Whether you don’t have your driver’s license, access to a car, or it just makes more sense to carpool, you have probably found yourself riding shotgun at some point. We find ourselves sitting in the passenger seat often. When we get in the car with another individual, we trust that he or she will act responsibly and get us to our destination safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and accidents do occur. So, what do you do if you sustain an injury as a passenger? Will you be able to obtain the compensation you need to recover? Read on for more information regarding car accidents in Pennsylvania.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents?
Sometimes, car accidents are caused by factors like poor road conditions, faulty car parts, or inclement weather. But, for the most part, accidents are a result of driver negligence. The most common examples of negligence include:
- Texting or talking on a cell phone
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Paying more attention to something inside the vehicle than to the road
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving and speeding
- Swerving through traffic
- General disregard for traffic laws
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
An injury can impact your life in a number of ways. If you become injured, you may struggle financially when it comes to medical bills and lost wages. You may also face physical and emotional burdens, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. If you have become injured due to another party’s negligence, you may deserve compensation to help alleviate these burdens. In order to recover compensation, you will have to prove that negligence occurred to cause the accident. In order to do this, you should take the following steps after an accident:
- Call 911. The police will file an accident report which will document who was driving at the time.
- Document the scene. Take photos and videos of any damage done to the vehicles/property involved.
- Obtain witness statements. If someone saw your accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events.
- Go to the hospital. Ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact our firm to speak with a skilled attorney.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
We understand that going through the legal system alone can be both confusing and highly stressful. That is why it is our job to help you through every step of the process ahead. For years, we have been helping clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas through a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury cases, criminal defense matters, family law issues, estate planning law matters, and more. If you need legal assistance, we are here to help. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.
