Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Unlike occupants of a car, you — as a pedestrian — do not have any means of protection in the event of an impact. As such, should a vehicle strike you, the resulting physical and emotional toll will more than likely be devastating. You’ll be left to face serious, painful injuries, emotional distress and suffering, and mounting expenses.

You aren’t completely powerless in these circumstances, though; a knowledgeable Pennsylvania pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you are owed under the law. At Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters, our attorneys understand how difficult it can be to recover from a pedestrian crash, and that is why we strive to provide clear, direct legal guidance for victims in Williamsport and throughout Pennsylvania.

Contact our firm at (570) 323-8711 for a free telephone consultation to discuss your situation and determine your next steps.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

Pedestrians Often Suffer the Worst Consequences

A vehicle crashing into a pedestrian is something that rarely ends without injury. These accidents frequently cause broken bones, traumatic injuries, and long-term impairments. The most serious crashes can even lead to a wrongful death.

Furthermore, beyond the physical pain, many victims experience significant financial strain and emotional hardship. The law allows them to pursue compensation, but the success of these actions depends on presenting a strong case built on evidence and legal understanding. It is here where a Williamsport pedestrian accident lawyer can prove essential.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Some of the most common contributing factors can be categorized into two main categories. First, there are driver-related factors, which can include:

• Failing to yield at a crosswalk or intersection
• Turning without checking for foot traffic
• Speeding in residential areas or near schools
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving.

On the flip side, there are pedestrian-related factors, such as:

• Crossing outside of crosswalks
• Entering traffic between parked cars
• Walking while distracted by phones or music
• Ignoring traffic signals or signs.

As these various potential causes show, most pedestrian accidents often stem from avoidable mistakes. Be that as it may, the fact that both drivers and pedestrians can cause these incidents means proving a party’s liability can be more difficult than one might initially expect.

The Legal Challenges of Proving Fault in Pedestrian Injury Cases

Understanding the Burden of Proof and Legal Strategy

Determining who is responsible for a pedestrian-involved crash is complex and involves more than simply identifying who was on the road at the time. Establishing liability will often depend on a detailed evaluation of both parties, their behavior, and their adherence to traffic laws. To be successful in a Pennsylvania pedestrian accident claim, you must be able to prove that the driver acted negligently (without reasonable care) and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. Evidence like surveillance footage, traffic citations, eyewitness accounts, and reports that reconstruct the accident can support your case.

That can already seem overwhelming, but complicating matters further are insurance companies. These entities will often dispute the facts and argue that you — the injured party — acted carelessly, all as a means of paying you as little as possible.

Hiring a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer is thusly crucial, as they can help establish negligence by gathering and presenting evidence and thus protect your right to compensation. You deserve an attorney who sees the full picture: your pain, your lost income, and your path to recovery. The legal team at Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters understands how to present your story effectively in court or negotiations.

What to Know About Pennsylvania’s Pedestrian Laws

State law states specific rules for both pedestrians and motorists. In particular, Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes asserts that:

• Vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections where there are no traffic signals.
• Pedestrians should not suddenly step into traffic.
• Pedestrians should walk on the shoulder and face oncoming traffic if there are no sidewalks available.
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks when they intersect with a driveway or a building entrance.

Noting how someone violates these rules can support a claim of negligence. However, pedestrians who fail to follow the law may still pursue compensation, depending on the facts available; under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash.

Special Consideration for Government-Owned Property

In some pedestrian accident cases, the incident may involve a location maintained or controlled by a government entity—such as a state or municipal road. These cases raise unique legal issues related to sovereign immunity.

Sovereign immunity can serve as a barrier to recovery, and complex rules determine whether a lawsuit against a governmental body may proceed. Questions may arise about whether negligence lies with a municipality, the state, or another public agency. For instance, even if a pedestrian is injured on a snow- or ice-covered road that was closed during winter, the government may or may not be liable under these immunity doctrines. A pedestrian accident lawyer familiar with these rules can help navigate these complexities and assess whether an exception to immunity applies.

How Our Attorneys Help Pedestrian Crash Victims

Legal Support That Focuses on Results

A pedestrian accident claim involves more than just talking to insurance companies and filling out paperwork. Our legal team will allow you to focus your time on healing and handle all aspects of your case, including:

• Investigating the accident scene
• Reviewing police and accident reports
• Consulting with experts
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary.

Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that your claim includes all categories of damages allowed by law, such as:

•  Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability.

Every case is different, though, and outcomes depend on evidence, liability, and the extent of the harm suffered. Our team will provide an honest assessment of your case and advocate for a fair outcome.

Call (570) 323-8711 now to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney who can guide you through your next steps.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Timing Matters After a Pedestrian Crash

In Pennsylvania, the legal deadline  — or statute of limitations — for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to do so within that time may lead to the court refusing to hear your case. In fatal pedestrian accidents, the same two-year time frame applies to wrongful death claims. However, in such cases, the clock starts from the date of death, which may differ from the date of the incident.

When a government entity is involved, additional time constraints often apply. In most cases, you must submit a formal notice of your intent to sue within six months of the incident. Missing this notice deadline could prevent your case from proceeding, regardless of the merits.

Why Choose Us?

Our Record, Reputation, and Experience Set Us Apart

When you choose Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters, you are not merely hiring a typical personal injury firm; you are working with a team known for litigation strength, legal authorship, and attention to detail. Attorney Cliff Rieders practically wrote the book on Pennsylvania’s Financial Responsibility Law, a key legal area in pedestrian accident claims. He teaches other attorneys, speaks at major legal conferences, and has served as:

• A former president of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice
• A member of the American Law Institute
• The founder and long-time board member of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority.

In addition to Attorney Rieders’ recognized leadership, our entire firm is built around client-first values and legal excellence. We offer:

• In-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania’s traffic and insurance laws
• Decades of experience with injury and wrongful death cases
• A record of favorable outcomes
• A full legal team working on your behalf.

From your first call through the resolution of your case, we prioritize clear communication, responsiveness, and strategic action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pedestrian accident claims often come with uncertainty. Below are common questions we hear from clients, along with answers that may help clarify your next steps.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, you may recover compensation if you are found to be 50% or less at fault. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the driver fled the scene after hitting me?

You can still pursue legal action after a hit-and-run accident. If the driver cannot be identified, you may be able to file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage or that of a household family member. An attorney can review your options and handle communications with the insurance company.

Do pedestrian claims involve insurance coverage disputes?

Issues can arise over first-party benefits, liability coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage. Because Pennsylvania has unique auto insurance laws, having an attorney who understands Financial Responsibility Law can be a major advantage.

How much is my pedestrian injury case worth?

There is no universal answer; your case’s value will depend on your medical expenses, lost income, future costs, and the extent of your pain and emotional distress. We can assess these factors and provide a clearer picture during your free consultation.

Should I talk to the driver’s insurance company directly?

It is generally not advisable to speak with the other party’s insurer without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Pennsylvania can speak on your behalf and protect your interests.

If your question was not answered here, reach out for a free phone consultation.

Talk to a Williamsport Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. You deserve strong legal support, and the attorneys at Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters are here to help. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process from start to finish. We offer free telephone consultations, and you will not owe attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you.

Call (570) 323-8711 to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney who understands Pennsylvania law and is ready to assist you.

Attorney Cliff Rieders

Cliff Rieders is a Nationally Board Certified Trial Lawyer practicing personal injury law. A large part of his practice involves multi-district litigation, including cases related to pharmaceuticals, vitamin supplements and medical devices. He is admitted in several state and federal courts, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Rieders is the past regional president of the Federal Bar Association and is a life member of the distinguished American Law Institute, which promulgates proposed rules adopted by many state courts. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, formerly Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. As a founder of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, he served on the Board for 15 years.

Not only has Rieders held many highly esteemed, leadership positions, he authored legislation related to the Patient Safety Authority and the Mcare Act, which governs medical and hospital liability actions in Pennsylvania. He authored texts upon which both practitioners and judges rely, including Pennsylvania Malpractice Laws and Forms, and Financial Responsibility Law Issues in Pennsylvania, the latter governing auto and truck collisions in Pennsylvania. In addition, he wrote several books on the practice of law in Pennsylvania regarding wrongful death and survivor actions, insurance bad faith, legal malpractice claims and worker rights, among others. Rieders also serves as a resource to practitioners as a regular speaker for Celesq, an arm of the world’s largest legal publisher, Thomson Reuters West Publishing.

As recognition of his wide range of contribution to his profession and of his dedication to protecting the rights of his clients, he received numerous awards, among them the George F. Douglas Amicus Curiae Award, the Milton D. Rosenberg Award, the B’nai B’rith Justice Award, and awards of recognition from the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers. [ Attorney Bio ]