a Munley Law York personal injury lawyer. Make sure you do this before you speak to anyone at the insurance company. An experienced lawyer will give you the true value of your claim and protect your interests throughout the process.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in York, PA
Like so many accidents, pedestrian accidents in York often result from driver negligence. We regularly see cases where drivers strike pedestrians while texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting their GPS. Impaired driving remains a serious threat, with drunk or drugged drivers having slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or run red lights at intersections. This is particularly dangerous in areas with heavy foot traffic, like downtown York or near schools. Speeding compounds these risks – a pedestrian’s chances of survival drop significantly when struck by vehicles traveling at higher speeds.
Road design and maintenance issues also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Poor lighting, missing crosswalk signals, faded road markings, and inadequate sidewalks create hazardous conditions for people walking in York.
Common Injuries in York Pedestrian Accidents
When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the injuries are often severe since the human body has no protection against thousands of pounds of metal. Traumatic brain injuries range from concussions to permanent cognitive damage, affecting victims’ ability to work, maintain relationships, or live independently. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and long-term medical care.
Broken bones and fractures commonly occur when pedestrians are thrown onto vehicles or pavement. While some breaks heal with proper treatment, complex fractures may require multiple surgeries and leave lasting mobility issues. Many victims need physical therapy to regain strength and function.
Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally changing every aspect of a victim’s life. Beyond the immediate medical costs, spinal injuries often require home modifications, specialized equipment, and ongoing personal care assistance.
The physical trauma of being hit by a vehicle frequently leads to psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Many victims develop a fear of walking near roads or crossing streets, impacting their daily activities and quality of life.
Let Munley Law help you secure compensation that covers both your immediate medical needs and long-term recovery costs. Call 844-371-5524 or fill out the contact form for your free consultation.
Proving Negligence in a York Pedestrian Accident Case
Every personal injury claim hinges on negligence. In order to win your case, your personal injury attorneys must prove that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care and directly caused your injuries. In certain cases, multiple parties may be liable for accident.
Our law firm will review traffic camera footage, analyze police reports, review the liable party’s driving record, and interview witnesses. We’ll examine cell phone records to prove distracted driving and request blood alcohol tests results in suspected DUI cases. We will turn over every stone to determine all liable parties and hole them accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in York, PA
What Damages Can You Recover for a Pedestrian Accident in York?
There are three main types of damages you may collect for pedestrian accident injuries:
- Economic damages: This form of compensation in pedestrian accident cases covers current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These damages reflect the real impact of your injuries. They cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages. These additional damages punish particularly dangerous behavior and deter others from similar actions.
What Happens if You’re Partially to Blame for the Accident?
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence rules in pedestrian accident cases. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. For instance, if you were crossing outside a crosswalk while looking down at your phone and were hit by a drunk driver, you may be awarded a reduced compensation. The judge or jury may find the drunk driver 70% at fault and you 30% at fault. Therefore, you’ll receive 70% of the damages awarded.
Insurance companies often try to exploit these rules by unfairly shifting blame to injured pedestrians. They might claim you darted into traffic or wore dark clothing at night. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and protect your right to compensation. Let the Munley pedestrian accident attorneys evaluate your case and explain how comparative negligence might affect your claim. We’ll fight to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in York County?
Pennsylvania gives pedestrian accident victims two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. While this might seem like plenty of time, building a strong case takes considerable preparation. Evidence disappears quickly – skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets deleted, and witnesses become harder to locate. If you fail to file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver within this timeframe, you will forfeit your right to all compensation.
How Can York Pedestrians Stay Safe?
While drivers must follow traffic laws, pedestrians can take steps to reduce their accident risk. Using designated crosswalks and waiting for walk signals makes you more visible and establishes your right of way. At night, wearing light-colored or reflective clothing helps drivers spot you sooner, especially in areas with limited street lighting.
Staying alert while walking near traffic saves lives. Remove headphones and keep your phone put away when crossing streets – a quick glance at a text message can prevent you from noticing a turning vehicle or running car. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they’ve seen you before stepping into the road.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been hit by a vehicle in York, Munley Law is ready to help. We’ve helped countless clients recover compensation for their injuries, including a $3.5 million jury verdict for a pedestrian hit by a truck. We deeply understand what our clients are going through and work around-the-clock to settle their case quickly and successfully.
Remember, you pay no fees unless we recover money for you. Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and start protecting your rights.