We often assume that each person driving on the roads with us is acting responsibly. Unfortunately, not every individual is completely attentive while operating a vehicle. Negligent or distracted driving can lead to serious injuries or even death. Drivers who do not exercise care while operating a vehicle should be held accountable for their actions. If you or a family member was the victim of a car accident, you should speak with an experienced Gladwyne car accident lawyer today.
The attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have handled various kinds of accident cases, from motorcycle accidents to commercial vehicle accidents. We are dedicated to using this experience to provide you with diligent and aggressive legal representation. To schedule a free consultation for your case, call us at (215) 709-6940 or reach us online.
Common Injuries Associated with Car Crashes
The injuries you may receive from a car crash depend on the circumstances of the crash. Collisions involving specific areas of a vehicle may cause certain injuries. For example, rear-end collisions are usually responsible for injuries like whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when a vehicle is rear-ended causing the victim’s head to move back and forth rapidly. Other injuries associated with rear-end collisions include head, back, or soft tissue injuries.
Head-on collisions can cause a number of injuries. One of the most serious injuries associated with head-on collisions is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs may happen when a person receives a severe blow to their head, causing traumatic damage to their brain. TBI can cause intense pain, motor control issues, cognitive disorders, and memory problems. A head-on crash can also cause injuries like broken bones, lacerations, and amputation injuries.
When cars collide with commercial vehicles like an 18-wheeler, the injuries sustained are usually serious or fatal. This is because personal vehicles cannot match the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Collisions with commercial vehicles can cause a fatal burn or crushing injury.
PA Vehicle Collision Statistics
There are numerous reasons why vehicle collisions occur. Distracted driving is a major reason for vehicle collisions. Considering the amount of technology we can carry in our vehicles and in our pockets, some may find it difficult to avoid using them at the wrong time. For example, texting and driving is the cause of many accidents. In Pennsylvania, law enforcement issued over 5,000 citations for texting and driving in 2017. Drivers who are too busy texting cannot quickly respond to events happening on the road.
Drunk driving is another leading cause of car crashes. In 2016, there were 10,256 alcohol-related car accidents in Pennsylvania. Out of these 10,256 accidents, 4,911 injuries were sustained. Alcohol dulls the responsiveness of drivers and may cause them to act unpredictably while behind the wheel.
Speeding is the reason for several car accidents, with Pennsylvania recording 540 speed-related fatalities in 2015. Speeding makes it difficult for drivers to react to traffic because they are moving too fast to make safe decisions on the road. Crashes that occur at high speeds usually cause serious or fatal injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is ensure you and any other people involved in the crash are safe. Next, you should call the police to the scene immediately, even if you believe you were partly responsible for the accident. After calling the police, you should take photographs of the scene of the accident and the damage to any vehicles involved in the accident. Also, be sure to make a note of any adverse weather conditions that day.
One of the most important things you should do is ask the other driver for their information. This information should include their name and contact info, vehicle registration information, insurance information, and license plate number. If the driver was operating a commercial vehicle, you should ask for their employer’s name and contact info. The employer of a commercial driver could be liable for the injuries you received, so it is vital to have the information to contact them and include them in any lawsuits you might file.
Additionally, once the police arrive to assess the scene, you should ask how to receive a copy of their report. You should also inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
If you are too injured to complete any of these tasks, you should seek immediate medical attention. Your medical records can provide excellent evidence of the full extent of your injuries and what procedures you faced.
Gladwyne, PA Personal Injury Attorneys Can Guide You Through Your Car Crash Case
If you or a family member was seriously injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced Gladwyne car accident attorney. The legal team at The Reiff Law Firm is here to help you pursue the legal outcome that you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
