Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather in Morgantown, West Virginia. With West Virginia University students on break, downtown and the surrounding areas see an uptick in foot traffic as people stroll along the streets, patronize local businesses, and spend time at parks along the Monongahela River.
Unfortunately, the rise in pedestrian activity during the summer months also leads to an increase in pedestrian accidents in certain areas of Morgantown. If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of others, contact an experienced Morgantown pedestrian accident lawyer at Desai Law to discuss your legal options.
High Street & Downtown Morgantown
One of the busiest areas of Morgantown during the summer is the downtown district, especially along High Street. Spanning several blocks, High Street is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and businesses that see a steady stream of foot traffic. Pedestrians frequently cross back and forth across High Street, which runs one-way, to reach their destinations.
Unfortunately, the high volume of both foot and vehicular traffic makes downtown one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians, especially at night and on weekends when activity peaks. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or under the influence often fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks along High Street. Accidents frequently occur at intersections like High & Walnut, High & Pleasant, and High & Fayette.
Another factor that contributes to pedestrian risk downtown are the diagonal parking spots that line either side of High Street. As cars reverse out of these tight spots, drivers often fail to see pedestrians crossing behind them until it’s too late. Pedestrians always need to stay alert downtown, even when they have the right-of-way.
If you are hit by a car while walking downtown, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries first and foremost. Avoid discussing the accident in detail with the driver or their insurance company, as it could be used against you later. Instead, contact Morgantown pedestrian accident attorney Chirag Desai, who can communicate with insurers on your behalf and fight for the full compensation you deserve if the driver was at fault.
Monongahela Boulevard & Rail Trail
Another popular pedestrian location in Morgantown is the Monongahela Boulevard and adjacent Caperton Trail that runs along the Monongahela River. Providing picturesque river views, the “Mon Trail” is frequented by walkers, joggers, and cyclists during the summer months.
However, pedestrians face risk when accessing the trail, as they must cross the busy four-lane Monongahela Boulevard at major intersections like Patteson Drive, 8th Street, and in front of the WVU Coliseum. Drivers on the Mon Boulevard are often going at high speeds and may fail to watch for and yield to pedestrians, leading to collisions. Pedestrians are especially at risk at dusk or after dark, when visibility is reduced.
If you are struck by a vehicle on the Mon Boulevard, Morgantown pedestrian accident lawyer Chirag Desai can help you hold the responsible driver accountable and secure a settlement to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
University Avenue & Campus Area
Another Morgantown zone that sees increased pedestrian accidents during the summer months is the area around West Virginia University, namely along University Avenue, which runs through the heart of campus.
With over 30,000 students, WVU’s campus is like a small city unto itself. Pedestrians constantly cross streets to get between classroom buildings, dorms, apartment complexes, and local businesses. Even when regular classes are out for the summer, there is still substantial foot traffic from summer school students, campus visitors, and university employees.
The combination of heavy foot and vehicle traffic leads to frequent pedestrian accidents on and around campus during the summer. High-risk areas include the intersections of University Avenue with Campus Drive and Prospect Street, as well as nearby Beechurst Avenue and Mon Boulevard.
Pedestrians are also at risk in WVU parking lots and garages, where drivers may be distracted as they search for spots or back out without thoroughly checking their surroundings. Always use designated crosswalks and paths when walking through parking areas.
If you are hit and injured by a vehicle on or near WVU’s campus, our Morgantown pedestrian accident team at Desai Law can advise you of your rights and help you pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. With the right legal representation, you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
Patteson Drive
Patteson Drive is a main artery through Morgantown, connecting I-68 to downtown and Monongahela Boulevard. The four-lane road sees heavy traffic during the summer as both locals and visitors access Morgantown’s various retail centers, parks, and recreational facilities along the route.
With a speed limit of 40 mph in most areas, vehicles travel fast down Patteson Drive, posing a risk to pedestrians crossing the street. There are crosswalks with pedestrian signals at major intersections like Laurel Street and Monongahela Boulevard, but many pedestrians still dart across traffic between intersections.
Joggers, walkers, and cyclists accessing the Caperton Trail via the Monongahela Boulevard crosswalk can also be struck by turning vehicles that fail to yield. Reduced visibility at night compounds the dangers.
Contact Desai Law in Morgantown
If you or someone you love is injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, don’t hesitate to contact a knowledgeable Morgantown pedestrian accident lawyer. At Desai Law, we can deal with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the maximum compensation you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
At Desai Law in Morgantown, we are dedicated to helping injured pedestrians, cyclists, and others harmed by negligent parties get back on their feet again. Founder Chirag Desai understands how difficult it can be as the underdog going up against powerful insurance companies. He is committed to advocating for his clients’ best interests both in and out of the courtroom.
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Morgantown, call Desai Law today at (304) 974-1974 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing. Contact a compassionate Morgantown pedestrian accident attorney today.
