As one of the biggest and busiest cities in the United States, Philadelphia sees many car accidents every day. Each crash has the potential for injuries, property damage, financial losses and stress.
Recovery after a car accident is difficult. In addition to the vehicle repairs and physical healing, inevitably, there can be disputes over what happened to cause the accident and then insurance companies to fight.
When you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Philly area, you want to work with an experienced law firm that works for your best interests in and out of the courtroom. MyPhillyLawyer is ready to help you through this stressful time.
Philly Accident Statistics
In 2022, PennDOT listed 115,938 reported crashes in Pennsylvania, 8,714, or 7.5 percent, of which occurred in Philly. Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of serious and fatal car accidents in the state and the whole nation.
Philadelphia also has one of the lowest car ownership rates in the country; only 70.5 percent of households own a car in the city. Traffic is still heavy in Philly despite this and can be concentrated in certain areas of town. Data shows that more than half of all serious or fatal car accidents occur on just 12 percent of Philly streets.
Drivers and passengers inside the vehicles are not the only ones who are hurt in car accidents. Because many people in Philadelphia can use public transportation, walk or bike to get where they need to go instead of owning a car, pedestrians and bicyclists are often hit by vehicles. These groups, unfortunately, suffer high rates of injury and death because they are unprotected.
Causes of Car Accidents
Driving in Philly requires a certain amount of assertiveness on the road, but too much can be a problem. Speeding and driving aggressively are common causes of accidents on city streets, especially during peak traffic times and on major routes.
Other top causes of accidents include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving too fast
- Distracted driving
- Striking a fixed object
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Road conditions
- Driver errors
- Weather
- Vehicle malfunction
Philadelphia has had a spike in the number of hit-and-run accidents in recent years. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, those left behind with vehicle damage and injuries often face an extra layer of complication. In hit-and-run situations, it becomes crucial to contact a car accident lawyer for help in recovering damages.
Potential Damages in a Car Accident Case
People involved in car accidents can recover financial restitution for the damages they have incurred as a result of the crash. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault accident state, so both parties can be compensated from their own insurance company in some cases, regardless of who caused the accident. This may limit a driver’s ability to sue another party for damages but not always.
Some of the damages that can potentially be recovered include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Future care costs
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
Before accepting a settlement from an insurance company, contact a Philly car accident attorney. They can determine if this is the best course of action for you and your family. It is important to remember that insurance companies pay as little as possible to increase profits and might use the stressful nature of recovering from a car accident against you.
MyPhillyLawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one have had a car accident in Philly, experienced legal representation is available from MyPhillyLawyer. Our car accident attorneys understand the intricacies of the law and how insurance companies work. We fight for your rights both inside and outside the courtroom.
You only have a certain amount of time to act in a car accident case. Pennsylvania grants two years to file a claim. Failure to meet this deadline can disqualify you from receiving the compensation to which you are entitled to. Reach out to MyPhillyLawyer as soon as possible.
MyPhillyLawyer offers free consultations to discuss your case. Call 215-227-2727 to see how we can help you and your family as you recover from your car accident.