Car wrecks can happen for a variety of reasons such as inattentive driving, poor weather conditions, or speeding. If you have been injured in a car wreck, you should contact an attorney who is knowledgeable about the common causes of Western PA car accidents. Understanding how a car collision occurs can help with establishing negligence, which is crucial to helping you recover compensation. Call a seasoned Pennsylvania car accident lawyer today and set up your consultation.
Traffic violations are one of the most common causes of car accidents in Western PA and Indiana County. Traffic violations include:
There are also times when a driver has the right of way based on the direction of travel and lane position, but there are no signs. When a driver fails to follow the rules of the road, the likelihood of an accident increases.
Other common causes of car wrecks in Indiana include impaired driving, which is when someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anything substance that can impact one’s ability to drive safely will be considered impaired driving. Alcohol-related impairment is common but so drugs, which include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, opioids, methadone, benzodiazepines, and oxycodone. These drugs are becoming more and more prevalent in impaired driving car wreck cases.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes in Indiana County. Distracted driving covers a range of issues, such as using a cellphone while driving in a car, whether it is texting, calling, emailing, browsing on social media, taking a picture, taking a video, maybe adjusting music, or posting on social media. Anytime a driver is using a cellphone, their hands are on their cellphone, or their eyes are looking at their cellphone, they are not looking at the road. If the vehicle is in motion at that time, that is distracted driving, and it is extremely dangerous because of what can happen in just one second.
Other distracted driving causes are smoking, vaping, fixing one’s hair, and interacting with other passengers in the vehicle.
The cause of the wreck is going to determine who is at fault for the accident. A critical step in the investigation for insurance companies is to determine who is at fault.
In a situation where a specific cause can be identified, it is easier for everyone to determine who is liable. In extreme cases involving impaired driving or maybe even distracted driving, that can lead to increased damages, including punitive damages which are damages that are aimed at punishing the party and deterring that type of conduct by other drivers.
There are many reasons why an injured individual should retain an experienced personal injury attorney following a car collision. An accomplished attorney could investigate the accident and help determine fault. Also, a lawyer could deal with the insurance companies and fight for the compensation the injured person deserves.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car crash, contact a dedicated lawyer who is knowledgeable about the common causes of Western PA car accidents. Contact us today.
Marcus & Mack
