If you have been injured in a car accident, you know the aggravation of waiting for your settlement check while looking at an ever-growing stack of medical bills. Sadly, nothing can prepare you for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a motor vehicle crash. Compounded by the inability to work, you may begin to wonder how you will ever climb out of the financial hole you are in.
Car accidents are only expected to rise in the coming years, placing individuals’ financial security at risk. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, we are committed to helping accident victims recoup the full extent of damages. If you or a loved one has been affected by a crash, it is important that you speak with a car accident lawyer in Cumberland County as soon as possible.
Causes of Car Accidents in Cumberland County, PA
Common causes of car accidents in Cumberland County, PA include:
Distracted Driving
Each year, over 3,000 people are killed, and 350,000 are injured due to distracted driving. Distracted or inattentive driving includes any behavior that takes your eyes off the road, your mind off your driving, or your hands off the wheel. Texting is the most common form of distracted driving, followed by eating/drinking, grooming, and speaking with passengers.
Impaired Driving
The Commonwealth makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. Alcohol is known to slow reflexes, impair coordination, and reduce visual acuity. Drunk driving takes the lives of thousands of people each year, causing others to suffer significant injuries.
Reckless Driving
Pennsylvania law defines reckless driving as displaying “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring traffic signs or signals, and tailgating are prime examples. Reckless driving is a summary offense in the Commonwealth, punishable by a $200 fine upon conviction. Additionally, the driver may be subject to 90 days in jail and a six-month license suspension. Even if criminal charges are pressed, you do have the right to file a civil suit against the at-fault driver.
Fatigued Driving
Six out of every 10 adults admit to getting behind the wheel while drowsy at one time or another. The impact of fatigue while driving cannot be overstated, with extreme fatigue comparable to driving with a BAC of 0.08%. Fatigued driving impairs a person’s reaction time, attention, and ability to recognize hazards. In our fast-paced society, drowsy-driving crashes have increased in recent years.
Road Conditions
Uneven pavement, icy or slippery roads, potholes, and tools left over from a construction site can all contribute to crashes. Based on the circumstances, you may be eligible to file a claim against the local municipality in charge of road maintenance or the Commonwealth if the accident occurred on a public highway. However, certain criteria will apply for you to collect compensation, making it important that you speak with a car accident lawyer.
Time Limit to File a Car Accident Claim in PA
The state of Pennsylvania gives drivers two years to file a personal injury claim following a car accident. Understanding your legal options is essential, so work with a skilled car accident attorney. Our legal team is committed to helping individuals recover expenses for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, and never settling for less than your case is worth. While it may be possible to file a claim after the two-year period has expired, this only applies in limited situations. By working with a car accident attorney, you can ensure that you are following the appropriate procedures to obtain financial recovery.
Speak with a Cumberland County Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a family member has been injured while driving in Pennsylvania, Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, is here to help. With a reputation as one of the state’s leading personal injury firms, our car accident lawyers are proud to serve the residents of Cumberland County and nearby cities. To learn the full value of your car accident case, feel free to contact us online or call (717) 229-6580 today.