Main Avenue in Scranton is one of the busiest corridors in the city. With steady traffic, retail storefronts, restaurants, crosswalks, and constant vehicle flow, it is not hard to see how serious pedestrian accidents happen here.
If you were hit by a car while walking on Main Ave in Scranton, you are likely dealing with physical pain, medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what comes next.
Here is what you need to know.
Why Main Ave in Scranton Is Dangerous for Pedestrians
Main Ave runs through a mix of residential and commercial areas. Drivers are often:
• Turning into businesses
• Accelerating to beat traffic lights
• Distracted by phones
• Looking for parking
• Impatient during heavy congestion
Many pedestrian crashes occur near intersections and crosswalks where drivers fail to yield the right of way. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Unfortunately, that law does not prevent distracted or aggressive driving.
Even at lower speeds, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle can suffer severe injuries.
Common Injuries After Being Hit by a Car
Pedestrian accident injuries are often serious because there is no protection between the person and the vehicle.
Common injuries include:
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Pelvic fractures
• Severe lacerations
• Permanent disability
Many victims require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended time away from work. In some cases, the injuries are life-altering.
If you were struck while walking on Main Ave, the medical documentation from the very beginning is critical.
Who Is Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in Scranton
In most pedestrian accident cases, the driver is responsible. Common causes include:
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Running red lights
• Improper turns
• Driving under the influence
However, each case depends on the specific facts. Insurance companies may try to argue that the pedestrian was partially at fault. Do not assume the driver’s insurance company will treat you fairly.
Their job is to minimize payouts.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Car on Main Ave
If you are physically able, take these steps:
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Seek immediate medical attention.
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Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
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Get contact information from witnesses.
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Take photos of the scene if possible.
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Do not give recorded statements to the insurance company without legal advice.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can worsen over time.
Insurance Complications in Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accidents
Pennsylvania’s auto insurance system can be confusing. Depending on the situation, medical coverage may come from:
• The driver’s insurance
• Your own auto insurance policy
• A household member’s policy
• Underinsured motorist coverage
Pedestrian accident claims are not always straightforward. Determining which policy applies requires careful review.
How a Scranton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you are hit by a car on Main Ave, you are not just dealing with injuries. You are dealing with insurance adjusters, medical providers, lost income, and legal deadlines.
An experienced Scranton pedestrian accident attorney can:
• Investigate the crash
• Obtain traffic camera footage
• Interview witnesses
• Preserve evidence
• Calculate long-term damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Take the case to trial if necessary
Insurance companies evaluate whether the attorney on the other side is prepared to go to court. That matters.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania generally gives injured pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently affect your ability to recover compensation.
Evidence can also disappear quickly, especially traffic footage from busy areas like Main Ave.
Injured on Main Ave in Scranton? Take Action Now
Pedestrian accidents are preventable. When drivers fail to pay attention, the consequences can be devastating.
If you were hit by a car while walking on Main Ave in Scranton, you may be entitled to compensation for:
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical treatment
• Permanent disability
Do not let the insurance company decide what your injuries are worth.
Contact a Scranton pedestrian accident attorney today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
FAQ
Q1: What should I do if I was hit by a car on Main Ave in Scranton?
Seek medical attention immediately, call the police, document the scene if possible, and avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company before consulting a pedestrian accident attorney.
Q2: Who pays medical bills after a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania?
Medical bills may be covered by the driver’s insurance, your own auto policy, or underinsured motorist coverage depending on the circumstances.
Q3: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Pennsylvania follows comparative negligence rules. You may still recover compensation if you were less than 51 percent at fault.
Q4: How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Scranton?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
Q5: What compensation can I recover after being hit by a car?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.
