If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle while walking in the Lehigh Valley, you deserve experienced legal representation from a Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for every dollar you’re owed.
Pedestrian accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term financial hardship. You should not have to carry these burdens alone, especially when a careless driver is responsible.
Munley Law personal injury attorneys are widely recognized for their success in pedestrian accident cases throughout Pennsylvania, including the Bethlehem area. Some of our pedestrian accident lawsuit victories include a $3.5 million jury verdict for a pedestrian hit by a truck, a $2.8 million settlement for a pedestrian accident case, and a $2 million settlement for the family of a woman killed in a pedestrian accident.
Understanding how and why these accidents happen and what your legal options are is critical to protecting your rights. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation today.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Are a Serious Threat
P
edestrian crashes remain a serious safety issue in Pennsylvania. According to PennDOT’s 2024 Crash Facts, there were 2,990 pedestrian injuries and 174 pedestrian fatalities statewide in a single year. These numbers highlight how a moment of driver inattention can lead to severe or life-changing injuries.
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable because they have no physical protection in a collision. Unlike vehicle occupants, even a low-speed impact can cause significant harm. Risks are higher in areas with heavy traffic, limited lighting, and frequent turning vehicles, all of which are common in urban and suburban areas like Bethlehem and the greater Lehigh Valley.
While pedestrian behavior can play a role in some crashes, driver awareness, speed, and right-of-way violations are among the most common contributing factors identified in crash reports.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident while on foot, you need a Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer who will do what it takes to win.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Munley Law Fights for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Bethlehem and Beyond
When our father, Robert W. Munley, founded Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys in 1959, he promised to fight for justice for accident victims. Over six decades later, we have become the leading personal injury firm in Pennsylvania and one of the top truck and auto accident firms in the United States.
Time and time again, our personal injury lawyers use the most effective tools and technologies to win millions for tragic crash victims and their families. When you hire our pedestrian accident team to represent you, you get a team of award-winning lawyers with over 250 years of combined legal experience.
As soon as you become our client, we will use all of our resources and knowledge to win for you.
- You will receive professional and honest legal representation.
- Unless we win financial compensation for you, you will never pay a cent for our services or the costs of fighting your case.
- We will always keep your best interests in mind.
- We’ll communicate all updates and settlement offers right away.
- Above all, you will have the most skilled and experienced pedestrian accident lawyers on your side.
Munley Law pedestrian accident lawyers don’t just negotiate for favorable outcomes; we win for our clients. Schedule a free case review today if you or a loved one has fallen victim to a pedestrian accident.
How Common are Pedestrian Accidents in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley?
The 2024 pedestrian fatality rate in Pennsylvania was 1.41 per 100,000 people. While much crash data is available, local reporting also highlights concerns for pedestrian safety in Bethlehem and beyond.
According to area traffic safety reporting, there have been hundreds of vehicle-pedestrian incidents in Bethlehem over the past decade, including dozens involving serious injuries or deaths.
Local residents and advocates have raised safety issues at busy intersections due to poor lighting, long crosswalk wait times, and motorists failing to yield.
What are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Bethlehem, PA?
Pedestrian accidents in Bethlehem, PA, can be caused by driver or pedestrian negligence. In some cases, the local municipality or even service providers can be held accountable. When determining fault, your Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer will look at the following:
- The Driver: A pedestrian accident lawyer will determine if the driver was distracted, speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), or if visibility was poor at the time of the accident.
- The Pedestrian (a.k.a. the victim): The pedestrian accident lawyer will determine any negligence on the pedestrian’s side by seeing if the pedestrian was negligent in any way, and if so, measure their negligence comparatively against the driver’s negligence.
- Other Factors: Faded road markings, potholes, roadworks, crosswalk waiting times, street lighting, and sidewalk conditions are some other factors that could influence a Bethlehem pedestrian accident.
What Compensation Can You Get for a Pedestrian Accident in Bethlehem, PA?
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Bethlehem, PA, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic Damages: These include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs related to your recovery. In serious cases, compensation may also cover long-term care, assistive devices, and home modifications required for permanent injuries.
- Non-economic Damages: These damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the physical impact of disfigurement or disability.
If a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death and survival claims for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship.
Munley Law’s Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyers can evaluate the full impact of your injuries and fight to recover the maximum compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102. This means that an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident, as long as they are not more than 50% at fault.
However, any compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the pedestrian. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to pedestrians by arguing that they were distracted, crossed outside a designated crosswalk, ignored traffic signals, or entered the roadway unexpectedly. When issues of liability become part of the insurance negotiations, the importance of hiring a Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer becomes apparent. Your attorney can investigate the facts, challenge unfair accusations of fault, and work to protect your right to full and fair compensation.
Can a Pedestrian Receive No-Fault Benefits After an Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system may provide benefits to injured pedestrians through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Depending on the circumstances, a pedestrian may be able to recover medical expenses and certain lost wages through their own auto insurance policy, a household family member’s policy, or the insurance policy covering the vehicle involved in the collision.
PIP benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident. However, receiving no-fault benefits does not prevent an injured pedestrian from pursuing a personal injury claim against a negligent driver when their injuries meet the legal threshold for a lawsuit.
Because determining which insurance policy applies can be complicated, it is important to speak with an experienced Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer who can identify all available sources of compensation and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Bethlehem, PA
What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Bethlehem, PA?
After a pedestrian accident in Bethlehem, PA, your priority should be your safety and medical care. Call 911 immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, and request both police and medical assistance. These initiate the paper trail of evidence, should you take legal action.
If you are able, gather evidence at the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, your injuries, traffic signals, and the surrounding area. Get the driver’s information and contact details of any witnesses, as this information can be critical later.
As soon as possible, seek a full medical evaluation and avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies before speaking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize or deny your claim. Contact a Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer promptly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and begin building a strong case for compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Where and When Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
According to the National Safety Council, 79.18% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred in urban areas. While 25.47% of walkers were killed while crossing at an intersection, car, bus, and truck drivers hit most pedestrians in other locations. Correspondingly, these locations include streets, parking lots, and driveways.
Importantly, lighting conditions play a major role in pedestrian crashes. In fact, 75% of fatal pedestrian accidents were at night. Another 5% of walkers died after being hit at dusk or dawn. Approximately 20% of deadly pedestrian collisions occurred in daylight.
How Long Do I Have to File My Pedestrian Accident Case in a Pennsylvania Court?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident case is two years following the date of the accident.
While two years may sound like a long time, there is a lot of work to do. In order to give your lawyer enough time to prepare a winning case, you should get legal representation ASAP.
Choose Munley Law to Represent You in Your Bethlehem Pedestrian Accident Case
Munley Law personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of winning substantial recoveries for injured pedestrians across Pennsylvania.
Our award-winning lawyers are known for aggressive advocacy, trial readiness, and results that speak for themselves. When you choose Munley Law, you get a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
You also take no financial risk. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means there are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no bills while your case is pending.
Contact Munley Law today to speak with a Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer and get the powerful representation your case demands.
James Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is a committed and accomplished pedestrian accident attorney. During his time advocating for injured pedestrians nationwide, Chris has helped win substantial settlements and verdicts for pedestrian accident victims, with notable cases reaching $2 million, $2.8 million, and a $3.5 Million jury verdict for a pedestrian hit by a truck. Chris has won numerous awards from across the legal space, including being named as a Lawdragon “500 Leading Lawyers in America” and being named a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers since 2005.
