Have you been involved in an accident? Please contact us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION
Philadelphia's walkable neighborhoods, dense urban environment, and active street life create constant pedestrian-vehicle interactions. While most encounters proceed safely, careless drivers cause devastating pedestrian accidents throughout the city daily. Unlike vehicle occupants protected by seatbelts, airbags, and vehicle frames, pedestrians absorb collision impacts directly, resulting in catastrophic injuries even at relatively low speeds.
Philadelphia consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities for pedestrians in the United States. High-traffic corridors, including Roosevelt Boulevard, Broad Street, Market Street, and Walnut Street, witness frequent pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Neighborhoods throughout the city, from Center City and University City to South Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia, experience regular pedestrian accidents at intersections, crosswalks, and mid-block locations.
Multiple factors contribute to Philadelphia's pedestrian safety crisis. Distracted driving from cell phone use causes drivers to miss pedestrians in crosswalks. Speeding reduces drivers' reaction times and increases the severity of collisions. Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections violates pedestrians' right-of-way. Poor visibility during evening hours makes pedestrians harder to see. Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs eliminates drivers' ability to recognize and avoid pedestrians. Aggressive driving, including running red lights and making unsafe turns, endangers pedestrians.
When negligent drivers cause pedestrian accidents, victims face mounting medical bills, extended recovery periods, lost wages, and permanent disabilities. Pennsylvania law allows injured pedestrians to pursue compensation from at-fault drivers and other liable parties. Edelstein Martin & Nelson represents Philadelphia pedestrians injured by negligent drivers, thoroughly investigating accidents, establishing liability, and pursuing maximum compensation for clients throughout the region.
Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code establishes specific duties drivers owe to pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Speed limits establish maximum safe speeds, with violations constituting negligence per se when they cause accidents. Traffic signal compliance requires drivers to stop for red lights and to yield to pedestrians at yellow lights. Exercise due care requires drivers to remain alert for pedestrians and take reasonable precautions to avoid collisions.
At our firm, we have experienced injury lawyers in Philadelphia who are well-versed in how Pennsylvania law protects pedestrians. We utilize statutory violations to demonstrate driver liability in cases of pedestrian injuries. When drivers fail to fulfill their responsibilities and harm pedestrians, they are legally accountable for all resulting damages.
Driver negligence can manifest in various ways, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and a failure to yield. By understanding the different ways in which accidents occur, we can better establish liability for these incidents and take steps to prevent them in the future. This knowledge is crucial for promoting safer driving practices and reducing the likelihood of road accidents.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia. Drivers who text, make calls, check social media, or use navigation apps often take their eyes off the road at critical moments. This puts pedestrians at risk, whether they are stepping into a crosswalk at Broad and Walnut Streets, a child crossing near a school in Fairmount, or an elderly resident using a crosswalk in Chestnut Hill.
Pennsylvania law, under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316, prohibits texting while driving and makes such violations evidence of negligence in pedestrian accident cases. Furthermore, drivers engaged in other distracting behaviors, such as eating, grooming, adjusting vehicle controls, or conversing with passengers, may also be held liable if these distractions lead them to overlook pedestrians.
At our firm, we understand that distracted driving is a significant contributor to pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia. We have witnessed the devastating consequences of drivers who take their eyes off the road. Our commitment is to hold these negligent drivers accountable.
We use Pennsylvania's texting-while-driving law to demonstrate negligence in pedestrian accident cases. Additionally, we investigate other forms of distraction, such as eating, grooming, or adjusting vehicle settings, to establish liability when these distractions cause harm to pedestrians. Our firm is dedicated to thoroughly examining each case and gathering crucial evidence, including cell phone records, to support our clients in their pursuit of justice.
Speeding dramatically increases pedestrian accident severity. Physics dictates that higher speeds reduce drivers' reaction times, extend stopping distances, and increase collision forces. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 20 mph has approximately a 90% survival rate. At 40 mph, survival rates drop to approximately 20%. Speeding violations on Philadelphia streets turn survivable accidents into fatal ones.
Speeding frequently contributes to pedestrian accidents on Roosevelt Boulevard, where posted limits are routinely exceeded; on Kelly Drive, where recreational drivers speed along the Schuylkill River; in residential streets in neighborhoods from Northern Liberties to Mount Airy; and in school zones where children cross regularly. An accident attorney in Philadelphia uses accident reconstruction to establish vehicle speeds at the time of the collision, demonstrating that speed violations caused or worsened injuries.
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Despite this clear legal duty, drivers routinely fail to produce, causing accidents when they proceed through crosswalks occupied by pedestrians. Common failure-to-yield scenarios include drivers making right turns on red without checking crosswalks, vehicles proceeding through intersections when pedestrians have crossing signals, drivers passing stopped vehicles at crosswalks without recognizing that the cars have stopped, and motorists failing to see pedestrians due to inadequate attention.
At our firm, we recognize that distracted driving is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia. We have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of drivers taking their eyes off the road. Our commitment is to hold these negligent drivers accountable and to ensure that victims of pedestrian accidents receive the support and compensation they deserve. We work tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and advocate for safer roadways for all Philadelphia pedestrians.
Impaired drivers cause some of Philadelphia's most serious pedestrian accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, reduce coordination, and diminish perception. Impaired drivers frequently fail to notice pedestrians, react too slowly to avoid collisions, and may flee accident scenes. Impaired driving is hazardous during evening and nighttime hours when pedestrian visibility is already reduced.
When impaired drivers cause pedestrian accidents, victims may pursue both compensatory and punitive damages. Pennsylvania allows punitive damages when defendants' conduct demonstrates reckless indifference to others' safety. Driving while intoxicated clearly meets this standard. An experienced injury lawyer in Philadelphia pursues maximum compensation in impaired driving cases, including punitive damages that punish dangerous conduct and deter similar behavior.
Turning vehicles cause frequent pedestrian accidents at Philadelphia intersections. Drivers making left or right turns often focus on opposing traffic rather than pedestrians crossing in their path. Common unsafe turning scenarios include right turns on red without checking crosswalks, left turns across pedestrian crosswalks, vehicles cutting corners and entering crosswalks, and drivers accelerating through turns without adequate pedestrian observation.
Turning movement accidents frequently occur at busy intersections throughout Center City, in congested areas near Jefferson Station and Suburban Station, at shopping districts in neighborhoods including Manayunk and East Falls, and near universities where student pedestrians cross frequently. A personal injury law firm in Philadelphia establishes liability through witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction showing drivers failed to yield to pedestrians who had the right-of-way.
Pedestrians face significant risks in parking lots, garages, and driveways where vehicles back up without adequate observation. Backing drivers may not see pedestrians behind them, particularly children or individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices. Parking lot accidents occur throughout Philadelphia at shopping centers, hospitals, including Penn Presbyterian and Jefferson Health facilities, residential driveways and alleys, and commercial parking facilities in Center City and other business districts.
Backing accidents often result in serious injuries when pedestrians are knocked down and run over. An accident attorney in Philadelphia investigates whether drivers used backup cameras properly, checked mirrors and blind spots adequately, proceeded at safe speeds, and watched for pedestrians throughout the backing movement.
Head injuries represent the most serious consequence of pedestrian accidents. When vehicles strike pedestrians, victims often hit their heads on vehicle hoods, windshields, or roadway surfaces. Even when pedestrians wear no visible head wounds, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory problems, and physical disabilities.
Mild traumatic brain injuries, commonly called concussions, may cause temporary symptoms but can result in long-term complications. Moderate and severe TBI causes permanent disability requiring lifetime care. Victims may require extended hospitalization, rehabilitation therapy, cognitive retraining, and assisted living care. Our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Philadelphia works with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists to document brain injury severity and project lifetime care costs, ensuring settlements or verdicts provide adequate compensation for permanent disabilities.
Spinal cord injuries result from the severe trauma pedestrians experience when struck by vehicles. These injuries may cause complete or partial paralysis, depending on injury location and severity. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and the torso, while paraplegia affects the lower body. Even incomplete spinal cord injuries cause permanent disability, chronic pain, and dramatically reduced quality of life.
Spinal cord injury victims require immediate emergency care, often at specialized trauma centers, including Penn Medicine and Temple University Hospital. Long-term treatment includes rehabilitation, mobility devices including wheelchairs, home modifications for accessibility, and ongoing medical monitoring. Economic damages in spinal cord injury cases often exceed millions of dollars over victims' lifetimes. An experienced injury lawyer in Philadelphia ensures that victims of catastrophic injuries receive appropriate compensation.
Pedestrian accidents frequently cause multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries. Common fractures include leg and femur fractures from direct vehicle impact, pelvic fractures from vehicle hood or bumper impact, arm and wrist fractures when pedestrians fall, rib and chest fractures from vehicle contact, and facial and skull fractures from secondary impacts with windshields or pavement.
Complex fractures may require multiple surgeries, hardware installation, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods. Some fractures heal incompletely, causing permanent mobility limitations and chronic pain. Elderly pedestrians face particular risks, as age-related bone density loss increases the likelihood of fractures and makes healing more difficult. A personal injury law firm in Philadelphia documents orthopedic injuries through medical records, surgical reports, and expert testimony, projecting future treatment needs and permanent limitations.
Vehicle impacts cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and lungs. Internal bleeding may occur without external wounds, making diagnosis challenging. Delayed treatment of internal injuries can be fatal.
Pedestrian accident victims should always receive immediate medical evaluation, even when external injuries seem minor. Emergency room physicians at Philadelphia hospitals perform imaging studies and monitor patients to detect internal injuries that require emergency surgery or intensive care. Our team of Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyers ensures that medical records document all injuries comprehensively, preventing insurance companies from later arguing that internal injuries were unrelated to the accident.
When pedestrians are struck and fall to the pavement, they suffer road rash: severe abrasions that remove layers of skin. Road rash injuries are painful, prone to infection, and may cause permanent scarring. Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions, are also common and affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body.
While insurance companies sometimes minimize soft tissue injuries, these injuries cause significant pain, limit mobility, and may become chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment. Physical therapy, pain management, and, sometimes, surgery address soft-tissue damage. Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Philadelphia documents soft tissue injuries through medical records, imaging studies showing tears or inflammation, and expert testimony explaining why symptoms persist.
The psychological impact of being struck by a vehicle can be as debilitating as physical injuries. Many pedestrian accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of streets and intersections. Depression commonly follows pedestrian accidents, particularly when permanent disabilities alter victims' lives fundamentally.
Psychological injuries are compensable under Pennsylvania law as non-economic damages. Mental health professionals provide treatment through therapy and medication, while also documenting psychological harm for legal claims. An experienced injury lawyer in Philadelphia ensures psychological injuries receive appropriate attention in settlement negotiations and trial presentations.
In most pedestrian accident cases, driver negligence forms the primary basis for liability. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming others, including pedestrians. Driver negligence includes violations of traffic laws, including speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield; distracted driving from cell phones or other distractions; impaired driving from alcohol or drugs; aggressive driving, including tailgating or unsafe passing; and failure to maintain proper lookout for pedestrians.
At our firm, we recognize that distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia. We have seen firsthand how drivers who text, make calls, check social media, or use navigation apps often take their eyes off the road at critical moments, putting pedestrians at risk. Whether it’s a child crossing near a school in Fairmount, an elderly resident using a crosswalk in Chestnut Hill, or pedestrians stepping into a busy intersection like Broad and Walnut Streets, the dangers are real. Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316, texting while driving is prohibited and can serve as evidence of negligence in pedestrian accident cases.
Additionally, drivers who engage in other distracting behaviors, such as eating or grooming, may also be held accountable if their distractions result in injuries to pedestrians. At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we are committed to highlighting the serious consequences of distracted driving and advocating for the rights of those affected by these tragic incidents.
When commercial vehicles, including delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, taxis, or company cars, strike pedestrians, employers may share liability. Pennsylvania law imposes vicarious liability on employers for employee negligence occurring within the scope of employment. Additionally, employers face direct liability for negligent hiring if they employ drivers with poor driving records, inadequate training if they fail to properly train commercial drivers, and negligent supervision if they fail to monitor driver safety and compliance.
Commercial vehicle cases often involve higher insurance policy limits, making employer liability a significant factor in adequate compensation. A personal injury law firm in Philadelphia investigates employer relationships, company policies, driver training records, and employment circumstances to establish employer liability in appropriate cases.
Dangerous roadway conditions contribute to some pedestrian accidents. When government entities, including the City of Philadelphia or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, maintain roadways with inadequate lighting, missing or damaged crosswalk markings, malfunctioning traffic signals, obstructed sightlines from overgrown vegetation, or improperly designed intersections, they may share liability for resulting pedestrian accidents.
Claims against government entities require compliance with the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8541 et seq. This statute requires written notice to the appropriate government entity within six months of the accident. Missing this short deadline permanently bars claims against government defendants. An experienced civil litigation lawyer in Philadelphia acts quickly to investigate government entity liability and file required notices within statutory deadlines.
Pennsylvania applies modified comparative negligence under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102. Pedestrians can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault. If pedestrians are 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover any compensation. When pedestrians share fault, their damages are reduced proportionally.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently argue for pedestrian comparative negligence, claiming victims crossed against signals, jaywalked outside crosswalks, wore dark clothing that reduced visibility, or were distracted by cell phones. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Philadelphia counters these arguments by demonstrating that drivers had adequate time and opportunity to avoid pedestrians, that pedestrian conduct was reasonable under the circumstances, that driver violations were the primary cause of the accident, and that any pedestrian fault was minimal compared to driver negligence.
Medical expenses represent the most substantial economic damages in pedestrian accident cases. Pedestrian injuries often require emergency ambulance transport and emergency room treatment, hospitalization, including intensive care for serious injuries, surgery to repair fractures, internal injuries, or other trauma, rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy, prescription medications and medical equipment, and ongoing medical care for permanent disabilities.
Pedestrian accident victims should seek treatment at qualified medical facilities. Philadelphia's major hospitals, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University Hospital, and Einstein Medical Center, provide emergency trauma care and specialized treatment. A personal injury law firm in Philadelphia works with medical providers to document all treatment, project future medical needs, and ensure settlements account for lifetime care requirements.
Pedestrian injuries often prevent victims from working during recovery and may permanently affect earning capacity. Lost wage claims include salary and wages missed during recovery, paid time off and vacation days used, bonuses and commissions not earned, and benefits lost during unemployment. When injuries cause permanent disabilities that prevent a return to previous employment, diminished earning capacity claims address the present value of lifetime earnings differences.
Vocational experts analyze victims' education, work history, transferable skills, and physical limitations to calculate diminished earning capacity. For younger victims with decades of working years ahead, these calculations often represent millions in lost lifetime earnings. An accident attorney in Philadelphia ensures lost income claims comprehensively address both immediate and long-term financial impacts.
Non-economic damages compensate intangible but profound losses, including physical pain from injuries and medical treatment, emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, loss of enjoyment of life and ability to participate in activities, permanent disfigurement and scarring, and loss of consortium for spouses whose relationships are affected by injuries.
Pennsylvania does not cap non-economic damages in pedestrian accident cases, allowing juries to award compensation reflecting the full scope of victims' suffering. However, proving these damages requires compelling evidence. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Philadelphia presents medical testimony about pain levels and prognoses, psychological evaluations documenting emotional trauma, victim testimony describing how injuries changed their lives, family testimony regarding observed changes and relationship impacts, and evidence of activities victims can no longer enjoy.
Punitive damages punish particularly reckless or intentional misconduct and deter similar behavior. Pennsylvania allows punitive damages when the defendant's conduct demonstrates reckless indifference to others' rights or safety. In pedestrian accident cases, punitive damages may be appropriate when drivers were intoxicated or impaired, fled accident scenes, leaving victims without aid, had multiple prior DUI convictions, or demonstrated extreme recklessness, such as street racing.
Punitive damage awards can substantially exceed compensatory damages. Courts consider defendants' financial resources when setting amounts, ensuring awards are sufficient to punish and deter. An experienced injury lawyer in Philadelphia pursues punitive damages aggressively when evidence supports such claims.
When pedestrian accidents cause deaths, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8301 and survival actions under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8302. Wrongful death claims compensate beneficiaries for loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, funeral and burial expenses, and emotional suffering. Survival actions preserve claims the deceased would have had if they survived, including medical expenses before death, lost earnings during survival, and pain and suffering before death.
A personal injury law firm in Philadelphia handles wrongful death claims with sensitivity to families' grief while aggressively pursuing compensation and accountability. These cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and establish liability before critical information is lost.
Pennsylvania law requires personal injury lawsuits, including pedestrian accident claims, to be filed within two years from the accident date under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. This deadline is strictly enforced; cases filed even one day late are dismissed with no opportunity to recover compensation. The statute is jurisdictional, meaning courts lack authority to hear untimely claims.
The two-year period begins on the accident date, not when injuries are discovered or treatment ends. For pedestrian accidents occurring on specific dates, calculating deadlines is straightforward. However, the discovery rule may extend deadlines in rare cases where injuries or their causes are not immediately apparent, though this rarely applies to pedestrian accidents, where injuries and causes are typically apparent immediately.
Claims against government entities, including the City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, or PennDOT, require written notice within six months of accidents under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8541 et seq. This notice must identify the claimant, describe the accident, including date, time, and location, detail injuries sustained, and state the negligent act or condition causing the accident.
Missing the six-month notice deadline typically bars claims against government defendants entirely. An accident attorney in Philadelphia identifies potential government liability immediately after accidents and files required notices within statutory deadlines, preserving all available compensation sources.
Pennsylvania operates under a modified no-fault insurance system affecting pedestrian accident claims. Pedestrians who own vehicles may have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage providing immediate medical expense and lost wage benefits regardless of fault. However, PIP benefits are typically limited to $5,000 unless higher limits were purchased.
Beyond PIP benefits, pedestrians pursue liability claims against at-fault drivers' insurance policies. These third-party claims seek full compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering, complete medical expenses, and total lost income. Our team of experienced Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyers navigates the interaction between PIP benefits and liability claims, ensuring victims receive maximum compensation from all available sources.
Pedestrian accident cases require specific expertise in understanding pedestrian rights under Pennsylvania law, investigating urban accidents in congested areas, proving driver negligence and overcoming comparative fault arguments, and calculating comprehensive damages for catastrophic injuries. Edelstein Martin & Nelson has represented Philadelphia pedestrian accident victims for decades, developing a deep understanding of the unique challenges these cases present.
Edelstein Martin & Nelson's Philadelphia office represents clients throughout the city and the surrounding counties, including Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware. The firm's attorneys understand Philadelphia's streets, intersections, and neighborhoods, from Center City to Northeast Philadelphia, from Manayunk to South Philadelphia. This local knowledge provides an advantage when presenting cases to Philadelphia juries who share community connections and understand the regional context.
At our firm, we understand that insurance companies defending pedestrian accident claims often deploy substantial resources to minimize payouts. They hire defense attorneys, retain their own experts, and use aggressive tactics designed to reduce compensation. That’s why we leverage our extensive experience to compete effectively on your behalf.
We have established relationships with qualified accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economic experts. Additionally, we possess the financial resources necessary to cover investigation and litigation costs and have courtroom experience presenting complex cases effectively to Philadelphia juries. Your case deserves strong representation, and we are here to provide it.
Beyond legal expertise, Edelstein Martin & Nelson provides compassionate support during difficult times. Pedestrian accidents often occur suddenly, leaving victims dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting bills, and uncertainty. The firm's attorneys provide clear communication, regular updates, and personalized attention, ensuring clients understand legal processes and feel supported. Every client receives direct access to experienced attorneys who handle cases personally.
The firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless compensation is recovered through a settlement or a verdict. All case expenses, expert fees, investigation costs, and court fees are advanced by the firm. This arrangement eliminates financial barriers to representation and aligns attorneys' interests with clients' goals.
When pedestrian accidents cause injuries, victims deserve justice and compensation. Pennsylvania law provides remedies, but navigating complex claims requires experienced legal representation.
Edelstein Martin & Nelson offers free, confidential consultations to Philadelphia pedestrian accident victims. During consultations, attorneys review the circumstances of the accident, evaluate potential claims, explain legal rights and options, and answer questions about the claims process. These consultations impose no obligations.
Pedestrian accident claims involve strict time limits and complex requirements. Evidence disappears quickly: traffic camera footage is overwritten, witnesses become unavailable, and physical evidence is lost. Insurance companies begin investigating immediately, often contacting victims before they consult attorneys. Early attorney involvement protects rights by preserving critical evidence through immediate investigation, handling all communications with insurance companies, ensuring compliance with notice requirements and filing deadlines, and preventing statements that could harm claims.
Edelstein Martin & Nelson represents clients throughout Philadelphia County and surrounding areas, including Center City, University City, South Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Manayunk, Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, Northern Liberties, and Fishtown. The firm also serves clients in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties.
Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson at 1-888-630-4409 to schedule a free consultation. The firm's attorneys are ready to evaluate claims, answer questions, and provide the aggressive, experienced representation Philadelphia pedestrian accident victims deserve. Pennsylvania law gives injured pedestrians the power to hold negligent drivers accountable: with skilled legal representation, victims can secure compensation and begin rebuilding their lives.
Address
123 S Broad St #1820
Philadelphia, PA 19109
Email: lnelson@law-pa.com
Edelstein Martin & Nelson Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | © Copyright | All Rights Reserved.
