The Top 10 Philadelphia Neighborhoods and Corridors With the Highest Pedestrian Injury Rates

Data from Philadelphia’s Vision Zero initiative reveals just 12% of the city’s streets, known as the High Injury Network (HIN), are the site of 80% of all serious and fatal crashes.

While official neighborhood rankings shift from year to year, the data consistently highlights corridors within Northeast Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and Kensington as the most hazardous zones for people on foot. If you have questions about a pedestrian accident that occurred in Philadelphia, a knowledgeable Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

If you have a question about a pedestrian accident that occurred in Philadelphia, call us at (866) 771-4988.

The Top 10 Philadelphia Neighborhoods and Corridors for Pedestrian Risks

This list of Philadelphia neighborhoods with rising pedestrian injury rates is based on an analysis of the city’s High Injury Network and recent traffic fatality reports.

1. Northeast Philadelphia (The Roosevelt Boulevard Corridor)

Roosevelt Boulevard is an infamous 12-lane highway that slices through dense residential areas. It is consistently ranked among the most dangerous roads in the country. Before the installation of automated speed cameras in 2020, it was the site of a staggering number of pedestrian deaths. While the cameras have reduced speeding violations by over 95%, the fundamental design of the road remains hostile to anyone not in a car. Nearly a quarter of all intersection-related pedestrian deaths in the city have occurred on this one road.

2. North Philadelphia (Broad Street Corridor)

With speed cameras taming Roosevelt Boulevard, Broad Street has unfortunately become Philadelphia’s deadliest road. In one recent year, the corridor has seen more than one traffic death per month. The combination of high vehicle volume, multiple lanes of traffic, and numerous subway stops forces pedestrians to navigate a dangerous environment. For many residents, simply getting to and from public transit involves a high-stakes crossing.

3. Kensington (Lehigh & Allegheny Avenues)

The corridors of Lehigh and Allegheny Avenues in Kensington are identified hotspots for both severe injuries and fatalities. These streets are characterized by a mix of heavy commercial truck traffic, high pedestrian volume, and the tragic circumstances of the opioid crisis, which affects the awareness of both drivers and people on foot. Intersections like Lehigh Avenue and N 2nd Street are known danger zones. The city has begun studying traffic safety improvements, but for now, the risk remains high.

4. Elmwood / Southwest Philadelphia

Data has shown a persistent cluster of fatality crashes in Southwest Philadelphia. The presence of trolley tracks on streets like Woodland Avenue, coupled with aging infrastructure and sometimes confusing or inconsistent crosswalk signals, creates a difficult environment. Drivers and pedestrians alike are sometimes caught off guard by the mix of trolleys, buses, and cars, leading to tragic, and preventable, collisions.

5. Greater Center City

While vehicle speeds are generally lower, the sheer density of Center City makes it the area with the highest number of non-fatal pedestrian injuries. The constant interaction between passenger cars, aggressive delivery drivers, cyclists, and people on foot results in a high frequency of knock-down accidents. Streets like Market Street and Chestnut Street are particularly notable for their volume of pedestrian-involved crashes.

6. West Philadelphia (Market & Chestnut Streets)

The wide, one-way design of streets like Chestnut and Walnut creates a super-highway effect, encouraging drivers to accelerate through university and residential zones. Corridors along Market Street and 52nd Street have also been identified as having a high number of crashes involving pedestrians. The high concentration of students and residents relying on foot travel and public transit makes these speeding corridors particularly dangerous.

7. Hunting Park

The Hunting Park neighborhood is where several major arterial roads on the High Injury Network intersect, including Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue itself. These areas suffer from inadequate lighting and feature dangerously long crosswalk distances, placing elderly and mobility-impaired residents at an even greater risk when they try to cross these busy streets.

8. Olney

Olney is a major transit hub, and the area around the Olney Transportation Center is a focal point for risk. The chaotic convergence of buses, subway commuters, and car traffic creates a hazardous environment. Pedestrians are forced to navigate crowded sidewalks and cross streets where drivers may be distracted or fail to yield, particularly at the intersection of 5th and Olney, which has been cited as one of the city’s most dangerous.

9. South Philadelphia (Washington Avenue)

Washington Avenue has long been a source of conflict and concern. Historic crash data points to issues with double-parking by commercial trucks, confusing lane configurations, and a constant battle for space. This forces pedestrians and cyclists out of their designated areas and into active traffic lanes, significantly increasing the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle.

10. Cobbs Creek

The neighborhoods on the western edge of the city, like Cobbs Creek, contain several high-speed commuter routes. As drivers leave the more congested city center, their speeds typically increase. This frequently leads to a failure to yield to local residents who are simply trying to cross the street in their own neighborhood. These areas demonstrate how danger arises when roads are designed for commuters passing through rather than for the people who live there.

Establishing Liability in High-Risk Zones

Just because a street is known to be dangerous does not excuse the driver who hit you. In fact, it may increase their responsibility. A driver operating a vehicle on a known high-risk corridor like Roosevelt Boulevard or Broad Street has a heightened duty of care. They should be more alert and anticipate the presence of pedestrians.

Driver Negligence vs. Dangerous Design

In most pedestrian accident cases, the primary liable party is the negligent driver. However, in some situations, poor road design or malfunctioning signals could point to liability on the part of the city. Suing a government entity is difficult, but it is not impossible. The most common scenario is that the dangerous design of the road serves as context to prove the driver’s fault. We use this information to demonstrate that the driver should have been exercising extreme caution.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

A common fear after an accident is, “What if I was partially at fault? I wasn’t in a crosswalk.” This is a valid concern, but it does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule (42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102).

This legal concept means that you still recover damages as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. An insurance company may try to argue you were mostly to blame to avoid paying. Our role is to use evidence, like traffic signal timing, lighting conditions, and surveillance footage, to prove the driver had the last clear chance to avoid the collision and bears the vast majority of the fault.

Essential Steps to Protect Your Claim (From Home)

After the initial shock of a pedestrian accident and receiving medical care, the actions you take from home have a significant impact on your ability to secure fair compensation.

Preserve Evidence Digitally

Do not rely solely on the police report. Use tools like Google Maps and Street View to save images of the accident scene as it existed at the time of the crash. Construction or changes to the roadway happen quickly. Additionally, take clear photos of your injuries as they heal. A bruise or cut that seems minor today is important evidence of the physical trauma you endured.

The Recorded Statement Trap

The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster will likely call you. They are trained professionals whose goal is to protect their company’s financial interests. They will sound empathetic and helpful, but they are looking for information to minimize your claim. Do not provide a recorded statement without first speaking to an attorney. They ask leading questions designed to get you to say something that implies you weren’t paying attention or that your injuries aren’t severe.

Medical Compliance Is Key

Following your doctor’s treatment plan is not just for your health; it is for your claim. If you miss physical therapy appointments or have large gaps in your treatment, the insurance company will argue that your injuries must not have been serious. They will use any gap in treatment as an excuse to offer you less money. Go to all your appointments and follow medical advice to the letter.

Review Your Own Auto Insurance Policy

If you own a vehicle, your own insurance policy could be a source of compensation, especially in a hit-and-run or if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. Look for coverage called Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM). In a city with many drivers who may not carry adequate insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage protects you from financial hardship.

FAQ: Pedestrian Accidents in Philadelphia

What if I was hit by a SEPTA bus or trolley?

Claims against government entities like SEPTA have different rules. You must provide a formal written notice of your intent to file a claim within six months of the accident date. This is a much shorter deadline than the standard statute of limitations, and failing to meet it bars you from recovering compensation.

Can I file a claim for compensation if the driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

Yes. This is precisely what Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is for. If the driver is not found, you file a claim with your own car insurance company under your UM benefits to cover your medical bills and other damages. This coverage protects you from the illegal actions of another driver.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In most cases, Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. While two years may seem like a long time, contact a law firm much sooner. Evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade.

Does it matter if I was jaywalking?

It might, but it does not automatically prevent you from having a case. As mentioned earlier, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law applies. Even if you were crossing outside of a crosswalk, drivers still have a duty of care to be aware of their surroundings and avoid collisions when possible. The specific circumstances of the accident will determine how fault is assigned.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for a settlement?

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for auto insurance, which means your initial medical bills are typically paid by your own auto insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. All drivers are required to carry at least $5,000 in PIP medical benefits. Once these benefits are exhausted, you pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance for further costs.

Don’t Let a Reckless Driver Define Your Future

You do not have to accept a lowball offer from an insurance company that views your injury as just another number on a spreadsheet. The law provides you with the right to pursue compensation to be made whole again—to cover your medical treatment, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering.

At The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, we have deep experience handling accidents on Philadelphia’s most dangerous roadways. We handle the investigation, the paperwork, and the negotiations with the insurance companies so you place your entire focus on what truly matters: your physical and emotional recovery, with guidance from a trusted Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.

If you have questions about your accident and want to understand your legal options, call us today for a free consultation at (866) 771-4988.