Every driver dreads being caught up in a car accident. Even when the collision does not appear to be too major, the injuries and damage caused can be horrendous. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident in Philadelphia, you need legal representation from a Dan Doyle Law Group. We understand that sustaining injuries through no fault of your own can mean that an already painful experience becomes a costly one too.

With over 55 years of collective legal experience, we are well equipped to build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring you receive the optimal compensation for your injuries and damages. When you work with a Philadelphia car accident attorney who knows that every accident, and every injury, is individual, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest standard of care, and the recompense you deserve.

How Common Are Car Accidents?

If you read the news or listen to radio traffic updates, you will know those car accidents happen far more often than you may like to think, particularly when driving in a busy city like Philadelphia. While you may be less concerned about the type of car accident that involves you bumping a post, or having your mirror scratched by a careless parker, the reality is that many of these car accidents result in life-changing, life-limited, or even fatal injuries.

According to data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were more than 125,000 total vehicle collisions reported during the latest year across the Commonwealth. Out of these incidents, the DOT says that there were 1,059 total fatalities as well as more than 76,000 total injuries. Some of the most common injuries that the Philadelphia car accident attorney at the Dan Doyle Law Group help clients with include the following:

  • Broken or dislocated bones
  • Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Open head wounds
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Other severe back and neck injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Significant scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional and psychological trauma

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Philadelphia car accident, you may be eligible to claim wrongful death compensation. State laws relating to this compensation are strict and clearly outline exactly who has a claim. If you think you may qualify, or want to discuss your options with a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, call Dan Doyle Law Group today to schedule your FREE initial consultation.

Common Causes of Philadelphia Car Accidents

Although it is true to say that no two car accidents are identical, there are some definite trends when it comes to causes of collisions. While providing legal counsel for victims of car crashes, our Philadelphia car accident lawyer has gained an insight into the correlation between certain driving conditions, types of a car accident, and the injuries which are likely to result. There is, of course, no hard and fast rule stating that a certain type of car accident will result in a particular injury but, in general, there are some commonalities to be explored.

In terms of the specific types of a car accident, here is some our car injury attorney regularly encounter:

  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Road rage
  • Tailgating
  • Driving aggressively
  • Driving without making adjustments for current weather or road conditions
  • Failing to comply with road signs or traffic signals
  • Changing lanes carelessly
  • Failure to yield
  • Failure to signal
  • Failing to use lights where appropriate
  • Losing control of a vehicle
  • Driving when tired or fatigued
  • Driving without a valid driver’s license
  • Driving while uninsured or under-insured

What to Do When You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident

Calling a knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident lawyer should be one of the first things you do after a car accident in the area, but there are some steps you should take even before making that call. You may think you know exactly what to do in the event of an accident, but when the shock kicks in, you may find that your instinct is not quite as sharp as usual. To give yourself the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve after a crash, you should follow these six steps.

Take photos of your vehicle, any damage, and any aspects of the surroundings that you feel may be relevant. One of the many benefits of smartphones is that most of us have a decent quality camera in our pockets at all times, and can easily complete this step. Another great feature is that you can take numerous photos and access them immediately.

Give yourself a check over to assess the extent of your injuries. Of course, if you have been very severely injured, you will be aware of this, assuming you remain conscious. If you are able, take note of all injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, and ensure all are documented with the police attending the scene of the car accident. Providing as much information as possible at this stage can help prevent issues with your insurance company later in the investigation, and could make the difference between your claim being approved or denied.

Seek medical attention immediately. Remember that shock may be making your injuries seem less serious than they actually are and unless you are a doctor, you will not have the skills required to make an accurate assessment anyway. Additionally, a medical report from a doctor confirming that your injuries were sustained in the car accident can be invaluable evidence should you file a claim.

Write everything down. Of course, it is all fresh in your mind right now, but you may be surprised by what you can forget in just a few days. By taking note of every aspect of your car accident, your injuries, and the damage to your property, you will be doing yourself a favor in the long run. Aside from this, you will be glad you wrote it all down when you save yourself from having to frantically recall details as you speak to your insurance company in a week or so.

Get your own copy of the police report. You may not immediately think of this one, but it can be very useful to refer to the police report when making a claim, particularly if the insurance companies involved are trying to deny certain aspects of the incident. Seeing it all written in the police report makes the fact irrefutable.

What Damages Can I Recover for My Car Accident Injury?

Depending on how you were injured and the nature of your injury, there may be multiple types of damages recoverable in your car crash. In some cases, a victim’s recovery is limited to such economic damages as the lost wages and medical bills. In other cases, meanwhile, victims have a right to seek maximum compensation for the medical expenses, loss of income, diminished quality of life, pain and suffering, and many others.

Our Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you determine which types of damages are available in your particular case. When victims suffer harm due to the defendant’s wanton and willful misconduct, they may be able to recover punitive damages.

Do I Have a Duty to Mitigate My Car Accident Damages?

All plaintiffs filing personal injury claims have a legal obligation to take reasonable actions to mitigate their damages. In other words, you are required to make reasonable efforts to limit your damages, if possible.

The best thing you can do to prove that you successfully mitigated your car accident damages is to follow your doctor’s orders and complete the medical treatment. Failure to seek medical evaluation and care within a reasonable amount of time after a car crash may be considered as your failure to mitigate the damages.

How Does a Pre-Existing Injury Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Generally, you do not have to worry about the effect of your pre-existing injuries on your current car accident claim unless you cannot prove that your new injury caused by the other motorist is different from your pre-existing injury.

Luckily, however, the law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for aggravated injuries, especially if their pre-existing injury was significantly exacerbated due to the accident. It is advised to seek legal advice from a Philadelphia  lawyer to find out how your pre-existing injury affects your claim.

Reach Out To A Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a vehicle accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver in Philadelphia, contact the Dan Doyle Law Group for help as soon as possible. Our team has extensive experience handling complex vehicle accident claims. We have the resources necessary to fully investigate these claims, determine liability, and make sure that our clients recover the compensation they are entitled to. When you need a car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case.