Garnet Valley Car Accident Lawyers
Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania in Delaware County has active residential streets and a bustling commercial district. As is the case in any thriving community, traffic is common and can lead to car accidents. Whether it be a fender-bender or a devasting car crash, a car accident can result in serious injuries and financial damages that can be life changing.
Our Garnet Valley car accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle a variety of personal injury legal matters. We know that it can be an overwhelming experience to be involved in a car accident, especially if you do not understand your legal options and all available resources. Our attorneys are here to help with your questions or concerns.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents often result in serious physical injury, pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, and costly medical expenses. Many car accidents are preventable if motorists are responsible and make safety a priority. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help drivers plan ahead and take the appropriate steps to avoid them.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers continue to do harm to others on the road. Any behavior that takes a driver’s focus away from the road is dangerous, but cell phones have become one of the leading culprits when it comes to distracted driving accidents. From talking to texting and checking social media, many drivers do not realize the serious risk of using a cell phone while on the road. Other common distractions include the following:
- Eating while driving.
- Grooming and looking in the mirror.
- Reaching for something on the floor.
- Interacting with other vehicle occupants.
- Continuously adjusting music.
- Handling children who are in the back seat.
Drowsy Driving
Another common and avoidable cause of car accidents is drowsy driving. Many motorists can relate to being tired while driving. However, when drivers are so fatigued that it affects their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, it can be extremely dangerous for everyone sharing the road. Sleep deprivation can impair concentration, reduce vigilance, and affect a motorist’s reaction time. Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel often travel across lanes or off the road, putting other motorists at serious risk.
Speeding
Speeding is consistently a leading cause of car accidents nationwide, and it is a significant factor in many fatal crashes. Motorists who drive above the legal speed limit reduce both their reaction time and braking time and put other motorists at risk. Motorists who speed and drive recklessly are more likely to cause a serious or fatal car accident.
Driving While Under the Influence
The consumption of alcohol or drugs can impair an individual’s ability to concentrate and react quickly to unexpected situations. Drivers under the influence experience impaired judgment, blurred vision, and difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. Signs that a driver might be under the influence include weaving, sudden acceleration or braking, traveling without headlights on at night, and driving in the wrong direction.
Aggressive Driving
Stressed, frustrated, or angry drivers often take it out on other motorists by tailgating, darting in and out of traffic, and refusing to yield the right-of-way. Aggressive driving can lead to serious car accidents and severe injuries. It is wise to report a driver displaying aggressive behavior on the road to the authorities.
Defective or Improperly Maintained Vehicles
Cars with defective parts, or parts that were not installed correctly, can cause serious car accidents and injuries. Vehicles that are not properly maintained or have faulty parts are extremely dangerous. In some cases, when a part of a vehicle malfunctions or was improperly installed, a third-party liability claim may be filed after a car accident.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Poorly maintained road conditions include cracked or crumbling pavement, potholes, uneven heights between lanes, road debris, and slick oil spills. Serious car accidents can also happen on winter roads that are not properly plowed or salted. Improper or unclear road signage are another cause of car accidents. These are all examples of when a third-party liability claim may be necessary.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Despite efforts to drive responsibly and keep safety a priority, motorists can still find themselves involved in car accidents. It is important to know the proper steps to take after any kind of car accident in Pennsylvania, which includes consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that you do not have to file a claim against the at-fault driver if you want to recover costs for medical expenses incurred from the car accident. Claims can be brought on your own car insurance and will compensate you for medical expenses, as well as any lost wages you may have experienced if your injuries kept you out of work.
The advantage of this is that it makes no difference who is at fault for the car accident when you seek this compensation from your own car insurance. The disadvantage is that you typically cannot seek additional, non-monetary compensation, which is equally as important to many clients and their families. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult with a skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process, file all valid claims, and ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Garnet Valley Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Advocate for Clients Involved in Any Type of Car Accident
There are a wide range of stressful issues you may go through after being involved in a serious car accident. Our Garnet Valley car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. are here to protect your rights. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.