Auto Accident Injury in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Pittsburgh, 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. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 2019, there were 125,267 reportable traffic crashes in Pennsylvania. These crashes claimed the lives of 1,059 people and injured another 76,243 people.

The startling statistic is that 1 in every 45 citizens of Pennsylvania were involved in some form of Auto Accident deemed reportable in 2019, and 1 out of every 168 people were injured in a reportable accident. The #1 cause of crashes in Pennsylvania, was drivers hitting a fixed object. This type of accident is responsible for nearly 30% of all crashes, and just over 30% of all fatalities caused by car accidents in the state.

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 Pittsburgh, this process cannot be done online. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Central Records and Reporting Unit is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The address is 660 First Avenue, 3rd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. All police reports are $15 – check or money order only. You can request a report in person or through the mail.

If you are requesting a report through the mail, make sure you include what type of incident, a report number, a photocopy of your ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The phone number is 412-255-2920 if you’d like to call ahead or if you have any additional questions. You can also visit the city of Pittsburgh Municipal Website for more information on how to obtain information, and the steps local Sheriffs and Police recommend you take after an Auto Accident.

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

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the average cost of an auto accident that involved only property damage was $12,543. If the accident involved someone who sustained a minor injury, that cost skyrockets to an average of $223,407 per accident. In 2019 in Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, there were 4,238 accidents reported to authorities.

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 Pittsburgh

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 one of a dozen states in the U.S. that is a “choice” no fault state. This means that drivers can choose an insurance option, allowing them to maintain insurance to cover losses they suffer during a car accident. This type of car insurance covers your own injuries and the damages you suffer.

Statute of Limitations in Pittsburgh

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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is 2 years. This means that any claim or suit surrounding an accident must be filled within two years. While this may seem like a substantial timeline, there are injuries and costs that can surface months after your accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash, and monitor your situation. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they could recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Pittsburgh, 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!