Discussing Car Accidents, Liability, and Fault in Philadelphia, PA
Finding yourself sitting on the side of the road following a car accident is a stressful situation for drivers of all experience levels. A large number of car crashes are caused by one of three things: bad road conditions, negligence of a driver, or a defect with the vehicle. Almost every car accident will have some form of negligence involved, even when there’s only one vehicle involved in the crash. Liability is another aspect of all vehicle accidents and typically falls on the negligent driver in the crash. There are times when liability can fall on someone other than a driver. Let’s take a look at liability and fault in various types of car accidents in today’s post.
Negligence on the Part of the Driver in Center City, PA
One of the most common causes of car accidents is negligence on the part of the driver. In order to succeed in a personal injury case, there needs to be negligence present. The easiest of car accident negligence cases to prove are those involving alcohol and drug use. Even taking prescription medication and then driving can get people into trouble, especially if a warning comes with the prescription that you should not operate heavy machinery or drive when on the medication and then you get into an accident.
One of the most common types of driver negligence is caused by inattention, which is also referred to as distracted driving. Inattentive, or distracted driving, can be any of the following actions:
- Reading a book or newspaper
- Looking at a billboard, pedestrian, or another vehicle
- Reading a map
- Playing with a GPS system
- Changing the radio stations or CDs
- Texting or answering emails
- Talking on the phone
- Rooting through the glove compartment
- Applying makeup or shaving
- Putting on a tie
- Reaching down in between the seats
- Drinking and eating
- Getting dressed or taking off a jacket
- Yelling at kids in the back seat
- Talking to a passenger
- Adjusting your seat
- Trying to reach something in the back seat
Defective Parts in Pennsylvania Cars
Another common cause of car accidents is when there is a defective part in the car or the car is not properly maintained. Vehicle owners have a slew of maintenance responsibilities to keep up with if they want their car to run smoothly for years to come. Not only will owners save money on repairs, but they will also ensure that the vehicle does not fail when it is being operated. Defects in cars occur because of issues in the manufacture of the vehicle and due to extended use of the vehicle as it gets older. Should a mechanic tell you that your brakes need to be replaced and you refuse to do so, you are knowingly driving on a potentially defective part.
Pennsylvania Road Conditions
The road conditions also play a major role in car accidents. A car accident involving poor road conditions can lead to lawsuits against the other driver involved and even the government entity responsible for caring for the road. Reasons for this include the following:
- Potholes
- Sinkholes
- Confusing signage
- Construction debris left in the road
- Poor directions from a flag person
- Not a big enough shoulder
- Roads under construction
- Poor lighting
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party, or their insurance company, to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC represent clients injured because of a motor vehicle accident in Philadelphia, University City, Center City and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 215-709-7360 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 South Broad Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA 19102 as well as offices in Cherry Hill, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.