Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys

Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

Even if you are an aware driver who follows the rules of the road and takes safety precautions such as wearing your seat belt, a car accident can happen in a shocking instant, leaving you hurt, traumatized and confused about what to do next. When this occurs, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Car accident between three vehicles

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were more than 128,000 car accidents reported in Pennsylvania in 2018. These accidents resulted in more than 78,000 injuries and over 1,100 deaths.

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident that was the result of another driver's negligence, our Philadelphia accident lawyers at Golomb Legal can help you understand your legal rights.

You may be able to pursue financial compensation for related injuries and damages, so contact us at (215) 278-4449 immediately to evaluate your case.

Types of Car Accidents

Our car accident lawyers have successfully represented car accident victims in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and throughout the United States who have been injured in:

Head on Collisions
Rear end Accidents
Side impact Crashes
Rollover accidents
Sideswipe accidents
Distracted driving accidents
Defective car accidents
Product liability car accidents
Single vehicle car crashes
Multiple vehicle car accidents
Car accident with uninsured driver
Hit and run accidents
Car accident with government entity
Business related car accident
Drunk driving accidents

Common Car Accident Injuries

Even car accidents that occur at low speeds can cause significant injuries in the blink of an eye. Even with prompt medical treatment, some car accident injuries are stubborn and can cause significant long-term impairment, leading to a decreased quality of life and limited mobility.

Some of the more common injuries that occur during a car accident include:

Broken bones and fractures
Lacerations and scrapes
Secondary wound infections
Burns
Road rash
Whiplash
Concussions
Soft tissue injuries
Back injuries
Amputation
Internal organ damage
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Paralysis

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia

Car accidents can occur for various reasons, and they often result from a combination of factors. Understanding the common causes of car accidents is crucial for improving road safety and taking preventive measures.

Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents:

Distracted Driving: Perhaps one of the leading causes of car accidents in recent years is distracted driving. This includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, using GPS devices, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. These distractions divert a driver's attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted speed limits or too fast for road and weather conditions reduces a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations. Speeding increases the severity of accidents and reduces the effectiveness of safety features like seatbelts and airbags.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications) impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers are more likely to make mistakes and cause accidents.
Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive driving, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights, can lead to accidents. Aggressive drivers often engage in behaviors that increase the likelihood of collisions.
Fatigue: Driving while fatigued or drowsy can impair a driver's ability to stay alert and make quick decisions. Fatigued drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, leading to accidents.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or heavy winds, reduce visibility and road traction. Drivers who do not adjust their driving habits for these conditions are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and collide with others.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and poorly maintained infrastructure can contribute to accidents. These conditions may cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or result in sudden stops.
Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or defects in a vehicle, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning steering systems, can lead to accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues.
Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or young drivers often lack the skills and judgment needed to navigate challenging traffic situations. They may struggle with decision-making, risk assessment, and hazard recognition.
Running Stop Signs and Red Lights: Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs can lead to dangerous intersections and cause collisions. Failing to yield the right-of-way or not stopping at intersections can result in broadside or T-bone accidents.
Tailgating: Following the vehicle in front too closely, known as tailgating, leaves little room for reaction time if the lead vehicle stops suddenly. This behavior often results in rear-end collisions.

Is Pennsylvania a Fault or No-Fault Car Accident State?

Pennsylvania is not a fault or a no-fault state. Rather, it is a unique state when it operates under a system known as "choice no-fault."

When you purchase auto insurance in Pennsylvania, you will be presented with the choice of selecting either the no-fault option or the traditional tort liability option.

The following are the two options:

Traditional Tort Liability Insurance: Drivers who choose this option maintain the right to sue for a wide range of damages if they are injured in an accident, regardless of the severity of their injuries. This means they can seek compensation not only for economic losses like medical bills and lost wages but also for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
No-Fault Insurance: On the other hand, drivers who opt for no-fault insurance are limiting their ability to sue for damages. They are generally only allowed to sue for non-economic damages if they meet certain thresholds defined by Pennsylvania's laws. These thresholds typically require that the injuries sustained in the accident are deemed "serious" or meet a specific monetary threshold.

The choice no-fault system is intended to strike a balance between the efficiency and simplicity of the no-fault system and the ability of individuals to seek compensation for a broader range of damages, as is the case in traditional fault-based systems.

Pennsylvania law outlines specific thresholds that must be met for individuals covered by no-fault insurance to sue for non-economic damages.

These thresholds typically include:

Death: In cases of fatal accidents, surviving family members are generally allowed to sue for non-economic damages without meeting specific thresholds.
Serious Injury: For non-fatal accidents, individuals covered by no-fault insurance must prove that they have sustained a "serious injury" to pursue non-economic damages. Pennsylvania law defines serious injury in various ways, including significant disfigurement, permanent impairment, or disability.
Financial Threshold: Some policies may include a monetary threshold, meaning that the injured party can only sue for non-economic damages if their medical expenses exceed a certain dollar amount, typically a substantial sum.

Benefits of Working with a Car Accident Attorney

Why? Insurance companies will attempt to minimize their payouts following a car accident, and they frequently offer less to injured victims than the corresponding injuries, medical expenses and vehicular damage actually require. An experienced car accident attorney can fight aggressively to ensure that you and your family receive the money you need to fully recover. Lawyers simply don’t back down-and insurance companies know this. As such, never accept a settlement with an insurance company without first speaking to your attorney.

Golomb Legal has more than three decades of experience assisting car accident victims and their families recover fair compensation and justice. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to work with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, physicians and other experts necessary to support your claim.

While you focus on your recovery, our attorneys will be hard at work building a solid case against the negligent driver and negotiating a settlement that will cover all of your needs. If your case does proceed to trial, you can rest assured knowing that you are represented by attorneys with extensive litigation experience and the resources to handle even the toughest injury case.

Compensation in Car Accident Cases

The negligent driver or drivers who caused a car accident may be held responsible for compensation including:

Medical expenses
Damage expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Disability
Future medical needs
Wrongful death/burial expenses

What to Do after a Car Accident

A car accident is one of the most traumatic experiences you’re likely to face in everyday life. According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 10 million accidents occur each year in the United States, and insurance industry leaders report that most Americans will file a car accident claim, on average, about every 18 years. Since it's not so much a question as if but when, it pays to know what to do if you've been involved in a crash.

The best way to learn about your rights and options if you've been injured in a car accident is to speak with the lawyers at Golomb Legal in person. We can guide you through this complex process.

Please call (215) 278-4449 to arrange your complimentary consultation at our Philadelphia office.

Steps to Take Immediately Following the Accident

In the seconds immediately following a car accident, you may be disoriented or in shock. So it's worth spending some time to review the procedures you should follow in the wake of the accident, both to ensure the safety of you and your passengers, and also to ensure that evidence is preserved for your auto accident claim:

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and call 911 if you need emergency services. Don't attempt to move someone who is unconscious or has neck pain. Leave that to the medical professionals.
Turn on your vehicle's hazard lights and get out of traffic. If you're involved in a minor accident, move your car off the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic to avoid further accidents. Before moving the cars, take a photo of the accident if you can. Photographic evidence may be useful in building your case later.
Call the police. If there is noticeable property damage or if anyone has sustained a serious injury, then call the police as soon as you can do so safely. You'll want to file a police report, and be sure to request the officers' names and badge numbers.
DO NOT admit fault, apologize, or otherwise imply in any way that you are responsible for the accident. But DO exchange information with the other driver or drivers. At a minimum, request and provide the following: name, phone number, address, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance information
Gather details. If you're safe and able to, gather as much evidence as you can. Smart phones offer convenient options for recording witness statements, photographing the scene, and noting important names and addresses.

Steps to Take After Leaving the Accident Scene

There are still several important things to take care of once you leave the accident scene:

Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Sometimes it can take days or even weeks for injury symptoms to arise, especially if you suffer a brain injury. You want to make sure you get prompt treatment and document that your injuries were caused by the car accident.
Call your insurance company and report the accident. This is required by law. Don’t admit fault and don’t sign any waivers or releases without consulting an experienced car accident lawyer first.
If you’ve suffered an injury, call our experienced car accident attorneys at Golomb Legal at once. The sooner we can start gathering evidence and building your case, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

Consider keeping a checklist in your car's glove box: When you've just been hit, it might be hard to remember everything you need to do. But if you remember nothing else, remember that priority number one is your safety and that of your passengers.

Philadelphia Car Accidents FAQ

Are delayed injuries common after a car accident?
Some people will feel delayed injuries after being in a car accident. The adrenaline rush can delay the feeling of pain for several hours. Certain soft tissue injuries or minor fractures also might not start hurting for hours or days. It is important to see a medical provider shortly after a crash, so you can get the full extent of your injuries evaluated by a professional.
Can fault for an accident be determined by vehicle damage?
Insurance adjusters and crash investigators can use vehicle damage to determine how a crash happened, which might reveal fault. It is not an exact science, but it can still be incredibly useful when handled by experts.
Can I file a claim if the other driver left the scene?
If the other driver left the scene before you could identify them, then you have two options. The first is to call the police and see if they can be caught based on your description. A dashcam can be crucial to capture their license plate information. If the driver is identified later, then you can file against their auto insurance and start an injury claim if needed. The second option is to file a first-party insurance claim against your auto insurance provider by using your uninsured motorist (UM) insurance policy.
Can I sue if I was a passenger in an accident?
Passengers injured in auto accidents have the right to seek compensation just like injured drivers. Although, complications can arise if you were a passenger and the person driving the car you were in is the same person who caused the crash.
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident?
Pennsylvania law only requires you to notify the police if someone was seriously injured in the accident or if there was vehicle damage. However, you can still call non-emergency highway patrol services to come to the scene of the crash if you want. The responding officer could create a crash report that benefits your claim later.
Do I still have a case if I was partially responsible for my car accident?
You may still have a case even if you were partially responsible for the car accident in Pennsylvania. The state follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can seek compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Our attorneys can evaluate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to minimize your liability and pursue fair compensation from other responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors could alter this timeframe. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with a car accident lawyer from our firm as soon as possible after the accident. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of a car accident case depends on various factors, such as the severity of injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys will carefully assess all aspects of your case to determine its worth. Our team will meticulously gather evidence, consult with experts if necessary, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
The timeline for resolving a car accident case in Philadelphia can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and the cooperation of the involved parties. While some cases can be settled through negotiations quickly, others may require going to trial, which can extend the process. At Golomb Legal, we strive to expedite the legal process while ensuring your best interests are protected. Our goal is to achieve a favorable resolution efficiently, allowing you to move forward with your life.
How much does it cost to hire a Philadelphia car accident lawyer?
We understand the financial concerns our clients may have after a car accident. At Golomb Legal, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't have to worry about upfront legal fees. You will only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for your case. This fee arrangement allows you to access experienced legal representation without any financial burden during the course of your car accident claim. Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.

To Contact Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers, Call (215) 278-4449

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it is important to review your case with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Time is of the essence in personal injury cases-and a lawyer can help ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines that would bar you from filing a claim. To learn more about your rights and legal options, call Golomb Legal today.

Our experienced accident lawyers have represented injured car accident victims and their families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and across the United States in their quest for justice. We believe in holding negligent and irresponsible drivers accountable for their actions and fight aggressively for all our injured clients.

To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation call our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at (215) 278-4449 or fill out a free and confidential contact form on our website.