Pittsburgh Car Accident Attorneys

For More than 40 Years, We’ve Been Helping Car Accident Victims Recover Compensation

When you’ve been severely injured in a car accident, you will need significant legal compensation to account for your losses, from property damage to lost wages to medical expenses. Even if you think your personal injuries are “minor,” they may become more serious over time.

After a car accident, high levels of adrenaline in your body block your pain receptors from perceiving the true scope of the injury. Additionally, soft tissues and muscles are easily damaged and may not always heal correctly.

If you have suffered injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. is ready to help you recover your entitled compensation. We have been protecting the best interests of our clients for more than four decades.

Don’t miss your chance for recovery. Call our car accident attorneys in Pittsburgh at (844) 383-0565 or reach out online for a free consultation.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws

In Pennsylvania, car accident laws follow a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after an accident, drivers must first file claims with their own insurance providers for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, Pennsylvania offers drivers a choice between no-fault (limited tort) and traditional tort (full tort) insurance. Those with limited tort coverage can only sue for serious injuries, while those with full tort coverage retain the right to sue for pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity.

When determining fault for property damage and other financial losses, Pennsylvania uses a comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a driver can only recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If a driver is partially responsible, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a driver is found 20% at fault and their damages total $10,000, they would receive $8,000.

Pennsylvania law also requires drivers involved in accidents to stop at the scene, provide assistance if necessary, and exchange information with other parties. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges, including hit-and-run penalties. Additionally, all drivers must report accidents to law enforcement if there is an injury, death, or significant property damage.

For filing lawsuits related to car accidents, Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident. This applies to both personal injury and property damage claims. However, claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines and specific procedural requirements.

Where Do Crashes Often Occur in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh’s unique geography, heavy traffic, and challenging road conditions contribute to a high number of car accidents each year. Some of the most common locations for collisions in and around the city include:

• Interstate highways, such as I-376 (Parkway East and West), I-79, and I-279
• The Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel, known for heavy congestion and confusing lane patterns
• Liberty Avenue and Penn Avenue in the downtown area
• Route 51 and Route 65, which are major commuter corridors
• Intersections in busy neighborhoods like Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and South Side

Crashes are particularly common during rush hour, poor weather conditions, construction, and large city events. Our legal team is familiar with the roads and traffic patterns in Pittsburgh and can use this local knowledge to strengthen your case.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents happen for many reasons, but the majority are caused by some form of driver negligence or reckless behavior. Common causes of crashes in Pittsburgh include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting, using a phone, or adjusting GPS
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Tailgating or unsafe lane changes
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Poor weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, and fog
• Defective vehicle parts or mechanical failures

Identifying the cause of a crash is essential in determining liability. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we thoroughly investigate every case using police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, expert analysis, and accident reconstruction when necessary.

Common Crash Injuries

Even a low-speed collision can result in significant injuries. In more serious crashes, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Back and neck injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Lacerations, burns, and scarring
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, and PTSD

These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care. A Pittsburgh car accident lawyer from our firm will help ensure that all current and future medical expenses are accounted for in your claim.

Recovering Compensation After a Crash

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. Depending on your case, this may include:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (for families who have lost a loved one)

Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for as little as possible. They may delay, deny, or undervalue legitimate claims in order to protect their profits. Our experienced attorneys know these tactics and are ready to negotiate aggressively on your behalf or take your case to court if necessary.

What Are My Next Steps After a Car Accident?

Once you get into a car accident, it’s easy to be overwhelmed: After all, you’ve just endured an incredibly traumatic experience, and you may suffer from PTSD, which can affect memory.

However, after you’ve pulled to the side of the road safely, there are a few steps you should be taking to ensure you have a solid insurance claim later.

After your car accident make sure you:

• Avoid apologies. It may be tempting to say “sorry” in the chaos of a crash but avoid the temptation. Anything you say during the accident may be used against you later when you file a lawsuit.
• Visit a doctor. Whether you’re headed to the ER in an ambulance or driving yourself to the nearest urgent care center, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, no matter how minor they seem. This establishes your medical record of injury and shows that you suffered enough to seek medical help immediately.
• Call the cops. Even if you don’t think it’s necessary, calling the Pittsburgh police to file an official report will help you during the claims process, as it establishes a public record of the events leading up to the car crash.
• Keep track of expenses. The minute you start paying for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses, keep track of everything you buy. You should also request your full medical record from the hospitals and care providers you visit throughout the claims process, as they are obligated to give you these documents under HIPAA.
• Call a vehicle accident lawyer. Once your condition is stable, seek immediate counsel with your Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer, preferably one experienced in car accident law. Without legal representation, you may not be able to get adequate compensation for your losses.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident?

Generally, it’s in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after suffering injuries in a car accident. There are a couple reasons for this, the first being the statute of limitations. According to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 section 5524 the state of Pennsylvania has a two-year timeline.

This means you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim or you risk losing your right to do so. It’s important to note that exceptions to this law exist that can change your filing time. An experienced attorney can advise you of any exceptions that apply to your specific claim.

In addition to the statute of limitations, a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law by

• Navigating you through the entire legal process
• Determining who is liable for your injuries
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing you at trial, if your case goes to court

Contact Your Local Car Accident Attorney in Pittsburgh

Any Pittsburgh car accident lawyer at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. has legal experience with all types of car accident claims and is ready to put all our efforts into representing your best interests.

Our experienced lawyers will also strive to get you a better deal on your car accident claim if it involved a motorcycle, semi-truck, or bus. Get in touch with our law firm in Pittsburgh today to find out how we can help you.

Related Reading:

• What’s the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?
• 5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident
• How to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim
• Avoid These Common Mistakes After a Car Accident
• What’s Included in a Car Insurance Policy?

Reach out to our car accident lawyers in Pittsburgh if you need help after a car accident. You can contact us online or call us any time at (844) 383-0565.