Study Indicates Large Vehicles Put Pedestrian & Cyclists In Harm’s Way

Various factors can potentially influence the severity of the injuries victims may sustain in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident. The type and size of the vehicles involved in the collision are one of the most significant factors.

A recent study in the Journal of Safety Research confirms this. According to the study, “Effects of large vehicles on pedestrian and pedal-cyclist injury severity,” children who are struck by SUVs are eight times more likely to lose their lives than children who are struck by smaller passenger cars. Additionally, although pickup trucks were only involved in 5.6% of the pedestrian and cyclist accidents covered in the study, they were involved in 12.6% of all fatalities.

Research Shows Rising Pedestrian and Cyclist Death Rates May be Due to Increased Usage of SUVs and Pickup Trucks in the US

The researchers behind this study note that accidents claiming the lives of pedestrians and cyclists throughout the US have been on the rise since 2009. This increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths correlates with an increase in the number of large vehicles on our country’s roads.

It’s easy to understand why accidents involving SUVs and pickup trucks are more likely to cause death or serious injury than other types of accidents. The larger the vehicle, the greater the force of impact. This is a logical conclusion. However, it is nevertheless helpful to have concrete data indicating that larger vehicles are contributing to higher rates of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.

The study also yielded some findings that may be more surprising. For example, according to this study, race plays a role in whether a pedestrian or cyclist is likely to be harmed or killed in an accident. Specifically, Black individuals are overrepresented in fatal pedestrian and cyclist crashes.

It is not clear yet why this is the case. Regardless, such findings indicate a need for researchers to look into the issue more closely. By identifying why members of a particular race are more likely than others to be harmed while walking or cycling, it may be possible to identify ways to address this problem.

Avoiding Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents Involving SUVs and Pickup Trucks

Pedestrians and cyclists themselves can take steps to minimize their chances of losing their lives or being severely injured in accidents with larger vehicles. They include (but are not limited to):

Unfortunately, even if a pedestrian or cyclist is responsible and cautious, it is still possible for them to be hurt in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party. Perhaps this has already happened to you or a loved one.

You may be able to recover financial compensation for your medical bills and related losses if so. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our qualified Pittsburgh pedestrian accident and bicycle accident attorneys are on hand to help you pursue what you may be owed. Contact us online or call us at 888-98-TWINS(89467) to learn more about your legal options.

Transit Bus Driver Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter In Pittsburgh Area

No pedestrian should ever have to worry about being struck by a commercial vehicle driver, particularly one that works for a government entity. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened to a University of Pittsburgh senior in January of 2020. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorneys want to discuss this incident as well as the charges that a transit bus driver is now facing. Pedestrian safety is at the forefront of our minds right now, particularly as pedestrian traffic has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Happened In This Transit Bus Crash?

The incident in January that took the life of a University of Pittsburgh senior occurred at the intersection of DeSoto Street and Fifth Avenue in nearby Oakland. Police say that a Port Authority bus struck the victim and that the student later died at the hospital due to her injuries.

Shortly after the accident took place, the bus driver was suspended, pending an investigation. Now, months later, the driver has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and three other accounts.

According to police investigating the incident, they say that the Port Authority driver struck the student while she and two others were legally using a crosswalk on DeSoto Street. The driver’s view was allegedly blocked by a passenger she had just picked up where there was no bus stop. The passenger remained in front of the bus driver after boarding, on the other side of the line where passengers are supposed to stand. Instead of waiting for the passenger to take their seat, the driver continued onto DeSoto Street, but her view was blocked by the passenger. That was when the bus driver struck the student.

Police officers have determined that the accident was a result of the driver operating the bus with a passenger blocking the view of the mirrors, in violation of federal regulations.

Aside from involuntary manslaughter, the driver has been charged with reckless driving, hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and engaging in unlawful activities (operating with the view blocked).

According to data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 622 crashes involving commercial buses during the latest reporting year across the Commonwealth. Out of these incidents, 413 were injury-causing crashes, and there were 16 fatal crashes.

Let Our Team Help Your Case Today

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the negligence of another person, let the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman help you today. Our Pittsburgh traffic signal violation accident attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases. We pledge to investigate every aspect of what happened in order to secure the following compensation on your behalf:

If you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-98-TWINS(89467).

Smartphones Are Pedestrian Killers

Nobody should ever have to worry about whether or not they are safe when they are walking. However, we know that pedestrian accidents have become increasingly common. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we want to discuss a recent study that links pedestrian accident deaths with the rise of smartphones. Our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help victims of pedestrian accidents recover the compensation they need.

Pedestrian accidents in the US

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were 6,590 pedestrian accident deaths across the country in 2019. That is 300 more than 2018, and the most since 1988.

The GHSA says that pedestrian deaths are up 53% over the last 10 years, with the increase beginning around 2009. That, coincidentally, is when smartphones began to become widely available. This is most certainly not just a problem for the rest of the country. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 4,129 total pedestrian accidents in the commonwealth’s latest reporting year of data. Out of those incidents, there were 201 fatalities and 4,090 injuries.

Injuries from these incidents can be severe. It is not uncommon for our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers to help clients with the following after an incident:

Since nearly every pedestrian accident results in an injury or fatality, we should really be putting a spotlight on pedestrian safety. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we try to bring this issue to your attention regularly.

Smartphones have given people the ability to stay connected, but they also present major distractions. Some of the most common distracted driving behavior caused by smartphones includes:

Of course, there are other causes of pedestrian accidents. This can include impaired driving, drivers failing to follow traffic laws, and speeding.

According to the Journal of Transport & Health, a study suggests that only one-third of drivers actually yield to pedestrians who are using legal crosswalks. This is a major problem because one of the main ways that state and local governments tackle pedestrian accidents is by installing more marked crosswalks.

We are ready to help you

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another person’s negligent actions, contact an attorney immediately. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our skilled and experienced team is going to get to work investigating your case immediately. We will work to secure any compensation you are entitled to, which can include the following:

When you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.

‘People Are Flying’ – The Pedestrian Accident Problem

There are some very dangerous roads in and around the Pittsburgh area. Not only are they dangerous for those inside vehicles, but many roads are particularly deadly for pedestrians. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our qualified and experienced team is ready to help if you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian incident caused by another person. Let our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorneys get to work on your case today. 

The Situation On Chateau Street

Residents who live on Chateau Street and in the Manchester neighborhood describe the area as the Indy 500 Speedway. That is not a good thing, and it is certainly deadly for pedestrians. Numerous accidents in fatalities have happened in this area of the roadway and residents are urging the city to find a solution. 

The speed limit on Chateau Street is marked as 35 mph. However, residents say that it is not uncommon for people to drive well over 50 and 60 mph on the street. Now, after months of planning, the city of Pittsburgh is ready to take steps to make the area safer. The city presented a safety concept to the Manchester Citizens Corporation that included steps such as narrowing lanes, eliminating lanes, installing an electronic pedestrian crossing side, and improving lighting.

Pittsburgh, And Pennsylvania, Are Dangerous For Pedestrians

When we look at data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that pedestrian accidents are particularly dangerous. During the latest reporting year of data we have available, we can see that there were 4,129 total pedestrian accidents. Out of these, 201 people were killed, and 4,090 people were injured. Nearly every pedestrian accident results in an injury or fatality in Pennsylvania. 

It is not uncommon for our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers to help clients who have sustained the following:

The human body is no match for a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds slamming into it. Unfortunately, the careless or negligent actions of drivers often lead to pedestrians being struck. High-speed incidents are particularly deadly for pedestrians. 

Let Us Get To Work On Your Case Today

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another person’s careless or negligent actions, seek legal assistance today. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are dedicated to helping survivors, or families of those killed, secure compensation for what happened. This can include:

When you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467. We will be dedicated to your case so you can move forward during this hard time. 

Woman Struck By Car After Walking Off Of A Bus

When you are traveling in and around Pittsburgh using public transportation, you should never have to worry about getting injured. However, you cannot control the negligent or careless actions of the people around you. If you need a pedestrian accident lawyer in Pittsburgh, the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is ready to help secure the compensation you deserve. Today, we want to discuss a pedestrian incident that happened in the Manchester neighborhood last month.

What happened in this Pittsburgh pedestrian accident?

The incident we want to discuss happened in mid-July in the area of Rush and Chateau streets. A woman was struck by a vehicle right after she stepped off a bus and started walking across the street. Witnesses to the crash say that the woman was thrown into the air due to the force of the impact. She was taken to the hospital and listed in critical but stable condition.

Bus riders who take that route regularly say that it is an extremely dangerous stretch of road and they are nervous each time they step off of the bus there. They say they would love to see some added safety measures put into place.

Pedestrian accidents are much more dangerous

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group in and around the roadways. The human body is simply no match for the force of a passenger truck or car slamming into it, especially at high speeds. However, these incidents happen regularly. For the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, there were:

Most of these incidents happen in more crowded cities like Pittsburgh. It is not uncommon for our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorneys to see the following injuries in the aftermath of an incident:

In the incident we discussed above, we are not sure what caused the driver to strike the woman getting off the bus. Witnesses say that the area is unsafe and we have to wonder whether city officials are doing enough to keep pedestrians safe in high-risk areas.

Let us get to work on your behalf today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian crash that was caused by the carelessness or negligence of another person, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are here for you. Our dedicated team is going to investigate all aspects of your crash so you can get the compensation you need. This can include:

When you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 888-98-TWINS(89467).

After A String Of Hit-And-Runs, How Can We Improve Safety?

When you are out and about in the city on foot, you should never have to worry about the carelessness or negligence of someone else causing you harm. However, we know that pedestrian crashes are far too common. They are often hit-and-run incident, leaving victims wondering what comes next. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are here when you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney. Let us get to work so we can secure the compensation you need for all of your injury-related expenses.

What has happened around town?

A hit-and-run crash killed a Penn Hills pedestrian on April 28. It took some time, but police now have a suspect in custody in this case.

On that night, we know that a Saturn struck a 51-year-old male and dragged him half a mile as he was walking home from work. He died at the scene of the crash. Police were able to locate the vehicle’s owner and determined that she allowed a man to drive her car that night. Even though she continually obstructed the case, they were able to locate the primary suspect, her boyfriend.

These incidents are far too common in and around Pittsburgh. Yes, traffic can be bad, but that does not excuse hit-and-run incidents. Pedestrians are vulnerable. In an impact with a vehicle, we commonly see the following pedestrian injuries:

Each of these injuries can lead to major medical expenses for the victims. If a person is unable to work while they are recovering, they will lose the income they need to support their families.

Usually, a victim will be able to pursue compensation from a negligent driver’s insurance company. But what happens in a hit-and-run incident?

Unfortunately, most hit-and-run crashes go unsolved. Despite the best efforts of law enforcement, there is often just not enough evidence to find a suspect. This can leave victims with few options when it comes to securing compensation. Victims may be able to pursue compensation if they have uninsured or underinsured motorist protection, but that is not always the case.

If a suspect is caught, you may have to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

We are ready to help you today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian crash that was caused by another person’s negligent or careless actions, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are ready to step in and be your advocate. Let our knowledgeable and experienced team get to work investigating the incident so we can secure the compensation you deserve, including:

If you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by or calling at 412-391-7610.