Auto Accident Injury in Philadelphia, PA

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia, PA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. In the state of Pennsylvania, 125,267 total accidents occured, and 76,243 or over 60% of those accidents involved injuries according to the state’s Department of Transportation.

Local and state officials determined that the number one cause of accidents in Philadelphia is distracted, or reckless driving. Reckless driving behaviors are responsible for half of all fatal car accidents in the city of Philadelphia. In addition, the Pennsylvania DOT advises drivers to stay vigilant behind the wheel in order to avoid the most common type of accident; which is drivers running into fixed objects.

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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you. 

In Philadelphia, some accidents won’t involve the police depending on the severity. You should always call 911, but authorities may determine your accident is not severe enough to warrant the submission of a report over the phone. Should you need to fill out a report, or obtain a copy of an over the phone report you can visit Philadelphia’s Records Department. Traffic accident reports can only be obtained either in-person or by mail. They cannot be filled out or obtained online. There is a non refundable $25 cash fee per transaction.

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

There was a total of over $25 billion worth of settlements in the state of Pennsylvania in 2019. According to the state Department of Transportation, the average cost of an accident that involved only a minor injury was $223,407. An accident in which no one was hurt, but there was property damage, has an average cost of $12,543. The average costs of accidents in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are even higher.

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 Philadelphia

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. 

Pennsylvania is unique because it is one of a few states that is neither a fault or no-fault state. It instead classifies itself as a choice insurance, or hybrid insurance, state. This means it is up to each individual driver as to whether they choose to purchase either fault or no-fault auto insurance. So, depending on which driver has which insurance, coming to a consensus on liability and damages could be difficult or more easily be vulnerable to scrutiny from other parties involved.

Statute of Limitations In Philadelphia

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. In the state of Pennsylvania the statute of limitations is two years. Car accidents involving injuries or death fall under the umbrella of Personal Injury Cases according to the state, which requires you file any suit  within two years of the day of the accident.

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 Philadelphia, 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.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Pennsylvania!