Pedestrian accidents can leave individuals facing life-changing injuries and extensive losses. Our Reading, PA pedestrian accident attorneys understand how suddenly these incidents occur, and how unprepared victims are to deal with the fallout alone. In the aftermath, many people are left uncertain about their rights, unsure how to deal with insurance companies, and worried about what comes next.
At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, we bring more than 100 years of combined experience to every case, drawing on our history of tens of millions recovered to guide injured pedestrians through the legal process. Our firm is committed to providing personalized attention, keeping clients informed, and standing up to insurers who may try to shift blame or minimize injuries. Contact Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC for a free consultation to find out how our Reading personal injury lawyers can help you.
Lawrence Kalikhman, Esquire is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Temple University. Mr. Kalikhman received his Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers University School of Law. He has experience in Personal Injury Litigation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Mr. Kalikhman is admitted to practice before state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. He is a member of the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Bucks County Bar Associations, as well as the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.
Arkady “Eric” Rayz, Esquire is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Temple University. As an undergraduate, Mr. Rayz was a recipient of the H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell Scholarship and Temple University President’s Scholar Award. Mr. Rayz obtained his Juris Doctorate from the James E. Beasley School of Law of Temple University, where he was a staff member and editor of the Temple International and Comparative Law Journal.
Mr. Rayz has broad experience in handling matters in federal and state courts and is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New York. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Bar Associations.
Pedestrian accident cases often come with unique challenges. Evidence is not always clear, insurers may try to shift blame, and injuries that are not immediately visible can be unfairly questioned. Many pedestrians are left dealing with comments about visibility, accusations of contributing to the crash, or claims that their injuries “must have been pre-existing.” And when there is little video footage or no neutral witnesses, it can feel difficult to prove what really happened.
Our attorneys are equipped to guide clients through these obstacles. We focus on uncovering what others overlook and presenting a clear, accurate picture of how the collision occurred and how it has affected your life. We do this by:
We want our clients to feel supported throughout the process, trusting that we are handling the difficult legal work and assembling the evidence needed to move their case forward.
Pedestrian accidents in Reading often happen in seconds, and the cause is not always obvious. Many collisions occur at busy intersections like Penn Street and 5th Street, or near bus stops where people on foot are common. Common factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents include:
Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, remain attentive, and take reasonable steps to avoid a collision. Pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as obeying traffic signals and avoiding sudden entries into the roadway. Because both sides may have duties, insurance companies often challenge fault, particularly when the incident occurs outside a crosswalk or in low-visibility conditions.
In Pennsylvania, pedestrians may still pursue compensation even if they were not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. Cases like these often hinge on Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rules, which assess how much each party may have contributed to the crash.
For example, a driver who was speeding, distracted, or turning too quickly at an intersection—common issues in heavier traffic zones like Penn Street or Court Street—may still bear significant responsibility. Your potential recovery may depend on how fault is distributed and what evidence shows about the impact. We work to analyze these factors carefully and help clients understand what options may be available.
A pedestrian accident can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, from their health and mobility to their ability to work or care for their family. While every case is different, pedestrians may be able to pursue compensation for the losses they have experienced, including:
Your injuries are serious, and Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC is here to personally fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, our approach is shaped by a simple philosophy: injured people should not be left to pay the price for someone else’s carelessness.
That idea is reflected in our motto, Go Bald or Go Broke. This represents the effort, preparation, and determination our Reading, PA pedestrian accident attorneys bring to every case—because we know what is at stake for the people we serve.
Call for your free consultation with Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC.
After a pedestrian accident, your health should come first. Even if injuries seem minor at the moment, seek medical attention promptly, as some conditions appear hours or days later. If possible, preserving evidence can be helpful. Evidence like photographs of the scene, clothing, the vehicle, and any visible injuries may later support an insurance claim.
Avoid detailed statements to insurers until you speak with our firm and understand your options. We can help you understand what information may matter most as your case develops.
Pennsylvania law, 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2), typically provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. However, certain circumstances may follow different timelines. Because deadlines can affect your ability to pursue compensation, it is important to act quickly.
While no one is required to hire an attorney, many people choose to work with a lawyer after a pedestrian accident because these cases often involve complex evidence disputes, questions of visibility, and aggressive insurance tactics. Drivers and insurers may argue that a pedestrian somehow contributed to the crash.
Our Reading pedestrian accident attorneys have experience gathering surveillance footage, securing witness statements, consulting experts, and presenting injuries clearly. We help clients understand their rights, deal with insurers, and pursue accountability while they focus on recovering.