After being injured in a car accident, you may struggle with physical and financial challenges. You may wonder who will take care of the medical bills, the lost wages, and your family’s support while you recover from your injuries. Furthermore, you may wonder how you will hold the at-fault party accountable during this trying time.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about all those questions. At our law firm, we understand the consequences of car accidents and how they affect the victims and their families. Our Stroudsburg car accident lawyers have fought tirelessly on behalf of injury victims for decades, recovering millions.
To learn more about whether you have a car accident claim in a free, confidential case review, call our car accident attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm by dialing (215) 709-6940.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Our reputation for excellence is preceded by almost four decades of legal experience. During this time, we have handled countless car accident claims and have helped thousands of injured victims get the compensation they deserve. We have the skill, knowledge, and experience to hold the at-fault parties accountable for your injuries. We are ready to take on all types of car accident claims in Stroudsburg and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, we understand how the complex claims process works, including how insurance companies may try to delay or reduce the size of your claim. We will aggressively and vigorously defend your rights against negligent drivers and insurance companies that deny liability. Our unique approach allows us to provide high quality legal representation that is tailor-made to work toward the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Pennsylvania
Car accidents happen for numerous reasons. However, there are certain factors that have higher chances of causing a car crash. Below are some of the most common causes of car crashes in Pennsylvania.
Distracted Driving
You have probably seen campaigns all over social media warning drivers not to use their smartphones while driving. Texting and answering calls while driving can put distracted drivers and other motorists around them in danger. Despite many efforts to make sure drivers keep their eyes on the road, accidents continue happening. Unfortunately, most of these accidents lead to devastating injuries.
According to the 2017 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics report released by PennDOT, there were more than 15,000 crashes caused by distracted driving in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, there were almost 60 deaths reported due to the same cause.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most commonly known causes of accidents around the country. Pennsylvania shares this unfortunate reality. According to the aforementioned report, speeding is one of the significant contributors to crashes in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, out of the more than 30,000 reported speed-related accidents, 400 were fatal. Speeding is only rivaled by drunk driving as a leading cause of car crashes.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alongside speeding, DUI is also a significant cause of car accidents. According to PennDOT, drunk driving was responsible for more than 9,000 reported crashes and 160 fatalities during 2017 in Pennsylvania. DUI laws in Pennsylvania are strict, and if you are convicted of a DUI, you will face severe consequences which include incarceration and fines.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigued driving is often associated with commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, who spend long hours behind the wheel every day. There are instances where a driver may overextend their driving time to meet a delivery deadline. However, driving for longer than the federal time limits can cause fatigue. If a driver is fatigued, he or she cannot focus as sharply or react as quickly as usual, increasing the chances of a collision with other vehicles on the road.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, is a common cause of car accidents. This behavior reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Drivers who tailgate often fail to account for sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. To avoid accidents caused by tailgating, it is essential for drivers to maintain a safe following distance, allowing sufficient time to react to unexpected events.
Illegal Lane Changes
Car accidents frequently occur because of illegal lane changes. Drivers who change lanes without signaling, failing to check blind spots, or cutting off other vehicles contribute to collisions. Adhering to proper signaling procedures, checking blind spots, and ensuring there is enough space to change lanes can prevent accidents caused by illegal lane changes.
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turns at intersections can lead to serious accidents. Drivers making left turns may misjudge oncoming traffic, resulting in collisions with vehicles traveling straight or turning right. Following traffic signals and yielding the right of way when required can help prevent accidents associated with improper left turns.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is a significant cause of intersection-related accidents. Drivers who disregard traffic signals risk colliding with vehicles entering the intersection from other directions. Strict adherence to traffic signals and signals, as well as exercising caution before proceeding through intersections, is essential to prevent accidents caused by running red lights.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Stroudsburg, PA
Statutes of limitations set forth time windows for filing certain types of lawsuits. In Pennsylvania, the deadline to file a car accident case is governed by 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Accordingly, you will usually have two years from the date of your crash to file your case against the at-fault party. If you fail to bring your case to court within this time frame, then you may miss your chance to recover financial compensation.
Additionally, despite potentially having up to two years to file, you should begin working on your claim as quickly as possible after your crash. Evidence needed to support your arguments can become difficult to preserve and gather as time goes on. For example, an eyewitness may forget the details of your collision, or an important document may be misplaced. The sooner you reach out to our car accident lawyers, the more efficiently we can collect the information needed to win your case.
Common Injuries Suffered by Car Accident Victims in Stroudsburg, PA
Car accidents can result in many different forms of harm. For instance, the following are all common injuries suffered by car accident victims in Stroudsburg:
Fractured and Broken Bones
Fractured and broken bones are common injuries resulting from car accidents. The impact of a collision can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Treatment for these injuries typically involves immobilization through casts or splints, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reset and stabilize the bones.
Soft Tissue Damage
Car accidents often cause soft tissue damage, affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can result in sprains, strains, and contusions. Treatment options include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical procedures may be required to repair extensive damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe car accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, impacting the spinal column’s function. These injuries may result in paralysis or loss of sensation. Treatment involves immediate medical intervention, stabilization of the spine, and rehabilitation programs focused on improving mobility and functionality.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Car accidents may also cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from concussions to more severe forms. Initial treatment includes monitoring, rest, and sometimes surgery to alleviate pressure on the brain. Rehabilitation may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address cognitive and motor function challenges.
Internal Injuries
The force of a car collision can cause internal injuries, affecting organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and address these injuries. Treatment may involve surgery to repair damaged organs or manage internal bleeding.
Burns
Car accidents involving fires or explosions can lead to burn injuries. Burns are categorized by degrees, and treatment varies accordingly. First-degree burns may require topical treatments, while severe third-degree burns may necessitate skin grafts and extensive medical care.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries in car accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to fractures of the jaw or facial bones. Treatment may involve sutures for cuts, braces or surgery for fractures, and cosmetic procedures to address any disfigurement.
Psychological Harm
Car accidents can also cause psychological harm, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Treatment options include counseling, therapy, and support groups to address the emotional impact of the accident on the individual’s mental well-being.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Stroudsburg, PA
The aftermath of a car crash can be very chaotic. Still, there are specific actions you can take that may help your recovery and improve your chances of obtaining monetary damages from another party:
Remain at the Scene and Dial 911
After a car accident, it is crucial to remain at the scene and promptly dial 911. Contacting emergency services ensures that medical assistance and law enforcement are dispatched to the location. This immediate response is essential for addressing injuries and documenting the incident.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
Upon securing the scene, it is important to exchange information with the other parties involved. Obtain names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration details from all parties. This exchange facilitates the subsequent processing of insurance claims and legal procedures.
Document the Scene
Documenting the scene is a critical step in gathering evidence for insurance claims and potential legal actions. Take photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding environment, and any visible injuries. Note weather conditions, road signs, and other relevant details. This documentation can be valuable in reconstructing the events leading up to the accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
Regardless of the apparent severity of injuries, seeking medical treatment is paramount after a car accident. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical examination can uncover hidden or delayed issues. Timely medical attention not only ensures proper care but also establishes a record of injuries for potential legal purposes.
Call Our Attorneys
Lastly, you should contact our attorneys as quickly as possible after your collision. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your interests are protected. We will help assess liability, build your claim, and fight for the full extent of compensation available in your case.
Stroudsburg Car Accident Attorneys Handling Injury Claims
Few things can compare to the sense of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty felt by many car accident injury victims and their loved ones. We understand how frustrating and trying the situation can be. Through almost 40 years of battle-tested experience, we have dedicated ourselves to going the extra mile for car accident victims.
When you retain the services of the Stroudsburg auto accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm, you will get nothing but high quality legal service. We will aggressively and actively fight careless drivers to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. To arrange a free and confidential legal consultation, call the law offices of The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
