Altoona Car Accident Attorneys

Altoona Personal Injury Attorneys » Altoona Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in Altoona and nationwide. A driver’s mere second of inattentiveness could cause a collision that results in catastrophic harm. If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of another motorist, you may be entitled to recover damages for your injuries and losses.

An Altoona car accident lawyer from Marcus & Mack could help you pursue compensation to help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other associated expenses. A personal injury attorney from our firm can review your claim for free and advise you of your options. If you have a valid case, you can rely on us to protect your rights and advocate for you during every stage of the claims process to improve your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Can Marcus & Mack Help With My Altoona Car Accident Claim?

Founded in 1977, our law firm has served injured clients throughout Western Pennsylvania and across the state for more than 47 years.

Our attorneys have more than 100 years of collective personal injury law experience, and we have obtained substantial case results for our clients, including:

• $3 million for a vehicle collision
• $2.15 million for a single-car accident
• $2.085 million for a motor vehicle accident

We’re proud to offer personalized attention to each case, and we fight hard for our clients to achieve the best outcome. While we can’t guarantee results, we can promise to work diligently to maximize your financial recovery to help you realize as full of a physical recovery as possible.

Every attorney at our law firm is committed to excellence, and we value honesty, integrity, respectfulness, and ethical representation. Our caring culture, compassionate service, and record of successful results have earned top reviews from our clients.

From filing an initial claim with an insurance company to gathering the evidence needed to promote that claim to accurately measuring your losses and fighting for your rights, the attorneys at Marcus & Mack can handle it all.

Since our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay any money upfront for us to represent you. We will only accept attorney fees if we recover compensation for you through an insurance settlement or court award.

Discover the difference Marcus & Mack can make for your Altoona car accident injury claim. Call our law office at (814) 942-9443 or contact us online to request a no-cost evaluation of your case and learn of your options to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver who hurt you or a beloved family member.

What Are the Typical Reasons for Car Accidents in Altoona?

Car accidents can occur for various reasons in Altoona, and they often result from a combination of factors.

Some common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. This can include activities like texting, talking on cell phones, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems while driving.
• Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive and reckless behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, and disregarding traffic signals contribute to accidents.
• Driver Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy impairs a driver’s alertness and reaction time, making it more likely for accidents to occur.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Ignoring stop signs, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way can result in collisions.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or young drivers may lack the skills and judgment necessary to navigate challenging driving situations.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

Along with driver carelessness or recklessness, other causes of Altoona car accidents include:

• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and lack of proper signage or road maintenance can contribute to accidents.
• Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or defects in a vehicle, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Poor Visibility: Low visibility due to factors like fog, rain, or darkness can make it challenging for drivers to see other vehicles or obstacles on the road.

Consult an experienced car accident attorney in Altoona following an accident that was not your fault. Even if you feel you bear some responsibility for the crash, discuss your case with a seasoned lawyer to learn of your rights and options for obtaining compensation.

What Are Common Types of Car Accidents in Altoona?

The types of car accidents in Altoona can vary, but some types people most commonly report include:

• Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle collides with the rear of the vehicle in front. Common causes include tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving.
• Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents): A side-impact accident happens when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, often at intersections. They can result from running red lights or failing to yield.
• Head-On Collisions: These are among the most severe accidents and occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide. Head-on accident causes may include wrong-way driving, overtaking on narrow roads, or driver distraction. Given the force of impact, these accidents routinely result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
• Rollover Accidents: A rollover accident happens when a driver loses control, resulting in the vehicle overturning, or when an impact causes a vehicle to overturn.
• Sideswipe Accidents: These accidents happen when the sides of two parallel vehicles make contact. They can occur during lane changes, merging, or when a driver drifts out of their lane.

Car accidents can involve a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. Multi-vehicle pileups involving three or more vehicles can pose unique challenges in determining fault and establishing liability for insurance claim purposes.

Safe driving practices, adherence to traffic laws, and staying attentive on the road can help reduce the likelihood of accidents in Altoona or any other location. Still, even if you take all precautions and drive defensively, you can get into a car accident because of another driver’s negligence or wrongdoing.

What Injuries Can Car Accidents Cause in Altoona?

Car accidents in Altoona can cause a wide range of injuries. The severity of injuries typically depends on the speed of the vehicles involved, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall impact of the collision.

Common injuries resulting from car accidents include:

• Whiplash: A sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, often caused by rear-end collisions. Whiplash can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a car accident can cause fractures or breaks in bones, such as the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones.
• Head Injuries: Concussions, contusions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur due to the head striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or other surfaces in the vehicle.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact accidents may result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or other severe neurological complications.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, sharp objects, or debris in the vehicle can cause cuts and lacerations, potentially leading to infection or scarring.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in car accidents.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries to organs, leading to complications that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries may include internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Burn Injuries: If a vehicle catches fire or if there are hot surfaces in the car, occupants may sustain burn injuries. This can range from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances.
• Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Car accidents can also cause emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.

Although seat belts and airbags save countless lives and reduce the severity of injuries in a car accident, they can cause injuries themselves when they deploy, particularly in high-speed accidents. You may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver for these types of injuries in a car accident claim with the help of an attorney.

If a car accident hurts you or a beloved family member, you must seek medical attention promptly, no matter how minor your injuries appear. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms, and early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a full recovery. Plus, you will need documentation that you received treatment for your injuries to file an injury claim. As soon as you’re able, reach out to a car accident attorney to discuss your case.

Building a Personal Injury Claim Against a Defendant Following an Altoona Car Accident

Insurance companies are not in the business of paying claims when they can avoid it. As a result, you need a lawyer to prove that the insured defendant was negligent. Building a negligence case involves demonstrating that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused you harm as a result. The most effective way to accomplish this is to prove that a defendant broke a rule of the road. An experienced attorney has the skills and knowledge to build a strong case for negligence to help you obtain the compensation you need.

Some methods your lawyer may use to prove negligence include:

• Collect relevant evidence to support your case, such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and any other documentation that can help establish the facts.
• Identify and interview potential witnesses who can testify about the events leading up to the accident, the defendant’s actions, and the resulting harm.
• Consult with expert witnesses who can provide professional opinions or analysis to support your case. For example, a medical expert may testify about the extent of your injuries, and an accident reconstructionist could show how the accident occurred to establish fault.

Preserve and document evidence before it is lost or destroyed. This may include preserving the accident scene, maintaining damaged property, and securing relevant documents. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and any other damages you’ve incurred. This documentation will be crucial in establishing the extent of your losses.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Car Accident Injury Claim?

The main types of compensation typically available in car accident injury claims include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property
• Transportation costs: Expenses for alternative transportation while your vehicle is being repaired
• Home modifications: If needed to accommodate injuries or disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
• Emotional distress: Mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
• Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with spouse or family members

In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the other driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, though these are less common.

The specific compensation you may receive depends on factors like:

• Severity of injuries
• Impact on daily life and work
• Clear documentation of expenses and losses
• State laws and insurance policies
• Degree of fault in the accident

Your attorney will work hard to ensure you obtain the compensation you need to cover all of your injuries and losses resulting from a car crash someone else caused.

Will I Have to Take My Altoona Car Accident Case to Court?

Not necessarily. Before proceeding to court, your attorney may negotiate with the defendant or their insurance company to reach a settlement. This may involve presenting your case and demonstrating the strength of your evidence. Keep in mind that most car accident claims settle outside of court.

However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, denies your valid claim without just cause, or acts in bad faith regarding your claim, your attorney may recommend taking them to court and suing for the money you need.

What Is the Time Limit to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

According to Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits based on negligence, including car accidents, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in civil court.

While some limited exceptions exist to toll the statute of limitations, most plaintiffs do not qualify for additional time.  An experienced attorney could explain those exceptions to you and determine if your case falls within an exception.

If you don’t have an attorney file a lawsuit on your behalf within that two-year time frame, you’ll likely lose your rights to pursue compensation against the at-fault party.

Claims against government entities typically have far shorter deadlines for filing injury claims, so you need to speak with an attorney right away if a government agency is responsible for your car accident injuries.

Regardless of your case, you must contact a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. The process of collecting evidence, assessing your injuries and damages, and filing suit all take time. You don’t want to miss out on important compensation because you failed to act in time.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Car Accident?

Most likely. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102, courts must evaluate the actions of all parties involved in car accidents. If the court determines that you carried more than 50 percent of the blame for the incident, the court may bar you from obtaining any compensation.

Additionally, the court will reduce your award by your percentage of fault if that percentage is less than 50 but more than zero. A skilled Altoona car crash lawyer could help to build a powerful negligence case against an at-fault defendant.

An Altoona Car Accident Attorney from Marcus & Mack May Help You

Following a car accident in Altoona someone else caused, you’ve suffered not just physical harm but also economic losses and emotional anguish. An Altoona personal injury lawyer from our law firm could help you pursue a claim for the compensation needed to set things right.

We will work to build a powerful case against negligent defendants while protecting your claim from aggressive insurance companies. Contact us today at (814) 942-9443 to request a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you navigate your Altoona car accident claim so you can get the fair compensation you need.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!