Many people spend a lot of time in their vehicles and may experience a car accident at some point in their lifetime. Although driving can be dangerous, certain behaviors make the roadways even riskier. If you are injured in a car accident, contact our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP.
There are multiple reasons why an auto accident might occur. However, most accidents are caused by driver error. The most common causes of car accidents include the following:
Driving while distracted includes the driver participating in any activity that takes their attention away from the road. The most common distraction is the cell phone. Many states have made it illegal to text while driving, including Pennsylvania. Other forms of distracted driving include eating while driving, adjusting onboard technology, and applying makeup.
Aggressive driving is considerably dangerous and can lead to an accident. Common aggressive driving behaviors include weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, tailgating, and honking or yelling at other motorists.
Drowsy driving is a common problem affecting all drivers. If a person is driving late at night or early in the morning, they can fall asleep behind the wheel.
Intoxicated driving has been the focus of numerous campaigns by governments and private organizations. It is illegal for someone to get behind the wheel if they drink too much or take drugs. Even some prescription drugs make driving dangerous. Drugs and alcohol can impact a person’s reflexes, reaction time, and judgment.
When drivers speed, they reduce their time to react to a situation. It also limits a vehicle’s ability to stop in time, even if the driver responds appropriately.
Bad weather conditions can cause severe traffic accidents. High winds can push cars into oncoming traffic or adjacent lanes. Heavy rain or snow can limit visibility. You must consider inclement weather and determine whether driving is safe.
There have been cases in which a defect in vehicle manufacturing caused an accident. A driver might lose control of the vehicle through no fault of their own in such circumstances.
Accidents can range in severity from minor fender-benders to multi-car pileups. Common types of car accidents include:
In a hit-and-run, one of the parties flees the scene immediately following an accident. This is a crime and can result in criminal charges against the person. If possible, write down the fleeing driver’s license plate so the police can track the person down.
These are usually the result of the driver not paying attention to the road. Rear-end accidents are often preventable if a driver keeps a safe distance behind the car in front of them.
These types of accidents occur primarily when there is significant traffic congestion. In such cases, there may be more than one liable party.
These usually happen when a driver is not paying attention to the traffic signal or sign in front of them. A driver may run a red light or a stop sign and hit oncoming traffic or encounter a vehicle entering the intersection.
After an accident, it may be unclear that someone sustained an injury until much later. It is essential to seek medical help immediately after an accident, even if you feel uninjured.
When on the road, drivers must be mindful of all vehicles around them. Another driver’s carelessness can lead to an accident. Types of accidents involving other vehicles include the following:
Someone may be involved in an accident as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle (like Uber or Lyft) or a taxi. These drivers must be insured.
Some bicyclists travel on roads not intended for them. Others do not obey stop signs and red lights. This makes it difficult for drivers to maneuver around them on the road. Such accidents also often occur when drivers do not look out for bicyclists while making turns at intersections.
Many motorcyclists tend to weave in and out of traffic and travel between lanes. Extreme caution needs to be exercised when driving near motorcyclists.
There is always a risk of hitting a pedestrian, especially if they dart into traffic on a roadway or in parking lots.
These can take place for various reasons, including distracted or drowsy driving, tire blowouts, failed brakes, speeding, overloaded trucks, or bad weather conditions.
There are two different targets for liability in these accidents. One focus is on the companies that hook up the trailers. If they fail to do it properly and an accident occurs, the company could be held liable for any damages that result. The driver can still be liable if they cause an accident by driving inappropriately.
When someone is injured in a car wreck, their life can change. You might be entitled to compensation after a car accident, including coverage for the following:
You should keep a record of all medical bills accumulated because of the accident.
A lawyer can consult with your doctor to determine the extent of the injuries, as well as what additional costs might be incurred as a result because of future surgeries, doctor visits, and physical therapy.
If the accident forces you to lose work for an extended period, you may be entitled to lost earnings.
Long-term psychological and physical effects can impact a person’s relationships and quality of life.
The decedent’s family has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a car accident. However, only specific individuals are eligible to file such a suit. Reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal car accident is essential.
As stressful as it might be, it is essential to remain calm and follow a few steps after a Philadelphia car accident:
When on the road, drivers must be mindful of all vehicles around them. Another driver’s carelessness can lead to an accident. Common car accident injuries include:
Broken bones are the most common car accident injuries. A doctor can verify the full extent of your injury.
While seemingly minor, cuts and scrapes may lead to more significant injuries if left untreated.
Injuries involving the head can be the most dangerous because they are the most difficult to detect. This is why a follow-up appointment with a doctor is necessary.
TBIs can result from a violent blow or jolt of the head or body or if an object pierces through brain tissue. Some TBIs are mild and temporary, while others can lead to long-term complications or death.
These injuries are caused by the forceful back-and-forth motion in a car accident. You might have difficulty concentrating or getting to sleep, suffer neck pain or stiffness, experience loss of motion in the neck or back, and suffer from headaches, tingling, fatigue, or dizziness.
A herniated disc can cause excruciating pain in the back. Imaging tests will determine the extent of the damage.
Depending on the severity, burns can be painful and life-altering.
This hidden injury can cause irreparable damage if left untreated. If internal bleeding is detected, doctors must act quickly.
Injury to the hands, wrists, arms, or legs is common. As with all injuries, obtaining medical treatment quickly will increase the chances of recovery.
Some car accidents will not result in severe injuries, but many cause significant damage. It is critical to go to the doctor after any type of accident.
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. All types of car accidents can take a financial and emotional toll on victims and their families.
The following are tips for avoiding a Philadelphia car accident:
Car accidents are common in Philadelphia and can occur anywhere, though a few traffic spots regularly record higher crash rates than others. According to data from PennDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain stretches of roadways and specific intersections see the most car crashes with fatal outcomes.
The deadliest road in Philadelphia is consistently the 11-mile length of Roosevelt Boulevard that runs through the city. This stretch of road sees the most fatal car crashes in the entire state of Pennsylvania. Other dangerous roads in Philadelphia include:
In addition to being jam-packed with hectic roads, Philadelphia is also home to many busy intersections. Car crashes at intersections often have catastrophic outcomes, especially when they involve fatal head-on collisions.
The most dangerous intersections in Philadelphia include:
Whether a car accident happens on one of Philadelphia’s hectic roadways or at a hazardous intersection, you may require the assistance of an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer.
The insurance coverage you choose will drastically affect your personal injury case. Our clients often say they are “fully covered” for accidents. Too often, they find out later that they are not protected. It is up to you to make the right choices about insurance coverage. The best way to make these choices is to understand precisely what you are buying and whether you need it.
Every insurance policy has a “Declaration Sheet” listing your coverage. This usually is one or two pages with individual typewritten, not pre-printed, information. It tells you the specific types of coverage you have, the amount of each type of coverage, and the cost, or premium, of each coverage for each vehicle on the policy.
You must understand this Declaration Sheet and coverage options. Although an insurance agent can sometimes offer helpful information, you are the one who makes the final decisions about the coverage that is important to you.
Understanding how insurance works after a car accident can help ensure you have the coverage you need and allows you to resolve your claim more efficiently. Most insurance policies consist of several types of coverage, each with its purpose. The availability of auto insurance and policy limits will affect your options for making a claim after a car accident.
Below are some of the different coverages on most insurance policies:
Also called “liability” or “fault-based” insurance, this coverage is legally required in most states and protects you from claims made against you by someone you injure in an accident that is your fault
This is also mandatory in most states and covers the cost of damage to a vehicle or other property in an accident that is your fault.
Medical payment coverage pays for your medical bills regardless of who was at fault in the accident, including hospitalization and surgery costs, various therapies, medications, and medical equipment.
UM coverage protects you against a negligent driver who injures you without insurance or if the accident is caused by an unidentified driver who flees the accident scene. It covers uncompensated medical expenses, uncompensated wage loss or the permanent decrease in your ability to perform work, and other damages.
Similar to UM, UIM coverage protects you if you are injured by a careless driver with low coverage that does not fully compensate your losses. When an at-fault driver has liability limits that are too low to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs, UM coverage can help protect your finances and pay for your expenses.
Motorists who choose limited tort on their insurance policies give up their right to claim compensation for injuries caused by another driver unless the injuries are deemed “severe,” meaning serious impairment of a bodily function, severe permanent impairment, or fatal injuries. Limited tort is typically the less expensive option but does not allow for damages for pain and suffering, which is often a significant part of recovery
Full tort is one of the best forms of protection for the future since the effects of a car crash may not be fully known for weeks or months until after the accident. It allows you to sue the at-fault driver for total damages, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other costs.
For a comprehensive discussion of Auto Insurance and your rights, download a free copy of our booklet: Auto Insurance – Understanding Your Policy and Rights.
Car accident settlement amounts vary significantly from case to case in Philadelphia.
Reviewing your case with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer is essential to determine the value of your car accident matter. Reviewing and considering several factors with a lawyer experienced in going up against insurance companies and opposing counsel is essential.
The amount of damages and compensation you may receive depends upon the following:
It is unwise to try to settle a car accident lawsuit on your own. Dealing with insurance companies and the other parties’ lawyers without legal representation can be complicated and cost you the full and fair compensation you need.
Damages and compensation that can be sought after being involved in a car accident may include:
Every lawsuit is different, and a dedicated attorney will give you the personal attention you deserve.
After a car accident, your primary concern should be getting healthy again, both physically and mentally. Our lawyers understand that your health is always your top priority, and we can help you while you recover. While you focus on getting well, let us focus on holding the at-fault driver responsible for your accident and related injury.
Our caring legal team understands the stress and worry you may be under after a severe collision. Medical bills can be staggering, especially if your injury requires surgery, a hospital stay, therapy, and other costly treatments. Also, if your injury made you unable to work short-term or long-term, the loss of income only adds to your financial stress and worries.
We do not want you to carry your burdens alone. You can contact Galfand Berger LLP if you have been injured in a collision. If you have a valid legal claim, we will get to work right away for you, and you may be able to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. The legal process may seem overwhelming and daunting, but we will fearlessly fight on your behalf with confidence.
When someone else’s negligence affects your life, our lawyers will stand by your side and protect your rights.
Galfand Berger LLP knows the tactics insurance companies use to get out of paying compensation to those injured in car accidents. We defend our clients every day against insurers’ unfair practices. We have the experience, skill, and resources to work toward a successful financial settlement. Our track record speaks for itself.
Our lawyers will handle your unique case professionally from start to finish. Some of our strengths include:
Our team will get to know you and your family. We want to understand your life before and after your car accident injury. We will listen closely and care deeply. We will begin your case by understanding your losses and what you hope to achieve from the legal process. Then, we will get to work right away on your case.
Car accidents can be highly complex, and you may not know where to start. They are rarely cut and dry. For example, sometimes, other parties are liable for an accident in addition to or instead of the other driver. Every accident needs a thorough legal investigation. We will uncover all liable parties in your case and back up our findings with witnesses, testimonies, and substantial evidence.
Sometimes, a car accident investigation requires the knowledge and analysis of different types of experts. We have a network of professionals to call on when they are needed. They might calculate a financial impact, reconstruct a car accident, or testify on your injuries’ current and future medical repercussions. These experts are essential, credible professionals who can help your car accident case.
Recovering fair compensation for someone injured in a car accident usually begins with negotiations with their or the at-fault driver’s insurance company to avoid going to court. Insurance adjusters are trained in techniques to shift blame, prey on a person’s financial fears, and minimize the insurance company’s losses. We know how they work and how to defend against their practices. Negotiation is a learned skill; we can help you get the best possible outcome.
When an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, our lawyers can confidently take your case to court. We have the experience needed to build and argue a strong case. We fully respect judges and juries and will steadfastly pursue justice for you. Taking the case to court will sometimes entice an insurance company to offer a new settlement before a jury is involved. We are open to responding positively to a fair settlement as long as you approve.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you deserve the compensation you need to recover. Our experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Contact us today at 800-222-USWA or submit our online form for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and financial relief you deserve.
