Five seconds. The driver coming towards you only took his eyes off the road for five seconds to read a text. Before you both knew it, your car was totaled, your bones broken. Automobile accidents happen every day, be it from reckless driving, negligence, or even weather-related issues. But when you are seriously injured in an automobile accident, you need legal representation with a track record for success. You need Kalinoski Law Offices P.C.
Pennsylvania Automobile Accidents Causes
Automobile accidents can happen anywhere at any time, but that doesn’t mean you should take their severity lightly. No matter the type of motor vehicle you are involved in an accident with, we handle all cases including:
- Car Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Tractor-Trailer Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Ridesharing Accidents
But how do these accidents happen? The most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania include:
- Distracted Driving. Anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road while driving is considered distracted driving. Be it a text message, phone call, eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting your radio, looking for something in the vehicle, etc. Distracted driving is a serious offense even though the summary offense penalty is $50. But if someone gets injured, it can become a costly legal battle.
- Drunk Driving. Some drivers may believe that a beer or two won’t impact their abilities behind the wheel, however, that cannot be further from the truth. Depending on the severity of the accident and the driver’s blood alcohol content level, the penalties can be severe.
- Speeding. Pennsylvania is known for being the Keystone State, for Hershey’s Chocolate, and having the deadliest roads when it comes to speeding. In 2019, speeding was blamed for 162 roadway deaths.
- Vehicle Malfunction. Accidents may not always be a result of negligence but rather, because of a malfunction within the motor vehicle. This is a common point of investigation for single-car crashes, rollovers, and rear-ending accidents.
Unfortunately, when you are the victim in one of these car accidents, gathering evidence and taking photos is the last thing on your mind, especially if you or any of your passengers have suffered an injury.
But you still need to act quickly.
Automobile Statute of Limitations & Damages
Life may be passing quickly while you recover from your injuries, but it’s important to take the time back and file a lawsuit.
In Pennsylvania, you have two years to recover damages for the injuries or death that the individual causes as a result of a wrongful act or negligence. But what damages can you collect?
If the other driver is completely at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional damages
- Any other expenses you may have incurred as a result of the accident
However, if you are partly at fault, the answer is not so clear. Following the “modified comparative fault” rule, the jury will review the total amount of the plaintiff’s damages and the percentage of fault by each party. Under this rule, the damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage equal to the plaintiff’s share of fault.
When this is the case, it is imperative that you have gathered any and all evidence possible including testimonies, photographs, traffic light footage, and more.
Why You Need Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. For Your Automobile Accident Cases
Accidents happen. But when you or a loved one is seriously hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. If you have been involved in an automobile accident or any motor vehicle accident, you need Kalinoski Law Offices, P.C. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.