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Motorists in Pennsylvania owe a duty to everyone on the road to follow all traffic laws and be responsible behind the wheel. Unfortunately, not everyone acts responsibly behind the wheel, leading to serious and even fatal accidents. While all collisions have the potential to be severe, accidents involving pedestrians can be especially dangerous.
If you or a loved one were struck by a negligent driver while crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk, do not wait to take legal action. A Harrisburg pedestrian accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault driver responsible for their actions and pursue the payments you need to make things right. The injury attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams are here to help, so call today to get started.
Recovering for All Available Losses
A comprehensive lawsuit or settlement over a pedestrian accident can include both economic and non-economic damages. This means seeking restitution for both objective financial losses like medical bills and missed work income, and subjective personal losses like physical pain and psychological distress. Even if a particular loss will not fully manifest for years or decades after a wreck happens, an attorney can estimate the future value of these losses and incorporate them into a claim.
In rare cases where a driver displays egregious negligence or willful malice in hurting a pedestrian, the court overseeing the pedestrian’s civil case may award additional punitive damages. These are meant to punish the defendant for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future. A Harrisburg pedestrian accident attorney can provide a broad overview of recoverable damages and possible case value during a free initial consultation.
How Fault Works in Pedestrian Accident Cases
In pedestrian accident situations resulting in long-term or permanent harm, it may be necessary to file suit directly against the at-fault driver, which will require proving they were legally negligent. Put simply, “negligence” is a reckless or careless act that breaches the duty all drivers have towards other people on the road and directly causes an accident that would not otherwise have occurred.
It can also be vital in this kind of situation to establish that a plaintiff bears no fault for causing or worsening their damages through negligence of their own—for example, walking out into the road suddenly or not looking for oncoming traffic before entering a crosswalk. As a pedestrian accident lawyer in Harrisburg can explain, 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7102 allows courts to proportionately reduce a plaintiff’s available compensation based on the share of total blame they hold for an accident. It is crucial to work with a seasoned attorney who can explain the implications of this statute and work to pursue a fair compensation award.
Speak with a Harrisburg Pedestrian Accident Attorney About Legal Options
Being struck by an irresponsible driver as a pedestrian is a uniquely devastating and traumatic experience. If your accident left you with lifelong injuries, demanding fair financial recovery from the person responsible for those injuries could be key to maximizing your long-term quality of life.
A conversation with a Harrisburg pedestrian accident lawyer can provide answers to important questions and guidance about your next steps. Call today to set up your free consultation with a skilled member of our legal team.
