3 of the Most Common Places for Car Accidents in Pittsburgh based from a Car Accident Law Firm

Auto accidents can happen at any time and any place—day or night, big city or small town. Pennsylvania seems particularly prone to fatal auto accidents. In 2018, there were 1,103 deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania alone, marking the highest number of auto accident deaths in the Northeast. 

You need to be prepared for the inevitable, as the average American files an auto accident claim at least once every 18 years. 

In 2019, there were more reported crashes in Allegheny County than anywhere else in Pennsylvania. Allegheny County was second only to Philadelphia County in the number of traffic fatalities. 

There are certain locations in each town or city where auto accidents occur more than usual, and it’s important to be on high alert while driving in these places in Pittsburgh (based on case experience from a local car accident attorney Pittsburgh native):

1. PARKING LOTS

It’s not surprising that auto accidents are highly prevalent in parking lots. There’s a constant flow of pedestrians walking to and from the store and drivers pulling in and out of parking spots. Although some of these accidents may be minor “fender benders,” parking lot crashes can also cause serious injuries or death. In 2016, a study showed that a high percentage of drivers in parking lots are distracted—increasing the threat of crashes.

In 2019, there were 154 fatal accidents involving pedestrians in Pennsylvania. And while only 3.3% of crashes involve pedestrians, pedestrians account for 14.5% of fatalities.

2. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITIES

According to a Progressive Insurance study, an estimated 52% of auto accidents happen within a 5-mile radius of the driver’s home. In 2019, over 30,000 crashes happened on local roads in Pennsylvania. 

This can happen for several reasons. With the prevalence of cell phones and other handheld devices, there is the potential for increased distraction in general. Some believe that a driver may feel more comfortable in their own neighborhood—resulting in the driver paying less attention to their surroundings. It is possible that in neighborhoods, there are more children playing or people engaging in common activities, such as walking, running, or bicycling. Finally, so many of these collisions may occur close to home because drivers travel to and from there on a regular basis.

3. RUSH HOUR COMMUTES

It makes sense that more car accidents in Pittsburgh occur when there are more cars on the roads and highways. Your chances of being involved in an auto accident are statistically higher when you’re commuting home between the hours of 3 pm and 6 pm. This can be attributed to more than the influx of cars on Pittsburgh roadways; aggressive driving and distracted driving play a part in rush hour accidents, too. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please call our office to schedule your FREE case evaluation. Hal Waldman is a car accident lawyer Pittsburgh native serving clients in the city and the surrounding counties.