Pittsburgh is a city built around neighborhoods, bridges, and busy intersections. People walk everywhere—whether it’s crossing Forbes Avenue in Oakland, heading through Downtown during rush hour, or moving between restaurants and venues on the South Side. Unfortunately, the mix of heavy traffic, tight intersections, distracted drivers, and complicated one-way streets means pedestrian crashes happen far too often.
If you were hit in a crosswalk, you’re probably frustrated, hurting, and unsure what to do next. This blog breaks down what people in your exact situation are often searching for online—questions about medical bills, fault, insurance, and whether they should contact a Pittsburgh injury attorney at Freeburn Law for help.
Are Drivers Always at Fault When They Hit Someone in a Crosswalk?
Most people search this immediately. In many cases, Pennsylvania law strongly protects pedestrians. A driver approaching a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield when a pedestrian is already crossing. In Pittsburgh, this rule applies whether you’re crossing on Penn Avenue, Liberty Avenue, Fifth Avenue, the Strip District, or any neighborhood street.
But insurance companies don’t always agree so easily. They may claim:
- You stepped out suddenly
- The driver couldn’t stop in time
- You weren’t fully inside the crosswalk
This is where speaking with a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyer can give you clarity. Evidence such as traffic light sequences, camera footage, skid marks, and witness statements often proves the driver failed to yield or was distracted.
Searching for Medical Help After a Pedestrian Crash
Another thing people commonly look up is whether they need medical care even if they “feel okay.” Pedestrians take the full force of impact, so injuries don’t always show up right away. Many people hit in a Pittsburgh crosswalk end up with:
- Concussions
- Back and neck pain
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Knee or shoulder injuries
- Fractures
- Lingering headaches or dizziness
Even low-speed impacts can cause serious harm. Getting checked out also creates documentation that becomes important if you later speak with a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer about compensation.
What If the Driver Says It Was an Accident and Wants to “Handle It Privately”?
This is another common search. Drivers often panic and try to talk pedestrians out of calling the police. You should always treat a pedestrian collision seriously, even if the driver seems apologetic.
Pittsburgh police reports matter. They create an official record of what happened, which is crucial when the driver later changes their story or when their insurance company pushes blame onto you.
If the driver fled, many people search whether they still have a claim. The answer is yes. Between uninsured motorist coverage and potential camera footage, a Pittsburgh injury attorney may still be able to build a case.
How Insurance Works When You’re Hit While Walking
This is where confusion usually kicks in. Most pedestrians don’t realize they may have several paths to coverage, even if they don’t own a car.
Depending on your situation, insurance may come from:
- The driver’s auto insurance
- Your own auto insurance (if you have any)
- A household member’s policy
- Medical payments coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Sorting through this can feel overwhelming. A pedestrian is rarely in the right headspace to debate an adjuster while dealing with pain, transportation issues, or missed work. That’s why many people turn to a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney to untangle everything.
Should You Contact a Lawyer After Being Hit in a Crosswalk?
Many pedestrians hesitate because they think their injuries aren’t severe enough or worry about “making a big deal out of it.” But pedestrian cases can become complex quickly. Traffic camera footage gets erased. Witnesses disappear. Insurance companies push for quick, lowball settlements.
Talking with a Pittsburgh injury attorney at Freeburn Law doesn’t mean you’re filing a lawsuit. It simply gives you guidance at a time when you’re dealing with:
- Medical bills
- Missed work
- Pain and discomfort
- Limited ability to get around
- Pressure from insurance adjusters
A short call can protect your rights before evidence fades.
Your Next Steps After a Pittsburgh Crosswalk Accident
If you were hit while crossing the street in Pittsburgh, you deserve support and clear answers. Whether you were struck Downtown, in Shadyside, Oakland, South Side, Squirrel Hill, or anywhere throughout the city, you may qualify for compensation that helps you move forward.
A Pittsburgh accident attorney can help you understand your options, deal with insurance, and push back when the driver or adjuster tries to blame you. Contact Freeburn Law today!
