Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer
Serious automobile accidents claimed the lives of more than 32,000 individuals in the United States throughout the year of 2013, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Injuries reported fell in a range of over 2 million individuals that happened to be riding in passenger vehicles that come with many safety features. Distracted driving has been on the rise in recent years with the increase in electronic device usage in vehicles. The U.S. government site for distracted driving reported that 400,000 of the auto accident injuries sustained in 2013 involved drivers that were not paying attention to the task of driving. It is unfortunate that so many innocent people end up victimized by the recklessness of others, especially if they are in compliance with traffic laws. The circumstances of every single auto accident are going to be different, and you need a trusted attorney that brings decades of skill and knowledge to the table.
Many auto accident lawyers in Philadelphia offer a free consultation, but our attorneys believe in giving you the honest facts and information. Not only is our advice free and confidential, there is no obligation and we will never hassle you to become a client. We simply want to provide clear answers regarding any questions you may have about your rights and legal options. Once we provide an honest evaluation, you may realize that you do not need a lawyer. However, should you decide to pursue a settlement claim, then rest assured that we are here for you and your family. If the case does not meet our criteria, it is possible to receive an exceptional recommendation for a nearby professional in almost any local county.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
Insurance companies claim to look out for drivers in the event of an accident, but the reality of the situation has proven many times that little consideration is given. They take advantage of the Accident victim’s lack of knowledge pertaining to victim rights. Our experienced auto accident attorneys have the primary focus of helping victims get a compensation amount based on injuries, vehicle damage, and suffering. You need a lawyer on your side to make sure that hospital bills, fixing or replacing your vehicle, and the amount of time that you are unable to work does not force you into debt.
What to do After a Car Crash in Philadelphia
A car crash is very sudden, unexpected, and it may cause victims to go into an immediate state of shock. It’s tough to know how to properly cope when faced with vehicle damage and the potential injuries you may have sustained from the impact. Although lawyers are one of your best assets in this situation, we cannot be there in person to guide you through the next moments of your life. It is crucial to take as many of the following steps as possible to ensure that your physical, emotional, and financial well-being are not compromised.
- Care for Physical Injuries: Making sure that everyone in your vehicle is okay after the accident should be the absolute first priority. It may be best to stay in place if you detect whiplash or other pains that could be more serious than you perceive. If you feel comfortable with exiting your vehicle, check on the condition of anyone else involved in the accident. Immediately call for emergency assistance through 911 to alert paramedics of any injuries sustained by anyone at the scene.
- Exchange Information: Offer your insurance policy number, the agency name, and any pertinent contact information while taking note of theirs. Never make conversation or offer sympathy statements that could be used against you as an admission of guilt in the accident.
- Keep Your Own Accident Notes: Write down every little detail about the accident while it is still fresh on your mind, especially if you have a few moments free waiting for emergency responders. Collect data about the time and location, details of the vehicles involved, number of occupants in other vehicles, eyewitnesses, weather conditions, speed limit in the area, and any statements made by others involved in the accident. It’s better to have way too much information that to miss something that could be beneficial to your case.
- Take pictures: Most people travel with a smartphone or digital camera in their vehicle these days. Use it to your advantage to gather visual evidence of the vehicles, witnesses, traffic conditions, property damage, injuries, the scene of the accident, and anything else that you feel is important.
- Refuse to Sign: It is rare that someone will actually approach you at the scene of an accident to sign any documentation, but you can expect it soon after. Regardless of the excuse or identity of the person asking for your signature, do not ever sign anything without bringing it to an attorney.
- Call an attorney: A lawyer is the objective third party that you need helping you through such a confusing situation. Every action that you take can have a financial or legal consequence that you do not deserve to face. We experience these circumstances frequently and can offer advice to help you figure out the best way to handle the situation.
What to Submit to Your Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
Financial compensation provided to car wreck victims is determined by the facts of the case. Cases may be resolved quickly by providing all of the needed documentation, including the following information:
- Driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle information.
- Location, time, date, traffic conditions, weather, accident reports, information regarding the other vehicles and occupants, witness contact information, and other important details of the accident.
- Copies of any traffic tickets issued at the accident and charges brought against any drivers.
- Record of any communication made with insurance companies.
- Documentation of lost wages, including specific days and hours of work missed.
- Medical records proving injuries caused by the accident.
- Details of any treatments, medications, or therapy expenses.
- Records regarding pre-existing injuries or conditions potentially worsened by the accident.
- Any expenses not covered above that relate to the accident.
Vital questions you may ask yourself when involved in a car accident
- Do I go through my insurance company or the insurance company for the person who hit me?
- Who is going to pay my medical bills and when?
- What about my lost time/income from work?
- What information is safe to give the insurance adjusters?
- Do I allow the insurance adjuster to record my statement?
- What if the person who hit me is uninsured or was a hit-and-run?
- What if the person who hit me does not have enough insurance to cover my damages?
- How do I get my car repaired or replaced?
- Do I need to hire an lawyer?
- How much will an lawyer cost and do I pay anything up front?
- What are my risks?
The aftermath of an automobile accident can be devastating without help on your side. Our attorneys want to assist you in preparing the essential information so that everything will proceed as smoothly as possible.
Types of Philadelphia Auto Accident Cases We Handle
The attorneys at Lundy Law understand that so many car accident circumstances can leave victims feeling helpless. It is essential that these individuals are able to receive compensation that is relative to the losses endured. We determine the value of injuries based on lost wages, medical treatments, physical therapy, and prescription drug needs that may be ongoing. The following types motor vehicle accidents are an example of cases that we represent:
The types of damages that a victim can recover in an auto accident case
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) shows that approximately 10 percent of auto crash victims are permanently disabled every year. Cases that involve any injuries or death demand the attention of an experienced attorney so that you can hold the reckless individual accountable for their actions. You have a right to seek financial compensation for a wide variety of different damages, including the following:
- Medical Costs: You may recover the medical expenses you incur in treating your injuries. These costs may include bills incurred for treatment by hospitals, physicians, emergency rooms, ambulances and paramedics, chiropractors, and physical therapists, and the cost of any needed medical devices. The cost of anticipated future medical costs may be recovered as well.
- Pain and Suffering, Disability, and Mental and Emotional Distress: You may recover damages for physical pain, disfigurement and discomfort, disability from engaging in work or recreational activities, any type of mental or emotional distress or trauma you suffer as a result of the accident, such as fear, anxiety, grief, shock, PTSD, loss of dignity, loss of enjoyment of life, and embarrassment or humiliation caused by your scars, disabilities, or other aspects of your injuries. In some circumstances, you can recover damages for emotional distress and mental suffering even if you were not physically injured.
- Loss of Earnings and Earning Capacity: You can recover damages for the amount of money you would have earned between the time of your injury and the settlement or judgment. You can recover damages for lost earning capacity if your ability to earn money has been impaired.
- Loss of Consortium: If you are married or in a domestic partnership, you may recover for the loss of the benefits of married or domestic partnered life to your spouse or partner caused by your injury.
- Property Damage: You can recover the value of your property that was damaged in the accident.
- Other Economic and Out of Pocket Costs: In addition to the economic costs associated with the items described above, you may recover damages for other economic harm and out of pocket expenses.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The court requires that anyone seeking compensation has to provide undeniable proof that the other driver was at fault. Another party must have clearly caused or contributed to the accident based on evidence showing their duty of care, a breach in their duty, evidence that this action caused your injuries, and that you endured losses as a result. Proving their duty to operate their automobile safely is as simple as providing evidence that the person was in control of their vehicle when the accident occurred. The most difficult fact to prove shows that the person failed to uphold their duty in one of the following ways:
Reckless Driving
Running Stop Signs
Driving The Wrong Way
Road Rage
Street Racing
Curvy Roads
Speeding
Poor Weather Conditions
Lack Of Visibility
Improper Turning
Potholes
Tire Blowouts
Drunk Driving
Running Red Lights
Vehicle Design Defects
Tailgating
Construction Sites
Teenage Drivers
Sufficient evidence must be provided to prove of the cause of the accident, not based on your perception. For example, stating that the other driver was texting is not as concrete as providing phone records and witness statements to support this fact. Do not feel that you do not have a right to a settlement if your actions were partially to blame for the accident. Pennsylvania law provides help to victims if it is shown that the other party has at least 51 percent of the actual fault. Trust the advice of a lawyer to help you figure out if you have a legitimate claim and the best way to prove the cause of the accident.
Types of injuries related to Philadelphia Auto Accidents
Newer vehicles are equipped with many innovative safety features to help avoid auto accident injuries as much as possible. Unfortunately, the statistics have not shown a significant decrease in the physical consequences of traffic collisions. Vehicle accidents remain among the leading causes of death in our country, with millions receiving emergency treatment every single year. A permanent disability, death, and traumatic brain injuries are all potential results for those involved in accidents. Certain areas are more susceptible to harm during a vehicle collision, and these are just a few common injury types:
- Back and Neck Injuries: The jolt of an accident can cause whiplash and other neck conditions as the head is being thrown around. This force at a high speed has the potential to lead to cervical radiculopathy, disc displacement, disc injuries, lumbar radiculopathy, sprains, spine injury, and other serious conditions.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and mild concussions are the highest reported injuries to this area during accidents. A vehicle that is equipped with an airbag may actually make these conditions more severe if contact is made with the head.
- Broken Bones: Minor breaks and fractures are common in collision victims because the entire body is taking on the impact.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Mild to severe wounds on the body or face are caused by broken glass and other sharp pieces of the vehicle. It can require sutures to heal correctly and some people endure significant bleeding while waiting for paramedics.
- Loss of Limb: An extremity pinned in a compromising position may require amputation to free the victim from the vehicle. In other cases, it may be severed as a result of the accident itself.
Our attorneys are here to help car wreck victims recover from their injuries, no matter what type of care is needed. We understand the most effective ways to communicate with insurance companies, and we are trained to negotiate the maximum settlement amount possible. If the other driver is uninsured or under-insured, it may be possible to find coverage within your own policy to handle such circumstances. You can rely on our lawyers to guide you through the legal process as we use our resources to ensure that you are compensated in every way possible.
2014 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics
An average of 14 auto accidents happen statewide each hour, with a fatality every 7 hours. This totals to 1 out of every 46 residents being involved in a crash at some point. Although the reported number of accidents and deaths in 2014 was one of the lowest since 1935, these incidents are still a very significant problem. Nearly 80 thousand people had an injury as a result of driving or riding in a vehicle involved in one of these collisions.
These are just a few of the eye-opening accident statistics available here.
Call Lundy Law Now for a No Obligation Case Evaluation!
If an auto accident has disrupted the life of yourself or someone that you love, it is important to seek legal assistance immediately. A case must be built by proving fault with solid evidence starting from the moment of the collision, and your best outcome relies on our professionals guiding you through the process. Lundy Law attorneys know how to handle these cases, even if they are complicated or challenging. Contact an attorney at 1-800-LundyLaw so that our attorneys can begin fighting for your right to financial compensation.
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