Pedestrian Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

Where traffic signals are not in place or not working, drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing within any marked crosswalk or any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, and may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian. A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle so close as to be a hazard. A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a crosswalk at an intersection or a marked crosswalk must yield to all vehicles; in urban districts, between adjacent intersections with working signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk; and diagonal crossing at intersections is allowed only where authorized.

Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). An injured person's negligence does not bar recovery if it was not greater than the combined negligence of the defendants against whom recovery is sought; damages are reduced by the injured person's share. Each defendant's liability is generally several only (each pays its share), with exceptions such as intentional torts and defendants found 60% or more at fault.

Minimum financial responsibility is $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to two or more people in one accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Every policy must also include a $5,000 first-party medical benefit. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state: insurers must offer a choice between "full tort" coverage and a cheaper "limited tort" option, which limits the right to sue for pain and suffering.

Two years for an action to recover damages for injuries to the person caused by the wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence or negligence of another. Assault, battery, false imprisonment and similar claims also have a two-year deadline.