Most of us don’t think twice when we set out on foot to go around town. In West Chester, there are many places that are just easier to get to by walking, especially if you live near the stores or downtown. Most of the time when you walk, you are completely safe. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen and a careless driver causes you harm.
If you’ve been injured while you were walking somewhere, you may need a pedestrian accident attorney in West Chester. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to go over your case with you so you understand all of your options.
Even if you do drive somewhere, when you get out of your car to walk into a store you are particularly vulnerable. Many pedestrians versus vehicle accidents happen in parking lots because drivers are careless when they are backing out of a parking space.
If you are walking down the street or down a sidewalk, you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the roadway. Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol may not see a person walking. The same can be said for a driver who is distracted by their phone. While they may think sending a short text message won’t cause any harm, they could put you in danger by taking their eyes off the road.
According to the CDC, over 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in traffic accidents and almost 129,000 are injured. Those are alarming numbers.
When a vehicle strikes a person, the damages can be severe. The most common types of injuries are bone dislocations and fractures, but it can be much worse. Consider that a person has no protection against the momentum of a vehicle that weights thousands of pounds. When a person is hit, the secondary impact from the ground can compound the devastation. When a person gets hit by a vehicle, there are often internal or head injuries that can lead to hospital stays and possible long-term medical issues or disabilities.
If your injuries keep you from working, the situation becomes worse for you and your family. Lost income, on top of rising medical bills, could jeopardize your livelihood.
All because of someone else’s negligence.
If you or a loved one been injured while walking down a street or sidewalk, or even a parking lot, make sure you seek medical treatment immediately. No matter how minor an injury may seem, it may become more significant later. Report the accident to the police and get copies of all reports relating to the situation.
You may need a pedestrian accident lawyer. We advise you not to speak with insurance companies until you seek legal advice from attorneys experienced in these types of accidents. No matter how major or minor the injuries, the Dan Doyle Law Group is ready help you through this process, from handling insurance companies to medical claims.
You can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.