MyPhillyLawyer Notes Pennsylvania Car Accidents on the Rise

According to PennDOT, 115,938 crashes in Pennsylvania claimed the lives of 1,179 people and injured 67,012. The 2022 fatalities represent the fourth-lowest number of deaths in Pennsylvania. Every day, there were 318 collisions, an average of 13 wrecks every hour. This means that every day, 3 Pennsylvanians died, representing approximately one death every 7 hours.

Daily, there are, on average, 184 Pennsylvania residents hurt in crashes, or about 8 injuries, minor to catastrophic, every hour. The statistics are even more grim when compared to Pennsylvania’s population of 12,972,008. It means one person out of every 51 was in a crash. 

One out of every 11,003 died in a car accident, and one in 194 people was left with injuries in the aftermath of a collision. Of concern was Philadelphia County, which had the highest number of traffic fatalities – 12.1 percent of the state’s total deaths. When does the carnage stop?

Passenger cars were involved in more crashes than all other vehicles. Light trucks, vans, and SUVs accounted for the majority of crashes and deaths. Crashes involving light trucks, vans, and SUVs are on the rise and may soon eclipse passenger car crashes. For further information on the five-year trends in Pennsylvania accidents, visit HERE.

Common Causes of Pennsylvania Car Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research indicates that the vast majority of traffic crashes are caused by human error. 

One study found that human factors caused or contributed to 93 percent of the crashes investigated. The three major human factors frequently reported included:

•  Inattention
•  Speeding
•  Driving while distracted

Other common reasons for collisions include:

• DWI/DUI
• Ignoring traffic signs and signals
• Driving while drowsy
• Careless/Illegal passing
• Tailgating
• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Setting, looking at GPS
• Adjusting a radio or other e-device
• Reckless behavior
• Illegal stunts or maneuvers
• Not driving according to the weather conditions
• Driving under the influence of street or prescription drugs
• Night driving
• Improper turns
• Teen drivers
• Unsafe lane changes

Common Pennsylvania Car Accident Injuries

The following list breaks down the most common injuries sustained in car crashes:

• Impact Injuries – such as head injuries from hitting the steering wheel or the airbag causing head and/or facial injuries.
• Penetrating Injuries – These happen when loose objects in the vehicle injure the driver and/or passengers. An example would be shattered glass causing cuts and other damage.
• Death – some accidents result in death and wrongful death claims. If a loved one has been killed in a Philadelphia car accident, we are here to help you.
• Head/Back Injuries – includes traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, spinal cord injuries, and facial injuries.
• Neck/Chest Injuries – such as broken collar bone, whiplash, broken ribs, contusions, and heart attacks.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – severe bruising, torn ligaments, sprains, contusions.
• Arm/Leg Injuries – amputations, broken bones, dislocations, crush injuries
• Organ Damage – internal organ damage to liver, spleen, bowel, bladder, intestines.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – survivors may experience emotional wounds.

Necessary Steps to Take After a Philadelphia Car Accident

If you have been in a Pennsylvania or Philadelphia car accident, take the following steps if you can:

• Call 911
• Get information from the other driver, eyewitnesses, and passengers 
• Take pictures and/or a video of the crash scene 
• Do not move until police and first responders arrive
• Contact a skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney at MyPhillyLawyer as soon as possible
• Seek medical assistance. Some injuries do not manifest until days or months later.
• Keep a record of everything, including all medical expenses and costs related to missing work or vehicle damage.
• Make notes about all conversations you have with anyone associated with the crash. Provide a date, time, name, and what was said.

Know Your Rights After a Philadelphia Motor Vehicle Crash

If you or someone you love has been in a Philadelphia car accident, contact the attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer. Our attorneys understand how to challenge insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call MyPhillyLawyer to discuss your auto accident case. Know your rights after an auto accident — call 215-227-2727 or toll-free (866) 352-4572 to talk to our attorneys about your legal rights and options. Your initial consultation is free.