Allentown, PA Car Accident Lawyer

People sometimes disregard car accidents as common facts of life, but many accidents are incredibly serious. If you were hurt in a crash, an attorney can help you recover damages to pay for your considerable expenses.

There are numerous major roads and highways around Allentown where car accidents might occur. After a crash, you might have several legal options, including filing an insurance claim and a personal injury lawsuit, depending on your circumstances. Common factors behind car accidents include distracted drivers, poor road conditions, problems with the vehicles themselves, and traffic violations, among others. Injuries can be severe, and a litany of injuries are possible. Some common car accident injuries include broken bones, brain injuries, and whiplash. Damages can also be severe, and economic and non-economic losses and injuries must be accounted for to maximize your potential compensation. To recover these damages, you must have evidence. Evidence often comes from the scene of the accident but might also be found in unexpected places.

Our car accident lawyers can help you determine the best way to get compensation for your grievous injuries. For a free case evaluation, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.

Where a Car Accident Might Happen in and Around Allentown, PA

Allentown may be Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, but it is also the state’s fastest-growing city. While Allentown has long been overshadowed by Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and even nearby Bethlehem, the city is positioned to expand and develop more extensively due to its access not only to regional roads, but also its numerous local roads linking the city to these throughways and expressways.

Major roads linking Allentown with commercial centers include I-78 linking the city with Harrisburg and New York City, US 22, running from Cincinnati to Newark, PA 390 allows travel to and from Philly and the Poconos, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike allows travel to Plymouth Meeting & Clarks Summit. Major roads linking Allentown to these expressways include:

• Hamilton Blvd.
• Airport Rd.
• Fullerton Ave.
• PA 145
• Lehigh St.
• Union Blvd

While most trips on these highways and connecting roads are completed without complication or other events, an accident always remains a possibility. If you have been involved in a life-altering car crash that inflicted catastrophic injuries, the personal injury attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm may be able to fight for you. To schedule a free consultation, call (215) 515-9481 or contact us online.

Legal Options After a Car Accident in Allentown, PA

After a car crash, you can speak to our car accident attorneys about taking legal action and getting compensation from the other driver. Depending on your circumstances, you might have several options worth looking into, including insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.

Insurance Claims

Pennsylvania is one of a few states that is a no-fault insurance state. Drivers are generally required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance that covers them regardless of fault. This means that after a car accident, drivers would file no-fault claims with their own insurance companies to get coverage. The upside to this system is that you should be covered regardless of who was at fault, and you do not have to worry about whether the other driver has insurance. The idea is that your no-fault insurance will cover your damages, and there will be no need to file a lawsuit. This way, drivers get their expenses paid for, and the justice system is somewhat relieved.

Unfortunately, many car accident victims have very high damages not fully covered by their insurance. At that point, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver to recover additional damages might be a good option.

Lawsuit

While a lawsuit can help you recover damages not covered by your insurance, filing a case is not always possible. In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to choose between limited and full tort options when they purchase auto insurance. The option you select will determine whether you can file a lawsuit and how your case moves forward.

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705(a)(1), a limited tort option, you and all members of your household covered by your insurance may seek damages related to medical expenses and other economic losses, but non-economic damages for things like pain and suffering are off limits unless your injuries are considered “serious injuries.”

Serious injuries are defined under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1702 and include personal injuries resulting in serious bodily function impairments, permanent serious disfigurement, or death.

A full tort option allows you and other members of your household covered by your insurance to file personal injury lawsuits for economic and non-economic damages without needing to prove serious injuries. This is a less restrictive but often more expensive option.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Allentown, PA

Unfortunately, many car accidents occur as the result of drivers’ negligent actions. The following are all common forms of negligence that lead to car crashes in Allentown:

Distracted Driving

One of the most common forms of negligent behavior that causes car accidents is distracted driving. This occurs when a driver diverts their attention from the road to engage in other activities. These distractions can include using a smartphone to text, make calls, or browse social media, eating, grooming, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers. Distracted driving significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions, pedestrians, or obstacles, increasing the risk of collisions.

Speeding

Speeding is another prevalent form of negligence that leads to car accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they have reduced control over their vehicles. Higher speeds also mean increased stopping distances, making it difficult to react in time to prevent accidents. Speeding drivers are less likely to perceive and react to potential hazards, and the force of impact in a crash is magnified, resulting in more severe injuries and damages.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road. This includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, swerving in and out of traffic, street racing, and running red lights or stop signs. Reckless drivers put themselves and others at significant risk, as their erratic and unpredictable actions can cause catastrophic accidents with devastating consequences.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous form of negligence that frequently causes car accidents. Impaired drivers experience reduced coordination, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment, leading to poor decision-making on the road. Alcohol and drugs can also impair a driver’s ability to maintain proper lane positioning and follow traffic signals, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Tired Driving

Tired driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while excessively fatigued or drowsy. This form of negligence can be as hazardous as driving under the influence. Fatigued drivers may experience microsleep episodes, where they briefly fall asleep without realizing it. This can lead to drifting out of lanes or failing to respond to sudden changes in traffic, contributing to accidents.

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

Negligence can also occur when drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws and regulations. This can include failing to yield the right-of-way, not stopping at stop signs or red lights, improper lane changes, and not using turn signals. When drivers do not follow these essential rules, it creates confusion and increases the chances of collisions.

Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance

Negligence isn’t limited to driver behavior alone; it can also result from inadequate vehicle maintenance. When drivers neglect to properly maintain their vehicles, it can lead to mechanical failures on the road. Brakes that do not work correctly, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning headlights can all contribute to accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Tailgating

Tailgating, or following too closely to the vehicle in front of you, is a form of negligence that often results in rear-end collisions. When drivers tailgate, they leave insufficient space to react if the leading vehicle suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle. This lack of stopping distance increases the likelihood of collisions, especially during heavy traffic or in congested areas.

Common Injuries Suffered by Car Accident Victims in Allentown, PA

Car crashes can result in several different types of debilitating and painful injuries. Fortunately, if you suffered any of the following are a result of your collision, then you may be entitled to financial compensation:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury experienced by car accident victims, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked back and forth, straining the soft tissues and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes, shoulder or back pain. Medical treatments for whiplash may include rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and gentle neck exercises to improve flexibility and strength. In severe cases, a neck brace or collar might be prescribed to support the neck during the healing process.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Car accidents can result in fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. The severity of these injuries can range from simple fractures to complex compound fractures that require surgical intervention. Medical treatment for fractures involves setting the bone in place, either through casting or surgery, to promote proper healing. Immobilization is often necessary to allow the bones to mend correctly. Physical therapy may follow to restore mobility and strength once the bones have healed sufficiently.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs are serious and potentially life-altering injuries that occur when the brain sustains a sudden impact or a penetrating injury during a car accident. Concussions are a common form of mild TBI. More severe TBIs can lead to brain contusions, hematomas, or diffuse axonal injuries. Medical treatments for TBIs depend on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may require rest and monitoring, while more severe cases might necessitate hospitalization, surgery to remove hematomas, and ongoing rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating consequences suffered by car accident victims. They occur when the spinal cord sustains damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent further damage. Treatment for spinal cord injuries focuses on stabilizing the spine to prevent further harm and may involve surgery to remove bone fragments or foreign objects. Rehabilitation programs play a significant role in helping victims adapt to their new circumstances, and they include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries encompass a range of damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as sprains, strains, and contusions. These injuries often cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment for soft tissue injuries involves the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce swelling. Further, physical therapy can aid in the recovery process, helping to restore function and prevent long-term complications.

Internal Injuries

Car accidents can lead to various internal injuries, including damage to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation critical after an accident. Treatment for internal injuries depends on the specific organ affected and the severity of the damage. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove damaged organs. Close monitoring and supportive care are essential for a successful recovery.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Not all car accident injuries are physical; many victims experience psychological trauma. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a distressing event like a severe car crash. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Treatment for PTSD often involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help the individual process and cope with the trauma.

Potential Damages in Allentown, PA Car Accident Cases

Injuries, losses, expenses, and painful experiences may be summed up in a single legal term: damages. Your damages represent everything you lost or endured because of your car accident. Some damages are based on actual amounts of money you lost or had to spend, while others are based on more subjective experiences. Our car accident lawyers can assist you in calculating your damages so nothing is overlooked.

In car accident cases, economic damages often include medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Medical bills are known for being high, even if injuries are minor. When injuries are severe, medical bills can be astronomical. Even with health insurance, your deductibles might be significant. Additionally, injured drivers tend to lose income because they must take time away from work to recover. The longer you are out of work, the greater your economic losses. Finally, vehicles are not cheap to repair or replace, and the cost of repairing your car should be included in the assessment of your damages.

Non-economic damages are different because they are often not connected to a particular sum of money or value. Instead, non-economic damages reflect subjective experiences you went through during and after the crash. For example, your physical and emotional pain and suffering may be factored into these damages. In especially serious and traumatic accident cases, these damages are significant. Examples of other non-economic damages include humiliation and damage to your reputation.

Evidence to Support Your Claims in a Car Accident Case in Allentown, PA

In order to recover monetary damages in a car accident lawsuit, you will need to present evidence that proves the defendant is at fault for your crash. There are several types of evidence that may be used to accomplish this task. For example, the following are all examples of evidence regularly utilized by our car accident attorneys:

Witness Statements

Witness statements are essential pieces of evidence in car accident cases. These statements come from individuals who witnessed the accident as it happened or arrived shortly after the incident. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of the events leading up to the crash, the actions of the drivers involved, and the overall circumstances. Their statements can help establish the sequence of events, the behavior of the drivers, and who might have been at fault. Witness credibility is crucial, and their statements can carry significant weight in determining liability.

Surveillance Footage

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can be valuable evidence in car accident cases. Cameras may have captured the accident as it occurred, providing an objective and visual record of the events. This footage can help corroborate witness statements, fill in any gaps in the narrative, and provide critical details that may not be immediately apparent from photos or testimonies. Surveillance footage can be particularly useful in cases where fault is disputed, as it offers an unbiased account of the accident.

Photos from the Scene

Photographs taken at the scene of the accident can be powerful evidence in demonstrating fault. These photos capture the position of the vehicles, the condition of the road, traffic signals, road signs, and any visible damage to the vehicles involved. Clear and well-documented photos can help recreate the accident scene, providing valuable insights into factors that contributed to the crash. For example, skid marks, road debris, and property damage can provide clues about how the accident occurred and which driver may have been at fault.

Expert Witness Statements

Expert witnesses are professionals with specialized knowledge or expertise relevant to the car accident case. In car accident cases, various experts can be called upon, such as accident reconstruction specialists, biomechanical engineers, or medical professionals. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence and data to create a scientifically-based reconstruction of the accident, helping to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors. Biomechanical engineers can assess the forces involved in the collision and the potential for injury. Medical experts can provide insight into the extent of injuries and how they relate to the accident’s mechanics. Expert witness statements add credibility and a deeper understanding of the accident’s technical aspects, which can be pivotal in proving fault.

Personal Recollections

Finally, your personal recollection of your accident can be used to establish fault. It is difficult to know which details surrounding your collision will become important during later stages of your case.

Therefore, immediately after your accident, you should attempt to record all of the details you remember while your memory is fresh. The information you record may be very helpful when proving your case.

Call Our Allentown, PA Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review

If you have been severely injured or if a loved one has been killed due to a reckless or negligent driver, our car accident attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm may be able to help. To schedule a free and confidential auto accident case review, call (215) 709-6940.