Bethel Park Car Accident Lawyers

It can happen in a second. You’re cruising down the road to pick up your child from school, go to work, or head into Pittsburgh for the day. The next, your car is a crumpled heap of metal and you’re not quite sure what happened. Car accidents are very common in Pennsylvania and across the United States, largely because of negligent and reckless drivers.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait to talk to a personal injury lawyer in Bethel Park. The team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman is ready to help you fight for fair compensation. Call us at 412-253-2925 to set up a consultation now.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation maintains a database of car accident statistics,  making it easy to track patterns over time and look for problematic trends. In 2020 alone, Pennsylvania saw almost 105,000 traffic accidents. They led to 1,129 deaths and over 61,000 injuries. While this number is trending downward, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Passenger cars were more likely to be involved in crashes than any other vehicles, followed closely by light trucks, vans, and SUVs. State highways and local roads had the highest number of crashes statewide. This may include local roads like State Route 88, Mount Lebanon Boulevard, and Connor Road.

Impaired driving is a huge issue in Pennsylvania. There were 7,700 alcohol-related collisions in 2020, resulting in nearly 300 deaths. This amounts to more than a quarter of all traffic deaths in the state.

What Causes Bethel Park Auto Accidents?

The state also has data on what causes car crashes. These trends reflect what is observed in other parts of the country—driver error is a huge factor in traffic collisions. One of the most common causes of crashes was speeding, followed by improper turns, driving while distracted, and driving without checking for obstacles. Other common errors include driving while drunk and passing unsafely.

While human error is the main reason crashes occur, there are other reasons that traffic collisions may happen. State and local municipalities have an obligation to keep roads safe and easy to navigate. In some cases, crashes are caused by poor signage and navigation or unsafe roads. Collisions may also be the result of vehicle malfunctions.

Compensation for Car Crash Injuries

Knowing the cause of a car accident is the first step in seeking compensation. Once you know why an accident happened, you can figure out who is at fault. From there, it’s a matter of proving that your injuries were a result of the accident and that they deserve compensation.

This is where your Bethel Park car accident attorney shines. Insurance companies are very good at limiting the amount of compensation they pay victims, and an attorney can help avoid their tricks. With a successful personal injury claim, you may be able to receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including prescription medications, diagnostic tests, surgical work, ambulance transportation, and follow-up care
• Lost wages
• Future medical expenses for severe injuries that will require ongoing care
• Lost future earning opportunities if you are permanently unable to work due to your injuries
• Disability and disfigurement
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Pennsylvania Laws

To protect your shot at compensation, you’ll need to be familiar with Pennsylvania personal injury laws. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years. Filing your case after that date will almost certainly lead to a dismissal.

There are exceptions, of course. If your lawsuit is against the government, you need to go through an entirely separate procedure and you are subject to different timelines.

Like many other states, Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still receive compensation. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to collect any compensation.

It is fairly easy to calculate. If you are awarded $10,000 and found to be 10% at fault, your award will be reduced to $9,000 to account for your share of fault.

Additionally, Pennsylvania has a unique car insurance system that may affect whether or not you can file a claim against the other party. If you opted for limited tort insurance, your claim will go through your own insurance company unless you suffered serious injuries. If you chose full tort insurance coverage, you can seek compensation from the liable party.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Bethel Park, PA

If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a car accident, you may wonder if an attorney is really necessary. After all, shouldn’t the other party’s insurance company simply pay up if it’s clear that their client is at fault?

While this would be the preferable outcome, it just doesn’t work that way. Insurance companies are notoriously stingy with their money and they will do whatever it takes to protect it, including lying about claims, tricking victims into saying things that hurt their case and dragging cases out to discourage victims.

The team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman knows how insurance companies operate and how far they will go to protect their own best interests. We’ll go even further to protect your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. A car accident can leave you with staggering amounts of medical debt, limited income, and significant mental trauma.

You should not be left carrying these burdens on your own. By fully investigating the accident, learning more about your injuries, and building a strong case against the other party, we’ll advocate for you during negotiations and, if necessary, in court.

Reach Out to Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Now

If you’re ready to pursue a personal injury claim for your car accident injuries, we’re ready to work with you and help you explore your options. Set up a consultation with our team now to get started. Call us at 412-253-2925 or fill out our online contact form.