Distracted and careless drivers are threats to everyone’s safety at any time of day. Yet, at night when drivers should be paying even more attention to the street in front of them, they can remain inattentive to every other motorist and even defenseless people just trying to cross the road.
Accidents can result from drivers taking their eyes off the road even for a moment and that distraction can be especially dangerous for pedestrians. Yearly data shows that Philadephia is the most dangerous place for pedestrians in the entire state. The Pennsylvania Department of Transporation reported 42 pedestrian deaths in the city in 2018 and 29 deaths in 2019. Across Pennsylvania, there were 154 pedestrian fatalities documented in 2019.
One pedestrian death is too many and these tragic accidents are made that much worse when drivers don’t even bother to stay on the scene to take responsibility for their actions.
Man Struck and Killed In Hunting Park Hit and Run
A pedestrian was hit and killed in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia late Wednesday night. FOX29-TV reported the accident happened around 10 p.m. on West Hunting Park Avenue near 5th Street on October 07, 2020.
Philadelphia police believe the 52-year-old victim was crossing the street to reach a food truck when he was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The man suffered head trauma and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The driver of the dark-colored jeep reportedly circled the block, returned to the scene, and then sped away. Investigators ask that anyone with information about the accident call the Philadelphia Police Department.
Help for Families after Philadelphia Hit and Run
Devastating hit and run accidents leave so much pain behind for family and friends. Close relatives of the victim will receive news of the tragedy and soon face many difficult questions. How can justice be served if the at-fault driver is never located? What will happen to a spouse or children who depended on the deceased for emotional and financial support?
In these cases, a wrongful death claim can be filed against the driver and his or her insurance policy if the person responsible is eventually caught. This driver will likely be facing criminal charges in the hit and run case as well, but your civil case can move forward even if the criminal trial is ongoing.
If the driver is never found, a family may still be able to get compensation by filing against the victim’s own auto accident insurance policy. The claim would use the uninsured/underinsured policy coverage.
These civil lawsuits would ask for help with ambulance fees, hospital bills and funeral costs that resulted from the accident. An award could also cover the lost income the victim would have provided the family now and in the future through his or her job. Pain and suffering and emotional trauma can also be considered in a settlement or trial verdict.
Contact a Wrongful Death Accident Lawyer In Philadelphia
If you have lost a loved one to a tragic pedestrian accident caused by a careless driver talk to Philadelphia Attorney to make sure your family gets the compensation they’ll need to protect their future. An experienced attorney can negotiate with your own insurance company or the insurance company of the at-fault driver to ensure your family’s emotional and financial hardships don’t get ignored.
After any accident involving the loss of a loved one, contact a Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer such as Edith Pearce. Edith Pearce is personally involved in every case that we handle. She genuinely cares about her clients and your family will not be treated like just another number or file.
