After a car accident in Pittsburgh, your safety and recovery should always come first. Move to a safe location, check for injuries, and seek medical attention even for minor symptoms. It’s crucial to document the accident, keep all medical records, and seek legal advice to protect your rights and improve your chances of fair compensation.
Freeburn Law is a trusted choice for personal injury representation in Pittsburgh. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to handling the legal process on your behalf, so you can focus fully on healing. With Freeburn Law fighting for you, you can have confidence that your case is in skilled hands committed to securing justice and financial support for you and your family.
Contact Freeburn Law today for experienced, compassionate help after any Pittsburgh car accident.
What to Do After a Crash: Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights
When a crash happens in Pittsburgh, protecting yourself and your family starts with a clear head and quick decisions.
Keep this checklist handy when the unexpected strikes:
- Move vehicles to the shoulder or a safe spot if you can do so safely
- Turn on hazard lights and stay visible to prevent further accidents
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance, no matter how small the crash seems
- Exchange driver and insurance details with everyone involved
- Get contact info from witnesses who saw what happened
- Take photos and videos of the vehicles, the scene, and any injuries
- Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh, including weather, timing, and the sequence of events
- Request a police report for official documentation
Having your own evidence, a few photos, witness contacts, and notes about the scene can help make your case stronger if you choose to seek compensation down the road. These details often tip the scales in insurance negotiations or litigation, giving you solid ground to stand on when sharing your story and defending your rights.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Pittsburgh
Car accidents in Pittsburgh happen for all kinds of reasons, from everyday distractions to tough weather and unpredictable road conditions. With busy traffic, construction zones, and challenging hills, it’s important to understand drivers face real risks every time they get in their vehicle.
Common cause of car accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or sudden stops.
- Drunk, Distracted, or Drowsy Driving Accidents: Accidents due to impaired or inattentive drivers.
- Intersection and Red-Light Crash Case: Collisions at intersections from running red lights or failing to yield. This may involve side-impact or T-bone crashes with serious injuries.
- Multi-Vehicle Crashes and Highway Pile-Ups: Chain-reaction collisions involving multiple cars during heavy traffic or on highways.
- Cyclist Collisions: Accidents involving vehicles striking pedestrians or cyclists.
When an accident happens, an experienced personal injury attorney can help sort out the details. By investigating all possible causes, gathering evidence, and handling communications with insurers or the other party, a lawyer helps hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Injuries That Often Result from Auto Collisions
Car crashes can cause serious injuries that drastically change lives, and in some tragic cases, can even be fatal. The impact of a collision often leaves physical scars and lasting pain that affects the whole family. Whether it's a sudden jolt or a high-speed crash, the risk of injury is real and immediate.
Common injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain
- Fatalities
These injuries can disrupt careers, relationships, and everyday life, leaving physical and emotional wounds that last long after the crash. An experienced car crash attorney understands how these impacts go beyond medical records. At Freeburn Law, we know how to build a case that covers medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll. With our help, victims can pursue the compensation needed to rebuild and protect their futures after such life-altering events.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Insurance and Fault Laws
Pennsylvania has specific laws that govern car insurance and fault, and understanding these can have a major impact on your claims and compensation after an accident. Pennsylvania follows a "fault" system, which means the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages, but provisions like uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can come into play if the other party lacks sufficient insurance.
A few key points of Pennsylvania’s laws include:
- Mandatory minimum liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
- Fault-based system determines who pays for damages
- Options for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical benefits coverage that pays for injuries regardless of fault
- Choices between full tort and limited tort coverage affect right to sue
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Car Accident Case?
The amount of compensation you may recover in a Pennsylvania car accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the clear determination of fault. Understanding the types of compensation available helps set expectations about what you can pursue to cover both tangible costs and the broader impacts of the accident.
Here are the common types of compensation you can seek:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct
An experienced car accident attorney plays a crucial role in maximizing your compensation by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or representing you in court if necessary.
How Our Lawyers Build a Strong Car Accident Claim
At Freeburn Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you build a strong car accident claim that maximizes the compensation you deserve. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims and are skilled at anticipating their challenges. Our team will document the full extent of your damages, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain, suffering, and long-term care needs, to ensure your claim reflects the true impact of the accident.
Throughout the process, we communicate directly with insurers and opposing attorneys, advocating fiercely on your behalf to negotiate the best possible settlement. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to litigate your case and fight for your rights in court.
What If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
If insurance companies deny your claim or offer less than you deserve, Freeburn Law won’t back down. We fight aggressively on your behalf, pushing insurers to honor their obligations or taking the case to court if necessary. With Freeburn Law standing by your side, you can have confidence that every step is aimed at protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Get a Free Consultation with a Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyer
Freeburn Law approaches every case with genuine care and commitment, knowing that the impact of an accident goes beyond legal facts; it touches lives and families. Scheduling a free consultation opens the door to clear answers and thoughtful advice, helping injured individuals take the crucial first step toward healing and justice.
