After a car accident in Pittsburgh, your health and safety always come first. Move to a safe area, check for injuries, and get medical care—even if your symptoms feel minor at first. It’s also important to document the crash, gather your medical records, and speak with an experienced Pittsburgh car accident attorney who can help protect your rights from the start.
Freeburn Law is a trusted choice for people injured in auto accidents throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Our team of experienced injury lawyers handles the legal work so you can focus on healing. When you work with Freeburn Law, you can count on a Pittsburgh auto accident attorney who is committed to securing the compensation you need for your recovery and your future.
What to Do After a Pittsburgh Car Accident
When a crash happens on Pittsburgh’s busy roads—whether it’s I-376, I-279, the Parkway, or a neighborhood street—your next steps matter.
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
These steps can make a big difference when you pursue an injury claim. Photos, notes, and witness contacts often help strengthen your story and give your Pittsburgh car accident lawyer solid evidence to work with during insurance negotiations.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Pittsburgh
Car accidents in Pittsburgh happen for a variety of reasons—many of them completely outside your control. Heavy traffic, sudden lane changes, tight streets, hills, blind turns, and winter weather all contribute to collisions. Common causes 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.
The team of Pittsburgh injury lawyers at Freeburn Law can investigate what caused your crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case for compensation. We will handle communication with insurance companies and the at-fault party so you don’t have to.
Injuries Often Seen in Pittsburgh Auto Accidents
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
Freeburn Law understands how these injuries affect your life in ways medical bills don’t always show. We build claims that account for your full recovery—medical care, lost income, and the emotional impact of the crash.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Insurance and Fault Laws
Pennsylvania’s insurance rules can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to recover. Although Pennsylvania has no-fault medical coverage, it also operates under a fault-based system for other damages.
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
Compensation You May Recover After a Car Accident
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.
- 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
Our job is to show how the accident has impacted your life—and fight for a settlement that reflects your full injury and recovery needs.
How Our Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyers Build Strong Claims
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 Happens If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims. If this happens, Freeburn Law steps in quickly. We push back, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and take the case before a judge or jury if that’s what it takes.
Get a Free Consultation with a Pittsburgh Car Accident Attorney
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.
