Car Accidents

Our experienced attorneys have represented those involved in all types of car accidents, including those caused by:

• Distracted driving – In today’s age of technology, there are more distractions for drivers than ever before. Approximately nine people are killed and over 1,000 are injured each day in the U.S. due to distracted driving, according to CDC estimates.
• Drowsy driving – Drowsy drivers may experience impaired judgment, slowed reaction time and decreased alertness, causing them to get in otherwise avoidable car accidents. The NHTSA reports that drowsy driving is the cause of at least 100,000 car accidents per year.
• Drunk driving – The dangers of drunk driving are well known. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies every 51 minutes in the U.S. from drunk driving.
• Poor weather conditions – Weather-related car accidents have caused more fatalities than weather disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that weather-related crashes cause about 5,000 fatalities and 418,000 injuries each year.
• Unsafe road conditions – Unsafe roads may cause or contribute to an accident in many ways, whether it is construction debris, inadequate lighting or bumpy pavement. If you were injured in such an accident, you may pursue a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance and repairs, such as a municipality, county or commonwealth.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe or even fatal. Some common injuries our Delaware County car accident lawyers have seen include:

• Amputation
• Arm, back, chest and leg injuries
• Concussion
• Cuts and bruises
• Paralysis
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Whiplash

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, check first to see if you have been injured and seek medical attention if necessary. Have the police create a report at the time of the accident and be sure to get a copy along with the names, addresses, driver’s license numbers and insurance information for all drivers involved. Take pictures, gather contact information for any witnesses and take notes on the details of the accident. Remember that the other parties and their insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, so avoid making any statements of fault and do not sign any release paperwork relinquishing your right to pursue a claim because injuries may take some time to surface.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Law

Pennsylvania is a “choice” no-fault state, meaning that if you chose no-fault coverage when you got insurance, then you must typically file a claim under your own policy to recover compensation for your medical bills and other expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, there are certain situations in which you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the person who caused the accident. Such personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the accident, according to the Pennsylvania statute of limitations.

Pennsylvania is also a “modified comparative fault” state, meaning that if you were partly to blame for the accident, then you will be partially responsible for the damages arising as a result of the accident. You will still be able to recover, but your damages award will be reduced by a percentage equal to your amount of fault. If you were involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to talk to a qualified attorney in your geographical area, as laws regarding car accident claims vary by state.