Drexel Hill Car Accident Lawyer

Types of Car Accident Cases van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin Handles in Drexel Hill, PA

At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, we bring years of experience and a deep understanding of car accident litigation to the Drexel Hill community. Our skilled attorneys are well-versed in navigating the complexities of car accident claims, and we are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation for each client. Whether you're dealing with a minor crash or a severe, life-altering collision, our team is here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.

Our firm handles a wide variety of car accident cases in Drexel Hill, PA, and we have extensive experience with the following types of incidents:

• Drexel Hill distracted driving accidents: Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Drexel Hill. Whether a driver is using a cell phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel, these actions can have devastating consequences for those involved.
• Drexel Hill drunk driving accidents: Drunk driving is a serious offense that can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you've been involved in an accident caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we can help you pursue the compensation needed to recover from this traumatic event.
• Drexel Hill fatigued driver accidents: Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drowsy drivers often have slower reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities. Our firm represents victims of accidents caused by fatigued drivers and works to hold them accountable for their actions.
• Drexel Hill hit and run accidents: Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are all too common. If you've been the victim of a hit and run in Drexel Hill, our attorneys will work diligently to locate the responsible party and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
• Drexel Hill intersection accidents: Intersection accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including running red lights, failure to yield, and distracted driving. These accidents can result in serious injuries and require a thorough investigation to determine fault and secure proper compensation.
• Drexel Hill rear end accidents: Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. Whether they occur at stoplights, in traffic, or on the highway, rear-end accidents can lead to whiplash and other serious injuries. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling rear-end accident claims and will work to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Drexel Hill texting while driving accidents: Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that is both illegal and dangerous. Our firm represents individuals injured in accidents caused by texting drivers and will fight for the compensation necessary to recover from these injuries.
• Drexel Hill unsafe roadway accidents: Sometimes, accidents are caused by hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, poor signage, or defective traffic signals. If unsafe road conditions played a role in your accident, our attorneys can help you investigate potential claims against local governments or other responsible parties.
• And more: In addition to the cases listed above, van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin handles a broad range of car accident cases in Drexel Hill, PA. No matter the cause of the accident, our firm is dedicated to providing skilled legal representation and ensuring that victims have the best chance at receiving justice.

With our comprehensive understanding of car accident law, we are prepared to handle any type of car crash case that arises in Drexel Hill. We are passionate about helping our clients recover from their injuries and get their lives back on track.

Understanding Your Rights and Compensation

When you are involved in a car accident in Drexel Hill, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the potential compensation available to you. Car accident victims have the right to pursue damages from the at-fault party, whether the accident was caused by a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or any other negligent behavior. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin is here to help you navigate this complex legal landscape and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.

Your Rights as a Car Accident Victim in Drexel Hill

As a victim of a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and related expenses. This compensation can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and more. It’s also important to understand that, in Pennsylvania, car accident claims may be subject to a “no-fault” system. This means that your own insurance company may pay for some of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you still have the right to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your injuries are serious enough.

Types of Compensation Available

The compensation available to car accident victims in Drexel Hill varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the extent of the injuries. The most common types of compensation include:

• Medical expenses: Car accident victims can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to their injuries, including hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care needed due to long-term injuries.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery. If your injuries result in long-term disability or a permanent inability to work, you may also seek compensation for future lost earnings.
• Pain and suffering: In addition to financial losses, car accident victims can pursue compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering caused by the accident and its aftermath. This can include ongoing pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects.
• Property damage: You can also seek compensation for any damage to your vehicle or other property involved in the accident.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party's behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, such as driving under the influence, the court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

State-Specific Laws Affecting Car Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you would only be able to recover 80% of the total damages.

Additionally, Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage will pay for your medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you have sustained serious injuries, you can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek additional compensation.

Ensuring Safety and Reporting the Incident

After a car accident, your first priority should always be to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others involved in the accident. Here's a guide on what to do at the scene:

Securing the Accident Scene

1. Check for Injuries: Immediately check for injuries to yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the crash. If there are serious injuries, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to move injured people unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., from fire or traffic).
2. Move to a safe location: If the vehicles are blocking traffic and it is safe to do so, move them to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
3. Avoid confrontation: Stay calm and avoid any argument or confrontation with the other driver. Focus on exchanging necessary information and ensuring that everyone is safe.
4. Document the scene: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, any visible damages, and any relevant road conditions. This documentation can be important for your claim later.

Reporting the Accident in Drexel Hill

In Drexel Hill, it is critical to report the accident to local law enforcement as soon as possible. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Call 911: Contact the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if the other driver is fleeing the scene (hit-and-run). The police will send officers to the scene to investigate and file a report.
2. Obtain a police report: Make sure you get a copy of the police report, as this document will serve as crucial evidence for your case. The report will detail the accident, provide information about the parties involved, and may include details about citations issued or the officer’s opinion on fault.
3. Cooperate with law enforcement: Be cooperative and provide accurate information when speaking with law enforcement officers. However, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt.
4. Get contact information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are protecting your rights and creating a strong foundation for your car accident claim. At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, we are here to guide you through every step of the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.