If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, understanding the Pennsylvania pedestrian accident statute of limitations is essential to protecting your right to compensation. In Pennsylvania, there is only a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after being struck by a vehicle while walking. Missing that deadline could mean losing your opportunity to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pennsylvania law sets strict time limits on when pedestrian accident claims can be filed, and waiting too long can seriously weaken or even eliminate your case. Taking action early helps preserve evidence, protect your legal rights, and gives your attorney more time to build a strong claim.
If you have questions about your situation, Munley Law’s pedestrian accident lawyers offer a free consultation to talk through what happened, explain how the law applies to your case, and outline your legal options moving forward.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in PA?
Pennsylvania law gives pedestrian accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is established under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, which covers most personal injury cases in the state, including pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers.
The clock typically starts ticking on the day of the accident. For example, if you were hit by a car on March 1, 2025, you would have until March 1, 2027, to file your lawsuit in court. If you miss this two-year deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your claim might be or how serious your injuries are.
This statute of limitations applies whether you were hit in a crosswalk, struck in a parking lot, or injured while walking along a roadway. The type of pedestrian accident doesn’t change the fundamental time limit. What matters is when the collision occurred and whether you file your claim within the legal timeframe.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Important Exceptions to the 2-Year Rule
While the standard time limit for pedestrian accident claims in Pennsylvania is two years, there are four key exceptions that can either extend or shorten this deadline, depending on the circumstances of your case: 
- Minor Victims: If the pedestrian accident victim is under 18 years old, Pennsylvania law “tolls” or pauses the statute of limitations until the minor turns 18. Once they reach adulthood, they have two years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. This exception ensures that children aren’t penalized for being unable to pursue legal action on their own behalf.
- Discovery Rule: In some cases, injuries from a pedestrian accident may not be immediately apparent. Pennsylvania’s discovery rule allows the statute of limitations to begin when you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, your injury. However, this exception applies only to cases involving delayed symptoms or medical conditions that weren’t obvious at the time of the accident.
- Government Entity Accidents: If a government vehicle or employee caused your pedestrian accident, strict notice requirements apply. You must file a notice of claim with the appropriate government entity within six months of the accident. This significantly shorter deadline applies to accidents involving city buses, state vehicles, or municipal employees. Missing this six-month window can bar your claim entirely, making it very important to act immediately if a government entity was involved.
- Hit and Run Cases: Pedestrian accidents involving unidentified drivers may have different considerations, particularly when it comes to pursuing compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
While you have two years to file, waiting is risky. Starting your claim early with Munley Law helps preserve vanishing physical evidence and fresh witness recollections before they fade. Immediate legal action also ensures your medical documentation clearly links injuries to the accident, preventing insurance companies from using delay tactics or lowball offers. Acting now protects your right to full compensation and builds the strongest possible case from day one.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What Damages Can You Recover from a Pedestrian Accident in PA?
Pedestrian accident victims in Pennsylvania may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation; lost wages if injuries prevent you from working; pain and suffering; and long-term disability costs for permanent injuries. 
The value of your pedestrian injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of the evidence proving the driver’s negligence. At Munley Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys work around the clock to ensure you recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
Don’t Let Time Run Out on Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Understanding Pennsylvania’s pedestrian accident statute of limitations is just the first step. The most important action you can take is contacting an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
At Munley Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys have nearly seven decades of experience helping injured Pennsylvanians recover fair compensation after an accident. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Don’t risk losing your right to compensation by waiting too long. Contact Munley Law today to discuss your pedestrian accident claim and learn how we can help you move forward.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
