If you or a loved one find yourself facing the aftermath of a Pittsburgh car accident, you’re all too familiar with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that swiftly follow. Confronting mounting medical bills, property damage, insurance paperwork, and a convoluted legal process can seem insurmountable.
This is where our committed group of professional Pittsburgh car accident attorneys can serve you. At Monge & Associates, we stand ready to equip you with the best guidance, unwavering support, and zealous representation to steer you through this trying time. Armed with a thorough understanding of Pennsylvania car accident laws and a solid record of getting the best verdict for our client, we’re primed to fiercely defend your rights and get you the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers today for a free, confidential discussion and let us assist you in retaking control of your life.
Pittsburgh Car Accident Resources
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Are There Different Types of Car Accidents?
Leading Causes of Car Accidents
Motorist Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Speak to a Lawyer Today
Are There Different Types of Car Accidents?
Pittsburgh is a bustling city with various kinds of car accidents that can occur. Understanding the different types of car accidents can provide insight into the potential risks and hazards you may encounter. Some common types of car accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the rear of another vehicle. They often happen due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
- Intersection Accidents: Accidents at intersections can result from drivers failing to yield, running red lights or stop signs, or making improper turns. T-bone collisions, where one vehicle is struck on the side, are common in these situations.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles collide. They can happen during lane changes, merging, or when vehicles are traveling in close proximity.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions involve two vehicles colliding front-to-front. These accidents often result in severe injuries and can occur due to wrong-way driving, overtaking on a two-lane road, or driver impairment.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Multi-vehicle accidents, also known as pileups, involve three or more vehicles. These accidents often occur on highways or in adverse weather conditions and can lead to extensive property damage and injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. They are more common in SUVs and trucks due to their higher center of gravity and can result from sharp turns, overcorrection, or collisions with other vehicles.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Parking lot accidents can involve vehicles backing out, improper lane usage, or collisions with pedestrians. These accidents typically occur at low speeds but can still result in injuries and property damage.
Understanding the various types of car accidents can help you assess the circumstances surrounding your own accident and determine liability. After a crash, you seek seek the assistance of an experienced car and truck accident attorney in Pittsburgh.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?
Pittsburgh car accidents can occur due to a variety of factors and causes, many of which involve driver negligence or reckless behavior. Some key causes of car accidents we see at Monge & Associates include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have devastating consequences.
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Speeding is a common factor in many serious and fatal accidents.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Intoxicated drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and others on the road.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, excessive lane changing, or running red lights, can lead to dangerous situations and accidents. These actions disregard the safety of others and increase the likelihood of collisions.
- Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to concentrate, react quickly, and make sound decisions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Pittsburgh experiences a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and fog, which can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving behavior to accommodate these conditions increase the risk of accidents.
- Road Defects: Poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, inadequate lighting, and other road defects can contribute to accidents. These issues may be the responsibility of local government agencies, and filing a claim against them may be necessary to seek compensation for damages.
Pittsburgh Motorist Insurance Requirements
In Pittsburgh, motorists are required to carry certain insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle on the road. These insurance requirements are in place to ensure that drivers have adequate financial protection in case of accidents. An inability to meet these requirements can lead to increased liability for the party who caused the accident. The mandatory insurance requirements for Pittsburgh motorists include:
- Liability Insurance: All drivers in Pittsburgh must carry liability insurance coverage, which provides compensation for injuries and property damage to others if you are found at fault in an accident. The minimum liability coverage limits in Pennsylvania are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident involving multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage.
- Medical Benefits Coverage: In addition to liability insurance, Pittsburgh motorists are required to have medical benefits coverage. This coverage provides benefits for reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. The minimum medical benefits coverage limit in Pennsylvania is $5,000.
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Pittsburgh does not require but strongly encourages drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Pennsylvania Car Accident Claims?
In Pittsburgh, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing a car accident claim. The statute of limitations determines the deadline by which legal action must be initiated in order to seek compensation for injuries and damages resulting from a car accident.
In most cases, the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Pittsburgh is two (2) years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or their insurance company. Failing to file a claim within this time period may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
It is important to note that certain circumstances can affect the statute of limitations. For example, if the accident resulted in a fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim may be different. Additionally, if the car accident involved a government entity or public transportation, there may be different deadlines and procedures to follow. Your Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer will be able to explain the timeline of your unique case in more specific detail.
Contact our Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone close to you has been caught up in a car accident in Pittsburgh, you know firsthand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial strain it brings. Battling with escalating medical costs, damaged property, intricate insurance matters, and legal complexities can seem like an uphill battle.
Here at Monge & Associates, we have seasoned Pittsburgh car accident attorneys ready to provide you with comprehensive guidance, steadfast support, and tenacious representation to steer you through this challenging period. With an intimate understanding of Pittsburgh car accident laws and a reputation for getting our clients top-notch settlements, we’re geared to fiercely safeguard your rights and secure the compensation you’re rightfully owed. Your journey to recovery takes center stage, as we are committed to champion your cause at every stage of the litigation process. Don’t hesitate, contact Monge & Associates today for your free consultation and let us pave the way to getting you the justice you deserve.