Negligent Drivers in Pennsylvania (Part B)

According to the NHTSA, there were 1,256 traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2009, the majority occurring in Philadelphia, Bucks and Alleghenny counties. Of those fatalities, 406 involved alcohol-impaired drivers and 634 involved speeding.

Those statistics underscore the severity of negligent driving. A Philadelphia car accident attorney can help you pursue damages if you have lost a loved one because of the actions of a negligent driver.

Liability in a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

When determining liability in a car accident in Pennsylvania, the following common sense rules may apply:

• The negligent party must have had a duty to keep the injured party safe - all cars on the road owe a duty to the other vehicles present to drive safely. That is why there are traffic laws.
• The negligent party must have violated that duty - for example, if the defendant caused the car accident by running a red light, they have broken a traffic law, which breached their duty to the other vehicles (including the victim) to drive safely and follow established traffic laws.
• If a car accident in Pennsylvania occurred because both parties were partially negligent, the injured party could still be compensated if the other party is 50% or more responsible for the car accident in Pennsylvania - additionally, the amount of compensation the victim can recover would be reduced by their own degree of fault. If they were entitled to a $100,000 judgment and it was determined that they were 20% at fault for the accident, they would receive only $80,000.
• If the negligent party caused the other party's injuries while on the job, their employer could be responsible for any injuries, in some cases.

The first step you should take after a serious car accident in Pennsylvania is to seek medical treatment. Then consult with a Philadelphia car accident attorney to help determine whether the driver who hit you was negligent. If so, your attorney will then take steps to prepare a solid personal injury claim on your behalf.

Help After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

If you have been severely injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you shouldn't have to suffer and pay for expensive medical bills that were caused by another person's negligence. Contact a Philadelphia car accident attorney at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation on your case - 1-877-944-8396.