Car Accidents in Pennsylvania | Everything You Need to Know

Car accidents occur more often than many people realize. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, car accidents happen every 60 seconds. Because accidents are so common and can often lead to serious injuries, it is important to know what to do in the event that an accident occurs. Read on to learn more about car accidents in Pennsylvania.

Common Causes of Accidents

Car accidents can occur for a number of different reasons. Sometimes, these accidents are due to outside circumstances, like poor weather conditions or faulty car parts. But, the majority of accidents are due to driver negligence. The most common examples of negligence include:

  • Texting while driving
  • Using other electronic devices while driving
  • Disregarding traffic signs/signals
  • Excessive speeding/reckless driving
  • Driving distracted
  • Driving tired
  • Drunk/drugged driving

Types of Accidents

There are many different types of car accidents, some more dangerous than others. The most common accidents include: 

  • Rear-end accidents
  • Side-impact collisions
  • Multi-car pile-ups
  • Taxi accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Rollover accidents

How to Recover Compensation

If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In order to recover the compensation you deserve, you should take the following steps:

  • Call 911
  • Ask for the other party’s insurance info
  • Document the scene
  • Obtain witness contacts
  • Seek medical attention

How Long do I Have to File a Claim?

If you wish to pursue legal action, you will have to do so within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is generally two years. This means that if you fail to file within two years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. While two years may sound like a long time, it is easy to let deadlines slip by when you are recovering from a serious accident. To avoid missing any important dates, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can walk you through the process.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to another party’s negligence, contact our firm today. We are here to walk you through the process every step of the way.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM

Friedman Schuman Layser is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman Layser today to schedule a consultation.

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