What Families Should Know After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident
A tragic pedestrian accident in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania has resulted in the death of a 71-year-old woman after she was struck by a vehicle near a busy shopping center entrance.
Pedestrian accidents often cause devastating injuries because individuals on foot have little protection against the force of a moving vehicle. When these incidents occur, families may have legal rights under Pennsylvania’s wrongful death laws.
Below is what we know about the crash and what families should understand about their legal options.
What Happened on State Hill Road
According to the Wyomissing Police Department, the crash occurred around 1:15 p.m. on March 6 along State Hill Road near the entrance to Berkshire Square Shopping Center.
Police responding to the scene found Eugenia Polonski, 71, of Reading, who had been struck by a 2015 Lexus SUV.
Investigators reported:
- The vehicle was driven by Margo Lemke of Molina, Illinois.
- Polonski was transported to Reading Hospital for treatment.
- Tragically, she later died from her injuries.
The Pennsylvania State Police Accident Reconstruction Team assisted with the investigation.
Authorities temporarily closed State Hill Road between Berkshire Boulevard and Colony Drive while the crash scene was processed.
Following the investigation, the driver pleaded guilty to violating Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 3323(b), which relates to duties at stop signs.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Often Fatal
Pedestrians face the highest risk of serious injury or death in traffic collisions.
Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, pedestrians have:
- no structural protection
- no airbags
- no seat belts
Even a low-speed collision can result in life-threatening injuries such as:
- traumatic brain injuries
- internal bleeding
- spinal injuries
- severe fractures
Shopping center entrances and intersections like those along State Hill Road are particularly dangerous because they involve high vehicle traffic and turning movements.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania
Many pedestrian crashes occur because drivers fail to properly observe people crossing roadways or entering intersections.
Common causes include:
- failure to yield at stop signs
- distracted driving
- drivers turning without checking crosswalks
- speeding through intersections
- failure to see pedestrians in parking lot entrances
In this case, investigators determined the driver violated a stop sign law, which may play a key role in determining liability.
Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Claims
When a pedestrian accident results in death, Pennsylvania law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim.
These claims may seek compensation for:
- funeral and burial expenses
- loss of financial support
- loss of companionship
- medical expenses related to the injury
Pennsylvania also allows a survival action, which seeks damages for the pain and suffering experienced by the victim between the time of injury and death.
Together, these claims help families recover financially and hold negligent drivers accountable.
What Families Should Do After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash
If a loved one has been killed in a pedestrian accident, protecting your legal rights is important.
Families should consider:
- obtaining the official crash report
- preserving evidence from the accident scene
- identifying witnesses or surveillance footage
- speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney
Early investigation can be crucial in determining liability and preserving evidence.
Speak With a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is devastating. While no legal action can undo that loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim may help families obtain financial security and accountability.
Clause Law Group represents families across Pennsylvania in serious accident and wrongful death cases.
If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian accident in Wyomissing, Reading, or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you may have legal options.
📞 Call 570-676-5212 to speak with our office.
