Pittsburgh
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

A pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle has no crumple zone, no airbag, and no seatbelt.

The human body absorbs the full force of the impact, and the injuries that result are frequently catastrophic. Even accidents at relatively low speeds can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal injuries that require months of treatment and recovery.

In the most tragic cases, they are fatal.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers represent injury victims who have been struck by negligent drivers, fighting to secure the full compensation they deserve. We have more than 40 years of experience handling serious personal injury cases throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Pittsburgh

Pedestrian accidents are overwhelmingly caused by driver error.

Our attorneys see these patterns consistently in the cases we handle:

  • Failure to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, one of the most frequent causes
  • Distracted driving: phone use, navigation systems, eating, or any other inattention behind the wheel
  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Speeding through residential areas, school zones, and high-pedestrian corridors
  • Running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs
  • Backing up without checking for pedestrians in parking lots or driveways
  • Left turns that fail to account for crossing pedestrians

Road design and maintenance can also be a contributing factor.

The road to recovery from these injuries is often long, expensive, and uncertain. Medical bills accumulate quickly, the ability to work may be affected for months or permanently, and the emotional impact of a serious accident does not resolve on a clear timeline.

Inadequate crosswalk markings, broken pedestrian signals, poor lighting, and missing sidewalks all increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, and when government negligence plays a role, there may be a claim against the responsible municipality.

Injuries Commonly Suffered in Pittsburgh Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians are completely unprotected, these accidents frequently produce some of the most serious injuries our attorneys encounter.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, from direct head impact or the rotational forces of being struck
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Multiple broken bones and fractures
  • Internal injuries and organ damage
  • Severe soft tissue injuries, including muscle and ligament tears
  • Road abrasions and lacerations
  • Traumatic amputations
  • Wrongful death

Our attorneys account for all of these dimensions when building your claim.

Pennsylvania Pedestrian Rights and Comparative Fault

Under Pennsylvania law, drivers are generally required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections.

Pedestrians also have responsibilities, including using crosswalks where available and following traffic signals. When both a driver and a pedestrian share some degree of fault, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rules determine the outcome.

Under this framework, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 51 percent.

Your award is reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies frequently exaggerate a pedestrian’s share of fault to reduce or deny claims.

Our attorneys counter these arguments with evidence and, when necessary, accident reconstruction.

Claims Against Government Entities in Pittsburgh Pedestrian Accident Cases

When a government-controlled road condition, a broken crosswalk signal, missing curb cut, inadequate lighting, or lack of signage, contributes to a pedestrian accident, a city or municipality may share liability for the resulting injuries.

These claims are more procedurally complex than standard personal injury cases. Pennsylvania law imposes specific notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines for claims against government entities.

Missing those deadlines can permanently bar your right to recovery.

If a road condition or government failure may have played a role in your accident, contact our office as soon as possible. The earlier we begin investigating, the better positioned we are to preserve evidence and meet all applicable deadlines.

Compensation Available in Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Cases

Following a pedestrian accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical expenses: emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, and specialist care
  • Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages during your recovery
  • Reduced future earning capacity for lasting injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability and disfigurement
  • Wrongful death damages, where applicable

Contact Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky Today For a Free Consultation

ABOUT
Why Choose Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. for Your Pittsburgh Pedestrian Accident Case?

Pedestrian accident cases are high-stakes claims that require thorough investigation, careful evidence preservation, and attorneys who understand both driver negligence and, when applicable, government liability.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we bring all of that to the table.

We have spent more than four decades representing seriously injured people in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, investigating accident scenes, analyzing traffic data, working with accident reconstruction professionals, and negotiating forcefully for outcomes that reflect the full extent of what our clients have lost.

Here is what families throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County can expect when they work with our team:

  • Over 40 years of personal injury experience in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
  • Hundreds of millions recovered for Pittsburgh families
  • Free case evaluations
  • Experienced in both driver negligence and government entity liability claims
  • No fees, unless we recover compensation
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Best law firm, ever! I cannot say enough great things about Jon Perkosky. He is very passionate about what he does, and is a fabulous attorney. He's the best! He will fight, and fight hard.

– B. P.
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We would highly recommend John Perkosky. He worked very hard for us, as did all at the firm. Working with John, Mike, and Michelle was a pleasure.

– G. M.
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This Law Firm has a very unique way of handling your case. They strive to maximize your settlement, and I appreciate their hard work and professionalism.

– T. B.
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They were very quick and efficient with my case. I’m glad I found them! They worked around my financial needs and it helped me a lot. Forever grateful!!

– S. J.
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Love this firm! They have an amazing staff that care about their clients.

– M. C.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Pedestrian Accident Claims

In most cases, the driver bears primary responsibility. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise reasonable care. If a pedestrian was outside a crosswalk or crossing against a signal, they may share some fault, but under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules, they may still recover compensation as long as their fault does not exceed 51 percent.

Pedestrian accident law applies equally to people walking, jogging, or otherwise on foot near or crossing the roadway. The driver’s duty to watch for and yield to people on foot does not change based on whether you were walking or running.

Pedestrian accident law applies in parking lots just as it does on public roads. Drivers have a duty to watch for pedestrians in parking areas, drive at safe speeds, and yield before backing out of spaces. The property owner may also bear some responsibility if poor lighting, inadequate signage, or unsafe lot design contributed to the accident.

If the driver did not have insurance, or insufficient insurance to cover your losses, you may be able to make a claim through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys will help you identify every available source of compensation.

Government entities can share liability when unsafe road conditions contribute to a pedestrian accident. These claims are subject to specific rules and shorter deadlines. Contact our office promptly if a road condition may have been a factor.

Yes, under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 51 percent. Your award will be reduced in proportion to your degree of responsibility. Insurance companies often exaggerate the pedestrian’s fault, we counter that with evidence.

The value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. Because pedestrian accidents frequently result in serious injuries, these claims can be significant. Our attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. work with medical and financial professionals to calculate the full value of your losses before any settlement is recommended.

Pittsburgh Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving All of Allegheny County

Pedestrian accident victims in Pittsburgh face some of the most serious injuries and most complex legal challenges of any personal injury claimant.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our attorneys have spent more than 40 years representing people who were struck by negligent drivers throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, recovering over hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families.

We handle every aspect of your claim, from the accident scene investigation through settlement negotiations or trial.

And when government entities share responsibility for unsafe road conditions, we know how to navigate that process as well.

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in the Pittsburgh area, call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.