Philadelphia Night Driving Accident Lawyer

For many drivers, driving at night is often challenging. Statistics back this up. Over 40,000 Americans die in car accidents every year. Virtually 60 percent of those deaths happen at night. It is not that the road is unfamiliar; it is that the road looks different at night, with the darkness making it difficult to see wildlife and other vehicles. Moreover, poor weather and construction on the road also make driving at night difficult. 

In 2022, the Pennsylvania DOT (PennDOT) reported 8,714 car crashes in Philadelphia. That translates to approximately 24 accidents a day and, over 5,549 of those were injury accidents.  

Pennsylvania Night Driving Risks

There are several challenges to driving at night on Pennsylvania roads. Some of those challenges include:

Vision Problems

• Roughly 90 percent of all driver decisions are based on what they see.
• However, at night, a driver’s vision is impaired by about 90 percent.
• Darkness compromises peripheral vision, depth perception and color recognition.
• Driving at twilight is the most dangerous time because your eyes are constantly adjusting to the changing light.

Wildlife

• During deer season, deer are highly active between 6-9 p.m.
• Some of the highest deer collision rates in the country happen in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Dangerous Driving

• Speeding at night when reaction time and visibility are affected.
• Of the number of people killed in night driving accidents, two-thirds were not wearing a seatbelt.

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

• Drinking and driving at night is a recipe for disaster. It impairs a driver’s ability to focus and concentrate due to poor visibility and reduced reaction time. 
• Alcohol-related crashes at night account for over 50 percent of deaths on the road.

Pennsylvania Night Driving Tips

Because driving at night is challenging, knowing what to do to avoid risking an accident is crucial. Below is a list of tips to help drivers navigate nighttime driving:

• Stay within the speed limit.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Ensure your headlights are correctly calibrated and aimed correctly to avoid blinding other drivers.
• Remember that drivers can only see up to 250 ft in front of them at night without using high beams. High beams double the range visibility. 
• Do not turn on your high beams when behind another vehicle or if there is oncoming traffic.
• Try to avoid driving at sunset or dawn. 
• Dial down your dashboard lights. Keep the inside glare down to help you see.
• Keep your vehicle in a topnotch condition and regularly clean windows, taillights, headlights, signal lights and side-view mirrors.
• Do not drink and drive. 
• Be aware that there are likely to be more drunk drivers on the road at night.
• At night there will be more drowsy drivers on the road.
• Pull over when you feel tired to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel. 

Pennsylvania Night Driving Accident Injuries

Vehicle accidents are common, especially those occurring at night. Because of their high frequency, accidents often result in injuries. Some injuries might be immediately apparent, while others might show up days or weeks later. Likewise, you may recover from some injuries quickly, while others will last a lifetime. For example, back injuries are often delayed in showing up. The pain and disability from a back injury can last a lifetime. 

For example, every year there are approximately 50,000 Americans die from a TBI. Additionally, there are roughly 80,000 to 90,000 who live with long-term disabilities.

Car accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Some of the most common injuries sustained in a collision include:

• Cuts
• Scrapes
• Bruises
• Road rash
• Lacerations 
• Soft tissue injuries
• Sprains
• Strains
• Facial injuries 
• Scarring
• Head injuries 
• Whiplash
• Neck injuries 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Penetrating head injuries
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Chest injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Joint injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Burn injuries 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Emotional and mental injuries

If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle accident, you probably have many questions. The attorneys and legal staff at MyPhillyLawyer are here to take care of all your concerns and help you move forward with your life. We have decades of experience helping vehicle accident survivors. 

Reach Out to MyPhillyLawyer for Help

If you or a loved one were involved in a motor vehicle accident at night, reach out to MyPhillyLawyer. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys understands how to challenge insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

You can reach us by calling 215-227-2727 or toll-free (866) 352-4572 to discuss your case, legal rights, and options. Your initial consultation is free. No recovery, no fees or costs, guaranteed.