Vision Zero 2030 vs. Pennsylvania’s Comparative Fault Rule: Who Really Pays After a Pedestrian Hit?
Updated June 2025 – Philadelphia, PA — Philadelphia’s Vision Zero 2030 Plan aims to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2030, yet pedestrians are still struck daily on Roosevelt Boulevard and Broad Street. Meanwhile, 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102 (Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule) decides how the medical bills get split when walkers, bikers, and scooter riders are injured. Understanding how these two frameworks collide is critical if you—or someone you love—gets hit.
What Vision Zero 2030 Promises Philly Pedestrians
- Zero fatalities by 2030. Complete‑streets redesigns, protected crossings, and automated speed enforcement.
- $78 million for Roosevelt Boulevard. Federal & local funds target Philly’s deadliest corridor.
- Equity first. Investments focus on neighborhoods hit hardest by crash deaths.
But the Money Question Lives in § 7102—Pennsylvania’s Comparative Fault Rule
Under § 7102, a judge or jury assigns a percentage of blame to every party: driver, pedestrian, even non‑parties like phantom vehicles or road designers. If a pedestrian is found 51 % or more at fault, they recover nothing. Below 51 %, damages are reduced by that percentage. Example: 20 % pedestrian fault = 80 % payout.
Key Takeaways for Injured Walkers
- No free pass for jaywalking. Vision Zero’s moral appeal does not erase § 7102 deductions.
- Phantom vehicles count. Your lawyer can place liability on an unknown hit‑and‑run driver so their share doesn’t get pinned on you.
- Evidence decides percentages. Cell‑phone video, dash‑cams, and timing‑sequence light data tilt the scales in your favor.
Hit‑and‑Run or Pedestrian Crash—6 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Claim
- Call 911 & request EMS. Medical documentation time‑stamps injuries.
- Preserve the scene: smartphone photos of skid marks, traffic lights, and your shoes/clothing.
- Secure witness info + 911 audio. Ask bystanders for name/number; your lawyer can subpoena dispatch recordings.
- Look for cameras. Note addresses of stores, SEPTA buses, Ring™ doorbells pointing at the intersection.
- Report to police within 24 hrs (mandatory for UM/UIM “phantom vehicle” coverage).
- Call Edelstein Law before insurers. Early statements can be twisted into fault admissions.
What Data Should You Save?
- Fitness‑watch or Strava GPS file showing walking/running speed.
- Phone screenshots of weather & light conditions at crash time.
- Receipts for rideshare replacement costs and SEPTA fare while you’re off your feet.
- All medical portal messages – even “just‑checking‑in” notes prove pain & suffering.
Comparative Fault in Action: A Roosevelt Boulevard Scenario
| Party | Assigned Fault % | How Evidence Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Driver A | 55 % | Speed‑cam showed 48 MPH in a 35 zone. |
| Pedestrian (Plaintiff) | 10 % | Crossed against flashing hand; night‑visibility jacket reduced blame. |
| Unknown hit‑and‑run driver | 35 % | SEPTA bus cam caught second strike; § 7102 lets jury allocate fault to non‑party so damages aren’t reduced further. |
Result: Plaintiff entitled to 90 % of total damages.
Why Edelstein Law Is the Award‑Winning Choice for Philly & South‑Jersey Pedestrians
- Crash‑scene rapid‑response team. We can be on Broad Street in under an hour to preserve CCTV before it’s overwritten.
- In‑house UM/UIM coverage analysts. We unlock “phantom vehicle” policies most firms overlook.
- Proven trial beats. Multi‑million‑dollar crosswalk verdicts in PA & NJ courts.
In short, Vision Zero can’t write you a check—§ 7102 can reduce it—only Edelstein Law can maximize it.
Take Action Today—You’ve Waited Long Enough
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury due to negligence, don’t wait—take action today. Contact Edelstein Law for a free consultation with our dedicated legal team. We specialize in personal injury cases, including sexual abuse, medical malpractice, auto accidents, and catastrophic injuries. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us now or fill out our online form to get started on your path to justice. Your rights matter, and we are here to help.
Crosswalk Dangers on Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA.
Comparative Fault in Action: A Roosevelt Boulevard Scenario
Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This content is for informational purposes and does not create an attorney‑client relationship.
