The scooter craze that has raced across the country is on its way to Pennsylvania. There is a push in the legislature to bring so-called “low-speed” scooters to the more heavily populated areas of the state, Pittsburgh included.
If you are cringing at the idea, that means you have probably seen stories from across the country of just how dangerous these electric scooters can be. They are supposed to offer cheap and convenient ways for city-dwellers to get around, but what happens when they cause injuries?
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we know that electric scooters may add another item to the list of dangers pedestrians face daily here in the city. If you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney, you can count on us to be by your side.
What Are Scooter Dangers?
Other Risks?
Aside from scooters, pedestrians in the city really need to be aware that vehicle drivers pose major risks. Pedestrian crashes account for just 3.2% of the total vehicle accident count but 13.2% of traffic fatalities. Negligent and careless drivers are the biggest threat to pedestrian safety. For the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, there were:
- 4,413 pedestrian crash injuries
- 151 pedestrian crash fatalities
The scary part of the statistics is that pedestrians are usually struck when they are legally in and around the roadway. This can include:
- While using designated crosswalks
- At intersections with the right-of-way
- Walking on the sidewalk
- In a parking lot
Many drivers ignore or do not give any space to joggers or runners, even though they are legally required to. What people do not realize is that it does not take high speeds to cause harm to a person’s body. We have no protection against the force of a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds slamming into us. Almost all pedestrian crashes result in some kind of injury or a fatality. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries/head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Major internal organ damage
These injuries all require immediate medical attention. In many cases, a pedestrian crash victim must undergo extended rehabilitation. In the worst cases, a person can be permanently disabled. Do you know if your insurance will cover all of the medical expenses? What about other expenses related to these incidents (lost income, home accommodations, pain, and suffering)?
What You Can Do Now?
We know that scooters are not here yet, but that does not mean you are safe as a pedestrian on and around the roadways. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian crash that was caused by another person’s negligence, please seek legal assistance. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, you can count on a knowledgeable and experienced team to help you recover the compensation you deserve. This can include coverage for medical bills, pain and suffering damages, loss of income, and more. When you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 888-98-TWINS(89467).