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How Does Pennsylvania Law Protect Pedestrians Injured by a Vehicle?

How Does Pennsylvania Law Protect Pedestrians Injured by a Vehicle?

A pedestrian is no match for a multi-ton car or truck. If a collision isn’t fatal, pedestrians injured by a vehicle can sustain lifelong bodily harm. That’s why Pennsylvania has laws that specifically protect pedestrians from careless driver behavior.

When a motorist acts negligently and hurts someone, the attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers hold them accountable. We have helped more than 25,000 Pennsylvania accident victims over the past 25 years.

Pennsylvania Laws Protecting Pedestrians

Here are the basics on Pennsylvania pedestrian laws.

At crosswalks and intersections, both motorists and pedestrians should obey traffic control signals. When traffic-signals are not available or not operating, motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalks or intersection.

There is also a rule to prevent a “multiple threat crash.” When a vehicle stops at a crosswalk or intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross, other drivers cannot overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

Pennsylvania law also requires pedestrians to act carefully around cars. For example, a person on foot may not leave a safe place and intentionally move into the path of a nearby vehicle. When an overhead tunnel or pedestrian crossing is available, pedestrians crossing a road must yield to vehicles. In turn, drivers must obey traffic laws.

When a pedestrian is on the sidewalk, motorists who exit or enter an alley, building, private road or driveway must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk extending across those areas.

Motorists must yield to pedestrians with visual disabilities, whether or not the pedestrian uses a white cane or a service animal. Vehicles must stop if necessary.

By following traffic laws and practicing due diligence, drivers can avoid hurting nearby pedestrians.

Holding Careless Drivers Accountable for Pedestrians Injured by a Vehicle

At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, our pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to obtaining justice. If you sustained injuries or a loved one died after an auto accident, we can obtain compensation for the bills related to the crash. We can also seek to recover lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call our experienced attorneys at (484) 351-0350. You can also fill out a free online consultation form, and someone will contact you shortly. We’ll discuss how we can help you and the next steps toward seeking justice.