In this guide will explain to you everything you need to know about Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Laws from A-Z.
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Pedestrians in Pennsylvania must obey traffic signals, use crosswalks where available, and yield to vehicles when crossing outside of intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Pennsylvania pedestrian laws are designed to protect walkers while also setting clear rules for how and where they may cross roadways. These laws, found in Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, define when a pedestrian has the right-of-way, when a driver must yield, and how both parties can be held responsible after an accident.
Understanding these laws is essential for both safety and for determining legal liability in a pedestrian accident case.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers must slow down and yield when a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk or is about to enter it.
Pedestrians must obey all traffic control devices, including “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals, stop signs, and red lights. Entering a roadway against a red signal is a violation, even if cars appear to be stopped.
When there is no intersection or crosswalk nearby, pedestrians must yield to oncoming vehicles. Drivers are not required to stop in these scenarios, so the burden of caution falls on the pedestrian.
Pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly stepping into traffic from a curb or between parked cars when it would be impossible for an approaching driver to stop safely.
Here are some of the most relevant sections of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code regarding pedestrian rules:
You can find the complete list of pedestrian-related traffic laws at the Pennsylvania General Assembly website.
Pennsylvania applies a modified comparative negligence rule to pedestrian accidents. This means that if a pedestrian is more than 50% responsible for the accident, they are barred from receiving any compensation. If the pedestrian is 50% or less at fault, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian receives a $100,000 award but is found 30% at fault for not using a crosswalk, they would only recover $70,000.
Both drivers and pedestrians have legal obligations that must be followed under Pennsylvania law. Pedestrians must use crosswalks, follow traffic signals, and exercise caution. At the same time, drivers must yield the right-of-way where required and always remain alert for foot traffic.
Understanding these rules is the foundation for proving liability in a pedestrian accident claim and plays a critical role in securing fair compensation.
In a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident, either the driver or the pedestrian—or both—can be held liable, depending on who was more at fault. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, pedestrians can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault.
Establishing liability in a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident depends on who breached their legal duty of care. Both pedestrians and drivers are required to act responsibly to avoid causing harm.
Drivers are often found liable when they fail to observe pedestrian right-of-way rules or traffic laws. Common causes of driver liability include:
Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, particularly at intersections. Ignoring this rule is one of the most common factors in pedestrian accident claims.
While pedestrians have important rights, they also have responsibilities. If a pedestrian violates traffic laws, they may share or bear full responsibility for the collision. Examples of pedestrian negligence include:
In such cases, pedestrians may still be able to recover compensation, but it will depend on their percentage of fault.
Liability is often shared. For example, a distracted driver may hit a jaywalking pedestrian. In this situation, both parties may have contributed to the crash, which affects the final compensation amount.
Pennsylvania follows the modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102. This means:
For example, if a jury determines that a pedestrian is 30% responsible for jaywalking and the total damages amount to $100,000, the pedestrian would be awarded $70,000.
This rule significantly impacts how personal injury attorneys approach liability and settlement negotiations.
Several types of evidence can be used to establish who is liable:
Additionally, both parties’ legal duty of care is considered. Drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly, and pedestrians must obey traffic signals and remain alert.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you determine who was at fault, file claims, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, bills, and receipts. Also document any lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, or other financial harms.
Insurance companies often request recorded statements that can later be used to dispute your claim. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania include driver negligence (e.g., speeding or distracted driving), pedestrian violations (e.g., jaywalking or disobeying signals), poor visibility, and failure to yield at crosswalks.
Most pedestrian injuries occur due to unsafe driving behavior. The following driver actions are leading contributors:
Drivers using cell phones, GPS, or in-vehicle entertainment systems may fail to see pedestrians. Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause devastating harm.
Driving at excessive speeds reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impact. Speeding in school zones, residential areas, or near intersections is especially dangerous for pedestrians.
Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Many accidents happen because motorists do not honor this right-of-way.
Drugs and alcohol impair judgment and motor skills, significantly raising the risk of pedestrian collisions. Impaired drivers are less likely to notice or respond appropriately to people crossing the street.
Making a rolling stop at a stop sign or turning right on red without looking for pedestrians is a common and deadly behavior, especially in urban environments.
While drivers bear much of the responsibility, pedestrians can also contribute to accidents by violating their duties under state law.
Pedestrians are required to cross at intersections or marked crosswalks when available. Crossing in the middle of the street, especially in areas with limited visibility, increases risk.
Failing to obey traffic signals—such as crossing during a red hand or “Don’t Walk” sign—can lead to accidents, even if the pedestrian is within a crosswalk.
If a pedestrian suddenly enters the roadway without warning, especially from between parked cars or behind an obstruction, a driver may not have time to stop.
Pedestrians are generally prohibited from walking on certain highways, overpasses, or bridges. Violating these restrictions can lead to tragic outcomes.
Certain external conditions can increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents, regardless of who is at fault.
Many accidents occur at dawn, dusk, or night, especially when pedestrians wear dark clothing. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data shows that more than 70% of pedestrian fatalities happen at night.
Rain, fog, or snow can obscure visibility and cause drivers to lose control. Pedestrians also have a harder time being seen in inclement weather.
Areas with no sidewalks, inadequate lighting, or poorly marked crosswalks create hazardous conditions. Intersections without pedestrian signals are especially dangerous.
Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks pose a higher fatality risk in pedestrian collisions due to their mass and taller front-end design.
Understanding the cause of the accident is essential for determining fault and calculating damages. A pedestrian accident attorney will typically:
This investigative process can reveal whether one or both parties were negligent, which directly impacts liability and settlement negotiations.
In Pennsylvania, drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, while pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic signal.
Understanding who has the legal right-of-way in different traffic situations is essential for both drivers and pedestrians. Pennsylvania law outlines specific scenarios where pedestrians are protected—and where they must yield.
Pennsylvania law grants pedestrians the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. An unmarked crosswalk is the invisible extension of a sidewalk across the intersection, even if it is not painted.
When pedestrians cross outside of an intersection or designated crosswalk:
Pedestrians are legally required to follow all traffic control devices. This includes:
Although pedestrians have certain rights, they also carry legal responsibilities to avoid accidents.
Pedestrians must yield under the following conditions:
In these situations, drivers are not automatically liable, even if an injury occurs.
Both drivers and pedestrians can be cited for violating right-of-way laws:
Following best practices reduces risk and protects legal claims if a collision occurs.
In a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident, either the driver, the pedestrian, or both can be found at fault. Liability depends on who acted negligently, and under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, a pedestrian can still recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault.
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident is critical for any injury claim or lawsuit. Unlike no-fault car insurance claims, pedestrian injuries often require a liability determination to establish who pays for damages.
Drivers may be held liable if their conduct contributed to the accident. Common examples include:
A negligent driver who violates traffic laws or fails to exercise reasonable care can be held fully or partially responsible.
Pedestrians are also held to a legal standard of care. Fault can be assigned if a pedestrian:
Even if injured, a pedestrian who contributes to the accident through unsafe behavior may bear some liability.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102. This means:
If a jury awards $100,000 and finds the pedestrian 20% at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk, the award is reduced to $80,000.
Establishing who is at fault involves gathering strong evidence. Key sources of proof include:
The totality of the circumstances—including weather, time of day, visibility, and location—are also evaluated in determining liability.
Violating either duty may lead to a finding of negligence.
| Scenario | Likely Fault Outcome |
|---|---|
| Driver runs red light and strikes pedestrian in crosswalk | Driver 100% at fault |
| Pedestrian jaywalks and is struck by a speeding driver | Shared fault |
| Pedestrian crosses at night without lights or reflective gear | Pedestrian majority fault possible |
| Both pedestrian and driver distracted (phone use) | Shared fault, depending on facts |
Liability affects not only personal injury settlements, but also insurance coverage, such as:
Because pedestrian accident fault is often disputed, having an experienced attorney is crucial. A pedestrian accident lawyer can:
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield at crosswalks, impaired driving, and pedestrian violations like jaywalking or ignoring traffic signals. Both driver and pedestrian behavior contribute to accident risk.
Most pedestrian accidents stem from driver negligence. Common driver behaviors that lead to collisions include:
Using a phone, GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio reduces a driver’s ability to see pedestrians—especially in crosswalks or near intersections.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to react and need longer stopping distances. Speed also increases injury severity in pedestrian accidents.
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Many collisions occur when drivers fail to stop or yield appropriately.
Drunk or drug-impaired drivers are far more likely to strike pedestrians due to impaired judgment and delayed reaction time.
Drivers making right or left turns often focus only on oncoming traffic and neglect to look for pedestrians crossing with the signal.
Certain roadway and environmental conditions also elevate pedestrian crash risks:
Accidents are more common at night when visibility is reduced—especially on roads with inadequate street lighting.
Roadways without safe walking areas force pedestrians to walk on shoulders or streets, which increases danger.
Wide, multi-lane roads with fast traffic and few crossing signals are particularly hazardous for pedestrians.
Obstructions like parked cars or signage can block visibility, making it harder for drivers to spot crossing pedestrians.
While many accidents result from driver error, pedestrian actions also play a role. Common risky pedestrian behaviors include:
Crossing outside of legal crosswalks or intersections can surprise drivers and lead to collisions.
Crossing during a red light or against a “Don’t Walk” signal increases accident likelihood, especially in busy urban areas.
Pedestrians using smartphones, headphones, or other devices may fail to notice oncoming traffic or signal changes.
Walking while intoxicated or under the influence can impair judgment and coordination, leading to dangerous crossing decisions.
Suddenly entering the street without warning gives drivers little time to react, particularly in congested areas.
| Cause | Driver-Related | Pedestrian-Related | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distracted driving | ✅ | ❌ | Failure to stop or yield in time |
| Speeding | ✅ | ❌ | Higher injury severity |
| Jaywalking | ❌ | ✅ | Shared or pedestrian fault |
| Impaired driving | ✅ | ❌ | Full driver liability likely |
| Disregarding signals | ✅ / ❌ | ✅ / ❌ | Depends on who disobeyed signal |
Pedestrian crashes tend to occur in:
Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh report higher pedestrian injury rates, often correlating with traffic volume and population density.
Determining the root cause of a pedestrian accident is essential for:
A pedestrian accident attorney uses cause analysis to build a compelling claim, working with traffic engineers or accident reconstruction experts if needed.
Pennsylvania pedestrian laws grant pedestrians the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks and require them to follow traffic signals and signs. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise caution to avoid collisions.
Pedestrian safety is governed by Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, which outlines when drivers must yield and when pedestrians must follow traffic signals. These laws aim to balance pedestrian rights with roadway safety obligations.
| Statute | Description |
|---|---|
| 75 Pa. C.S. § 3542 | Right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks |
| 75 Pa. C.S. § 3541 | Pedestrian obedience to traffic-control devices |
| 75 Pa. C.S. § 3544 | Pedestrian duties on highways and restricted roadways |
| 75 Pa. C.S. § 3543 | Crossing at other than crosswalks (jaywalking rules |
Understanding and following these laws:
After a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, seek medical attention immediately, call 911, file a police report, gather evidence, avoid giving recorded statements, and contact a pedestrian accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Your first priority should be getting out of harm’s way. If you can move safely, step away from traffic and onto a sidewalk or shoulder.
Whether you feel pain right away or not, get checked by a doctor.
If you are not seriously injured and can move safely:
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the accident.
Keep a personal file that includes:
This documentation supports your claim for economic and non-economic damages.
An experienced attorney can:
Most personal injury lawyers — including Mattiacci Law — offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis (you pay nothing unless they win).
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer serious, life-altering injuries. These injuries can range from fractures and internal trauma to permanent disability, even when the vehicle is moving at relatively low speeds.
Head trauma is one of the most frequent and serious outcomes in pedestrian accidents. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the head may hit the windshield, hood, or pavement, leading to potentially life-altering damage.
Types of head injuries include:
Treatment often requires neurological care, imaging (CT/MRI scans), and extended monitoring. In some cases, lifelong cognitive rehabilitation is necessary, which can significantly increase the value of a personal injury claim.
The force of a vehicle can easily knock a pedestrian to the ground, damaging the spine and back. These injuries range from soft tissue damage to life-changing paralysis.
Common back-related injuries include:
Recovery often requires physical therapy, pain management, or surgical intervention—especially if mobility is impaired. Compensation for these injuries usually includes both economic damages and long-term loss of quality of life.
Fractures are among the most immediate and visible injuries suffered by pedestrians. The impact typically affects the extremities, pelvis, or ribs.
Commonly broken bones include:
Recovery times vary depending on the severity and location. Some fractures require surgical repair or internal fixation with rods and plates, which are factored into the overall claim value.
Even if there are no external signs of trauma, pedestrian accidents can cause dangerous internal injuries. The sudden blunt force can rupture organs or cause internal bleeding.
Potential internal injuries include:
Internal injuries are life-threatening and often require emergency surgery. Prompt diagnosis through CT scans or ultrasounds is crucial.
Though often dismissed as “minor,” soft tissue injuries can significantly affect a pedestrian’s mobility, pain levels, and ability to work. These include:
These injuries typically require physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes orthopedic intervention. While they may not carry the same dollar value as more visible injuries, long-term symptoms and functional limitations can boost settlement potential.
Pedestrians frequently suffer facial injuries if they hit the ground or vehicle directly.
Pennsylvania law permits compensation for disfigurement and emotional distress, making these injuries especially relevant to damages for pain and suffering.
Injuries are not always physical. Pedestrian accident victims often suffer intense emotional distress or mental health complications post-incident.
Common psychological effects include:
These symptoms may require treatment by therapists or psychiatrists. Mental health damages can be claimed under non-economic damages, provided documentation supports the severity.
Pedestrian accident victims in Pennsylvania often face extensive medical bills, missed time from work, and long-term suffering. Calculating compensation isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula—it involves carefully examining economic losses, pain and suffering, liability percentages, and insurance limitations.
Understanding how compensation is calculated is crucial for injured pedestrians seeking fair recovery from insurance companies or through a personal injury lawsuit.
Economic damages are the easiest to calculate because they are tied to real, documented financial losses.
These include:
All receipts, medical records, and employment documentation should be saved to support these claims.
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the intangible harm they suffer—physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
These typically include:
Because these losses are subjective, insurance companies often undervalue them unless a skilled attorney presents strong documentation and expert support.
Pennsylvania follows a 51% modified comparative negligence rule, which means:
Example:
If a jury awards $100,000 in total damages, but the pedestrian is found to be 20% at fault (e.g., for stepping into the road without a signal), they would receive $80,000.
Pennsylvania drivers can choose either full tort or limited tort insurance. This distinction may impact compensation for pedestrian accidents if the victim is covered under a limited tort policy.
Pedestrian accident victims often qualify for exceptions even under limited tort, but proving this requires legal and medical support.
Most Pennsylvania pedestrian accident claims settle before trial. Settlement amounts depend on the strength of the evidence, severity of injuries, and negotiating leverage. However, going to trial may result in higher compensation when the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Several elements influence the value of a pedestrian injury claim:
Factors that increase claim value:
Factors that may reduce compensation:
Without legal guidance, injured pedestrians often underestimate the full value of their claim—especially for non-economic damages and future losses. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can ensure all current and future expenses are included, using:
Proper valuation ensures the injured party isn’t left covering future costs out of pocket.
Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system plays a critical role in determining how medical bills and damages are handled in pedestrian accident cases. Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania allows drivers to choose between limited tort and full tort auto insurance, and this choice can significantly impact compensation—even for pedestrians who weren’t in a vehicle at the time of the accident.
Understanding how no-fault laws apply to pedestrian accidents is essential for protecting your rights and securing full compensation.
Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket costs after an accident—regardless of who caused it.
If you are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, your own car insurance (if you have one) is typically the first to cover your medical bills through your PIP benefits.
The responsibility for paying medical bills depends on whether the injured pedestrian has their own auto insurance:
This system ensures immediate access to medical treatment, but it does not guarantee full compensation for pain and suffering unless other legal elements are met.
Pennsylvania’s limited tort option restricts the injured person’s ability to sue for non-economic damages like pain and suffering—unless they meet a statutory exception.
However, pedestrian accident victims are often exempt from limited tort restrictions, making it easier for them to recover full damages even if their policy says otherwise.
Exceptions include:
If any of these conditions apply, the pedestrian typically regains full tort rights, meaning they can pursue a lawsuit for the full extent of their losses.
In addition to PIP benefits, injured pedestrians may be entitled to:
If the accident results in a permanent injury or wrongful death, additional damages may be pursued through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
While no-fault laws help pay medical bills quickly, they do not eliminate the right to sue a negligent driver. If your injuries are severe or if one of the exceptions to limited tort applies, you can still bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
In such cases, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule (discussed in Chapter 3) will apply to determine liability and potential recovery amounts.
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle in Pennsylvania, don’t assume you’re limited to PIP coverage. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help identify your full rights under the no-fault system and build a case for maximum compensation.
Time is one of the most critical factors in any pedestrian accident case. Pennsylvania law imposes strict deadlines—known as statutes of limitations—that determine how long an injured pedestrian has to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can completely bar your right to compensation, regardless of the strength of your case.
Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is:
Two years from the date of the pedestrian accident.
This applies to any civil lawsuit for injuries resulting from negligence, including when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. The clock starts ticking on the day of the accident, not when injuries are discovered (unless rare exceptions apply).
If a pedestrian is killed due to a driver’s negligence, the wrongful death statute of limitations also imposes a two-year deadline.
However, in these cases, the clock begins on the date of death, which may differ from the date of the accident if the victim later succumbed to injuries. The lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
If a pedestrian accident involves a government vehicle (such as a city bus or police car), additional notice requirements apply:
Municipal and state agencies are often protected by sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for motor vehicle accidents caused by government employees acting within the scope of their duties.
In limited situations, the statute of limitations may be paused or “tolled”:
Even though Pennsylvania law allows two years to file, delaying can significantly weaken your claim. As time passes:
Early legal intervention ensures that all evidence is preserved and deadlines are tracked accurately.
Many victims begin with an insurance claim—but this does not stop the statute of limitations. Even if you are in active settlement negotiations, the two-year deadline still applies unless a formal lawsuit is filed in court.
Failing to file before the deadline permanently forfeits your right to seek compensation through the legal system.
If you’re unsure whether your case still falls within the legal deadline, consult a pedestrian accident attorney immediately to protect your rights and avoid missing critical windows for recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident and need to pursue legal action, it’s helpful to understand the process before your case moves forward. Lawsuits are often unfamiliar territory for victims, but knowing what to expect in a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawsuit can give you clarity and confidence as you seek justice and compensation.
The first formal step in a lawsuit is the filing of a complaint in civil court. This document outlines:
Once filed, the complaint is served on the defendant, who has a limited time to respond.
After both sides have filed their initial pleadings, the case enters the discovery phase. This is where each party gathers evidence to support their side of the story. Discovery tools include:
This phase may take several months but is critical to building a strong case.
Throughout the lawsuit, both parties may engage in ongoing negotiations to resolve the matter without going to trial. This is often where most pedestrian accident cases are resolved. Insurance companies may offer settlements at various stages based on the strength of the evidence and the risk of going to court.
Your attorney will advise you on:
If a settlement is reached, the lawsuit ends and compensation is paid out accordingly.
Before trial, the court may order mediation—a structured negotiation with a neutral third party—or non-binding arbitration, where a neutral decision-maker gives an advisory opinion. These methods can speed up resolution and reduce legal costs.
Although these steps are not mandatory, many courts encourage them to avoid a full-blown trial.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial. In Pennsylvania, this could be a jury trial or a bench trial (heard by a judge only). Trial preparation includes:
Your lawyer will present evidence showing the driver’s negligence and explain how your injuries were caused by the accident.
A pedestrian accident trial typically proceeds through the following steps:
If the verdict is in your favor, the court will determine how much compensation the defendant must pay.
Even after a verdict, either side may file post-trial motions to contest aspects of the trial or request a new one. If denied, the losing party may file an appeal, which can delay the receipt of any awarded compensation.
However, most cases are finalized shortly after a trial verdict, especially if the outcome is clear and the evidence was strong.
The full lawsuit process can take anywhere from several months to over two years, depending on:
While delays can be frustrating, your attorney will work to keep things moving and ensure your claim is fully developed before trial.
A lawsuit may be necessary if:
If you’re unsure whether to file, consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They can help you evaluate your options, preserve your legal rights, and file before the statute of limitations expires.
After a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, securing a fair settlement is often the key to rebuilding your life. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, so knowing how to strategically strengthen your claim can significantly impact the outcome. This chapter explores the most effective ways to maximize your compensation through evidence, legal strategy, and negotiation.
One of the most common mistakes injured pedestrians make is underestimating the value of their damages. A settlement should reflect not only your immediate losses, but also the long-term impact on your health, employment, and quality of life.
Key components of a comprehensive claim include:
To strengthen your case, work with your attorney to calculate each of these damages in detail.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your negotiating position. Immediately after the accident:
As your case progresses, continue documenting your recovery—especially symptoms that affect your ability to work, sleep, or engage in daily activities.
Insurance companies often downplay injuries like soft tissue damage, post-concussive syndrome, or chronic pain. A medical expert can provide:
Expert reports are especially important if your injuries will require future surgeries, rehabilitation, or adaptive care.
It’s tempting to accept an early offer—especially if bills are piling up. However, premature settlements often fail to account for future complications or ongoing treatment. You should never settle before:
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot request more money later—even if your condition worsens.
Insurance adjusters may ask you for a recorded statement. While this may seem harmless, these statements are designed to:
Always consult your attorney before speaking to any insurance representative. You have the right to decline recorded statements.
To maximize your compensation, your case must clearly show that the driver was at fault. This requires establishing that they violated their duty of care. Common types of driver negligence include:
The stronger your liability evidence, the less likely the insurer will argue to reduce or deny your settlement.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault—as long as your share is less than 51%. If fault is disputed, the insurer may try to shift blame to you.
Your attorney can push back on these arguments by:
Reducing your percentage of fault directly increases your compensation.
Non-economic damages—like emotional distress or loss of enjoyment—often comprise a large portion of the settlement. But they require detailed support. Your lawyer may use:
These elements humanize your case and increase the settlement’s emotional and legal weight.
The single most effective way to maximize your settlement is to work with a lawyer who has handled pedestrian injury claims in Pennsylvania. A skilled attorney will:
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation—but securing a full and fair settlement is rarely straightforward. From understanding liability laws to battling insurance companies, having an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can make a major difference in both the outcome and the process of your claim.
Pedestrian accident cases aren’t like typical car crash claims. They often involve:
An experienced attorney will understand how these nuances apply to your specific situation and use them to strengthen your case.
Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts. If you try to handle your claim alone, you may face:
A pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to navigate these tactics. They will handle all communications, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident often requires more than a police report. Your attorney can build your case by:
Without legal representation, it’s nearly impossible to access and organize this level of evidence.
While medical bills and lost wages are straightforward, calculating the full value of pain and suffering, future medical needs, or long-term disability is more subjective. A skilled personal injury lawyer will:
This approach often results in far higher settlements than self-represented claimants receive.
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer due to cost concerns. However, pedestrian accident attorneys in Pennsylvania typically work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
This arrangement allows all accident victims—regardless of financial situation—to access high-quality legal representation.
After a traumatic accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is paperwork, deadlines, or negotiating with insurers. When you hire a lawyer, you can focus on healing while they handle:
Having someone in your corner reduces stress and ensures you don’t miss any critical steps that could jeopardize your case.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Mattiacci Law has recovered millions for injured pedestrians across Pennsylvania and New Jersey—and we’re ready to fight for you.
Call 215-914-6919 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
There’s no fee unless we win. Let us review your case, explain your rights, and start building your path toward justice.
