According to data compiled by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, 67 people have have lost their lives in vehicular accidents so far in Philadelphia this year. About 59% of those deaths account for pedestrians and bikers, a significant spike in fatalities in comparison to prior years. Oftentimes, vehicular pedestrian accidents have proven to be fatal, considering that the person who gets struck by a vehicle has little to no protection. However, not all pedestrian accidents involve cars. Non-vehicular pedestrian accidents also can occur due to issues with street maintenance, construction, or unfinished sidewalks and parking lots.

Speculation regarding why vehicular pedestrian accident rates have increased consist of the staggering number of people who are distracted on the road or people who fail to follow the rules of the road. Whether it be texting and driving, driving under the influence or simply forgetting to use their turning signal, hitting a pedestrian could result in a deadly situation. But as pedestrian accidents spike, the number of people or entities being held accountable for these accidents is dwindling. Most people rely on the driver's insurance (if any) to cover the damage costs, and basically let the drive off the hook, even at the expense of the victim's life. Transportation professionals boil pedestrian accidents down to one terrifying phrase: “if you want to kill someone and not get punished, use a car.”

Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Philadelphia

Philadelphia citizen Lidia Procaccino was crossing Chestnut Street at 23rd at approximately 5 p.m. when she was hit and dragged by a public transportation bus. According to an article on Philly.com, she was pushing her 9-month-old grandson in a stroller at the time the incident occurred. The bus was traveling on 23rd and was making a left turn when it hit Procaccino in the crosswalk, both of them had the green light. The infant is in stable condition, but after suffering several internal injuries, Procaccino was pronounced dead at the scene. No information regarding her family's intent of taking legal action has been released.

The City's Efforts to Decrease Occurrences of Pedestrian Accidents

Philadelphia has made an effort to decrease pedestrian accidents as much as they can by creating a task force to resolve potential problems in infrastructure and roadways, and have acknowledged that the law enforcement's perception of these types of accidents has to change. When a person is killed by someone else, intent is always assumed, but when a person kills someone in a car, their intent is hardly ever questioned. A major crackdown on negligent drivers by the police and in the courtroom could scare drivers into being more cautious on the roadways.

Contact a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney

Remember, when a car hits a pedestrian the driver is usually almost always at fault. If you've been in an accident, it's important you talk to an attorney so you can receive the compensation you deserve. The Brod Law Firm in Philadelphia is dedicated to giving you the best possible results possible.  Contact us online or call 1-888-435-7946 (888-HELPWIN) for a free consultation. We serve all of the state of Pennsylvania from our offices in Philadelphia, Reading and Bala Cynwyd.