For many Philadelphia residents, complaining about driving in the city is almost a rite of passage. The city’s infrastructure and dense population make navigating these historic streets difficult. Now, a new study supports these concerns, placing Philadelphia on the list of the nation’s most difficult cities to drive in.
Survey Ranks Philadelphia as the Worst City in America to Drive in
According to WalletHub’s 2025 “Best & Worst Cities to Drive In” report, Philadelphia earned the title of the worst city in the country for drivers. To come to this conclusion, WalletHub weighed 30 different factors across multiple categories, including traffic and infrastructure, cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance, overall safety, annual hours spent in traffic, and access to vehicles and maintenance (among others).
According to the report, Philadelphia drivers were among those that faced above-average car repair, parking, and insurance costs, as well as the most time spent in traffic. The numerous potholes, tight city streets and aging infrastructure also contributed to Philly’s overall score.
“It’s not surprising,” Michael van der Veen, founder of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim said about the ranking. “Everyday, our drivers and pedestrians are put at risk because of the city’s infrastructure and lack of road maintenance. Couple that with heavy congestion and you've got a recipe for disaster.”
Earlier this year, our firm revealed the most common crash types in Pennsylvania, which included head-on, rear-end and sideswipe collisions and angle accidents. Unfortunately, each of these types of crashes can occur as a result of the city’s road design and heavy congestion. For example, a driver unfamiliar with the city’s layout could accidentally go down a one-way street, causing a head-on collision, while a sideswipe accident could occur after a driver tries to avoid a large pothole.
The need for better traffic management and continued road improvements isn’t just a recommendation at this point; it’s a necessity. As van der Veen explains, “Victims deserve to know that when a city’s infrastructure contributes to their injuries, the city may be held responsible.” Individuals looking to file a claim against the city of Philadelphia must formally notify the city of their intent within six months of their injury.
Similar Post: What Steps Should You Take After a Collision on Broad Street in Philadelphia?
How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Philadelphia
“The best thing you can do after a collision is protect yourself,” says van der Veen. “Take photos of the road conditions, note any missing signage or poor visibility and contact an attorney who understands how to investigate these factors. Preserving this kind of evidence early on can be critical if you decide to pursue a claim.”
For those injured in a car accident, these steps are crucial to pursuing the compensation you need. Both car and pedestrian accidents in the city can lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, damage to the spinal cord and in some cases, amputation. Though they may claim to be on your side, insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line, which means delaying or denying your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney knows the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue your claim and will negotiate with them on your behalf so you can get the money you need.
For those who can make significant change in the city, van der Veen considers Philadelphia’s inclusion in this list a wake-up call for leaders. “Philadelphia can and must do better when it comes to maintaining safe roads for everyone who calls this city home.”
Similar Post: How Do Police Reports Impact Car Accident Cases in Philadelphia?
Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to handle the aftermath of a car accident on your own. The skilled personal injury attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim have been standing up for injured Philadelphia residents for decades. Call our firm today at 215-486-0123 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Our firm is here to help you while on the road to recovery.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.