Chester Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious or life-threatening injuries, leaving victims facing a long road to recovery. If you were hit by a reckless or negligent driver, the pedestrian accident lawyers at Kingbird Legal in Chester Springs are here to help. We will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and recover the maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait to seek justice—call 484-289-4880 for a free consultation today.

How Crosswalks Impact Pedestrian Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery periods. When these accidents happen at crosswalks, determining liability becomes an important part of the legal process. Pennsylvania laws outline the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Understanding how these rules affect pedestrian accident claims can help injured individuals seek the compensation they deserve.

Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Rights

Crosswalks exist to provide pedestrians with a safe place to cross the street. Pennsylvania law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and unmarked crossings at intersections. This means that when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, drivers must yield and allow them to pass safely.

However, pedestrians also have responsibilities. They must obey traffic signals and avoid suddenly stepping into the path of a moving vehicle when the driver does not have enough time to stop. If a pedestrian crosses outside of a designated crosswalk or against a traffic signal, they could be found partially responsible for an accident.

Understanding these laws is important in determining fault after a pedestrian accident. In many cases, liability is shared between both parties, making it crucial to gather evidence that supports the claim.

How Crosswalks Affect Liability

The location of an accident plays a major role in determining who is at fault. Whether the pedestrian was using a designated crosswalk, jaywalking, or crossing at an intersection without traffic signals can influence the outcome of a claim.

Accidents at Marked Crosswalks

If a pedestrian is struck while legally crossing in a marked crosswalk, the driver is often found liable. Pennsylvania law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in these areas. If a driver fails to stop, whether due to distraction, speeding, or failing to see the pedestrian, they may be held responsible for the accident.

Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports can help prove that the pedestrian was in the right and the driver failed to obey traffic laws.

Accidents at Unmarked Crosswalks

Not all intersections have painted crosswalks, but that does not mean pedestrians are unprotected. Pennsylvania law recognizes unmarked crosswalks at intersections, where pedestrians still have the right-of-way in most cases. If a driver fails to yield and hits someone, they could still be found negligent.

However, unmarked crosswalks can create disputes over liability. Drivers may argue that they did not realize a pedestrian was crossing. Pedestrians may need additional evidence, such as eyewitness accounts or accident reconstruction reports, to prove the driver’s responsibility.

Accidents Outside of Crosswalks

When a pedestrian crosses outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, also known as jaywalking, liability can become more complicated. In these cases, the pedestrian may be partially or fully responsible for the accident.

However, drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting pedestrians when possible. If a motorist was speeding, distracted, or failed to take reasonable action to prevent the crash, they could share fault. Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation if they are found to be less than 51% responsible.

Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents often requires strong evidence. Insurance companies and legal teams review several factors to decide who was responsible. Some of the most important pieces of evidence include:

Traffic camera or surveillance footage – Video recordings can show the exact location of the pedestrian and the driver’s actions before the crash.
Witness statements – Testimonies from people who saw the accident can clarify whether the pedestrian had the right-of-way.
Police reports – Officers at the scene document important details, including driver statements and any traffic violations.
Accident reconstruction – Experts may analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and injuries to determine the speed and movement of both parties.

The more evidence a pedestrian has, the stronger their claim will be when seeking compensation.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Injuries from pedestrian accidents can be severe, leading to significant financial and emotional burdens. Victims may be eligible for compensation to cover various damages, including:

Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
Lost wages – Income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term effects on quality of life.
Disability and future medical costs – Compensation for permanent injuries that require ongoing care.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the degree of fault assigned to each party. An experienced personal injury attorney can help evaluate damages and negotiate a fair settlement.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can make a difference in the outcome of a claim. If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle, consider the following actions:

Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is important for both health and documentation purposes.
Call the police – An official accident report can provide key details for an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Gather evidence – Take photos of the scene, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries.
Get witness contact information – Statements from bystanders can help establish what happened.
Avoid discussing fault – Do not admit blame or speculate about the accident when speaking to the driver, police, or insurance companies.
Consult an attorney – A legal professional can guide you through the claims process and protect your rights.

Acting quickly can improve the chances of securing the compensation needed for recovery.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, especially when determining fault at crosswalks or intersections. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame onto the pedestrian. Having an attorney can help level the playing field.

An experienced lawyer can:

Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
Represent the victim in court if necessary.
Ensure all legal deadlines are met.

Secure Compensation with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims facing life-altering injuries, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Kingbird Legal’s pedestrian accident attorneys in Chester Springs will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. From negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to court if necessary, we are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.