What You Need to Know About Auto Accidents

Learn More About Auto Accidents

Auto accidents happen to other people, at least that’s what many think when they pull out of the parking lot or their driveway. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in 2020, more than 58,000 traffic accidents occurred in the state, which resulted in around 45,000 injuries and 1,060 fatalities. If you are injured in a car accident, enlisting the help of an injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.

How a Lawyer Helps 

A law firm works for its injured clients by collecting the evidence needed to support a claim for compensation following a car accident. The attorney negotiates on your behalf with the at-fault party’s insurance company if you have not received the damages you deserve. They employ expert witnesses when necessary and file the documents if the case has to go to court. 

While the vast majority of auto accidents are settled with the insurance company, it has to be remembered that they are in business to make money. It’s to an insurance company’s advantage if an injured party settles early for a lesser amount. In that way, the insurance company is not obligated to pay out more if the injury expenses continue rolling in. 

Types of Auto Accidents

Auto accidents not only involve motor vehicles but can include trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Some of the types of accidents that can occur include:

  • Head-on crashes
  • Rear-end collisions
  • T-bone accidents
  • Sideswipes
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Multiple vehicle collisions
  • Rollovers
  • Bus or other common carriers
  • Collisions with big rigs or other commercial vehicles
  • Vehicles for hire such as Uber or Lyft

Helpful Tips on What to Do Following an Auto Accident 

Even if you believe you haven’t suffered any injuries in your traffic accident, it’s always a good idea to see a physician or go to the emergency room afterward. Some injury symptoms are masked by the excitement of the crash, while other symptoms can be delayed and not appear until days or even weeks afterward. By doing the following, you are helping to protect any potential claim:

  • Don’t admit fault or make any statements that could be misinterpreted as self-incriminating. 
  • Following an accident when someone is asked how they are, their natural response unless they are obviously injured is often “I’m fine.” However, it may turn out later that the individual did suffer an injury. An insurance company can use that response to deny or downplay your injury claim. 
  • Get a copy of the accident report. In Edinboro, you can either phone the police department at (814) 734-1712, or go in person to the police department on Meadville Street to obtain a copy.
  • Document your accident by keeping all your records in a file such as medical bills, insurance records, the police report and others.
  • After you visit your doctor or the emergency room, make sure to follow their orders such as taking your medications as directed.
  • Don’t talk about your accident on social media because the insurance company or other parties involved in the collision might monitor it and use it against you.
  • Don’t accept the first offer your insurance company makes because it’s probably low. By allowing an auto accident attorney to negotiate for you, the settlement amount may be considerably higher and should cover all of your medical expenses, even if your injury is expected to continue into the future. 
  • Call an Edinboro auto accident lawyer for advice. They can tell you whether you can place a claim, what options are available and answer all your questions.

The Travis Law Firm – Edinboro

When you need advice about whether you can file an injury claim following an auto accident, know that The Travis Law Firm has assisted many clients in Edinboro in obtaining the compensation they deserve. We work hard to win your case, while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries. Phone us at (814) 734-6076, and schedule a free review of your case today. You can also reach us online.