Residents of Chester, PA are rightfully frustrated with the high incidence of car crashes occurring in this area. Whether the causes are dangerous road conditions or drunk drivers, there is no greater pain than the loss of life or when someone is injured in a car crash due to someone else’s carelessness. There are chaotic examples in Chester, PA. In November 2018, there were reports of 250 car accidents reported just between the hours of 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to the lack of preparation for a storm that was colder than was forecasted and roads were left untreated. Everyone who cares for and drives has a duty to be careful. This obligation transcends any excuses because motorists’ lives are at risk.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash due to the negligence of another entity or individual, you shouldn’t let this tragedy destroy your entire life and your health permanently. The accomplished team of attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm is skilled in representing victims of car injuries in Chester, PA. Their achievements in obtaining compensation in severe injury cases have brought hope and dreams back to the lives of people after what was possibly the worst time of their lives. To schedule a free legal consultation call (215) 709-6940.
Breakdown of Car Accident Representation in Chester, PA
Personal injury lawsuits are typically brought in civil court. The person who initiates the suit is called “plaintiff.” The plaintiff can be the injured persons or their surviving loved ones in the case of wrongful deaths.
The legal bases or causes of action for these lawsuits can vary or be combined due to the varying nature of these car crash conditions. A skilled personal injury lawyer will incorporate all the causes of action in a lawsuit in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the injured victims. Examples of these legal causes of action include:
Car Accidents Caused by Negligent Maintenance of Roads
Negligent maintenance of roads, structures, and traffic control devices is a common cause of car crashes. While government agencies have what is called “sovereign immunity” that exempts them of liability, the Pennsylvania legislature has enacted an exception for situations when the government agencies fail to take care of public roads and highways. Common causes of accidents due to negligent maintenance of roads include:
- Failure to remove ice or warn of slippery roads and dangerous road conditions
- Potholes
- Inadequate signage
- Improper drainage systems
- Failure to maintain and set the proper pitch to the streets
- Failure to remove abandoned vehicles and hazardous obstructions
- Defective control devices
- Failure to provide adequate rails
Driver negligence is related to distracted drivers, driving under the influence (DUI), aggressive driving and driver errors. Pennsylvania has been ranked as one of the states with the highest number of aggressive drivers in the nationwide. These types of accidents have touched many families in Chester, PA and proper legal recovery for their injuries are available.
Premises Liability
The theory of premises liability with respect to roads relates to the duty that highway and road administrators have to ensure streets are safe of hazards. If there is an accident or there are dangerous road conditions, there is a duty to warn drivers and take measures to fix the problems. Pennsylvania roads are the property of the Commonwealth. Therefore, the state has a responsibility to keep the premises safe just like any other property owner.
Car Defect Lawsuits
Manufacturing and other car engineering defects can cause especially tragic accidents in that the negligence is often unknown until the problem arises. A seasoned personal injury lawyer should be well prepared to help the plaintiff navigate through this process. These cases can require a lot of technical information that is not always self-evident.
There are instances when a car defect arises at the time of a car crash, causing more severe injuries that would have occurred otherwise. This is known as the “doctrine of crashworthiness.” Pursuant to this doctrine, the car manufacturer will be responsible for the level of damage or worsening conditions that the defect caused. For example, there are instances a crash or sudden smash provokes a fire due to defective gas tanks. A potentially minor collision turns to be a major tragedy due to a car manufacturer error in designing or building the part triggering the fire.
Full Tort Coverage in Chester, PA
The term “tort coverage” is a fancy way to state that Pennsylvania residents have a wide array of rights that can be pursued in car accident injury cases. Family members can sue for their losses as well as for wrongful death when a loved one dies. There are no specific limitations or exclusions as to monetary awards. Examples of financial recovery include:
- Medical treatment
- Vehicle and other property losses
- Lost past and future wages
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages or monetary award as punishment for careless or reckless behavior
Call Your Award-Winning Chester, PA Car Accident Lawyers
The award-winning team of The Reiff Law Firm is known for a relentless dedication to serving their clients. Our accomplishments are a sign of an enduring commitment to bringing results, which include significant monetary awards as well as a high quality and ethical, legal representation. For more than 35 years we have been serving victims of car accident injuries in Chester, PA and surrounding neighborhoods. We get paid if compensation is awarded to our clients first. Call (215) 709-6940 to schedule a consultation.