What Are Pennsylvania Pedestrian Injury Laws?

If you’re searching for details about Pennsylvania pedestrian laws for injured victims, understanding your rights, responsibilities, and options for compensation is essential.

Pennsylvania pedestrian laws require drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Injured pedestrians can file Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims or lawsuits to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, Mattiacci Law has helped countless clients across Pennsylvania secure justice and fair compensation for their injuries. In this article, we’ll cover key aspects of Pennsylvania pedestrian laws, including pedestrian rights and responsibilities, driver obligations, common causes of accidents, and the legal options available for injured pedestrians to seek compensation.

What Rights Do Pedestrians Have in Pennsylvania?

Pedestrians in Pennsylvania have the right of way in crosswalks, can file PIP claims for medical coverage, and may pursue personal injury lawsuits for additional compensation

• Right of Way in Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• PIP Claims: Injured pedestrians can access medical coverage through their own or the driver’s auto insurance.
• Legal Recourse: Pedestrians can file lawsuits for damages like lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress.

For detailed laws, refer to the Pennsylvania General Assembly Statutes.

What Responsibilities Do Pedestrians Have in Pennsylvania?

Pedestrians in Pennsylvania must obey traffic signals, use crosswalks, and avoid walking on highways while impaired to ensure safety and compliance with the law.

Impaired Walking: It’s illegal to walk on highways while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must adhere to signals and yield to vehicles when crossing outside crosswalks.

Sidewalk and Roadway Use: When sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road.

What Are the Responsibilities of Drivers Toward Pedestrians?

Drivers in Pennsylvania must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, avoid safety zones, and exercise caution near visually impaired individuals or those using guide dogs.

Driver Obligation	Requirement
Yielding to Pedestrians	Drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
Blind Pedestrian Protection	Drivers must yield to individuals using guide dogs or white canes.
Avoiding Safety Zones	Vehicles are prohibited from driving through or within safety zones.

The Risk of Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian accidents account for a significant portion of traffic fatalities.

• Urban areas see most pedestrian accidents, but rural areas have higher fatality rates.
• Accidents are more likely at crosswalks, intersections, or driveways.

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania?

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Most pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania are caused by inattentive or impaired driving, poor visibility, and pedestrians crossing outside crosswalks.

• Driver Inattentiveness: Distracted drivers often fail to notice pedestrians in their path.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs drivers’ ability to react quickly.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime and adverse weather conditions increase the risk of accidents.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, urban areas account for most pedestrian accidents, but rural areas see higher fatality rates.

What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Seek?

Injured pedestrians in Pennsylvania can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

• Emergency room visits.
• Physical therapy and long-term care.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.

Punitive Damages

These are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or malice, such as DUI-related accidents.Reserved for cases of extreme negligence, such as DUI-related accidents.

Who Pays the Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Accident in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, medical bills after a pedestrian accident are typically covered through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims, starting with the injured person’s auto insurance policy. If no such policy exists, coverage extends to their parent’s or spouse’s policy or the negligent driver’s insurance.

Pennsylvania law prioritizes pedestrian protection by ensuring medical expenses are addressed through a structured order of coverage:

1. The pedestrian’s own auto insurance policy.
2. The auto insurance policy of a parent or spouse.
3. The negligent driver’s auto insurance policy.

If none of these apply, other legal options, including personal injury lawsuits, can be pursued.

What Does a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claim in Pennsylvania Cover?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Pennsylvania covers medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, and funeral expenses in wrongful death cases, up to the policy limit.

PIP benefits are a vital resource for injured pedestrians, offering coverage for:

• Medical bills, including surgeries and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages due to missed work.
• Funeral expenses in cases of wrongful death.
• Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident.

Pennsylvania requires a minimum PIP coverage of $5,000, though many policies provide higher limits. Once PIP benefits are exhausted, injured pedestrians may file a lawsuit for additional compensation.

What Is the Role of Bodily Injury Liability Coverage in Pedestrian Accidents?

Bodily injury liability coverage provides financial compensation for pedestrians injured by a negligent driver. In Pennsylvania, the minimum coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

Every registered driver in Pennsylvania is required to carry bodily injury liability insurance, which applies when:

• The driver is at fault for the accident.
• The pedestrian’s injuries exceed their PIP coverage.

This type of coverage ensures that injured pedestrians receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages caused by the insured driver.

How Long Do Pedestrians Have to File a Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Pedestrians injured in Pennsylvania have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined by state law.

• Exceptions: Cases involving minors or government entities may have different deadlines.
• Importance of Acting Promptly: Delays can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

For specifics, review the Pennsylvania General Assembly Statutes.

Conclusion: Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in Pennsylvania

Understanding Pennsylvania pedestrian laws is critical for protecting your rights and safety. These laws provide injured pedestrians with avenues for compensation while holding drivers accountable for negligence.

Take Action Today

At Mattiacci Law, we combine compassion, expertise, and a relentless drive to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve. Our firm has successfully represented countless pedestrians, helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Call 215-914-6919 for a free no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

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