Thousands of people die, or sustain injuries, on Pennsylvania roads every year – probably more than you may imagine, even if you are aware that auto accidents are an everyday occurrence in cities as busy as Philadelphia. Did you know that over 80,000 injuries occurred in Pennsylvania in 2014 alone, with 32,000 of these proving to be fatal injuries? If you, or a loved one, has become the most recent victim of Philadelphia roads, sustaining an injury of any severity, an auto accident attorney may be able to help you secure compensation. Legal representation can be particularly valuable in cases where the auto accident does not involve any immediately obvious source of blame.

How often do auto accidents occur in this area?

Automobile accidents are not uncommon in and around the Philadelphia area. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were more than 125,000 total vehicle collisions reported during the latest year of data available. Out of these incidents, there were:

  • 1,059 fatalities
  • 76,243 total injuries

However, this data only paints an overall picture of auto accidents. When we are looking at collisions involving vehicles, we have to move beyond vehicle versus vehicle accidents. Other types of auto accidents that we deal with on a regular basis in Philadelphia include:

Most common types of auto accident injuries

At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our qualified Philadelphia auto accident attorneys have extensive experience helping clients who have sustained a wide range of injuries in these collisions. This includes the following:

It is also important to be mindful that many auto accident victims suffer from significant emotional and psychological trauma in the aftermath of a crash. This can include feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Auto Accident?

While some causes of auto accidents make it easy to assign blame – for example, cases where a driver was rear-ended after stopping at a red traffic light -that is not always the case. An auto accident claim can quickly become complex, meaning it is strongly recommended that you instruct an experienced Philadelphia attorney to act on your behalf.

In the meantime, whatever the circumstances of your auto accident, this is what you should do in the immediate aftermath (providing, of course, that you are fit and able to do so):

  • Car crash- Take photos of your vehicle, paying careful attention to any areas which have been damaged. This can work in your favor should the insurance companies involved try to claim that the damage existed before the auto accident
  • Motorcycle crash- Think about your physical state, and take note of any injuries you notice. Bear in mind that the shock may mean you are not immediately aware of being injured. Regardless of how minor you think your injuries may be, ensure that they are all noted by the police. Again, this may help to prevent your case from being rejected by the insurance company
  • Truck accident- Seek medical attention. As mentioned, the shock of the auto accident may mean you do not fully feel the pain of your injuries, but it is always wise to be examined by your doctor as soon as possible
  • Bicycle accident- Take notes about the accident, writing down every little detail you can think of. While you may feel like you will never forget what just happened, you may be surprised by how much slips your mind even after a short period of time. By keeping a diary, you can rest assured that you are providing a clear and accurate account of the auto accident when speaking to your insurer, police, or your Philadelphia attorney
  • Accidents involving pedestrians- Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries for the person struck, and the number one priority must be to seek medical care. If possible, a pedestrian accident victim can gather information and evidence at the scene of the crash, but that may not be feasible due to the injuries. Make sure that you know how to get a copy of the police report so that you can give this to your attorney and the insurance carriers.
  • Multi-vehicle crashes- Accidents involving multiple vehicles can create problems when it comes to determining liability. That is why it is so crucial for those involved to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. It is also crucial that victims in multi-vehicle accidents say nothing to any person that could come across as accepting blame for the incident. Gather evidence and eyewitness statements, and find out how to get a copy of the police report.
  • Recreational vehicle and mass transit accidents- Accidents involving recreational or mass transit vehicles often result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. Because these incidents often involve companies or even government entities, it is essential for any injury victim to work with an attorney as soon as possible. These cases become immensely complex very quickly, and victims need somebody on their side with extensive resources.
  • Hit-and-run accidents- Never try to chase down the driver who flees the scene of an accident. That is the job of the police. If you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, you need to follow the same steps as if this were any other type of accident. Seek medical care, gather evidence if you can, and report the incident to your insurance carrier. You will also want to check your insurance policy to see what type of insurance you carry (full-tort or limited tort), as this could affect how you receive compensation in these cases.

What kind of compensation is available in these cases?

If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of another driver, there may be various types of compensation available for your claim. It is not uncommon for our experienced lawyers to help clients recover:

  • Full compensation for medical bills
  • Lost income if they cannot work while recovering
  • General household out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages

The total amount of compensation available in the aftermath of a Philadelphia auto accident will vary depending on the facts related to each particular situation. A skilled lawyer will work with trusted economic and financial experts to properly calculate the total expected expenses of the case.

How much does a Philadelphia auto accident attorney cost?

If you have been injured in the aftermath of a crash, the last thing on your mind needs to be worrying about how to pay for an attorney. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we take auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients pay no upfront or out-of-pocket costs related to their case and will only owe legal fees after we secure the compensation they are entitled to.

Speak to a Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney

Once you have dealt with the immediate aftermath of your Philadelphia auto accident, your next step should involve speaking to an experienced attorney. While an attorney may represent an additional cost, you will not pay until we recover the compensation you deserve.

Rather than dealing with the trauma, pain, and loss of earnings alone, call us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an outstanding attorney.