McKeesport Car Accidents: Your Guide After a Crash

What to Do Immediately After a McKeesport Car Accident

Being in a car accident in McKeesport is a sudden, jarring event. One moment you're driving down Lysle Boulevard, and the next, your life is turned upside down. We understand the shock, the pain, and the overwhelming feeling that follows. Your immediate actions can protect your safety and your legal rights.

Ensure Safety and Call 911

• Move to safety: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of the flow of traffic. If you cannot move your car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened.
• Check for injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain.
• Call 911: Report the accident to the McKeesport Police Department. They will dispatch officers and, if needed, emergency medical services. Always request an ambulance if anyone is injured, even if it seems minor.

Gather Information at the Scene

While waiting for police, if it is safe to do so, gather important details. This information will be crucial later. Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone at the scene.

• Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and vehicle license plate number.
• Take photos and videos: Use your phone to document everything. Take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Capture the scene from different angles.
• Identify witnesses: Ask if anyone saw the accident. Get their names and contact information. Their statements can be very helpful.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not feel immediate pain, it is vital to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show symptoms for hours or even days. Delaying medical care can harm your health and make it harder to link your injuries to the accident later. Go to UPMC McKeesport or another emergency facility for a thorough check-up. Follow all of your doctor's recommendations, including any referrals to specialists or physical therapy.

Understanding Fault and Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule for car accidents. This means that you can still seek damages even if you were partly at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault for an accident on Eden Park Boulevard, your damages would be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other party. This rule is outlined in 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102.

No-Fault vs. At-Fault Insurance States

Pennsylvania is a "choice no-fault" state. This means you have a choice when you buy your car insurance policy:

• Full Tort: If you choose full tort, you keep your right to sue the at-fault driver for all damages, including pain and suffering, without restrictions.
• Limited Tort: If you choose limited tort, your ability to sue for pain and suffering is restricted unless your injuries meet certain serious injury thresholds. However, you can always sue for out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages regardless of your tort option.

Understanding which option you chose can significantly impact your case. Many drivers are not aware of the implications of their tort selection until after an accident.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After a car accident, you will likely hear from insurance adjusters very quickly. The at-fault driver's insurance company may contact you, and your own insurance company will also need to be notified. Remember, insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you. They may try to get you to make recorded statements or sign documents that could harm your case.

• Do not give recorded statements: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company.
• Do not sign anything: Be cautious about signing any releases or medical authorizations without speaking to a lawyer.
• Keep a detailed record: Document all your communications with insurance companies, including dates, times, names of adjusters, and what was discussed.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. The force of a collision, even at low speeds, can have serious effects on the body.

• Whiplash: A common neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement.
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impacts to the head can cause brain injuries that may have long-term effects on cognitive function, mood, and physical abilities.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or other parts of the body are frequent in collisions.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from herniated discs to paralysis, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains and strains, can cause significant pain and limited mobility.
• Internal Injuries: Impact can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent.
• Lacerations and Bruises: Cuts, scrapes, and severe bruising are common, sometimes leading to scarring.

No matter the injury, seeking prompt medical evaluation is key to both your health and your legal claim.

The Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there is a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. For most car accident injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This rule is set forth in 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries, no matter how severe they are. While two years may seem like a long time, investigating an accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies takes time. It is important to act quickly.

Why You May Need a McKeesport Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and calls from insurance adjusters. An attorney can handle the complex legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Protecting Your Rights

We work to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and will advocate on your behalf.

Investigating Your Accident

We can gather evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and, if necessary, work with accident reconstruction specialists to build a strong case. This is especially important for accidents on busy roads like Walnut Street, where traffic patterns can be complex.

Calculating Your Damages

We help identify all the ways the accident has impacted your life, including medical bills, lost wages, future medical needs, and pain and suffering. We work to ensure all potential financial impacts are considered.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. We handle all communications and negotiations, working towards a fair resolution. If negotiations do not lead to a fair outcome, we are prepared to take your case to court, such as the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

What to do next

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in McKeesport, the most important step you can take right now is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand how to proceed. There is no obligation, and it allows you to get clear answers to your questions.

Serving injured Pennsylvanians in: Philadelphia.

Hurt in Pennsylvania? Request a free case review — no fee unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident in McKeesport?

First, ensure everyone's safety and call 911 to report the accident to McKeesport Police. If it's safe, gather information from the other driver and take photos of the scene. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, at a facility like UPMC McKeesport.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations, found in 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek damages.

What is the difference between full tort and limited tort insurance in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. With full tort, you keep your right to sue an at-fault driver for all damages, including pain and suffering. With limited tort, your ability to sue for pain and suffering is restricted unless your injuries meet a serious injury threshold, though you can still recover medical costs and lost wages.

Will my car accident case go to court?

Many car accident cases are settled through negotiations with insurance companies without needing to go to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we may need to file a lawsuit and prepare your case for presentation in a court like the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

What kind of damages can I pursue after a car accident?

After a car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for various impacts. This can include your past and future medical expenses, lost wages from time missed at work, diminished earning capacity, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?

You should be very cautious about talking to the other driver's insurance company. You are not required to give them a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are looking out for their company's interests, not yours.

Serving injured Pennsylvanians in: Philadelphia.