Each year approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed automobile accidents and upwards of 75,000 people incur injuries from being struck by a motor vehicle. Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians occur most frequently when people try to cross roadways, use the side or shoulder of a roadway or are struck on a sidewalk.
Pennsylvania Drivers are required to operate their vehicles using reasonable care. This is what a careful and prudent person would do in the same circumstances. Pennsylvania drivers must be extra cautious when operating a vehicle near a pedestrian or where pedestrians are likely to be present. When a driver negligently strikes a pedestrian they can be held liable for the damages they cause. This may include compensation for the person’s injuries, medical bills and lost earnings or earnings capacity.
However, the driver is not always at fault for accidents involving pedestrians. Even careful drivers may be unable to avoid an accident under certain circumstances. For example, a pedestrian who runs into the street without looking and is struck by a car may be found to be at fault, or comparatively negligent for the accident. Under this scenario, the damages the pedestrian could recover would be reduced or eliminated depending on his/her degree of fault.
Whatever the case, if you were struck by a vehicle and seriously injured you should always consult with a personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights.
Get Help from an Auto Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania
The Wieand Law Firm has years of experience providing strong legal representation to car accident injury victims. We have helped numerous clients recover compensation for their injuries and other damages.
To speak with an an auto accident attorney in Philadelphia call us at 1 (215) 666-7777. We offer a free case consultation and you never owe costs or attorneys fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Will Auto Insurance Pay For Damages if I’m struck as a Pedestrian?
In many cases, auto insurance will cover damages if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian. However, the amount of insurance coverage available and the insurance company responsible for payment will vary depending on the facts and circumstances of your accident.
For example, if you are struck by a negligent driver, then his automobile insurance is on the hook for damages caused in the accident. This is known as third party liability coverage.
However, all Pennsylvania automobile insurance policies include personal injury protection (known as “PIP”) which will pay for accident-related medical bills if you are hit by an automobile. In addition, if your policy includes UM/UIM you may be able to recover compensation from your insurance company if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
In pedestrian auto accidents where there is no automobile insurance coverage available, you may be entitled to compensation from the Pa Assigned Claims Plan.
Due to the complexity of insurance coverage, you should always consulted with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand what insurance benefits you are entitled to after an automobile accident. Then, you’ll know what your next steps should be and can focus on your recovery.
What if I’m Hit by a Car while Riding a Bike?
If you have PA auto insurance and are hit by a car when riding a bicycle, your car insurance will provide you with PIP medical coverage and UM/UIM coverage. In addition, bicyclists who selected limited tort insurance coverage fall into an exception are are deemed to be full tort if involved in an automobile accident. This means they are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries sustained in the accident without limitation.
Bicyclists who are not covered by an auto insurance policy may still recover damages caused by a negligent driver. An at fault driver’s automobile liability insurance is responsible to pay for damages caused by the negligent driver. The Wieand Law Firm represents cyclists who were injured in a wide variety of automobile accidents including:
- Bike Accidents with cars, trucks and buses
- Bicycle collisions in intersections
- Cyclists struck in the bicycle lane
- Cyclists “Doored” by vehicles (a.k.a. Dooring Accidents); and
- Bicycle accidents caused by street defects or potholes
We are pleased to offer a free consultation to any bicyclist injured in Philadelphia, no matter the circumstances.
Free Legal Consultation 1 (215) 666-7777.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It does not offer legal advice and should not be used as legal advice.
