What Happens When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car in Pennsylvania

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, especially since pedestrians have no physical protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Because of that high risk of catastrophic harm, pedestrian crash cases are taken very seriously in Pennsylvania.

Pedestrian accident injuries often include head trauma, fractures, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding. Medical treatment may involve emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term physical therapy.

Drivers are required to exercise caution around pedestrians, especially in crosswalks, school zones, residential neighborhoods, and at intersections. Pedestrians also have responsibilities, including obeying traffic signals and using designated crosswalks when available.

Who or what is liable in a pedestrian accident depends on several factors. These may include whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk, whether traffic signals were followed, the speed of the vehicle, and whether the driver was distracted or impaired.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, running red lights, and poor visibility. In some cases, poorly lit streets or obstructed signs can also play a role in causing pedestrian accidents.

Pennsylvania follows what’s called a “comparative negligence rule.” This means a pedestrian may still be able to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, as long as they were not more than fifty percent responsible for the accident.

Because pedestrian cases often come down to specific details, documentation is crucial. Photographs of the scene, traffic signals, video footage, and witness information can play a significant role in establishing what happened, and who’s responsible.