Pedestrian Accidents Attorney in Bethlehem and Palmerton, Pennsylvania

Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries, significant financial burdens, and stressful legal challenges.

At the Law Offices of Shabbick & Stehle, we represent individuals in Bethlehem and Palmerton, Pennsylvania, who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents.

Protecting pedestrians’ rights is at the core of our personal injury practice, and we dedicate ourselves to giving the necessary guidance and support to those injured on sidewalks, crosswalks, or roadways.

Our goal is to address these matters clearly and efficiently so our clients can focus on recovery.

At the Law Offices of Shabbick & Stehle, we serve those in Bethlehem and Palmerton, Pennsylvania, who’ve been struck by vehicles while walking. Pedestrian accidents can disrupt daily life, leaving serious injuries and mounting medical bills. 

Our personal injury approach rests on thorough investigation, strategic negotiations, and, if needed, skilled advocacy in court to help clients move forward.

Pedestrian Accidents and Personal Injury Law

Pedestrian accidents fall under personal injury law when negligence or wrongful acts cause harm to someone walking along or crossing a roadway. Since pedestrians have virtually no protection against oncoming vehicles, injuries can be severe. 

We believe every injured pedestrian deserves attentive legal advocacy, particularly given the intricacies of insurance claims and liability disputes that often arise. Through our personal injury representation, we assess every aspect of an accident—from the driver’s duty of care to the pedestrian’s right-of-way. 

Whether it involves negotiations with insurance adjusters or proceeding to litigation, our aim is to secure fair compensation that addresses medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Contributing Factors in Pedestrian Accidents

Multiple factors can lead to a pedestrian crash. By identifying the underlying causes, we build stronger personal injury claims:

• Distracted or impaired driving: Drivers who text, use handheld devices, or operate vehicles under the influence create dangerous conditions for people on foot.

• Reckless or aggressive driving: Speeding, failing to yield, or running red lights often results in catastrophic accidents at intersections or crosswalks.

• Poorly maintained roads or visibility issues: Inadequate lighting, missing traffic signals, or obstructed walkways can further complicate a driver’s ability to see pedestrians.

• Pedestrian error: Sometimes, pedestrians may cross at unsafe points or ignore traffic signals. Determining each party’s degree of responsibility is crucial in personal injury cases.

When we assess the circumstances of a pedestrian accident, we work to pinpoint who is liable. This might involve driver negligence, municipal oversights, or a combination of factors. Investigating all possible areas of fault helps create a clear picture of how and why an accident occurred.

Types of Injuries Pedestrians Face

Pedestrian accidents often result in some of the most severe injuries seen in personal injury law. Without the protection of a car’s frame or safety features, pedestrians can sustain:

• Broken bones and fractures: Even a low-speed impact can cause fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or hips.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Striking the head on a vehicle or the pavement can lead to lasting neurological consequences.

• Spinal cord damage: Serious collisions may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care.

• Internal organ injuries: Crushing forces can harm internal organs, sometimes without immediate external signs.

• Lacerations and soft-tissue damage: Cuts, bruises, and torn ligaments can still disrupt daily life and require rehabilitation.

Medical treatments for these injuries can be expensive and time-consuming, emphasizing the need to pursue compensation that fully addresses short-term and long-term care.

Our personal injury firm works with medical providers and professionals to understand the full scope of physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

Building a Strong Pedestrian Accident Claim

When a pedestrian accident occurs, taking prompt steps can greatly affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. We advise clients to:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Even if an injury seems minor, documentation from a healthcare professional can prove critical.

• Gather evidence at the scene: Photos, witness information, and accident reports can help establish liability later.

• Follow up with specialists: Certain injuries worsen over time; tracking symptoms and treatments safeguards a claim’s accuracy.

• Keep records of expenses: This includes medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs like travel for doctor appointments.

• Avoid premature statements: Insurers may contact pedestrians for recorded statements that could undermine the claim.

At The Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, we handle communications with insurance companies, collect necessary records, and consult professionals (like accident reconstructionists) to build a comprehensive personal injury case. We maintain open communication, so clients understand the process from start to finish.

Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence approach, which can affect how much compensation a pedestrian receives if they share some fault in the accident.

If the pedestrian is partly responsible—maybe by crossing outside a crosswalk or being distracted—the damage award may be reduced proportionally. Still, as long as the pedestrian’s share of fault is not greater than 50%, they may recover some damages.

Our personal injury approach involves examining these nuances carefully. We will look at whether the driver’s negligence outweighs any potential pedestrian mistakes.

By identifying every factor that contributed to the accident, we help make sure that liability is accurately allocated and fair compensation is pursued.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters might initially offer a settlement that seems appealing, particularly when medical bills are piling up. However, these offers often fail to account for the full scope of the pedestrian’s damages.

In these situations, we handle negotiations, presenting medical evidence, professional analysis, and documentation of future expenses. 

If the insurance company refuses a fair agreement, we can file a lawsuit and take the matter to court.

Throughout this process, we emphasize to our clients that patience and thorough preparation often lead to a more favorable resolution. Rushing a settlement might leave unresolved medical needs or lost wages unaddressed. 

Our personal injury firm strives to secure outcomes that cover immediate bills and any necessary rehabilitation, future treatments, pain and suffering, and other considerations.

Pursuing Litigation When Necessary

While many pedestrian accident claims settle out of court, litigation remains an option when negotiations stall. Court proceedings involve filing a formal complaint, engaging in discovery to exchange evidence, and possibly going to trial if no settlement is reached. Clients can expect:

• Rigorous document collection: Both sides examine police reports, medical records, and any available video footage.

• Depositions and questioning: Parties, witnesses, and experts may provide sworn testimony.

• Motions and hearings: The judge addresses issues like the admissibility of evidence.

• Trial preparation and presentation: If a trial is required, both sides argue before a judge or jury.

We maintain close coordination with clients through each litigation phase, always evaluating how best to achieve a positive result. Taking a case to court can be time-consuming, but it may be the surest way to hold negligent parties accountable in certain personal injury matters.

Our firm will walk clients through the process and stand by them every step of the way. We believe that support is crucial for victims of pedestrian accidents, and litigation, while potentially stressful, can lead to a more desired outcome.

For individuals in Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Carbon County, we stand ready to offer counsel tailored to local rules and regulations. Contact us.