Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else in Pennsylvania? Contact The Slocum Firm to schedule a free consultation today. Our Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

In Pennsylvania, pedestrian accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, leaving victims to face a long and challenging road to recovery. The consequences can be devastating, from mounting medical bills and emotional trauma to severe injuries that affect every aspect of your life, from work to family to overall well-being.

What’s more frustrating is that many pedestrian accidents would have been avoided if drivers and pedestrians were more aware of the risks. However, without understanding the common factors that cause these accidents, it’s difficult to prevent them.

At Slocum Law Firm, we ensure you know how to navigate these dangers. If you or a loved one have recently been injured in a pedestrian accident, our team of Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyers can help you receive the justice you deserve. This article will help you identify the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania. By understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, you can take steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Distracted Driving

One of the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania is distracted driving. Although Pennsylvania’s traffic laws don’t allow drivers to use handheld devices, many still do. Distracted driving can come in many forms, whether it’s texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking on the phone. 

When a driver is distracted, even for a few seconds, it can lead to devastating consequences, especially for pedestrians, who are far more vulnerable than vehicle drivers. Distracted drivers can also miss traffic signals such as stop signs and red lights.

When a pedestrian accident happens because of a distracted driver, the injuries can be severe, leading to expensive medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses. These accidents happen quickly, but their impact can last long. To prevent these types of accidents, drivers must always stay focused and aware of their surroundings.

Speeding 

Speeding is another main reason pedestrian accidents happen in Pennsylvania. Drivers who are in a hurry or trying to beat traffic signals may make reckless decisions that jeopardize the safety of those on foot. Speed limits are set to ensure drivers have enough time to react to unexpected events, like a pedestrian crossing at an intersection or a malfunctioning traffic light. 

When those speed limits are ignored, the risk of an accident increases dramatically. Pedestrian accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities when a vehicle is speeding, as the force of impact is significantly higher at more incredible speeds.

Pennsylvania’s traffic laws are designed to reduce these risks, but speeding drivers continue to endanger lives. To keep pedestrians safe, drivers must follow the law, slow down, and stay calm behind the wheel.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

One of drivers’ most dangerous mistakes is failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. According to state traffic laws, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street at designated crosswalks. Crosswalks are meant to provide a safe passage across busy streets. However, some drivers disregard these important road markers.

This type of negligence can lead to severe injuries, such as broken bones and head injuries, or even fatal pedestrian accidents. This issue is especially prevalent at intersections with malfunctioning traffic signals or where drivers attempt to turn without checking for pedestrians. To avoid this, drivers must stay alert and always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, as the law requires.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving is another major cause of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania. Driving under the influence severely impairs a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, perceive hazards, and react in time to avoid an accident. Drunk drivers often fail to see pedestrians or misjudge distances. This puts pedestrians at serious risk, especially in busy places where many people are walking.

In Pennsylvania, the law takes drunk driving very seriously, and penalties are severe. But despite these strict laws, many drivers still drive drunk. A pedestrian accident caused by a drunk driver often leads to some of the worst injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord damage, or even death. Pedestrians who a drunk driver hits face long recoveries, with mounting medical bills, lost income from missed work, and emotional trauma. In fatal pedestrian accidents, families are left to deal with the emotional and financial fallout, which can include funeral expenses and lost wages.

Drivers must stay sober when they’re behind the wheel and be extra careful around pedestrians to keep everyone safe.

Poor Visibility and Lighting Conditions

Poor visibility and bad lighting are also major causes of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania. Low light conditions, whether due to nighttime, bad weather, or insufficient street lighting, make it challenging for drivers to see pedestrians. Weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow can further impair visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Drivers must be especially cautious and adjust their speed in adverse conditions to reduce risks. Many accidents can be prevented by paying close attention to the road and staying mindful of pedestrians crossing. Pedestrians can also take precautions by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using designated crosswalks. When these precautions aren’t taken, the results can devastate the pedestrian and driver.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, don’t face the aftermath alone. At The Slocum Firm, we understand the serious impact these accidents can have on your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Our experienced team is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve, covering everything from medical bills to lost wages. From distracted driving to speeding and failure to yield at crosswalks, we’ve handled cases involving all common causes of pedestrian accidents.

Our pedestrian accident attorneys will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and protect your rights. We proudly serve clients across Pennsylvania and are ready to fight for you. Don’t let the insurance companies minimize your claim—let us stand by your side and guide you through the legal process. Contact The Slocum Firm today for a free consultation at 570-209-7376.