Drivers are not the only ones injured in car accidents.
Passengers often suffer serious injuries, especially if the crash occurred on the passenger side of the vehicle. If the passenger is injured, that person may not understand his or her rights; however, there are ways in which passengers can pursue compensation for the injuries they have suffered.
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to being hit by cars. They have no protection and therefore are often seriously injured when struck by cars or other vehicles. There laws in place that are designed to protect pedestrians such as the requirement that drivers yield for pedestrians in a crosswalk. However, many drivers do not take the time to notice pedestrians on the roadways or in crosswalks, and they violate the established laws. As a result, pedestrians are frequently hit, injured and killed across the state.
At the law office of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP, we are dedicated personal injury lawyers who stand up for injured passengers and pedestrians in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and across the state of Pennsylvania. We strive to help clients understand their rights and seek recovery for their losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Types of Passenger Injuries
Our firm confidently and compassionately helps clients who have suffered all types of passenger injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Closed head injury and concussion
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Serious lacerations and abrasions
- Amputations
We also handle wrongful death claims for any family that has lost a loved one in a car, bus, tractor trailer or motorcycle accident that occurred while the victim was a passenger.
Types of Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians can suffer any type of injuries in a pedestrian accident, ranging from minor to severe. We represent clients who have sustained injuries such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions and closed head injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and abrasions (road rash)
Unfortunately, some pedestrians do not survive being struck by a car. In these situations, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the victim’s surviving family members. Our attorneys are committed to confidently and compassionately handling wrongful death lawsuits and helping families move forward after tragedies have occurred.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are not uncommon. Often when pedestrians are hit, they do not see the car that hit them, or the drivers flee the scene fearing legal repercussions. This may leave injured pedestrians wondering who is responsible for the losses they have suffered. In some cases, you may seek compensation through your own auto insurance policy. Some uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies are designed to provide coverage in situations where the negligent driver leaves the scene or cannot be located.
Passenger Rights
Though it may be difficult, injured passengers need to exercise their rights to the fullest extent of the law. In some cases, this may mean taking action against the driver of the vehicle in which the person was a passenger. This is often a friend or relative, complicating the situation. However, passengers need to make themselves and their needs a priority, working with all potential negligent parties to see that compensation is obtained for the injuries and other losses that the passenger has suffered.