All drivers must follow the rules of the road and act accordingly when operating a vehicle. However, this is not always the case and accidents can occur. Sometimes, accidents can be minor with little to no damage done. Other times, they can be severe and cause life-changing injuries to a person. This outcome can be dependent on the size of the vehicles that collide, their speeds, and the point of impact. Car accidents sometimes leave a victim with significant physical, emotional and financial burdens. It is because of this that victims of an accident due to negligence can hold that party responsible for any damages.
Types of Accidents
There are many different ways a car accident can happen. The most common types of accidents that are seen in Pennsylvania are the following:
- Rear-end accidents
- Side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-car pile-ups
- Taxi accidents
Common Causes
Drivers have a legal obligation to act safely when they behind the wheel of a car. This requires that they are of sound mind and give the road their undivided attention. They can cause very serious accidents if they do not oblige. Dangerous behavior that can lead to car accidents can consist of:
- Texting while driving
- Using other electronic devices while driving
- Disregarding traffic signs/signals
- Drunk/drugged driving
- Excessive speeding/reckless driving
- Driving distracted
- Driving tired
What to Do After an Accident
Unfortunately, car accidents are common. It is because of this that everyone should know what to do should they find themselves in that situation. It is important to stay on the scene of a car accident and contact law enforcement. When they are on the scene, they can ensure the safety of the scene by directing traffic around it. In addition to this, they can draft an official police report and take witness statements. Victims of an accident should also take pictures of the scene before any vehicles are moved from their place. Most importantly, all people involved in an accident should seek medical attention immediately.
Burden of Proof
Injured parties in accidents due to negligence sometimes wish to hold the negligent driver responsible. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit. Doing so requires them to prove negligence by satisfying the burden of proof. This can be done by gathering evidence that shows the accident and the injuries sustained occurred as a direct result of the other party’s behavior. Evidence that can be helpful can include the police report, medical documentation of the injuries, pictures/videos of the accident, or any witnesses.
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
