Q

Get a Free Consultation

(215) 985-0777

    Spam Filter:  

    Q
    Get a Free Consultation

      Spam Filter:  

      Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Discusses Pedestrian Car Accidents

      In the summer, more people are outside enjoying the nice weather.  There are more people walking, more people running and more people riding their bikes.  Unfortunately, there are also more car accidents involving pedestrians, joggers and bikers.

      Oftentimes, pedestrians, joggers and bikers sustain more serious injuries than drivers and passengers in car accidents.  This is due to the simple fact that pedestrians, joggers and bikers are hit directly by the cars.  Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians/bikers are not inside a vehicle, which can absorb most of the impact. Their bodies come in direct contact with the car, and many suffer serious injuries.  Examples of serious injuries include concussions, head injuries, permanent brain injuries, catastrophic orthopedic injuries such as broken legs, arms, etc.  The most serious injury resulting from pedestrian/biker and car accidents is death.

      Legal Rights of Injured Pedestrians, Joggers and Bikers

      Who Pays for the Medical Bills in a Car Accident in Philadelphia?

      Injured pedestrians, joggers and riders have legal rights against at-fault drivers.  A common concern for injured pedestrians/riders is, who pays for their medical bills?  Most assume that the at-fault driver pays for the medical bills.  This is partially true, if the at-fault driver is successfully sued in a car accident lawsuit. However, before a lawsuit gets filed, there’s a special type of car insurance coverage that kicks in to pay for medical bills.  In the example below, we’ll explain this complex law, known as PIP coverage.

      For instance, an individual works in Philadelphia and decides to take a walk during his lunch break.  As he is crossing the street, he is hit by a car.  The driver of the car was texting while driving and didn’t not see the light had turned red.

      Pedestrian is Covered by Own Car Insurance Policy

      The pedestrian owns an insured vehicle.  In this situation, the pedestrian’s medical bills would be covered by his own car insurance under the PIP medical coverage even though he did not cause the accident.  This is due to Pennsylvania’s no fault law, i.e., regardless of who caused the accident, the injured pedestrian’s own insurance company is responsible for the medical bills, up to the amount purchased.  The minimum amount of PIP coverage required by Pennsylvania car accident/insurance law is $5,000.  If the PIP limit is exhausted, then the injured pedestrian’s health insurance would come into play.

      Pedestrian is Covered by Applicable Car Insurance Policy

      Let’s assume the pedestrian does not own a vehicle and lives at home with his parents.  His parents own vehicles and he drives his parents’ cars when needed.  The pedestrian is covered by his parents’ auto insurance policy as a member of the household.  Because he is covered by his parents’ insurance policy, the medical bills resulting from the car pedestrian accident are covered by his parents’ insurance company. Again, if the PIP limit is exhausted, the next level of coverage would be his health insurance.

      Pedestrian is Not Covered by Any Car Insurance Policy

      If the pedestrian in the example above doesn’t own a car or isn’t covered under someone else’s auto policy, the at-fault driver’s PIP coverage would apply, up to the amount purchased by the at-fault driver.  If the PIP coverage is exhausted, then the pedestrian’s health insurance would pay for the medical bills.

      It is important to note that the pedestrian accident example discussed above would also apply to medical bills for bike riders or joggers who’re injured in car accidents.

      What Types of Damages Can Pedestrians, Joggers and Bikers Recover After a Car Accident?

      There are different types of financial compensation injured pedestrians, joggers and riders may receive as a result of a Philadelphia car accident lawsuit.  They are as follows:

      • medical expenses,
      • lost wages,
      • out of pocket expenses, and
      • pain and suffering.

      Examples of medical expenses are health insurance co-pays, deductible, etc., after PIP is exhausted.  Lost wages include time lost from work as a result of the car accident and future lost wages.  Other out of pocket expenses are expenses incurred as a result of the accident.  For instance, a pedestrian breaks his leg from the car accident and cannot mow his lawn for 2 months.  As a result, he has to hire a landscaper to mow his lawn every week.  The cost for the landscaper would be a type of out of pocket expense.  Pain and suffering damages are based on how an injured individual’s daily life is affected as a result of the accident.

      Help After a Philadelphia Car Accident

      If you were injured in a car accident in Philadelphia or other parts of Pennsylvania, call Jordan Namerow to schedule a FREE consultation.  215.985.0777

      Car accident cases accepted in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and throughout other parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

      FREE CONSULTATIONS (215) 985-0777

      {

      You made the whole process so easy. Not once did I ever think you didn’t have my best interest in mind or even doubted the seriousness of my issue. I felt like I could email you to get an update at any point and you got back to me so quickly.

      {
      5
      L. F.
      {

      Jordan Namerow is a lawyer who goes above and beyond. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal representation on a personal injury case.

      {
      5
      April G.
      {

      I had a fabulous experience using Jordan Namerow as my attorney. He was knowledgeable, personable, honest, responsive, and best of all, easy to talk to. 

      {
      5
      Tara D.
      {

      Jordan is a great lawyer. He is very efficient, loyal and supportive. I would recommend him to anyone. He gets the job done. 

      {
      5
      Terrance M.
      {

      Mr. Jordan Namerow a very good attorney, I would recommend him in a heart beat. The company is good, just good all around. Thank you.

      {
      5
      Kim O.
      {

      I really thank you for helping me with everything, best lawyer ever.

      {
      5
      Pablo D.

      Why Can’t I Sue for Pain and Suffering After a Philadelphia Car Accident if I Have Limited Tort?

      If you were injured in a car accident, you may not be able to sue the at-fault driver because of your insurance policy. If you elected limited tort, you may not sue for pain and suffering damages unless certain exceptions apply. Learn more here.

      What is a UIM claim in Pennsylvania?

      Pennsylvania UIM claims can be filed where a negligent driver didn’t have enough insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries and damages. But, UIM coverage is optional, and some people don’t purchase it. If you didn’t purchase UIM, you can’t make a claim.

      What Happens When a Philadelphia Driver is in a Car Accident in New Jersey?

      What happens when a Philadelphia resident and driver is injured in a car accident in New Jersey? Are his or her legal rights affected? Does their tort election on their car insurance policies affect their legal rights? See discussion here.

      Talking to Insurance Companies After a Philadelphia, PA Car Accident – Who Should You Talk To?

      By a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Drivers and passengers injured in Philadelphia car accidents may receive financial compensation from the at-fault drivers' insurance company via their liability coverage.  Injured individuals may also think that their medical...

      Recent SEPTA Accident in Philadelphia Injures 42 People

      Early Tuesday morning around 12:15am, a SEPTA Norristown High Speed Line train ran into a parked train inside the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby.  The parked train did not have passengers; however, 42 people on the train, including the conductor,...