Pedestrians have no way to protect themselves from the impact of a motor vehicle and often sustain a secondary impact with the ground or other stationary objects. As a result, pedestrians involved in collisions are often seriously injured while the at-fault drivers walk away from the scene.
When pedestrians have suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident, a Johnstown pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help. A personal injury attorney could handle the legal and financial aspects of your injury claim so you may focus on your physical recovery.
Various situations can lead to pedestrian accidents in Johnstown. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
All drivers are bound by law to drive safely, follow traffic rules and regulations, and reasonably watch out for people on foot. When drivers fail to uphold these duties, whether due to distraction, running late, or committing traffic violations, they may be liable for any injuries to others that result. While violation of a traffic law does not result in automatic liability, it can often provide strong evidence of a driver’s negligence. Further, the lack of a citation does not preclude a victim from proving that the driver was negligent.
A Johnstown attorney experienced with pedestrian accident cases has to prove four elements to establish driver negligence. First, the driver owed the walker a duty of care to not inflict harm. Second, the driver breached that duty. Third, the breach directly caused the victim’s injuries, and fourth, these injuries resulted in compensable damages.
Unlike vehicle passengers who have access to seatbelts and airbags, pedestrians have nothing to shield them from motor vehicles that hit them. As a result, pedestrians can suffer devastating, and in many cases, life-threatening injuries in these collisions. Some of these injuries may include:
When driver negligence leads to significant injuries for pedestrians, injured parties may have valid claims for damages against the responsible drivers. The liable party might be responsible for compensating a plaintiff’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The severity of a victim’s injuries also impacts the recoverable damages. A pedestrian accident attorney in Johnstown could help plaintiffs calculate their damages to ensure they are adequately compensated.
