Pedestrian-Related Crashes in Pennsylvania’s Busiest Cities

Drivers have an obligation to look out for and avoid hitting pedestrians; but each year, many pedestrians are still seriously injured or killed by drivers. In fact, pedestrian crashes alone cause a significant amount of deaths throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Furthermore, many would be surprised to find out that many of the crashes and deaths occur when pedestrians are crossing the street at an intersection, mid-block crossing, or driveway entrance; sadly, pedestrians age 75 and over represent a sizable portion of pedestrian deaths.

As a pedestrian, it is important to watch out for your own safety and follow traffic rules in order to avoid being involved in a pedestrian accident. And in some cases, a pedestrian’s own negligence may be a partial cause of the accident, decreasing his or her ability to recover compensation in a later legal dispute. For example, walking against signals or outside crosswalks can constitute “jaywalking,” and could cause you to be partially responsible for an accident.

The Law

The general rule is fairly well-known: when traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Similarly, if a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross, other drivers cannot overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. However, pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care, and cannot suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is close enough to be considered a hazard.

Similarly, pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks in Pennsylvania. The driver of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, private road, or driveway must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian approaching on any sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance, road or driveway. If a pedestrian violates the law, however, and is subsequently involved in an accident, he or she may not be able to recover full compensation for any injuries sustained. Here, it is important to reach out to an experienced attorney to understand your rights if you have been hurt in a wreck.

Accident Litigation in Pennsylvania

Our experienced accident attorneys are always available to listen to your story and help you understand your rights after the emotional and physical experience of being in an accident. Contact Solnick Lawyers today; we understand how negligence works in Pennsylvania and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to under the law.