Do You Know The Different Types Of Car Accidents?

September 26, 2020
Posted by: Robert Katz
Category: Personal Injury

Serious car accidents happen far too often in the greater Philadelphia area and throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Auto accidents are a leading reason for seeking out an attorney, especially when there is a medical injury involved. However, not all collisions are the same. As some of the top legal professionals serving the region, we want to help you understand the differences that can impact your claim.

Many car accident victims are unaware of the various categories of collisions, but the specific type of accident matters for your legal strategy. As a resident of this region, it is crucial that you understand these distinctions and choose a firm that can support your specific needs. At Katz Injury Law, we specialize in navigating the complexities of these various claims to ensure our clients are treated fairly by insurance companies.

Common Types of Auto Accidents

There are many different circumstances that cause an auto accident. Even slight differences in the details will transform your case. Whether you are seeking a car accident lawyer in Northeast Philadelphia for a local fender bender or a drunk driving accident attorney for a serious crime-related injury, the specifics of the impact dictate how we collect evidence.

Recent data highlights a staggering reality for Philadelphia drivers. While the city has seen some improvements through safety initiatives, certain corridors remain notorious for high-speed, high-impact crashes. For instance, Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard continue to represent a significant portion of severe accidents, with Broad Street recording numerous fatalities and major injuries each year.

Here are some of the main types of auto accidents that we see at Katz Injury Law:

Public Transportation Accidents: These involve injuries sustained while riding on or being struck by a bus, train, or other public transit vehicles like those operated by SEPTA.
Commercial Trucking Accidents: Collisions with trucks or 18-wheelers involve different federal regulations and higher insurance limits, often requiring a deep dive into logs and maintenance records.
Pedestrian Accidents: These occur when you are hit by a vehicle while walking. These are unfortunately common in the dense streets of Center City and North Philadelphia.
Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents: Cyclists and motorists are often the most vulnerable victims on the road, frequently suffering catastrophic injuries due to a lack of structural protection.
DUI-Related Crashes: If your life was upended by an impaired driver, a drunk driving accident attorney in Delaware County can help you pursue punitive damages that go beyond standard negligence claims.

Immediate Steps After a Collision

There are many different types of car accidents that we see in the Philadelphia area, but all of them are devastating. First and foremost, you must file a police report before the other driver leaves the scene. The police report is critical for the further legal process because it provides an objective third-party account of the environment and initial fault.

Additionally, act immediately if you require medical attention. Prompt medical evaluation ensures that you have clear, documented evidence for your claim. Delaying treatment can allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were caused by something other than the crash. When you work with a car accident lawyer, they will use these medical records to build a comprehensive demand for compensation.

The Complexity of Philadelphia Roadways

Navigating the streets of Northeast Philadelphia presents unique challenges. Corridors like the Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1) are designed as 12-lane highways cutting through residential and commercial neighborhoods. These roads combine high vehicle speeds with frequent pedestrian crossings, leading to a higher-than-average rate of T-bone and rear-end collisions.

When an accident occurs at a complex intersection like Grant Avenue and Red Lion Road, determining liability can be difficult. There may be multiple drivers involved, or perhaps a malfunctioning traffic signal or poor road design contributed to the event. A car accident lawyer knows how to investigate these specific sites, pulling traffic camera footage and witness statements to prove exactly what happened.

The Impact of Impaired Driving

Drunk driving remains a persistent threat to families in Pennsylvania. In Delaware County, the legal process for a DUI accident is strict, but for the victim, it is the start of a long journey toward physical and financial recovery. If you were hit by a driver who was under the influence, the case moves through a different legal track than a standard accident.

A drunk driving accident attorney will look beyond the simple negligence of the crash. They will monitor the criminal proceedings against the driver and use that evidence to bolster your civil claim. In many cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages, which are compensation meant to punish the defendant for their reckless behavior and deter others from doing the same.

Understanding Pennsylvania Insurance Laws

Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, which adds a layer of confusion for many victims. This means your own insurance company usually pays for your initial medical treatment through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who was at fault. However, your right to sue for pain and suffering depends on the tort option you selected when you purchased your policy.

Limited Tort offers lower monthly premiums but restricts your right to sue for non-economic damages unless the injury is considered serious under the law. Full Tort has higher premiums but preserves your right to sue for any injury, regardless of severity. At Katz Injury Law, we often meet clients who are frustrated to find they chose Limited Tort and are now struggling to get fair compensation. Even if you have limited tort, there are several exceptions that might allow you to pursue a full claim, such as if the other driver was from out of state or was driving a commercial vehicle.

The Role of an Experienced Attorney

Unfortunately, because there are so many different types of car accidents, it can be hard to know what you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law. Injuries from a car accident can put your life on pause and cause significant emotional, physical, and financial stress. To ensure you get the compensation you deserve no matter what type of accident it is, you need a knowledgeable attorney with vast experience in the local courts.

The dedicated team at Katz Injury Law will help you navigate your case and fight for you to receive the proper settlement or verdict. We understand that a “simple” rear-end collision can result in long-term spinal issues just as easily as a high-speed highway crash.

Protecting Your Future

The aftermath of a crash is a race against time. Under Pennsylvania law, you generally have a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the accident involves a government entity, such as a city bus or a poorly maintained state road, your window to act may be much shorter. In some instances, you may have only six months to file a formal notice of intent to sue.

Evidence can disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired or scrapped, and witnesses move away. Having a firm like Katz Injury Law on your side ensures that someone is gathering data while it is fresh. We act as your shield against aggressive insurance adjusters who may try to pressure you into a low settlement before you even know the full extent of your medical needs.

We have handled thousands of cases across the state, from the busy intersections of the city to the suburban roads of the surrounding counties. Our goal is to lift the legal burden off your shoulders so you can get back to your normal life.

Get The Legal Help You Need

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, do not wait to seek legal counsel. The team of accident lawyers at Katz Injury Law is ready to help you get the proper compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses. Whether you need a car accident lawyer to investigate a hit-and-run or a drunk driving accident attorney to hold a reckless individual accountable, we are here for you.

At Katz Injury Law, we take pride in our deep roots in the community and our track record of securing justice for the injured. We serve Philadelphia and all surrounding counties, providing the representation you deserve.