Fatal Hit and Run Crash in Girard

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Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

A 51-year-old man was struck by a vehicle in the North Creek Road and Route 20 area of Girard around 11 p.m. on September 4. According to Pennsylvania state police, the West Erie County accident occurred when a black or gray vehicle struck the man and then fled the scene. The man died at the accident scene from injuries sustained when the car struck him. Police are still searching for the vehicle. Anyone with information about this Girard hit and run accident should contact state police.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

The NHTSA reports that 4,735 pedestrians lost their lives during 2013 in traffic-related accidents. This averages to a pedestrian being killed in a traffic accident every two hours. During the same year, about 66,000 (one every eight minutes) pedestrians were injured in in traffic related accidents.  In Pennsylvania, 4,375 pedestrian accidents resulted in 151 pedestrian deaths during 2013.

Even one pedestrian death is one too many for the family and friends who lost a loved one.

What is Kevin’s Law?

In 2014, Pennsylvania took action to crack down on hit and run accidents that result in a fatality. Kevin’s Law increases the mandatory minimum punishment for a hit and run driver from one year to three years. The law also closed a major loophole in Pennsylvania’s DUI laws regarding hit-and-run accidents.

Kevin’s Law is named after Kevin Miller. Kevin was killed by a hit and run driver in December 2012 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Kevin was just five years old when he died.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

As a pedestrian, you cannot control what a driver does behind the wheel of a vehicle. You cannot force the driver to pay attention to the road in front of the driver by avoiding distractions such as cell phones, eating, grooming, and reading. You cannot force a driver to obey posted speed limits and traffic laws. However, you can take precautions to avoid pedestrian accidents. You can also hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions by pursuing accident claims and filing personal injury lawsuits.

When you are walking, jogging, or running, remember these important pedestrian safety tips:

  • Always walk on a sidewalk when available. If there is not a sidewalk, walk as close to the side of the road as possible.
  • Cross roads at crosswalks and intersections when possible.
  • Look both ways before crossing any street.
  • Remain alert — avoid distractions (i.e. talking on your cell phone, wearing headphones, texting, reading, etc.).
  • Make eye contact with drivers to ensure the driver sees you.
  • Wear brightly colored clothing, reflectors, and carry a flashlight when walking at dusk, dawn, or night.
  • Walk in well-lit, safe areas.
  • Avoid walking after consuming alcohol.
  • Walk with a friend or a group.

Contact an Erie PA Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you have lost a family member in a pedestrian accident or a hit and run accident, we can help. If you have been injured in a traffic-related accident, we can help. Our Erie personal injury attorneys have the experience and skill you need on our side when filing an accident claim.

Contact The Travis Law Firm toll free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Erie personal injury lawyers.