A man was crossing Street Rd in Bensalem and was struck by two vehicles and died at the scene. According to Bensalem Police, the first vehicle hit the man as he was crossing the street to get to a 7-Eleven, and that car swerved and then crashed into a gas station sign. The second vehicle then hit the man, and the driver pulled over and got out of her car. Shen then appeared to call someone on her phone and then get back in her car and fled the scene.
The accident happened around 5:20 a.m., Wednesday, February 20, on Street Rd and Brookwood Dr. Police are still investigating the incident and are looking for the driver of the second car. They are asking anyone with any information on the accident to call them at (215) 633-3669.
Hit-and-Run and Pedestrians
Pedestrians are at great risk when walking on or near the roadways because of the danger posed by cars and trucks. The average passenger car weights between 3,500 to 4,000 lbs which is over 20 times the weight of the average person. This means that even a minor impact can cause severe injuries or even death.
When the driver of the vehicle takes off, this creates even more risk as the injured person is often left to fend for themselves. Many times when a pedestrian is struck, the driver of the car will administer aid and/or call authorities. If that driver flees the scene, it could delay help for the injured pedestrian.
Hit-and-Run Liability
When pedestrians are hit by cars, studies show that the pedestrian is more likely to be at fault. Some studies show primary fault in the pedestrian about 80 percent of the time, while others show a more modest figure of 65 percent. Either way, the pedestrian is typically at fault.
So this begs the question: should I make a claim for compensation if I’m injured as a pedestrian and believe I’m at fault? The answer is, maybe. The best thing to do is contact an attorney who knows the law, the local courts and has experience in pedestrian personal injury cases.
At intersections, we often look at who had the red light and then put the blame on that person. However, it’s not that simple. Civil law requires a person claiming injury to prove that the person was negligent, and whether they violated the law or didn’t violate the law doesn’t automatically decide negligence.
For example, if you entered an intersection as a pedestrian at the end of a green light cycle and then were halfway across the street and the light turned red for you, does this mean that a driver who hits you is not at fault because the light turned green for the driver?
The Courts will look at the circumstances and see if the driver or the pedestrian didn’t act reasonably and then assign blame for the accident.
How to Avoid Getting Hit
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looked at some of the factors involved when pedestrians were hit by cars and made some safety instruction:
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
Do I need an Attorney?
If you are injured as a pedestrian by a vehicle, you might wonder if you need an attorney. In most cases you do. If the injuries are severe enough to cause your bills to rise and keep you out of work or interrupt your life, you need to at least talk to an attorney to get an unbiased evaluation of your case. Call the Pearce Law Firm, P.C. at (215) 557-8686 or text at (215) 880 6164. You can also send them a message online by clicking here.
