Motor Vehicle Accidents

Pennsylvania sees a large number of car crashes each year. In 2022, there were 115,938 reported collisions throughout the state. Motor vehicle accidents can leave you battling a variety of losses, including serious injuries that require lengthy rehabilitation,  expensive medical bills, lost wages and the impairment of your ability to earn a living in the future. Crash victims often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges as a result of these incidents.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident — whether you were an inpatient in the Trauma ICU at UPMC Mercy or only needed treatment from your primary care physician and some physical therapy — you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained. At DelVecchio & Miller, LLC, our car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights after being involved in a motor vehicle crash. Having an experienced car accident lawyer, especially one with local expertise, is essential to ensuring your interests are protected. 

At DelVecchio & Miller, LLC, our car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights after being involved in a motor vehicle crash. They also have the expertise required to build a strong case on your behalf so that you  receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Learn more about your options and how we can assist you below.

What are my rights after being injured in a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

Dealing with the aftermath of a collision can be an overwhelming experience, which is precisely why you need to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through the complex legal process. At DelVecchio & Miller, LLC, our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers deal with many types of auto accident cases, including injury cases, on a daily basis. We can investigate your car accident, gathering evidence such as reports, medical records, and witness statements, explain the role that an insurance company plays—including how insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—and let you know whether you have a case against the at fault driver and their insurer.

During a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers, we will answer your questions and review common issues that occur in car accident cases, including:

  • What negligence is and how you prove it
  • How “no-fault” first-party benefits on your auto insurance policy work
  • What the difference is between full tort and limited tort insurance
  • What uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are and how these coverages work in a car crash
  • What types of damages are recoverable when you are injured in a crash

What are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Negligent drivers and someone else’s negligence are frequent contributors to car accidents, often leading to serious injuries and damages. Motor vehicle accidents can occur for many reasons in Pennsylvania, but there are some common causes: 

Distracted Driving

Of the 1,230 fatalities that occurred in Pennsylvania in 2022, 80 occurred as a result of distracted driving. Texting and driving is the most common issue, but any activity that takes a driver’s eyes or mind from the road can lead to devastating accidents. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable car accidents in Pennsylvania, especially among younger drivers and during daylight hours.

Intoxicated Driving

Although Pennsylvania’s blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%, having even just one drink makes someone a more dangerous driver. Alcohol and drugs affect coordination levels as well as reflexes, making it more likely that an intoxicated driver will lose control of the vehicle. Driving under the influence continues to be a major contributor to fatal crashes in Pennsylvania, particularly on weekends and during nighttime hours.

Speeding

Going above the speed limit or driving faster than weather or road conditions permit is speeding. A vehicle traveling at a high velocity won’t be able to stop in time to avoid sudden hazards, and the force at which it will collide with other vehicles or objects will be much greater. In 2022, there were 169 fatalities in the state as a result of speeding.

Speeding is especially dangerous on rural roads and highways in Pennsylvania, where higher speed limits and limited visibility increase the risk of deadly collisions. These accidents are also cause severe injuries, so choosing an experienced law firm is a good idea.

Fatigued Driving

Tired drivers are dangerous ones. Their reactions will be slower and they may not even notice road hazards until it’s too late. They could also fall asleep behind the wheel. Fatigued driving is often underreported, but it’s a serious problem in Pennsylvania — especially for long-distance commuters, shift workers, and commercial truck drivers.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving happens when a driver willfully engages in behaviors that put others at risk. This can include tailgating, road rage, speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and even racing other drivers on public streets and highways. Reckless driving incidents in Pennsylvania frequently lead to multi-vehicle accidents and are often associated with aggressive behavior and a blatant disregard for traffic laws.

Determining NEGLIGENCE IN A CAR ACCIDENT

Establishing negligence is a critical step in any car accident case. To recover compensation for your injuries and losses, Pittsburgh car accident lawyers must prove that another party, often another driver, failed to act with reasonable care, directly causing the accident and your resulting damages. This process is essential for holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Experienced car accident attorneys will begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident scene. They gather crucial evidence, including police reports, accident reports, and statements from witnesses who saw the crash unfold. Reviewing your medical records and medical bills helps them understand the extent of your injuries, from broken bones to more severe injuries, and calculate damages such as lost wages, out of pocket expenses, and property damage.

Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys often collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the crash occurred and identify all responsible parties. Whether the accident was caused by a negligent driver, a defective vehicle part, or another entity, your legal team will work tirelessly to build a strong car accident claim.

If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, experienced attorneys will negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Should negotiations fail, your accident lawyer is prepared to take your case to court to pursue justice and fair compensation. This commitment is especially important in cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death, where the financial toll on families can be overwhelming.

Accidents happen unexpectedly and can disrupt every aspect of everyday life. That’s why Pittsburgh car accident attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case, explain the legal process, and provide guidance on preserving evidence and seeking medical attention. By acting quickly and working with experienced car accident lawyers, you can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income, funeral expenses, and more.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. This allows injury victims to seek justice and legal support without additional financial stress. With a dedicated legal team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while your attorneys fight to secure the fair settlement and financial recovery you need to move forward.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney at DelVecchio & Miller, LLC

If you’ve been in a vehicular accident in Pennsylvania, you need to have experienced car accident lawyers by your side. We can guide you through the entire process, from start to finish.

Contact our Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

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