Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents occur for different reasons in Pennsylvania, but most are caused by driver error. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: This encompasses activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the GPS while behind the wheel.
• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving poses a serious risk to road safety, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities similar to alcohol intoxication.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
• Reckless or aggressive driving: Erratic or aggressive driving behaviors can result in devastating collisions. Examples include tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic.
• Adverse weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other poor weather conditions can significantly impair visibility and road traction.

Among the many types of car accidents on roads, several stand out as the most common, each presenting its own set of risks:

• Rear-end collisions: This occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often from sudden stops, tailgating, or distracted driving. A rear-end collision might only be a minor fender-bender; when the crash is more serious, it can cause whiplash, neck injuries, or even fatalities.
• Intersection accidents: Intersections serve as points of convergence for multiple traffic streams, increasing the likelihood of accidents caused by failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging the timing of turns. These can lead to T-bone crashes, where one vehicle strikes another from a perpendicular angle.
• Sideswipe or T-Bone accidents: These occur when two parallel vehicles make contact, typically from improper lane changes, drifting, or merging without adequate clearance. While side-swipe accidents may sometimes result in minor damage, they can escalate into more serious incidents if one or both drivers lose control or if the collision propels one vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: These accidents involve three or more vehicles. Multi-vehicle pileups can cause extensive damage, blockages, and serious injuries.
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities due to the combined force of two vehicles colliding directly with each other. Factors such as speed, distraction, and impaired driving significantly increase the likelihood and severity of head-on collisions.

Car accident survivors have a limited window of time, known as the statute of limitations, to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim.

Being a safe and vigilant driver is important to help avoid an accident. Some ways you can prevent an accident include:

• Maintain focus on the road. Conversations with passengers can distract drivers, so it is vital to prioritize attention on driving. Avoid distractions like texting or emailing while driving, utilizing hands-free options when necessary.
• Designate a sober driver. Before heading out, ensure someone remains sober to drive everyone home safely. Alternatively, utilize rideshare services if alcohol has been consumed.
• Keep both hands on the wheel. Operating vehicles with both hands enhances control.
• Pull over during poor visibility. Pull over safely to avoid accidents if visibility is compromised due to weather or fatigue.
• Double-check before changing lanes. Always check blind spots and mirrors twice before changing lanes or merging to prevent collisions.

It is crucial to recognize that injuries might not immediately surface after an accident, meaning what initially appears minor could worsen, leading to unexpected medical issues for drivers or passengers. Whether the accident results from driver negligence, road conditions, or faulty vehicle parts, consulting a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer is essential.

Car accident injuries range from minor to severe, warranting immediate attention. Common car accident injuries include:

• Fractures: Often occurring in serious collisions, fractures may be obscured by significant bruising, underscoring the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention.
• Lacerations: Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent potential infections in cuts and scrapes. EMTs can address these injuries on-site, and subsequent medical bills can serve as evidence in lawsuits against the responsible driver.
• Head and traumatic brain injuries: Head trauma, sometimes unnoticed initially, can lead to headaches and mood swings, necessitating comprehensive medical evaluation.
• Whiplash: Whiplash, a common injury, can cause neck pain, stiffness, and headaches due to the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head upon impact. Seeking medical evaluation promptly after experiencing whiplash symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Neck and spinal cord injuries: Neck and spinal cord injuries resulting from car accidents can have severe and lasting consequences, often leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Prompt medical attention and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation are essential.

Navigating a car accident’s aftermath requires wise decision-making. You should follow these steps:

• Exit the roadway if possible to ensure safety.
• Call 911 for medical assistance, even if the injuries seem minor. A check-up from EMTs is crucial.
• Exchange insurance information with the other party involved.
• Document the scene with photos and videos for accurate reconstruction.
• Seek out eyewitnesses to gather additional information.
• Report the accident to your insurance carrier, but be cautious when providing statements.
• Consider hiring a lawyer. Keep records of medical bills and car repair receipts for legal purposes.

Car accident lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, including relevant statutes, case law, and legal procedures. They leverage their experience to build strong cases for their clients and navigate the complexities of the legal system. Lawyers conduct comprehensive investigations into the accident’s circumstances, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and expert testimony to support their clients’ claims. Your lawyer will also handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. They strive to secure fair and just compensation for their clients’ injuries, damages, and losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. When a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.