There are thousands of auto accidents every year in Bucks County. In 2020, there were 4,831 motor vehicle crashes in our county alone. While there are multiple reasons why collisions happen, driver error is still a leading cause of auto accidents.
If you were injured in a Bucks County auto accident and another driver was at fault, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation from their insurance. A Bucks County auto accident can result in compensation for your pain and suffering and economic losses not covered by your insurance policy.
To learn more about your eligibility and the process of filing an auto accident lawsuit, schedule a free legal consultation with Stark & Stark. Our personal injury lawyers in Bucks County can optimize your chances of securing a fair settlement offer for your injuries.
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Bucks County Auto Accidents: What You Need to Know
Unlike most of the United States where the overall rate of car accident fatalities has been rising, in Pennsylvania, they are declining. However, this does not mean that motor vehicle crashes are a relic of the past. Bucks County has the third-highest rate of annual car accidents among all other Pennsylvania counties.
Common Causes of Bucks County Auto Accidents
Driver error is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents throughout Pennsylvania.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transporation, these were the driver errors that resulted in the most crashes in the state in 2020:
- Speeding (25,021 crashes)
- Distracted (11,019 crashes)
- Improper turning (10,483 crashes)
- Proceeding without clearance (6,799 crashes)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (6,565 crashes)
- Illegal passing (4,545 crashes)
- Tailgating (4,476 crashes)
- Drowsy driving (1,948 crashes)
What To Do After an Auto Accident in Bucks County, PA
Motor vehicle accidents can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled a list of best practices to follow soon after a crash. Try to remember these tips so that you are prepared if you are ever involved in a traffic collision.
- Check yourself and others for injuries: If anyone appears to be severely injured, call 911 and try not to move them unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
- Move away from traffic: If it is safe to do so, move yourself and your vehicle to the shoulder. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911: Once an officer arrives, they will likely ask you questions about how the crash occurred. Although you should be cautious to avoid making statements that may imply you caused the accident, you should also answer the officer’s questions honestly. Do not leave the scene until the police officer says it is OK to do so.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers: While it is understandable to feel angry if you believe someone else caused the accident, it is in your best interest to remain calm. Simply exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers.
- Take pictures of the scene: If possible, take pictures of vehicle damage, your injuries, where your accident occurred, and any other details you think may be important to preserve.
- Seek medical attention: See a doctor as soon as the police officer grants you permission to leave the scene of the accident. Even if you do not believe you have been injured, this is essential. The signs of your injuries may not necessarily show themselves right away. Err on the side of caution and seek medical treatment quickly.
- Notify your insurance company: Let your insurer know that you were involved in an accident, but refrain from making statements implying that you were at fault until you have consulted with an expert at our Bucks County personal injury law firm first.
- Contact an experienced auto accident attorney: Contact Stark & Stark for a free consultation to see if you may be eligible for additional compensation. Our Bucks County lawyers can also investigate your accident to help determine what and who may have caused it.
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Seeking Compensation After An Auto Accident in Bucks County, PA
Being involved in a car accident can have significant consequences. If you are severely injured, you will likely require costly medical treatment. Your injuries may also be so severe that they prevent you from returning to work, at least for a period of time.
Hopefully, you will never be harmed in a motor vehicle accident. However, in case you are, you should know what your rights to compensation may be.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. This means that your first step to obtaining compensation for your injuries and property damage is to file a claim with your own insurer first, regardless of who may have been at fault for your accident. However, your insurance policy will likely not cover the full extent of your losses. If another driver caused your car crash and you were injured as a result, you may be able to recover compensation for these additional losses—including pain and suffering which is not covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
How a Bucks County Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The experts at our auto accident law firm for Bucks County can review the details of your accident and determine if you may have grounds to file a motor vehicle accident lawsuit. If so, our car accident lawyers can help in the following ways:
- Investigating the cause of your crash: This may involve returning to the scene of the accident, interviewing witnesses, reviewing camera footage, and obtaining a copy of the police report in order to help determine if another party may have caused your accident.
- Gathering evidence and documentation to support your case: Our Bucks County car accident attorneys will collect your medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other documentation to show how you were injured.
- Filing a motor vehicle accident lawsuit: Our Bucks County office will handle all aspects of filing your lawsuit.
- Negotiating for fair compensation: Stark & Stark has decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies. We will use this to help obtain a fair settlement offer on your behalf. If that is not possible, we can represent you in trial
Why Choose Stark & Stark?
At Stark & Stark, we have a proven track record of success. That is why we have been able to provide our clients with legal services for more than 80 years. To learn more about how our Bucks County auto accident lawyers can help with your case, call us at 800-535-3425 or contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation.
