Not all residents in the state of Pennsylvania have a driver’s license. There are many people who rely on others to drive them to where they need to be. This may be with the help of a family member, friend, or taxi driver. Usually, people take these rides without any concern about being involved in an accident. However, it is always important to be cautious of other drivers, as accidents can happen to anyone. If a driver is negligent behind the wheel, they can cause an accident that leads to serious injuries for any passengers involved. When this happens, injured passengers may want to hold the driver liable. This can be done with the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
What to Do After an Accident
After an accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. In addition to this, law enforcement should be contacted to protect and document the incident. They can also draft an official police report, which can be used later on while building a case. While at the scene, information regarding any witnesses should be collected for further statements in court. All documentation can be used to file a claim against the negligent party.
Not every accident is due to negligence. However, it is a common cause and should be looked into in the event of an accident. During a personal injury case, the injured party must prove that the driver was, in fact, negligent, thus causing their injuries. There are many different forms of negligence that can cause an accident. This may include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving or speeding
- Carelessness
- Drowsy driving
- Texting and driving
Recovering Damages
If negligence is proven, that party may be required to provide the injured party with compensation. This exists as coverage for any physical, emotional, and financial damages that stem from the accident. Injured passengers are able to recover economic and non-economic damages, as they can suffer both physically and emotionally. Economic damages refer to financial burdens due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, medical equipment, and more. Non-economic damages are for non-financial burdens such as emotional distress, loss of independence, pain and suffering, and more. If the accident caused the death of a passenger, the family may recover compensation for wrongful death.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
