Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence in Scranton? Contact The Slocum Firm today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you get fair compensation.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident in Scranton, PA? We understand that these accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering what your legal rights are and how to seek compensation for your injuries.

You’re not alone. Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Scranton. Every year, countless people are injured or killed in these tragic incidents. The causes can range from distracted driving to faulty traffic signals. Whatever the reason, the consequences can be life-altering.

At The Slocum Firm, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our experienced Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers have helped countless clients in Scranton and the surrounding areas recover fair compensation for their injuries. We know that dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We aim to help you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We’ll handle all the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary. Our team of dedicated attorneys is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve.

Don’t wait. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Scranton, contact The Slocum Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your options.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Scranton

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, and understanding the common causes can help prevent them. At The Slocum Firm, we are dedicated to assisting pedestrian accident victims in Scranton, PA. Here’s a closer look at the frequent causes of these accidents and how we can help you seek fair compensation if you’re affected.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. In our increasingly connected world, drivers often take their attention off the road for reasons such as:

  • Texting or using a mobile phone: This is one of the most common distractions and can severely impair a driver’s ability to notice pedestrians.
  • Eating or drinking: Drivers who eat or drink while driving are less focused on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Adjusting in-car entertainment or navigation systems: Spending too much time on these activities can divert a driver’s attention away from pedestrians.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Excessive speed and aggressive driving are also significant contributors to pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed speed limits or drive aggressively, they have less time to react to sudden changes, such as a pedestrian crossing the street. Speeding can significantly increase the severity of injuries in a pedestrian accident.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

Traffic signals are in place to ensure safety for both drivers and pedestrians. However, failure to adhere to these signals can lead to tragic outcomes. Common issues include:

  • Running red lights: Drivers who run red lights can collide with pedestrians legally crossing at intersections.
  • Ignoring stop signs: Drivers who fail to stop at stop signs may not see pedestrians crossing the street.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction times, and overall driving ability. 

This impairment increases the likelihood of accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Drivers must remain sober and alert to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Poor Road Conditions and Visibility

Sometimes, pedestrian accidents occur due to factors related to road conditions and visibility, including:

  • Poorly maintained sidewalks or crosswalks: Unsafe or obstructed pedestrian pathways can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Insufficient street lighting: A lack of proper lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.

Inadequate Traffic Signals

Accidents sometimes happen because traffic signals are not well-placed or functioning correctly. Crosswalks without adequate signals or signage can make crossing challenging for pedestrians.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can result in many injuries, from minor bruises to catastrophic injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries we see:

  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to long-term paralysis or other severe physical impairments. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care and can have a profound impact on your quality of life.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A head injury from a pedestrian accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, or even long-term disability. These injuries are particularly challenging and require specialized medical care.
  • Broken Bones: Pedestrians involved in accidents often suffer from broken bones, which can range from minor fractures to severe breaks that require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation periods.
  • Internal Injuries: The force of a car crash can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises are common in pedestrian accidents. While they may seem less severe, they can still result in significant pain and require time off work for recovery.

Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims

When you are hit by a car while walking, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. This claim is your way of seeking compensation for the damages and losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. Here’s what you need to know about your rights as a pedestrian accident victim:

  • Right to Compensation: You can seek compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is true whether your accident occurred due to a distracted driver, speeding, or other traffic violations.
  • Right to Medical Care: Following a pedestrian accident, you can receive appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, some injuries, like spinal cord injuries or internal damage, may not be apparent right away. Seeking medical care ensures you get the treatment you need and establishes a record of your injuries for your claim.
  • Right to Legal Representation: You can hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to represent your interests. At The Slocum Firm, our Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers are well-versed in handling these cases and can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

The aftermath can be overwhelming if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident. At The Slocum Firm, we understand how crucial it is to handle the situation correctly to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. 

Here are the essential steps you should take after a pedestrian accident in Scranton, PA:

  • Ensure Safety: First and foremost, ensure you and others are safe. If you’re able, move to a secure location away from traffic. If you’re too injured to move, stay still and wait for medical help.
  • Call for Help: Dial 911 to report the accident. This will ensure that emergency services are on their way to assist you and document the accident scene. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate information about what happened.
  • Document the Scene: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including the location, any vehicle damage, and your injuries. This visual evidence can be critical in building your case.
  • Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful not to admit fault or make statements that could be misinterpreted as such. Simply provide the facts of the accident when speaking with authorities and others involved.
  • Collect Witness Information: Gather their contact information if there are any witnesses to the accident. Witness statements can support your version of events and strengthen your claim.
  • Get Medical Care: Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, seeking medical attention is essential. Some injuries, like spinal cord injuries or internal trauma, might not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical treatment is crucial for your health and for documenting your injuries.
  • File a Police Report: A police report is vital for documenting the details of the accident. Your insurance company will use this report, which can be crucial in a personal injury claim. Make sure to get a copy of the report for your records.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident immediately. Provide them with the necessary information and follow their instructions for filing a claim. If the at-fault driver has insurance, their policy will also be considered.

  • Keep Track of Medical Records: Keep detailed records of all your medical treatments, including visits to doctors, medications, and any diagnostic tests. This documentation will be necessary for your personal injury claim and tracking medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Record Your Injuries and Impact: Document how the accident has affected your daily life. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, and any impact on your ability to work. A detailed record will help pursue fair compensation for your personal injury case.

Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may face a challenging road ahead. At The Slocum Firm, we are committed to guiding you through filing a pedestrian accident claim and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Here’s how to file a pedestrian accident claim:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation to identify hidden injuries is essential. This will also create a record of your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
  2. Gather Evidence: Document everything related to the accident. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, getting contact information from witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report. This evidence will be vital in building a solid case.
  3. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, like those at The Slocum Firm, can help you navigate the complexities of your case. We will work with you to understand the details of your accident and ensure that all aspects of your claim are considered.
  4. File Your Claim: Your lawyer will help you file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This claim should include all evidence of your injuries, medical expenses, and any other damages you are seeking.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Navigating insurance companies can be one of the most challenging parts of filing a claim. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and their tactics can be complex. Here’s how we can help:

  • Negotiation: Our Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers are skilled negotiators. We will advocate to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, including covering medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
  • Documentation: We handle all the paperwork and communication with the insurance company. We ensure that your claim is thoroughly documented and no detail is overlooked.
  • Handling Disputes: If the insurance company disputes your claim or offers a low settlement, we will be prepared to take legal action. We aim to ensure you are not left struggling with unpaid medical expenses or lost income.

Common Challenges in Filing Claims

  1. Proving Fault: Proving that the driver was at fault in pedestrian accidents can sometimes be complicated. There might be disputes about traffic signals or the driver’s actions. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to establish liability and gather the necessary evidence.
  2. Dealing with Severe Injuries: Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries or other catastrophic conditions. The long-term medical costs and impacts on your quality of life can be significant. We are here to help you seek compensation that reflects the full extent of your injuries and future medical expenses.
  3. Emotional and Financial Stress: The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can also lead to emotional distress and financial strain. We understand that these factors are part of your recovery process, and we strive to address both economic and non-economic damages in your claim.

Compensation for Scranton Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Scranton, PA, you may be facing a challenging recovery process, both physically and financially. At The Slocum Firm, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of seeking compensation for your injuries. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you better prepare for what lies ahead.

Medical Expenses

One of the most pressing concerns for pedestrian accident victims is covering medical expenses. Injuries from pedestrian accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. 

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up care.

  • Immediate Medical Care: The initial medical treatment for accident injuries can be costly. This includes emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, and initial treatments.
  • Ongoing Treatment: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need long-term medical care. This can include rehabilitation services, ongoing therapy, and future medical expenses.

At The Slocum Firm, we ensure that all your medical expenses are covered, including future medical costs related to your injuries.

Lost Wages

When you are injured in a pedestrian accident, your ability to work may be significantly impacted. This can result in lost wages and financial strain.

  • Short-Term Absences: If your injuries prevent you from working for a short period, you might miss out on regular paychecks.
  • Long-Term Impact: For more severe injuries, you may be unable to return to work for an extended period, or your ability to work might be permanently affected. This can result in long-term lost income.

Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will help you calculate and recover compensation for your lost wages, ensuring that you are fairly compensated for the income you have lost due to your accident.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond the tangible financial losses, pedestrian accident victims often endure significant pain and suffering. This includes both physical pain from injuries and emotional distress from the trauma of the accident.

  • Physical Pain: The discomfort and pain associated with severe injuries can be debilitating.
  • Emotional Distress: Experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma as a result of the accident is also common.

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at The Slocum Firm is dedicated to seeking fair compensation for your pain and suffering. We understand that this compensation is crucial for your recovery and well-being.

Property Damage

In addition to personal injuries, pedestrian accidents may result in property damage. Suppose personal property such as clothing, electronic devices, or other belongings were damaged or destroyed in the accident. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing the damaged properties.

Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

When you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, proving liability is crucial to securing fair compensation for your injuries. At The Slocum Firm, we understand how complex these cases can be and are here to help you navigate the process. Let’s break down the essential steps for establishing liability in pedestrian accident cases.

Establishing Negligence

Establishing negligence is vital to proving liability in pedestrian accident cases. Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to an accident and subsequent injuries. 

For example, if a driver was distracted or speeding and this behavior resulted in a pedestrian accident, the driver might be considered negligent.

Here’s how we approach proving negligence:

  • Determining Fault: We analyze the accident to identify who was at fault. This could involve evaluating whether the driver adhered to traffic laws and whether any traffic signals or signs were ignored.
  • Gathering Evidence: Evidence plays a significant role in proving negligence. We collect all relevant information, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. This evidence helps establish a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible.

Role of Evidence in Proving Liability

Evidence is essential in building a solid case for your pedestrian accident claim. At The Slocum Firm, thorough documentation can make all the difference. Here’s how we utilize evidence to prove liability:

  • Police Reports: These reports provide an official account of the accident. They often include details about the conditions at the scene, statements from involved parties, and sometimes an initial assessment of fault.
  • Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can offer valuable perspectives on how the accident occurred. We gather statements from bystanders to support your version of events.
  • Accident Scene Photos: Photographs of the accident scene can show crucial details, such as the positions of vehicles, damage, and road conditions. These images help us reconstruct the accident and illustrate how it happened.
  • Medical Records: Your medical records provide evidence of the injuries you sustained. These documents are vital in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Expert Witnesses

In some pedestrian accident cases, expert witnesses can provide additional support to prove liability. These experts might include:

  • Accident Reconstruction Specialists: These experts analyze the accident scene and use their findings to reconstruct how it occurred. Their testimony can be crucial in proving the at-fault party’s negligence.
  • Medical Experts: Medical professionals can explain the nature of your injuries, the expected recovery process, and any long-term effects. This information helps to establish the extent of your damages and the need for future medical expenses.
  • Traffic Safety Experts: These experts can provide insights into traffic laws and whether drivers violated regulations. Their analysis helps to strengthen the argument that the driver’s actions were negligent.

Benefits of Hiring a Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Scranton, PA, the journey to recovery can be complicated and stressful. At The Slocum Firm, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this challenging time and secure the compensation you deserve. Hiring a Scranton pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference.

Experienced Legal Guidance

Pedestrian accidents often involve complex legal issues. From determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies, having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side is crucial. Here’s how we can help:

  • Understanding of Pennsylvania Law: We are well-versed in the specific traffic laws and regulations that apply to pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania. This knowledge ensures that your case is handled correctly from the start.
  • Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a detailed investigation into your accident. This includes reviewing police reports, gathering evidence, and consulting experts to establish fault. This thorough approach helps in building a strong case for fair compensation.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when recovering from accident injuries. Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payouts, which can be a significant hurdle. Here’s how we handle this challenge:

  • Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our team will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. We know their tactics to reduce settlements and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
  • Maximizing Your Compensation: We work to recover financial compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. We aim to ensure that you are compensated for economic and non-economic damages.

Addressing Serious Injuries and Long-Term Impact

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or other catastrophic injuries. These injuries can have long-term effects on your life and well-being. Here’s how we address these concerns:

  • Comprehensive Medical Care: We help you understand the full scope of your medical needs and future treatment. This includes ensuring that your current and future medical expenses are covered.
  • Lost Income and Emotional Distress: Beyond medical expenses, we pursue compensation for lost income due to your inability to work and for emotional distress caused by the accident.

Personalized Legal Support

Every pedestrian accident case is unique, and we provide personalized legal support to address your specific needs. Here’s how we make sure you’re supported:

  • Free Consultation and Case Evaluation: The Slocum Firm offers a free consultation to evaluate your case. This lets us understand your situation and outline the best action.
  • Dedicated Representation: From filing your personal injury claim to representing you in court, our Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights. We are here to provide you with the support and legal expertise you need throughout the process.

Contact a Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Scranton, we at The Slocum Firm are here to help. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to thoroughly investigating your case, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable, and helping you recover the financial compensation you deserve. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.

A personal injury claim can make a significant difference in your recovery process. From filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies, we offer comprehensive legal support to help you pursue maximum compensation. Call 570-209-7376 today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the complexities of your pedestrian accident case.