Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Did a car hit you while you were on foot in Philadelphia? The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these accidents is substantial, and the insurance process that follows can feel just as daunting. The right Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorney can make all the difference in what you recover and how smoothly the claims process goes.
At The Levin Firm, we’re here to help you make sense of what happened and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. When you call us, you’ll speak with an experienced Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer who will handle your case personally from start to finish. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost to hire us. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation.
Why Choose The Levin Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
When you choose The Levin Firm, you get a dedicated legal team that handles every aspect of your case from start to finish. You don’t get passed around between staff members or left wondering who’s working on your personal injury claim. When you call with a question, your lawyer answers the call.
If you get hurt in a Philadelphia pedestrian crash, our team of personal injury attorneys moves quickly to collect evidence and begin building the strongest possible case on your behalf. We’ve secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we bring the same high level of commitment to every pedestrian accident case we take on.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. If you’re looking for a pedestrian accident attorney in Philadelphia who will fight hard and stay in your corner, our law firm wants to hear from you.
Why You Need a Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies don’t make it easy for injured pedestrians to recover full and fair compensation after an accident. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Philadelphia can handle all the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can make a difference in your case by:
- Investigating the accident scene and gathering critical evidence before it disappears
- Identifying all liable parties and potential sources of financial compensation
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to strengthen your case
- Calculating the full value of your losses, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity
- Handling all communication and negotiation with insurance companies on your behalf
- Protecting you from any tactics insurers use to minimize or deny your claim
- Representing you aggressively in court if a fair settlement isn’t on the table
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in the country, but pedestrian accidents are still alarmingly common here. Our Philadelphia pedestrian accident injury lawyers have handled these cases for years, and we’ve seen firsthand the many ways drivers put pedestrians at risk. Some of the most common causes of these pedestrian traffic crashes that we see include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to adapt to the conditions
- Dangerous road conditions
- Defective vehicles or components
- Negligent left turns at intersections
- Failure to monitor surroundings while backing up
- Aggressive or road-rage-driven behavior
A pedestrian hit by car lawyer in Philadelphia can investigate your case to determine how the accident happened and who is responsible.
Pennsylvania Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights
Pennsylvania’s pedestrian laws govern everything from crosswalk right-of-way to sidewalk protections. If a driver violates these traffic laws, injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation. The following laws are most relevant to pedestrian accident claims in Philadelphia:
- Crosswalk Right-of-Way: When traffic signals aren’t present or in operation, drivers must yield to pedestrians in any marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Sidewalk Protections: Drivers who pull out of or into an alley, driveway, or building entrance must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
- Blind Pedestrian Protections: Drivers must yield to any pedestrian who appears totally or partially blind and must take whatever precautions are necessary to avoid injuring them.
- Crossing Outside a Crosswalk: When a pedestrian crosses a road outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, they must yield to vehicles.
- Walking Along a Highway: Where sidewalks are available, pedestrians must use them. Where none exist, pedestrians must walk on shoulders or as close to the edges of roads as possible.
- Traffic Control Signals: Pedestrians must obey lawful instructions from police officers and, where local ordinance requires it, traffic and pedestrian control signals.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries in traffic collisions. With no seatbelt, airbag, or metal frame to absorb the impact, the human body takes the full brunt of the collision. Some of the most common injuries we see in Philadelphia pedestrian accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash
- Nerve damage
- Crush injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Psychological injuries
If you have suffered any of these injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Then, reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer for help.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
After any type of motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania, you turn to your own insurance first to cover your immediate medical expenses under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Then, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. With a successful pedestrian accident claim in Philadelphia, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Philadelphia
Your top priorities after a pedestrian accident in Philadelphia should be protecting your health and your legal rights. Even if you feel okay in the immediate aftermath, take these steps as soon as you’re able:
- Seek medical attention right away to get the care and documentation you need.
- Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Report the accident to the Philadelphia Police Department.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Notify your own auto insurance company about the accident if you have a policy.
- Keep records of all medical bills and any other financial losses related to the accident.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact a Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Speak with a Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If a driver hit you in a crosswalk or anywhere else on Philadelphia’s streets, The Levin Firm is ready to fight for you. Our Philadelphia crosswalk accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and track record to take on even the toughest personal injury cases. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us get to work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Philadelphia
Can a pedestrian be at fault for an accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a pedestrian can be partially or fully at fault for an accident in Pennsylvania. For example, if a pedestrian was crossing the road outside of a crosswalk when they got hit, an insurer might argue that they share responsibility for what happened. Pennsylvania law says you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51 percent at fault. However, your payout will decrease based on your percentage of fault. An attorney can help you push back against unfair fault allegations and demand the full recovery you are owed.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of your claim will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, whether your injuries affect your ability to work, and the extent of your pain and suffering. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or permanent disability tend to be worth more. The best way to get a realistic picture of what your case may be worth is to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Philadelphia.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you don’t file your claim within that window, you’ll likely lose your right to seek compensation entirely. Don’t wait to contact a Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
If you are covered by your own or a household member’s auto insurance policy, that policy’s Personal Injury Protection coverage should cover your medical bills and lost wages. In some cases, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may also apply. Your attorney can review all available coverage and identify every potential source of compensation for your losses.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
You have the right to handle your own claim, but before you do, consider what you’d be up against. The driver’s insurance company has experienced adjusters and lawyers working to protect its bottom line. A Philadelphia pedestrian accident injury lawyer knows how insurers operate, what your case is worth, and how to fight for every dollar you’re owed.