A morning commute in Philadelphia can involve thousands of people heading to work or dropping their children off at school. With this many motorists on the road, it is almost guaranteed that there is at least one negligent driver that may cause a serious accident. If you or a family member were injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia negligent driver car accident lawyer today.
At the Reiff Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for victims of car accidents that were injured due to the carelessness of another driver. Our legal team will work tirelessly to fight for the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
How a Negligent Driver Can Cause an Accident in Philadelphia, PA
Negligence is the reason that many car accidents occur. However, there could be many other factors involved that determined why the crash occurred. If you were injured in a serious crash, knowing what caused the accident can help you if you decide to pursue legal action. The following is a list of common causes of car accidents.
Distracted Driving
It seems like vehicles are more frequently being installed with new technology that can interact with cellphones and other devices. However, some of these devices may only serve to distract a driver while they should be focusing on the road. Texting or playing with a radio at the wrong time could cause a motorist to collide with other vehicles.
Drunk Driving
No driver should be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, driving while under the influence is a negligent driver issue that occurs more often than you might believe. Many drivers who are under the influence tend to fall asleep at the wheel or may take unnecessary risks while driving. If this happens, they could easily cause a devastating accident.
Speeding
The speed limit for most highways in the Philadelphia region is 65 miles per hour. Despite this maximum limit, some drivers will accelerate over the speed limit because they may be late for an event or to simply reach their destination quicker. Accidents that occur at a high rate of speed often result in life-threatening or even fatal injuries.
Poor Weather
Excessive rain or snow usually calls for traffic to slow down in preference of more cautious driving. If a motorist fails to adjust their driving to deal with inclement weather, they could lose control of the vehicle and strike other motorists in the vicinity.
There are other types of car accidents caused by negligence that are not listed above. For example, an inexperienced driver is more prone to making mistakes on the road that was easily avoidable. To learn more about proving a car accident lawsuit, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced attorney today.
Proving Negligence in a Philadelphia Car Crash Lawsuit
If you were a victim of a car accident caused by a negligent driver in Philadelphia, you should consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver that injured you. To prove negligence in a car accident lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove four different elements:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care by performing some careless action behind the wheel of their vehicle
- The defendant’s breach was the cause of the accident
- The defendant caused the plaintiff to suffer an injury or incur other losses like damage to their vehicle
Note, however, that Pennsylvania is a “no-fault state” in regard to insurance coverage for motor vehicle accidents. This means that your insurance will cover a number of expenses related to the accident. However, if you are extensively injured, this may not be enough to handle your medical bills and other expenses.
Additionally, personal injury lawsuits must follow the law set by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines how long a plaintiff has to file a certain type of claim. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. If the plaintiff does not file within this timeframe, they will lose their opportunity to have their case heard in court. While there may be some options to extend the filing deadline, the plaintiff should not rely on the possibility that they are eligible for a tolling of the statute of limitations.
Experienced Philadelphia Negligent Driver Accident Attorneys are Ready to Work with You
If you or a family member was injured in a serious car crash, consult with an experienced Philadelphia negligent driver car crash attorney today. The car accident lawyer at the Reiff Law Firm have extensive experience litigating a broad range of car accident cases, and we are prepared to use this knowledge to represent you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal situation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
