What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Philadelphia?

A mix of major highways and tight city streets bring residents and visitors into the heart of Philadelphia. The city is home to four of Pennsylvania’s top 10 most dangerous road segments and several notoriously dangerous intersections. As a result, various car accidents happen throughout Philadelphia every day. Philadelphia car accidents range from minor fender benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.

People often assume two vehicles collided when they hear about a car accident. However, the reality is that car crashes can involve one to dozens of vehicles. Additionally, vehicles involved in a crash are not always passenger cars. They can be motorcycles, trucks, or work vehicles. Bicyclists and pedestrians can also be struck and seriously injured by a car or large vehicle. If you were injured in a Philadelphia car accident, Galfand Berger LLP is here to help.

No two crashes are alike, and many accidents occur on Philadelphia roads. However, annual data reflects that certain types of car accidents are more prevalent in the city and surrounding areas. Based on the documented crashes with damage or injuries occurring on Philadelphia roads, several car accidents are the most common.

Common types of car accidents in Philadelphia include:

• T-Bone or sideswipe accidents: These accidents commonly occur when a driver attempts to change lanes without proper clearance or go through a stop sign without coming to a stop. They also happen when a person fails to merge properly, often resulting in damage and injuries.
• Rear-end collisions: People commonly think that rear-end accidents result in fender-benders. However, when a larger vehicle, such as a truck, rear-ends a car, it can cause severe and life-changing injuries.
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are one of the deadliest crashes on Philadelphia roads. While they are the rarest car accidents, this type of crash accounts for the most fatalities.
• Rollover accidents: This terrible accident typically occurs when a car or truck suddenly turns onto its side or roof and rolls one or more times. Even with seat belts, side airbags, and other safety equipment, victims of rollover accidents frequently suffer serious injuries.
• DUI accidents: These accidents are always dangerous, mainly because they often happen at high speed. When a driver is intoxicated, they lack good judgment and have seriously compromised driving behavior.
• Multi-vehicle collisions: Multiple-vehicle accidents are hazardous, and determining who was at fault can be complicated. In these cases, an experienced car accident lawyer should be consulted for advice on gathering the evidence needed to prove liability and recover compensation.
• Parking lot accidents: Parking lots and garages involve many vehicles in confined spaces. It is the perfect formula for low-speed impact and other types of car accidents.
• Backing up accidents: Cars backing out of a parking spot can be hit by another vehicle in a traffic lane. This can result in considerable damage to the car and injuries.
• Rideshare accidents: For years, Philadelphians have enjoyed the convenience of rideshare cars to drive them where they need to go. However, ridesharing has also created challenging problems for accident victims due to insurance issues. An experienced car accident lawyer should be consulted for advice on how to deal with insurance in such accidents.
• Pedestrian accidents: Drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians and avoiding injuring people who travel on foot. Unfortunately, some drivers do not adhere to this responsibility, and many pedestrians in Philadelphia are hit and injured by cars every year.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia?

Negligent or reckless drivers cause the majority of car accidents. However, car crashes can also occur due to the negligence of third parties. Our experienced car accident lawyers know the common causes of crashes in high-risk areas and who may be held responsible.

Common causes of car accidents in Philadelphia include:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Speeding
• Improper or illegal passing
• Drifting across lanes
• Poor road conditions
• Auto defects or faulty parts
• Other third-party negligence

Where Are the Most Dangerous Driving Areas in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has many of the most hazardous roads and highways in Pennsylvania. Certain streets and intersections require drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to be extra cautious.

The most dangerous areas for driving in Philadelphia include:

• Broad Street
• Schuylkill Highway
• Delaware Expressway
• Roosevelt Boulevard
• N Fifth Street & Olney Avenue
• Market Street & South 40^thStreet
• Market Street & North 11^thStreet
• W Chelten Avenue & Wayne Avenue
• Market Street & South 12^thStreet

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Philadelphia?

The first moments after any type of accident can feel overwhelming. Knowing the steps to take if you are involved in a traffic crash is helpful. Primarily, you must always protect your health and safety. You should always get medical attention even if you do not feel serious injuries.

Other important steps to take after a car accident in Philadelphia include:

• If your car is in a hazardous place on the road, do your best to move it to a safe place.
• Call 911 so law enforcement and emergency responders come to the accident scene.
• Maintain copies of police and accident reports and documentation of your medical treatment.
• Keep track of the times you are not able to work.
• Contact a skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

We Can Fight on Your Behalf After an Accident in Philadelphia

Galfand Berger LLP has represented accident victims in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for over 75 years. We have a history of recovering some of the highest financial awards in Pennsylvania.

Some of our past cases:

• $4,500,000 for spinal injuries: Our client was left paralyzed from injuries he suffered in a head-on collision. We pursued claims against the driver who hit our client and the auto manufacturer. We made arguments regarding a defective seat belt and the crashworthiness of our client’s vehicle. We recovered $4,500,000 for our client.
• $3,000,000 settlement in tractor-trailer accident: Our client was severely injured when a tractor-trailer hit him on an interstate highway. His injuries led to the amputation of both legs below the knee. We conducted an investigation that revealed the tires on the tractor-trailer were bald, and its brakes were worn out. We also found evidence that the truck driver’s log was inaccurate, indicating that he was driving excessive hours. We recovered $3,000,000 for our client.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Fight for Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims

If you or someone you love was injured in a crash, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP are here to help. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With office locations in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Allentown and Harrisburg.