Here on Philadelphia’s vibrant streets, we see a constant flow of foot traffic, especially in bustling areas like Center City, University City, and Old City.
Whether you’re on your way to work, crossing Broad Street, or just taking a stroll through a neighborhood, the last thing on your mind is getting hit by a vehicle. Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians are an ever-growing concern in the city, often leaving victims with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and confusion about what to do next.
You need to reach out to a Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer. They can help you take those next steps for your case so that you can have certainty about your future.
If you or a loved one was hit by a car in Pennsylvania, speaking with our Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys here at Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco can be a critical step toward recovering maximum compensation and protecting your rights.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Philadelphia
Several factors contribute to the frequency of pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia.
- Distracted driving is still a top cause. Drivers’ attention often drifts from the road when they use smartphones, music, or navigation systems.
- Speeding, failing to yield at crosswalks, and ignoring traffic signals are also common behaviors that put pedestrians in danger.
- In some cases, poor road design or inadequate signage can contribute to unsafe conditions.
- Philadelphia’s dense traffic and tight intersections can make walking even more hazardous. Areas with high foot traffic don’t always have properly timed signals or visible crosswalks, which increases the risk of a collision. Bad weather and low visibility also play a role in pedestrian injuries, especially during the winter months.
Injuries Often Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian gets hit by a vehicle, the results can be life-threatening. Unlike drivers or passengers in cars, pedestrians have no protection from the force of the impact.
Even low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
In some cases, the injuries result in long-term disability or even death.
The emotional trauma of being hit by a vehicle should not be overlooked. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder following the accident.
Recovery may involve both physical and psychological treatment, which adds to the overall burden.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Philadelphia
Immediately after a pedestrian accident, it’s important that you stay focused on your safety and health.
If you’re able, get to a safe area and call 911. Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some symptoms can take hours or even days to appear, especially when it comes to head or internal injuries.
Documenting the scene can also be helpful. If possible, take pictures of the vehicle, your injuries, and any surrounding signage or road conditions. Get contact information for the driver and any witnesses.
Once you’re stable, consider contacting a pedestrian accident attorney in Philadelphia.
Legal guidance early in the process can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim.
Why Legal Representation Matters
These types of claims often deal with complex legal issues, especially when determining fault.
Insurance companies often try to shift the blame to you or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect the full cost of your injuries. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side helps level the playing field.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Philadelphia understands local traffic laws and knows how to build a strong case on your behalf. From gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage to interviewing witnesses and working with accident reconstruction experts, their role extends well beyond filing paperwork.
Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies, push back against lowball offers, and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
After a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the details of your case.
These may include coverage for medical bills, both immediate and future, lost wages if you had to miss work, and, if your injuries impact your ability to work long-term, compensation for your reduced capacity to earn.
Pain and suffering, which includes both physical discomfort and emotional distress, is another category of compensation. In more severe cases, you may also seek damages for permanent disability or disfigurement. If the at-fault driver acted with gross negligence, like driving under the influence, punitive damages may also be available to deter similar behavior in the future.
Our Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer can help you start this process to collect damages from the incident.
Understanding Liability in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania recognizes the comparative negligence rule, which means that more than one party can be held responsible for an accident. If you (the pedestrian) are found partially at fault—say, by jaywalking or being distracted while crossing the street—your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
However, as long as you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages.
This system adds a layer of complexity to many pedestrian accident cases. Insurance companies are quick to use it as a way to limit their liability. A skilled attorney can help gather the right evidence to show that the driver bears the bulk of the responsibility, increasing your likelihood of a successful outcome.
Efforts To Improve Pedestrian Safety
In recent years, Philadelphia has taken steps to reduce pedestrian accidents through initiatives like Vision Zero. The city has focused on redesigning dangerous intersections, increasing the visibility of crosswalks, and offering better signage.
Despite these efforts, accidents continue to happen, highlighting the need for both ongoing infrastructure improvements and accountability when drivers fail to act responsibly. The city’s layout and heavy traffic make the total elimination of pedestrian accidents unlikely.
That’s why legal recourse remains essential for many victims and their families, and you will want to reach out to our pedestrian accident lawyers in Philadelphia.
Common Defenses Used by Drivers and Insurance Companies
When drivers or their insurance companies face a pedestrian accident claim, they often rely on a few common defenses. One argument is that the pedestrian was not in a designated crosswalk or crossed against the light. Another is that the pedestrian was distracted or under the influence at the time of the accident.
These defenses don’t necessarily eliminate a driver’s liability, but they can influence how a claim unfolds.
A thorough investigation and careful legal strategy can help counter these tactics. Video footage, witness testimony, and medical reports can all work together to challenge the narrative that the pedestrian was at fault.
How Long Do You Have To File a Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law enacts a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, meaning that you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit.
If you miss that window, you may lose your right to recover compensation altogether. There are some exceptions, especially in cases involving minors or government entities. However, it’s always best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Delays in filing can make it harder to gather evidence or track down witnesses, which could weaken your claim.
How a Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
A dedicated pedestrian accident attorney can take the burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Your attorney can manage communications with insurance adjusters, file paperwork for you, and make sure that you meet all deadlines. They’ll also be able to calculate the true value of your claim, taking into account future medical needs and intangible losses like emotional distress.
Having a lawyer also signals to the insurance company that you’re serious. In many cases, claims that involve legal representation result in higher settlements.
If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair compromise, your lawyer can take your case to trial and advocate for you in court.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Not every personal injury attorney has experience handling pedestrian accident claims. When selecting a lawyer, look for someone with a proven track record in this specific area of law. Ask about their case outcomes, trial experience, and approach to client communication.
You want someone who will keep you informed, answer your questions, and prioritize your best interests.
A good pedestrian accident law firm will offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your options, with no obligation to move forward unless you feel confident.
FAQ: Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- What if I were partially at fault for the accident?
You may still recover compensation under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, as long as you are less than 51% responsible. Your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. - Do I need to go to court?
Not always. Many pedestrian accident cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can take the case to trial. - What should I bring to my initial consultation?
Bring any documents related to your accident, including medical records, police reports, photos of the scene, and insurance correspondence. The more information you provide, the better your attorney can assess your case. - How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. There’s usually no upfront cost for legal representation. - What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Hit-and-run cases add complexity, but you still have options. Your lawyer may help you file a claim with your own insurance company based on your uninsured motorist coverage, or work to identify the driver through police investigations and witness statements.
Life can change in an instant when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian. From physical injuries and financial hardships to the emotional impact of trauma, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.
You shouldn’t have to navigate this process alone. A Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer can explain your rights, seek justice, and fight for the financial support you need and deserve to move forward.
Whether your case is clear-cut or complicated by conflicting accounts, at Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, our skilled attorneys can guide you through every step, help you avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions, and help you focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
