Common Types of Car Accidents in Pittsburgh

Car accidents can lead to severe injuries and fatalities, leaving a lasting impact on your life and the life of your loved ones. These accidents are extremely common throughout Pennsylvania and nationwide. The Pittsburgh car accident attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates are here to help if you’ve been the victim of a car accident.

We know the devastating affect car accidents can have on your quality of life, especially if you have lost a loved one. Our lawyers have the experience, skills and legal resources necessary to secure maximum compensation for families with fatal accident claims. We want you to be able to focus on your family during such an emotionally overwhelming time, instead of worrying about how expenses relating to the car accident will be covered.

There are countless distractions and dangers on the road. More than 3,000 people die in road crashes every day in the United States. Some of the most common types of car accidents are outlined in detail below.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Dangerous road conditions are often the result of weather, such as freezing rain or thunderstorms. In such circumstances, the driver is most likely the responsible party in the event of a crash. On the other hand, dangerous road conditions may be the direct result of someone else’s negligence. Examples of man-made disasters on the road include:

These hazards can be downright lethal for less-experienced drivers such as teenagers.

Advocating on behalf of injured motorists and passengers when dangerous road conditions are to blame is a challenge, even for good lawyers. The team at Hal Waldman & Associates will examine any and all sources of liability, which may include both government and private entities.

Distracted Driving

A driver on a cellphone is an accident waiting to happen. Driving a car takes two hands, two eyes and undivided attention. If the driver who crashed into you was texting, talking on a hand-held phone or distracted in any another way, they can be held liable for the accident. Some drivers don’t seem to understand the dangers of multitasking while driving. We will work to maximize your damages by proving that the other driver could have prevented the collision or minimized the injuries you endured.

At Hal Waldman & Associates, our experienced attorneys have seen lives forever changed when motorists fail to pay attention to the road. Our lawyers have the skills and legal resources necessary to prove fault against motorists for causing car accidents by:

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that distracted driving causes one in four traffic accidents. Many drivers don’t realize that the advanced technology in their car such as a touch-screen makes them even more susceptible to distracted driving.

Drunk Driving

Injuries in drunk driving accidents are often more severe than injuries in other car accidents. An inebriated person sometimes does not realize how fast they are going and lacks the ordinary judgment and reaction ability that would otherwise keep traffic flowing safely. Our lawyers incorporate evidence from Breathalyzer or blood test results to prove liability, especially when it is initially unclear.

The responsibility for a drunk driving accident may go beyond the drunk driver. People who served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person (or underage drinker) may be held accountable through what are known as “social host” and “dram shop” laws. Bartender liability or social host liability may apply to your car accident case. In addition, the bar, hotel or restaurant who served the drunk driver could be held liable for your injuries or the death of a loved one. This would allow you to recover maximum compensation against both the at-fault driver and the negligent establishment.

Our lawyers have given seminars on drunk driving and personal injury lawsuits for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). We receive referrals through MADD thanks to a strong track record and a reputation for effective representation of accident victims.

The drunk driving element of your car accident offers additional challenges and opportunities. Our lawyers will closely monitor the outcome of the criminal DUI case to stay apprised of any relevant facts, which may affect your accident claim. Our participation can also help ensure that the drunk driver is properly punished — a goal that is often very important to the injured victims of drunk driving accidents and their families.

We will incorporate as many facts as possible to help you obtain compensation for any medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other costs related to the accident.

Aggressive Driving Accidents

Aggressive driving — or driving that puts other people and property at risk — is a significant danger on today’s roads. In Pittsburgh and nationwide, the following behaviors fall under the label of “aggressive driving”:

Sadly, the majority of drivers admit they have employed aggressive driving behaviors at least once during the past month. Many drivers fail to realize the very real danger of navigating their vehicle with such reckless disregard for the people and property around them.

Roughly a third of all American drivers under age 25 admit to speeding with regularity. Nearly half of all fatal crashes that take the life of a person under age 21 involve speeding. Given that crash severity increases with the speed of the vehicle, it’s not surprising that aggressive driving accounts for more than half of all car accident deaths in the United States each year.

Why Choose Hal Waldman & Associates?

Every car accident claim is fact specific. Hal Waldman & Associates know how to gather witness testimony, evidence and police reports to build a compelling argument for your claim. We will investigate all the details of your accident.

Our lawyers have decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Pennsylvania. We have gained credibility for helping accident victims and families with fatal accident claims obtain a full financial recovery.

Insurance companies have learned we will not give in to quick settlement offers that fail to address the damages our clients have endured. We are known for our commitment to clients and ability to maximize compensation for wrongful death and serious or permanent injuries.

We care and are on your side. Our accomplished car accident lawyers know what questions to ask and which experts to bring in to prove who is accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact our lawyers in Pittsburgh today at (412) 338-1000 to schedule your FREE consultation.