Pedestrian Accidents

Yes, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that as long as you were less than 50% at fault, you may still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 and found to be 20% at fault, your final recovery would be $80,000.

It’s important not to assume or admit any fault at the scene or when speaking with insurers. These cases often involve complex investigations into speed, visibility, traffic controls, driver behavior, and more.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we meticulously review police reports, security camera footage, and eyewitness testimony to prove liability. Even if you believe you may have been partially responsible, such as crossing outside a crosswalk, you still deserve to have your voice heard and your injuries addressed. Let us determine where the fault truly lies and fight for what you deserve.

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to a variety of damages, depending on the severity and impact of their injuries. Compensation typically includes:

Medical expenses: Both current and future treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

• Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery, as well as loss of future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: For long-term or life-altering injuries.
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one dies from injuries, families may pursue funeral costs, lost companionship, and other damages.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we work closely with medical professionals, economists, and vocational experts to quantify your damages and demand maximum compensation. We leave no stone unturned in building your case, whether we’re negotiating with insurers or pursuing litigation in court.

The most common liable party is the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian. However, other parties may also share liability, depending on the circumstances:

• Municipalities or state agencies, if dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or defective traffic signals contributed to the accident.
• Property owners, in cases where a poorly maintained sidewalk or parking lot creates a hazardous situation.
• Vehicle manufacturers, if a vehicle defect, such as brake failure, played a role in the collision.
• Employers, if the driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job duties at the time of the crash.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation and in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania personal injury law. Our experienced attorneys know how to uncover all sources of liability and insurance coverage to ensure you receive the compensation you’re legally entitled to.

Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for most pedestrian accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your personal injury lawsuit within that window or you risk losing your right to seek compensation altogether.

However, there are exceptions. If a government agency is involved- such as PennDOT or a local municipality- you may need to file a formal notice of intent to sue within six months of the incident. Additionally, if the injured party is a minor, the timeline may be extended.

Even though two years may sound like a long time, evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories can fade. That’s why it’s crucial to contact our legal team as soon as possible. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we take immediate action to preserve critical evidence, document your injuries, and protect your claim.

Hit-and-run drivers and uninsured motorists are unfortunately common in pedestrian accidents. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance, you may still have options for compensation through your own insurance policy- specifically, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.

Even if you were walking and not in a vehicle, your auto policy (or a household member’s policy) may provide coverage for your injuries. However, these claims are still complex and often contested by insurance companies. They may attempt to minimize payouts or deny coverage altogether.

That’s where we come in. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we have extensive experience handling UM/UIM claims and will negotiate with your insurer to ensure you are fully protected. If necessary, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court to hold them accountable for the benefits you’re entitled to under the law.

Proving fault in a pedestrian accident case requires more than simply saying the driver hit you- it involves gathering clear, compelling evidence. Our legal team begins with an immediate investigation, including:

• Securing surveillance footage from traffic cams or nearby businesses.
• Collecting and reviewing the police accident report.
• Interviewing eyewitnesses.
• Reviewing medical records to correlate injuries with the collision impact.
• Analyzing scene photos or reconstructing the accident with experts.
• Verifying any traffic law violations, like speeding or failing to yield.

We also examine whether the driver was distracted, under the influence, fatigued, or violating any traffic laws. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we build cases methodically and strategically- because the stronger the evidence, the more leverage we have to negotiate a full settlement or win in court.

Not necessarily. In fact, the majority of pedestrian accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the driver’s insurance company. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we approach every case with the mindset of trial readiness, but we always strive to resolve matters efficiently and favorably without lengthy litigation.

However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or denies liability, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial. Our firm is known for our aggressive courtroom advocacy and our ability to present powerful evidence to juries.

We’ll guide you every step of the way, from pre-trial motions and depositions to the courtroom itself- if it comes to that. And you can rest assured: we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to stronger settlements from insurers who know we won’t back down.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront fees, no hourly rates, and no out-of-pocket expenses required to get started.

We advance the costs of litigation, including obtaining medical records, hiring expert witnesses, and conducting investigations. Once we recover compensation for you, we collect our fee as a percentage of your settlement or court award. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

This structure ensures that every injured pedestrian has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial situation. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through the entire process and fee structure so there are no surprises- only clarity, compassion, and commitment to justice.

Our firm has earned a reputation throughout Lancaster County and Pennsylvania for delivering outstanding results in serious injury cases, including complex pedestrian accident claims. We don’t just process cases- we treat our clients like family, taking time to understand the full impact of your injuries and fighting tirelessly for the justice you deserve.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our award-winning attorneys bring a level of dedication, strategy, and courtroom strength that few firms can match. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured victims and have handled cases involving everything from hit-and-run drivers to catastrophic injury claims.

What truly sets us apart is our client-first approach. We are available 24/7, visit you wherever you are, and manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. From the initial consultation to final resolution, we are your voice, your advocate, and your legal lifeline.