Victims may sue after a fleeing driver injures three in a head-on crash in Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania – July 16, 2021
Three women were injured in an overnight head-on crash in Pittsburgh’s South Side at 10th Street and East Carson. Emergency medical personnel had to use special extrication tools to remove the three women from the crashed car, and they were transported to the hospital in stable condition. A male driver tried to run off when police arrived, but was apprehended and arrested. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation of his injuries. The United States National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2020 despite the decrease in driving caused by the pandemic, this is the largest projection of fatalities since 2007. Contacting an experienced injury attorney shortly after an accident will give them the opportunity to research the case, discuss particulars surrounding possible driving infractions and communicate with the insurance company regarding claims, and civil litigation.
Reporting accidents.
An accident report must be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Safety within five days from the mishap if collisions result in death, injury, or significant property damage. Insurance payments are based on the “modified comparative negligence” rule allowing an individual to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, but the amount of compensation will be reduced by an amount that is equal to their percentage of fault. Victims can only seek damages from insurance if they are less than 51 percent at fault. A car accident attorney can explain the laws based on individual cases.
Driver’s reasonable care.
Drivers must use reasonable care to avoid harming other roadway travelers. They can accomplish this by:
- Driving at a safe speed,
- Staying alert and maintaining awareness of their surroundings,
- Controlling their vehicle at all times,
- Servicing motor vehicles to make sure they are in proper working order,
- Not violating Pennsylvania motor vehicle laws surrounding driving under the influence, right-of-way rules, reckless driving, speeding, or driving on the wrong side of the road.
Damages.
Damage compensation awards address economic loss, including lost wages, medical bills, medical care, and treatment, plus household expenses; and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or companionship. An experienced accident attorney will know when punitive damages may be entertained and awarded to punish the individual who caused harm, or injury and loss to the victim.
Seek legal counsel.
Legal professionals at Scanlon & Wojton Law Firm, will build a case by collecting evidence to support damage recovery after a negligent driving accident causes property damage, or physical injury.
Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law
The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Suite 510
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Phone: (412) 918-1241
Fax: (412) 235-7275
Sources:
Driver arrested after early-morning head-on crash injures 3 in South Side | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2003&sessInd=0&act=24
https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2020-fatality-data-show-increased-traffic-fatalities-during-pandemic
https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BMV/BMV%20Forms/AA-600.pdf
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.037.042.000..HTM
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.085.053.000..HTM
