Pedestrian Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Association and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted two studies: the Review of Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries and Pedestrian Roadway Fatalities. They found that:

• 12% of motor vehicle accidents involving a pedestrian end in a fatality
• There are roughly 5,000 pedestrians killed per year and another 64,000 are injured
• Most pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections (over 75%) and roadways without crosswalks (over 40%)
• Almost 1 in 5 pedestrians killed was as a result of a hit-and-run crash
• 69% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas
• Almost all the crashes were a single vehicle crash
• A Pedestrian is killed every 108 minutes
• Almost 1 in 5 traffic fatalities under 16 were pedestrians
• Accidents under 20mph has a 1.1% fatality rate and a 19.4% incapacitating rate
• Accidents between 36-45mph had a 22.4% fatality rate and a 40.2% incapacitating rate

After a pedestrian accident, there isn't always much evidence left on the road; rather the evidence is branded on the person. Many pedestrians suffer serious brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractured or broken bones, some enter into comas and others suffer a loss of a body part. When investigators look at skid marks, accident debris, impact marks, yaw marks, blood and body fluids and oil/gas/radiator/coolant fluids to try to reconstruct an accident they try to piece together what happened. However, rain, snow, wind and even other drivers can erase these important pieces of evidence. A June 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Transportation of Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes found that police reviews usually took over 30 days. Even if the police review is correct, you are suffering and racking up medical bills during that review time. Remember, when the evidence disappears, it's gone for good and this could weaken your case, that's why it's important to contact an attorney right away.

With so many pieces of evidence to piece together under certain rules and regulations, it's important to have a seasoned attorney on your side. An attorney whose practiced in the area of pedestrian accidents and knows both federal laws and state laws which can be very different. Additionally, an attorney can help guide you through different statutes that may apply to your case, like the statute of limitations which would bar you from suing after a certain amount of time. These are all issues an insurance company is unlikely to share with you. Hiring an attorney will provide you with both a counselor as well as give you the best chance to receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you know in Philadelphia, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County that needs the assistance of an experienced Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, call Heiligman & Mogul, P.C. today at 267-820-9002, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule a free consultation.

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