A driver speeds through the intersection near Lackawanna Avenue and Wyoming Avenue, and in a matter of seconds, your life changes. As a pedestrian, you have no protection against the force of a vehicle, and now you’re facing severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. The stress can build quickly, especially when you’re unsure who is responsible or how your expenses will be covered.
If you’re searching for Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers, you’re likely looking for answers and a path forward. The team at The Slocum Firm can explain how Pennsylvania law gives injured pedestrians the right to pursue compensation, even when fault may be shared.
Understanding your options early can make a meaningful difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. Call (570) 209-7376 to speak directly with one of our attorneys about your situation and learn what relief is available to you.
Why You Should Choose The Slocum Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Choosing the right personal injury law firm after a pedestrian accident is an important decision. You want a team that understands Pennsylvania law, responds quickly, and gives your case the attention it deserves.
At The Slocum Firm, P.C., we have built our reputation by focusing on results while maintaining a personal, client-first approach. Some of the benefits that set us apart from other law firms include:
- Over 95% recovery rate for injured clients
- Millions recovered for people across Pennsylvania
- Most cases are resolved in less than one year
- More than 50 years of combined legal experience
- Direct access to an attorney by phone or text
- Available 24/7, not just during business hours
- No legal fees unless we recover compensation for you
When you work with our firm, your case does not get passed around or lost in a high-volume system. You work directly with an attorney who understands the details of your situation and is committed to helping you get justice.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
A pedestrian accident claim arises when someone walking, jogging, or standing near a roadway is struck by a vehicle due to another party’s negligence. These cases often involve serious injuries because pedestrians do not have the protection that vehicle drivers and passengers do.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Scranton
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but certain patterns appear frequently in Scranton and throughout Pennsylvania.
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Distracted driving, including texting
- Speeding on busy roads like Mulberry Street or Route 11
- Turning vehicles that fail to check for pedestrians
- Driving under the influence
Busy areas near the University of Scranton, Steamtown Mall, and downtown intersections often see higher pedestrian traffic, increasing the risk of collisions when drivers are not paying attention.
How Pennsylvania Law Protects Pedestrians
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Even when a pedestrian is not in a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a duty to remain alert and maintain control of their vehicle.
At the same time, pedestrians are expected to follow traffic signals and use reasonable caution. When accidents happen, fault is determined by examining the actions of everyone involved.
Do You Have a Pedestrian Accident Case?
You may have a pedestrian accident case if another person’s negligence contributed to your injuries. Many people hesitate to take action because they are unsure whether their situation qualifies.
You may have a valid claim if:
- A driver struck you while you were walking or crossing the street
- The driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield
- You suffered injuries that required medical treatment
- The accident caused you to miss work or incur expenses
- There is uncertainty about who is at fault
Even if you believe you may have been partly responsible, Pennsylvania law may still allow you to recover compensation. Speaking with our attorneys can help clarify your options and determine the best path forward.
Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, navigating the complexities of Scranton pedestrian accident lawyers’ strategies and your own car insurance’s “First Party Benefits” is the key to getting your medical bills paid quickly. This article breaks down how your own auto policy serves as your primary source of recovery after a collision.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
Liability in a pedestrian accident is not always limited to the driver. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The driver who struck the pedestrian
- An employer, if the driver was working at the time of the collision
- The vehicle’s owner, if different from the driver
- A municipality, if it is responsible for unsafe road conditions
- A business that contributed to hazardous conditions
For example, if a driver was making deliveries or operating a company vehicle, their employer may also be responsible. Identifying all responsible parties is important because it can affect the total compensation available under various insurance policies.
If you are struggling to identify the driver after a collision, learning about your options for uninsured motorist coverage and legal investigations is a critical step toward recovery. Our guide explains how a hit-and-run pedestrian lawyer in PA can help you secure compensation even when the responsible party flees the scene.
What Compensation Is Available in a Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
Pedestrian accidents often lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Compensation is designed to address both immediate and long-term impacts.
Economic Damages
These damages cover measurable financial losses related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs. If your injuries require ongoing treatment or affect your ability to work, those future costs may also be included.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages reflect how the accident has affected your daily life. This may include physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of activities you once enjoyed.
Because pedestrians often suffer serious injuries, these damages can represent a substantial portion of a claim.
What If You’re Partly at Fault for the Accident?
It is common for pedestrians to worry that they may not have a case if they were crossing outside a crosswalk or made a mistake.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are awarded legal damages, but you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation is reduced based on your share of responsibility.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault for crossing the street mid-block, your total recovery would be reduced by 20%. This means that even if you contributed to the accident, you may still have a valid claim.
What Is the Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, the Pennsylvania statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
While that may seem like a long time, waiting even a few months to hire legal counsel can negatively impact your case. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade. Taking action sooner allows for a stronger investigation, a clearer understanding of what happened, and a stronger legal claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Scranton?
Many people are concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney, especially when they are already dealing with medical bills and lost income. At The Slocum Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You do not pay anything up front
- There are no hourly fees
- We only receive legal fees if we secure compensation for you
This allows you to pursue your legal rights without taking on additional financial risk.
What Can I Do After a Pedestrian Accident to Help My Claim?
After a pedestrian accident, your focus should be on healing. However, as you are recovering at home or in the hospital, there are a few important steps that can help protect your health, your finances, and your potential claim.
One of the most important things you can do is follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete recommended therapy, and take medications as prescribed. Gaps in treatment can not only affect your recovery but may also raise questions with insurance companies about the seriousness of your injuries.
It’s also important to keep track of your medical care and how your injuries are affecting your daily life. This includes saving medical bills, discharge instructions, and prescriptions, as well as noting how your injuries impact your ability to work, sleep, or carry out normal activities. These details can become important when evaluating the full impact of the accident.
When you hear from the insurance company, proceed carefully. You may receive calls from adjusters asking for statements or offering quick settlements. While these conversations may seem routine, early statements can sometimes be used to minimize your claim. It is generally best to consult with our team to ensure you fully understand your situation before agreeing to anything or providing recorded statements.
If you are unable to return to work, documenting your lost income is also important. Pay stubs, employer communications, and medical restrictions can help establish how the accident has affected your ability to earn a living.
Ask your dedicated injury lawyer at The Slocum Firm about any questions or concerns you have before taking any action, giving a statement, or signing anything. These steps can help create a clear picture of what you’ve been through and position you to make informed decisions about your next steps.
How The Slocum Firm Team Helps You After a Pedestrian Accident
After an accident, there are many moving parts, and handling them on your own can be challenging. Trust our legal support to help bring structure and clarity to the process.
A skilled injury lawyer at The Slocum Firm can help by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Reviewing police reports and medical records
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculating the full value of your claim
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
Throughout the process, you have direct access to your attorney who can answer your questions and keep you informed about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases in Scranton
How do insurance companies evaluate pedestrian accident claims in Pennsylvania?
Insurance companies evaluate pedestrian accident claims by looking at several key factors, including how the accident occurred, who may have been at fault, and the severity of your injuries. They will review police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video or photographic evidence. They may also consider whether traffic laws were followed by both the driver and the pedestrian.
In addition, insurers often assess how your injuries have affected your daily life, including your ability to work and perform normal activities. Because pedestrian cases can involve shared fault under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules, insurance companies may try to shift responsibility onto you to reduce the amount they pay. This is why having clear documentation and a full understanding of your rights can make a meaningful difference in how your claim is handled.
Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?
In Pennsylvania, your own auto insurance policy may provide medical benefits first, even if you were a pedestrian. If you do not have coverage, other options may include a household policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance. Understanding the priority of benefits is important to avoid billing issues.
Can I still recover compensation if the driver says I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
Yes. While crosswalk location can affect fault allocation, it does not automatically prevent recovery. Drivers still have a duty to remain alert and avoid hitting pedestrians whenever possible.
What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?
You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage or other sources of compensation. Each situation is different, and we can review your options quickly to help identify all available coverage.
How long does a pedestrian accident case usually take?
The timeline varies depending on the severity of injuries and the complexity of the case. Many cases are resolved within months, while others may take longer if they involve disputed liability or litigation.
Contact the Trusted Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at The Slocum Firm Today
Being injured as a pedestrian can leave you facing uncertainty, financial pressure, and a long road to recovery. You should not have to deal with insurance companies and legal questions on your own while trying to heal.
Call The Slocum Firm today to speak directly with a Scranton pedestrian accident attorney. We are available 24/7, and you will never pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Since 2009, our firm has helped injured clients across Pennsylvania recover millions, maintaining a 95% recovery rate and resolving most cases in less than a year. When you call, you will speak directly with an attorney who can explain your rights and help you take the next step.
If you were injured in Scranton or anywhere in Pennsylvania, call (570) 209-7376 today for a free consultation and get the answers you need to protect your future.
