Auto Accident Injury in Erie, PA
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Erie? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Erie, PA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Erie, Pennsylvania
According to recent data, Erie County remains a hotspot for crashes involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, and challenging weather conditions. Erie saw several severe accidents, including multi-vehicle crashes and pedestrian-involved incidents. Despite road safety improvements, the city continues to struggle with maintaining safer roads.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
At first, you may need to submit your report to the City of Erie Police. Don’t rush through this process and include as many details as possible. To obtain a copy, people living in Erie should visit the Online Crash Report Requests website. The Pennsylvania State Police ask that citizens wait at least 15 days after the crash before retrieving a record.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number, and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that motor vehicle crashes cost Pennsylvanians $5.85 billion each year. The damages awarded to citizens in Erie depend on the economic and non-economic costs. The first type refers to the bills for fixing your car, medical care, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic awards usually depend on the precedent for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Pennsylvania
Liability Laws for Erie
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
The Auto Insurance Guide from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department describes the minimum liability drivers from Erie should carry. The lowest an insurance company may pay to an individual is $5,000 for medical bills and $15,000 for injuries.
Statute of Limitations in Erie
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. For Erie residents, the statute of limitations is 2 years after the accident occurred.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Erie, PA
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Pennsylvania state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
Do you have a different legal concern that requires the help of a lawyer? We have a network of attorneys for any area of law you need in Erie, PA.
