If you know me, you know I love to walk. I am often on the phone with clients while logging close to 20,000 steps a day. Being out on the streets that much, I see firsthand how risky it feels to be a pedestrian in Philadelphia. Nowhere is that clearer than Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philly.
Why the Boulevard Feels So Risky
Roosevelt Boulevard cuts through Northeast Philadelphia with twelve lanes of traffic. For pedestrians, that means long and intimidating crossings. Traffic is heavy, and many drivers treat the road like a speedway. At night the danger multiplies because drivers run lights when they think no one is watching. Even when the signal says walk, crossing does not feel safe.
Busy intersections such as Cottman Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Adams Avenue see constant flow. High speeds, wide lanes, and long wait times make a simple walk across the street feel like a gamble.
What Changed with Speed Cameras
Philadelphia installed speed cameras on the Boulevard in 2020. They have slowed some drivers and reduced crashes, but cameras cannot change the basic design. With so many lanes, persistent speeding, and drivers ignoring signals at night, it remains one of the toughest places to cross on foot.
The Toll of Pedestrian Accidents
Being hit by a car changes everything. Victims often suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal bleeding. Recovery can take months or years. Medical bills pile up. Time away from work adds financial stress. Insurance companies push for quick settlements that rarely cover long term needs.
That is why knowing your rights matters.
Your Rights in Pennsylvania
If a negligent driver causes harm, they can be held responsible. Compensation may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule may still allow recovery. As long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, you may be entitled to damages.
Why Local Legal Help Matters
Pedestrian accidents turn on details such as red light timing, witness statements, and camera footage. An attorney familiar with Northeast Philly knows the local streets, nearby hospitals like Jefferson Torresdale and Nazareth, and the courts that handle these cases. That knowledge makes a real difference.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Take these steps immediately:
Call 911 for medical help and a police report. Collect the driver’s information and take photos if you are able. Get witness contact details. Seek medical care right away, even if you feel okay.
Do not argue about fault at the scene, and never accept the first settlement offer.
Take the First Step
If you or a loved one has been hit while crossing Roosevelt Boulevard or walking in Northeast Philadelphia, you do not have to face this alone. At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we have years of experience fighting for accident victims and helping them secure what they need to move forward.
Call us today at 1-800-CANT-WORK or visit 1800CantWork.com for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
