(235+)Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but their effects can last a lifetime. If you have been hurt in a crash in Philadelphia, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. The good news is you don’t have to face this challenge alone. An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can be your guide and advocate during this difficult time.
At Gibbons & Crichton, our car accident attorneys in Philadelphia have been fighting for injured Philadelphians for decades.
We understand the pain, stress, and uncertainty a serious wreck can cause. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
About Car Accidents in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s crowded streets and busy highways see their share of crashes. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were over 10,000 car accidents in Philadelphia County in 2022 alone. These wrecks killed 76 people and injured over 5,000 more.
Behind these grim statistics are real people whose lives were turned upside down. Victims often face an overwhelming combination of physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Medical bills pile up just as income is lost from missing work. The insurance company may try to minimize the claim or even deny it outright.
This is where having a skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney can make all the difference. Your lawyer can stand up to the insurance company, gather evidence to build your case, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Types of Car Accidents
Car crashes can happen in many ways, but some types are more common than others. At Gibbons & Crichton, some of the most frequent kinds of accident cases we handle include:
- Rear-end collisions: These often occur when one driver is following too closely or not paying attention. They’re the most common type of crash and frequently result in whiplash injuries.
- T-bone or side-impact crashes: These happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at an intersection. The impact can cause severe injuries, especially on the struck side of the vehicle.
- Head-on collisions: While less common, head-on crashes tend to be the most deadly, especially at high speeds. They often involve a driver veering into oncoming traffic.
- Sideswipe accidents: These occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact, often when one drifts out of its lane. While often minor, they can cause a driver to lose control.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Sometimes an initial collision starts a chain reaction, especially if there are slick roads or low visibility. The multiple impacts can cause devastating damage.
- Single-vehicle accidents: Not every crash involves another car. Sometimes, drivers lose control due to factors like sharp curves, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle defects.
No matter what type of accident you were in, if someone else’s negligence caused you harm, you deserve accountability and compensation. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?
Car accidents can happen anywhere, from a neighborhood side street to a major highway. But there are certain locations and situations where wrecks are more likely, such as:
- Intersections: The crossing of traffic lanes and the need to yield the right of way creates many opportunities for collisions, especially if a driver is distracted or reckless.
- Busy highways: High-speed, high-volume roads like I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway see a lot of crashes, particularly during rush hour. Accidents at high speeds tend to be very severe.
- Construction zones: Work zones create unfamiliar traffic patterns and obstacles. Impatient drivers may make risky maneuvers to get through more quickly.
- Parking lots: Fender benders are common in the close quarters of parking lots and garages as cars pull in and out of tight spaces and pedestrians cross through.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Philadelphia will know how to investigate your crash site and gather evidence to show what happened and who was at fault.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
The violent forces involved in a car wreck can damage virtually any part of the body. But there are certain injury patterns we see frequently in our clients at Gibbons & Crichton:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Even a seemingly minor rear-end collision can cause the head to snap back and forth, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. This whiplash injury can cause severe pain and limit mobility.
- Back injuries: The impact of a crash can cause damage to the spine, discs, and surrounding nerves and muscles. Victims may suffer herniated discs, fractures, and other painful back problems.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Hitting the head or the rapid acceleration of a collision can injure the brain, even without direct impact. TBIs can range from concussions to life-altering damage.
- Broken bones: The blunt force of a wreck can fracture virtually any bone, with arm, leg, rib, and facial fractures being common. These painful injuries often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be excruciating and limit function. Tears and sprains often occur in the knees, shoulders, wrists, and ankles.
- Psychological trauma: Not all crash injuries are physical. Many victims suffer mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias. This is a very real form of harm.
The road to recovery after a car accident injury can be long and challenging. You may face extensive medical treatment, time off work, and a difficult adjustment to a new reality. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you get the resources you need to put your life back together.
Get Help from a Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, don’t wait to get legal advice. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But crucial evidence can disappear long before then.
The Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Gibbons & Crichton are ready to put our decades of experience to work for you.
We offer free consultations, and you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. You have nothing to lose by speaking to our caring, knowledgeable legal team.
We know you’re going through one of the most difficult times of your life. Let us handle the legal stresses so you can focus on getting better. Call today to get started on the road to recovery.
