Why Is Fall Driving Dangerous in Philadelphia?

A common misconception is that winter poses the most hazards for drivers and others sharing the roads in Philadelphia. The reality is that fall brings unique driving hazards that are equally dangerous for various reasons. Wet leaves on roadways can be just as slippery as ice. Daylight saving time (DST) and earlier sunsets mean more hours driving in the dark. Fog and headlight glare can compromise the vision of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. Fall holidays are also some of the most dangerous days for driving.

Car accidents that occur in the fall can result in severe injuries. If you were injured in a collision this season, retaining a car accident lawyer with extensive experience is imperative. You may be eligible for compensation for your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

There are a number of reasons car accidents are more common in the fall. Driving conditions drastically change as we say goodbye to the summer season. Philadelphia motorists who do not adjust their driving behaviors to the changing weather and road conditions can cause catastrophic car accidents.

The following are the top reasons that make fall driving dangerous:

• DST: Historically, car accidents spike during the weeks following the clock shift. Commuters driving at 5:00 p.m. must get used to darker and increasingly hazardous road conditions. Road signs, exit lanes, and other vehicles are more difficult to see after sunset. Driving in the dark also affects depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision.
• Sun glare: Now that the days are shorter, the sun is naturally closer to the horizon during the fall and winter months. Drivers must use their sun visors more often during their morning and evening commutes. The sun tends to remain in the line of vision of drivers, often blinding and distracting them from the road.
• School: Children who are excited to be back at school do not always think about avoiding cars when getting off the bus or crossing the street. It is the job of adults to keep an alert eye out for children on the roads. It is also critical to watch out for the number of young drivers the school season brings.
• Leaves: Fallen leaves can clutter roadways, block drains, and obscure road markings. They are also as slippery as ice when wet and equally dangerous.
• Frost: Frost starts forming in the fall, making it common to discover a layer of frost on car windows in the morning. Drivers in a rush may ignore it, significantly compromising their vision and putting themselves and others at risk on the road.
• Fog: Pennsylvania is home to many rural areas prone to early morning fog and reduced visibility. During the fall months, fog is more common due to the combination of cooling temperatures at night and lingering warmth from the day. Drivers should slow down and use low beams to minimize reflection and glare.

What Are the Most Dangerous Days for Driving in the Fall?

Many people do not realize that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays for driving. According to reports, there are 20 percent more accidents on Thanksgiving day than the two weeks before and two weeks after the holiday. One of the key factors that makes driving on Thanksgiving dangerous is the number of travelers on the road.

Drowsy driving also contributes to the increase in car crashes around Thanksgiving. Drivers often travel long distances and navigate many roads on this holiday. People tend to drive early in the morning or late at night going to and from Thanksgiving gatherings. In addition, many drivers take to the roads and head towards airports for Thanksgiving weekend. It is important to account for increased holiday traffic and travel time by not speeding or driving recklessly.

Black Friday is also a dangerous day for Pennsylvania drivers. According to recent data, there are 34 percent more accidents on Black Friday than during the two weeks before and after the popular shopping day. Pennsylvania has many discount outlets, leading to heavily trafficked roads with distracted and stressed-out drivers. This puts Philadelphia residents at risk of being seriously injured in a holiday car accident.

What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Fall Car Accident?

Most drivers involved in a car accident are left feeling overwhelmed and confused at the scene. Taking the right steps after a crash may affect your health and safety and help you avoid mistakes that might negatively influence your car accident claim.

The following are essentials steps to take after being involved in a fall car accident:

• Call 911: Make sure law enforcement and EMTs are called to the accident scene.
• Seek immediate medical attention: This should be a priority no matter whether you believe you have serious injuries.
• Maintain copies of documents: Keep copies of all police or accident reports and documentation of medical treatment received.
• Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information from other drivers involved in the accident.
• Eyewitness statements: Ensure to get contact information from any eyewitnesses to the car accident so that your lawyer can interview them later.
• Report: Make sure to report the accident to your insurance company.
• Contact a car accident lawyer: Car accident victims who retain experienced counsel are likelier to obtain the compensation they need and deserve.

How Can Galfand Berger LLP Help Me?

We have extensive knowledge of the relevant laws and experience recovering substantial financial awards for our injured clients. It is never advisable to try to negotiate with defendant insurance companies without the representation of a skilled attorney.

Our car accident lawyers are familiar with the process and ready to stand against insurance companies and other defendants. When you retain our legal services, we can handle phone calls and written correspondence with all opposing representatives in your car accident case. If you were injured in a car crash, you need a lawyer who can identify at-fault parties, review evidence, make discovery requests, work with medical experts, and file claims on time.

Galfand Berger LLP has been recovering substantial financial awards for accident victims for over 75 years. Some of our past cases:

• $4,500,000 settlement for spinal injury: Our client suffered severe injuries in a car crash that left him paralyzed. We took legal action against the driver who hit our client head-on, as well as the auto manufacturer, for defective seat belts and crashworthiness of the vehicle. Our legal team recovered a $4,500,000 settlement for our injured client.
• $2,000,000 recovery for an accident involving a construction truck: Our client was killed at impact when he hit the rear of a construction truck that pulled onto a highway from an unmarked turn-around at night. The defendant attempted to argue that our client should have known to look out for trucks since the accident occurred in a construction zone. We settled the matter for $2,000,000.

Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Are Vigorous Legal Advocates Who Fight For Maximum Compensation

If you were injured in a fall collision, Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can fight for your rights and best interests. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Allentown and Harrisburg.