Traffic Accidents FAQ
July 26, 2019
Understanding Auto Accidents
Have you recently been involved in an auto accident? Perhaps, you simply want to learn more about them so you can avoid future injuries or tragedy. Whatever your reason for being here, this blog goes over some of the most frequently asked questions regarding motor vehicle accidents. Chances are if you are here, you’re looking for answers. We are happy to help! Fully understanding traffic accidents can help you with a current case or prevent yourself from ever having to file a claim in the first place.
How Do you Determine Fault in a Traffic Accident?
To decide fault, one needs to look at all the evidence, including witness testimony, police reports, diagrams of the accident, dash cam videos, and images of damage to vehicles for point of impact. The situation must be fully assessed in order to figure out who the liable party was. Deciding on liability involves figuring out who was negligent or who did not take proper care to stay safe. Sometimes, an accident is not a driver’s fault but instead, a result of dangerous road conditions or malfunctioning parts that are the mistake of the manufacturer.
What Happens When More Than One Party is At Fault for the Accident?
When more than one party is at fault for an accident, this is often called comparative negligence. Percentages are assigned to each partially-liable party by looking over the details. For instance, someone who ran a red light might be 90% liable while you might be 10% liable for driving exhausted and not paying attention before putting your foot on the gas. In these situations, you only get the percentage you were not liable for.
Are Drivers Making a Left-Hand Turn Always Liable for an Accident?
Usually, a left-turning driver is the liable party in a motor vehicle accident, as they are usually the one required to wait for other drivers going straight or turning right. In certain cases, a driver making a left-hand turn may not be considered liable if the other driver sped up on the road. Another common example of this kind of exception is if the other driver blew a stop sign or red light.
How Does a Compensation Claim Work When a Motorcyclist Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Helmet laws are different depending on the state. In Pennsylvania, if you’re over 21, you don’t have to wear a helmet but must have your own insurance policy to cover injuries if you get in an accident, regardless of liability. However, you must have at least two years of riding experience or complete a PennDOT-approved safety course. It’s worth nothing that a lack of helmet does not affect your rights in a motorcycle accident injury.
Can I Be Liable for an Accident if I was Rear-Ended?
You can definitely be liable, even if you were rear-ended. Usually, these types of accidents are the fault of the person behind you coming up too fast or expecting you to speed past a yellow or just-turning-red traffic light. However, if you unexpectedly unsafely, or unnecessarily slam on your breaks, you can be at fault for the resultant accident. If you are going way under the speed limit and someone doesn’t realize this coming around a sharp curve, you can also be liable.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Traffic Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a traffic 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 Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and other types of motor vehicle crashes in Pittsburgh and surrounding Westmoreland, PA Counties. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
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.
