Entrust Your Case to an
Experienced Pedestrian
Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents are, unfortunately, very common, and they often result in serious injury and sometimes death. The most common type of pedestrian accident involves a motor vehicle or a bus striking an individual. We recommend that you obtain a pedestrian accident lawyer, like Paul M. da Costa and his team, immediately following a collision. The attorneys at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri LLC, are highly experienced, and their expertise in the legal process following a pedestrian accident will help to ensure fair compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Nearly 5000 pedestrians are killed each year in traffic accidents. Statistics show that older adults and children are often the most at risk, and alcohol consumption by the vehicle driver or pedestrian is involved in almost 50 percent of crashes that result in pedestrian death.
Either the driver of the vehicle or the pedestrian may be held responsible for a collision involving a pedestrian. Drivers are often the cause of pedestrian accidents due to factors including:
- Intoxication
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while behind the wheel
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian
- Inadequate motor vehicle equipment
- Speeding
Pedestrians, too, can cause an accident. If an accident is caused by a pedestrian, it usually results from:
- Intoxication
- Walking on the road instead of a sidewalk
- Jaywalking
- Walking on a busy, high-speed road
What to Do After an Accident
If you were in an auto accident involving a pedestrian, you are most likely feeling upset and overwhelmed. However, there are certain steps you must take immediately to ensure that your rights are protected.
We have extensive experience fighting for clients involved in pedestrian accident cases, and we want to earn your trust by working diligently to seek a fair settlement for injuries and other damages.
Whether you were the driver or the pedestrian involved, you will need to exchange contact information to give to insurance providers. You should also contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, who can speak on your behalf.
Injuries most frequently suffered by pedestrians after being struck by a motor vehicle include damage to the lower extremities as well as the head, face, and neck. The most severe, life-threatening injuries typically involve the head and thorax.
After the accident, it is important that you do not provide any personal statements until you have spoken with Paul M. da Costa and his team. Do not make any claims about the accident, whether you are the pedestrian or the driver, as these statements may be used against you if the case goes to trial.
Determining Fault
It can be difficult to determine liability in a pedestrian accident case. Most often, the fault lies with the party who demonstrated negligence. Negligence is defined as failing to exercise a reasonable standard of care under the circumstances. Therefore, liability for the accident may fall on either the pedestrian or the driver.
If the pedestrian was crossing the road illegally and the driver was simply driving through a green light within the speed limit, it may be difficult to place fault on the driver. Conversely, if the pedestrian was legally crossing the street and was struck by a vehicle that illegally ran a red light, liability would likely be placed on the driver.
Pedestrians struck by cars may have the right to recover damages including:
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Pedestrian accidents occur every day for numerous reasons, and only experienced attorneys like those at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri LLC can ensure a fair and expeditious case. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to determine who is at fault, and to seek the compensation that you deserve.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
Our attorneys are here to help. We have extensive experience fighting for clients involved in pedestrian accident cases, and we want to earn your trust by working diligently to seek a fair settlement for injuries and other damages. Contact our firm today to schedule your initial consultation with Paul M. da Costa and his team, and begin your journey toward healing.
