Mount Lebanon, PA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents are a growing area of concern across the United States. Walking is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to exercise and get around—so it’s our responsibility to make sure that pedestrians can get around Mount Lebanon safely. But with speeding, distracted driving, and other unsafe driving behaviors at an all-time high, pedestrian accidents continue to rise.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Mount Lebanon, it is crucial to talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to explore your options. Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 866-565-4949 to set up a consultation now.

Pennsylvania’s Pedestrians Are In Danger—Here’s Why

A quick look at Pennsylvania’s crash statistics will show you that we have a long way to go in making our roads safer. Pedestrian crashes peaked in 2018 with over 4,100 crashes and more than 200 fatalities. Fatalities have fluctuated in recent years, with a slight dip in 2019 and 2020. However, in 2021 and 2022, numbers started to climb again—resulting in over 180 pedestrian deaths in 2022. 

The majority of collisions happen when a pedestrian is entering a crosswalk or other area where they are permitted to cross. While drivers will often point to cases involving pedestrians who dart out from between parked cars, the data doesn’t back that up. Most crashes do happen when a pedestrian is crossing at the appropriate location.

While anyone can be affected, certain demographic groups are at higher risk. Men are far more likely than women to be killed in a pedestrian rash, and collisions are higher among elderly pedestrians than younger walkers. Although most fatal accidents happen at night, pedestrian accidents in general are more likely to occur during the day.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

A variety of factors contribute to pedestrian collisions in and around Mount Lebanon. Both pedestrians and drivers can play a role in these accidents. Some pedestrian-related accident causes include:

• Failure to cross at the appropriate location: Even if drivers should stop for pedestrians crossing in the middle of the road, they aren’t always able to do so. Pedestrians can make themselves more visible by crossing at the correct location.

• Walking while distracted: Walkers who are not attentive to their surroundings are at significant risk of crossing in front of an oncoming vehicle.
• Walking while impaired: Impaired pedestrians may wander and inadvertently walk into traffic. This is especially dangerous in areas without clear and obvious walkways.

Other accidents are caused by drivers:

• Failure to yield right of way: Drivers are expected to yield right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and other areas where they are legally permitted to cross.

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving has had a negative impact on every type of vehicle accident. A driver who glances down at their phone is much less likely to see when a pedestrian enters their path. When they do finally notice, it may be too late.
• Speeding: Speeding contributes to a significant number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. Speeding drivers take more time to come to a complete stop, and that extra time could mean the difference between a devastating accident and a near-miss.

It’s also important to note that this is a societal issue. Many areas simply do not have pedestrian-friendly infrastructure that encourages walking and keeps pedestrians safe.

Protecting Yourself After a Crash

If you’re hit by a car in Mount Lebanon, there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself and your right to seek compensation. Some steps you must remember include:

• Seeking medical care: Even if you feel okay initially, pedestrians are at much greater risk of severe and fatal injuries than vehicle occupants. Even if it’s just for your peace of mind, get checked out right away. Mount Lebanon has lots of local options, including MedExpress Urgent Care, Medi-Help, and St. Clair Hospital.

• Getting the driver’s information: You should get their contact information, license plate number, and insurance information before you leave the scene. If you are the victim of a hit and run, catch as many numbers from the license plate as you can, as well as any identifying details.

• Saving your damaged items: If your clothes, shoes, or other personal items are ruined during the accident, save them as evidence.
• Talking to an attorney: Insurance companies do everything they can to avoid paying injured pedestrians what they deserve. A pedestrian accident lawyer can build a solid case for you and fight on your behalf.

How the Team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Can Help

When you are involved in a pedestrian accident, remember that you are the most vulnerable person in the situation. It’s easy to get talked out of calling the police or reporting the accident by an angry driver who insists that you didn’t give them time to stop. However, pedestrians are at the greatest risk of severe and fatal injuries. Although pedestrian accidents only account for 2.8% of all Pennsylvania accidents, they make up over 15% of all fatalities. This huge disparity highlights the heightened risks pedestrians face.

That’s why it is so important to advocate for yourself after an accident. While the driver only has to worry about cosmetic damage to their vehicle, you may have sustained life-changing injuries. Between medical bills, lost income, damaged property, and pain and suffering, you could be out thousands of dollars. But without a personal injury lawyer advocating for you, you’re unlikely to get anything even close to what you deserve.

At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, we put our clients’ best interests ahead of everything else. Another person’s negligence has put your life on hold, and we don’t think you should bear that burden alone. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Reach Out Today to Explore Your Legal Options

If you’re ready to start your pedestrian accident claim in Mount Lebanon, we’re here to talk. Set up a free consultation with our team now to take the first step. You can call us at 866-565-4949 or contact us online.