As students across Pennsylvania return to classrooms, a far more dangerous reality returns to the streets: the sharp rise in school zone injuries and pedestrian accidents involving children. According to the National Safety Council, over 25,000 children are injured every year in school zone accidents across the U.S.—many within blocks of their own school. These are not just statistics; they represent shattered routines, families in crisis, and lives forever altered because a driver failed to pay attention.

At Frischman & Rizza, we’ve represented families devastated by school-related traffic incidents. Whether it’s a child hit in a crosswalk or a teen struck while biking home, back-to-school pedestrian accidents deserve immediate legal attention and a family-first approach to justice. If your child was injured near a school zone in Pennsylvania, here's what you need to know—and what you need to do next.

Why School Zones Are a Legal and Safety Minefield

School zones are legally designated areas for reduced speeds, heightened awareness, and maximum caution. But every fall, many drivers ignore flashing lights, roll through stop signs, or text while driving near schools, especially during drop-off and pickup hours. Tragically, young children—because of their size, impulsiveness, and unpredictability—are especially vulnerable.

Dangers in Pennsylvania school zones include:

• Speeding through marked school areas
• Failing to yield to children in crosswalks
• Distracted driving near buses and bike lanes
• Improper passing of stopped school buses
• Obstructed views from parked cars or landscaping

In these high-risk zones, the margin for error is nearly zero—and the consequences are enormous.

Pennsylvania School Zone Laws vs. Common Violations

Legal Standard: Speed limit is 15 mph in active zones

• Common Violation: Drivers going 25–35 mph
• Consequences: Delayed braking, severe injury or fatality risk

Legal Standard: Full stop for crossing guards & children

• Common Violation: Rolling stop at intersections
• Consequences: Child struck while crossing legally

Legal Standard: No phone use in active zones

• Common Violation: Texting during school pickup
• Consequences: Missed pedestrians, late reactions

Legal Standard: Stop for school buses with extended arms

• Common Violation: Illegally passing a bus
• Consequences: Direct hits in front of school bus

If Your Child Was Injured Near a School: What to Do Immediately

When your child is injured in or near a school zone, fast and informed action can make all the difference in recovery and justice. Here's how to respond:

Seek immediate medical care and request full documentation of injuries

Report the accident to police and request a copy of the crash report

Take photos of the scene, including traffic signs, bus markings, and vehicle damage

Collect witness names and statements, especially from school staff or parents

Do not communicate with the driver’s insurer until you’ve spoken with legal counsel

Call a child traffic safety lawyer with experience in school zone injury cases

A lawyer can investigate whether traffic cameras, surveillance footage, or school crossing guard reports can support your case. In many instances, the school district, bus operator, or municipality may share liability.

Common Questions From Concerned Parents

Who can be held liable in a school zone injury case?
Multiple parties may be responsible—drivers, school bus companies, municipalities (for signage or crossing guard issues), or even the school itself depending on supervision failures.

What if the driver was a parent or teacher?
The relationship doesn’t change liability. All drivers have a legal duty to exercise caution in school zones, regardless of who they are.

How is compensation determined?
Compensation may include medical bills, long-term therapy, emotional trauma, future lost earnings (if injuries are disabling), and pain and suffering.

Are school zone accidents treated differently legally?
Yes. The law recognizes that drivers are expected to be on high alert in these areas, so negligence is often easier to prove with the right evidence.

How long do we have to file a claim?
In Pennsylvania, the standard statute of limitations is two years, but cases involving minors allow for more time. However, evidence disappears quickly—so legal guidance should start immediately.

Crucial Back-to-School Safety Tips Every Family Should Review

Before the next school day begins, take time to talk to your children—and their caregivers—about basic but lifesaving safety habits:

• Always use crosswalks and wait for the signal
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Never cross behind a parked car or bus
• Avoid using earbuds or phones while walking
• Wear bright clothing or reflective gear in early mornings

And for drivers: slow down, put the phone away, and remember you’re driving near children whose lives depend on your decisions.

If your child has been hurt in a school zone injury in PA, don’t wait for the system to work itself out. At Frischman & Rizza, we know how devastating these cases are—and how critical strong legal action can be for healing and protection. Let us stand with your family. Call our Pittsburgh office today at (412) 247-7300 for a free, compassionate consultation.