In Roxborough, Philadelphia, head-on car accidents on Henry Avenue are serious because two vehicles heading toward each other collide front to front. Long stretches of this four-lane road have no median or barrier between the northbound and southbound lanes. Drivers who stray from the inside lane, or swing wide on a curve, can cross straight into traffic coming the other way. Left turns into hidden driveways add to the danger.
At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, our Roxborough, Philadelphia car accident lawyers handle these head-on and crossover collisions. If another driver crossed into your lane, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. This discussion explains why these collisions happen on the stretch between Walnut Lane and Port Royal Avenue. It also covers what the law expects of drivers there.
What Makes Henry Avenue Different From Roxborough’s Older Streets?
Henry Avenue was built as a through road for vehicles, whereas Roxborough’s older streets grew up around shops and rowhouses. Its bridge over the Wissahickon gorge dates to the early 1930s. The bridge was even designed with a lower deck for a trolley or subway line that was never built.
Less than a mile west, Ridge Avenue is a slower shopping street with on-street parking and frequent cross streets. Henry Avenue has far fewer cross streets and was built for faster traffic. Today it is a four-lane, two-way road along the edge of Wissahickon Valley Park, with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Mid-century apartment buildings and post-war homes came later. Many of the homes are set back behind private driveways that open onto the road. Large complexes such as Henry on the Park Apartments front the road directly.
Why Do Drivers End Up in Oncoming Traffic on Henry Avenue?
The inside lane in each direction runs right beside the opposing lanes, so a brief lapse can carry a vehicle across the center line. Distraction, too much speed on a curve, or a sudden swerve around a slowing vehicle can lead to a head-on or sideswipe collision.
Traffic is heavy as well. PennDOT reports an average of 29,000 vehicles a day between Barnes Street and Port Royal Avenue.
Wrong-way driving came up at a 2012 community meeting about PennDOT’s traffic signal plans, Patch reported. Residents asked whether the Cathedral Road area would get signal upgrades. One resident said he had seen vehicles going the wrong way on Henry Avenue there numerous times.
Why Are Left Turns Into Driveways So Dangerous?
Turning left on Henry Avenue means crossing both oncoming lanes. The turn may be into a driveway or side street that is hard to spot until the last moment. PennDOT has installed warning signs for hidden driveways south of Cinnaminson Street.
When a vehicle slows down in the nearer oncoming lane, it can easily block a turning driver’s view of the farther lane. A driver who sees a gap and starts to turn can inadvertently pull right into the path of an unseen vehicle. Road curves make this even more hazardous because oncoming traffic appears with less warning, leaving drivers precious little time to judge whether it is safe to turn.
What Do Crash Records Show for Henry Avenue in Roxborough, Philadelphia?
City of Philadelphia crash data shows 127 reportable crashes on this stretch of Henry Avenue from 2020 through 2024. Those crashes resulted in 2 deaths, both in 2023, and 122 injuries.
Among them, 12 were coded as lane-departure crashes and 2 as cross-median crashes. The records also list 9 head-on or opposite-direction sideswipe crashes.
Head-on crashes are often far more destructive than rear-end collisions. Because two vehicles are traveling toward each other, the combined force of impact significantly increases the risk of severe, life-altering injuries, including bone fractures and traumatic brain injury.
Has the Layout of Henry Avenue Changed in Recent Years?
Not along most of its length, although PennDOT’s recent safety project changed several intersections. That project grew out of community input PennDOT gathered in 2012.
At Valley Avenue, PennDOT added a raised median to eliminate left turns. Drivers heading north at Livezey Lane now have a longer left-turn lane. The project also added or retimed traffic signals, including the signal at Walnut Lane.
To slow traffic, PennDOT added 35 mph markings on the pavement and electronic signs that show drivers their speed. Some of those speed signs are located north of Cinnaminson Street. Between the improved intersections, however, the many driveways and side streets still require turns across both oncoming lanes.
What Does the Law Require of Drivers on Henry Avenue?
Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must generally stay on their own side of the center line. They must also remain within a single lane until it is safe to move over. Drivers turning left into a driveway or side street must yield to any oncoming vehicle near enough to create a hazard.
Curves, hidden driveways, and heavy traffic on Henry Avenue do not change those duties. Drivers who break these rules and cause a collision may be held responsible for the injuries. Passengers hurt in either vehicle may have a claim against the driver at fault, even if they were riding with that driver.
Our Roxborough, Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer study vehicle damage and debris to show which driver left their lane. If another driver caused your crash, Pennsylvania law allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head-On Crashes in Roxborough, Philadelphia
- Which Insurance Policies Cover a Head-On Crash on Henry Avenue?
In many crashes, multiple insurance policies come into play. Typically, your own auto insurance policy covers your initial medical bills through personal injury protection. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is then responsible for additional damages up to their policy limits. If their coverage is not enough to pay for all your losses, your own underinsured motorist policy, if you have it, can help bridge the gap.
- Can I Still Recover if Both Drivers Drifted Out of Their Lanes?
Yes, in many cases. When both drivers drifted, Pennsylvania law splits the fault between them by percentage, and you can still recover as long as your share is 50% or less. Your award is then reduced by your percentage, so a 30% share of the fault would lower it by 30%.
- How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Henry Avenue Collision?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash. Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations sets that deadline for personal injury lawsuits, and a case filed after it passes can be dismissed.
Hurt in a Head-On Crash? Call Our Roxborough, Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a head-on or crossover collision on Henry Avenue, reach out to our Roxborough, Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer. We can investigate how the crash happened and deal with the insurance companies while you recover. Call 215-985-0138 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, as well as Cherry Hill and Marlton, NJ, we assist clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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