University City Personal Injury Lawyers University City Car Accident Lawyers

University City Car Accident Lawyers

Philadelphia’s University City is a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its diverse culture and hub of intellectual activity and innovation, as it is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. University City offers a blend of residential and commercial locales, with numerous restaurants, shops, and parks. However, navigating University City’s busy streets can be challenging due to the high volume of traffic, pedestrians, and complex intersections that can all lead to frequent accidents.

At Galfand Berger LLP, our knowledgeable and experienced legal team handles numerous types of car accidents, including but not limited to head-on and rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents, T-bone accidents, and multi-car crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in University City, we are here to help you.

What Are University City’s Most Dangerous Roads?

In the bustling neighborhood of University City in Philadelphia, navigating the roads can be perilous due to the high volume of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Some of the most dangerous roads include:

• Market Street: Known for its heavy traffic and complex intersections, Market Street is especially dangerous due to the high number of pedestrians and vehicles competing for space.
• Chestnut Street: With its bustling business district, Chestnut Street sees frequent accidents caused by distracted driving and jaywalking.
• Walnut Street: This road is notorious for speeding and reckless driving, particularly late at night when drivers often ignore traffic signals.
• Spruce Street: Spruce Street’s mix of residential and commercial areas creates a high risk for rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents.
• South 38th Street: The proximity to university campuses results in heavy pedestrian traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in University City?

Navigating the streets of University City can be challenging, and numerous factors contribute to the high rate of car accidents in this area. Common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or interacting with onboard technology divert a driver’s attention from the road and can lead to accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times.
• Fatigued Driving: Driving while sleep-deprived can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, with the same impairments.
• Reckless Driving: Behaviors such as aggressive driving, speeding, and ignoring traffic laws are considered reckless and dangerous.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces the time and distance to react to unexpected stops or objects in your path.
• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely can lead to rear-end collisions if the driver in front stops suddenly.

Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to My Insurance Company?

You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of whether you are at fault. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting, and failure to do so could result in a denied claim. In Pennsylvania, accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must also be reported to law enforcement.

Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting a car accident lawyer, especially if the insurer is requesting you to make a recorded statement. Insurers often try to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you. It is best to let your lawyer handle communications with insurers to protect your rights.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision and provide additional evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. In Pennsylvania, you can also file a bad faith claim against the insurer if it unreasonably denies or delays your claim. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you challenge the denial, though working with one to properly prepare your claim from the beginning is wise to prevent denial.

What Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident?

If you are injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of life enjoyment. 

Pennsylvania uses modified comparative negligence in car accidents, assigning each driver a percentage of fault. If you are less than 51 percent responsible, you can seek compensation, though it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

What Should I Do If I Am in a Car Accident in University City?

Gathering evidence after a car accident can provide crucial information supporting your claim. You should take the following steps:

• Report the accident and injuries to the police.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Minimize conversation and do not apologize to avoid making incriminating statements that can be used against you.
• Photograph the scene, including injuries, damage, and your surroundings.
• Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses.
• Seek immediate medical attention to rule out life-threatening internal injuries and get a report of your injuries and treatment.
• Keep all records related to the accident and injuries.
• Hire an experienced University City car accident lawyer to protect your rights and recover maximum compensation.

How Can Galfand Berger LLP Help Me After a Car Accident?

Establishing fault in a car accident is crucial in determining who is legally responsible for the damages and injuries resulting from the incident. The process involves several steps, which are essential to building a strong case:

• Investigate the Accident Scene: Collect evidence such as photographs, videos, skid marks, and debris to understand the circumstances of the accident.
• Review the Police Report: Obtain and examine the official police report for important details and statements from all parties and witnesses.
• Interview Witnesses: Speak with individuals who witnessed the accident to gather accounts of what occurred.
• Determine Fault: Analyze evidence to determine who is at fault.
• Hire Experts: Consult medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts to provide testimony on the cause of the accident and liability.
• Negotiate a Settlement: Negotiate with insurance adjusters for an appropriate settlement covering the full extent of your damages.
• Represent You in Court: Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.

Why Choose Galfand Berger LLP?

Galfand Berger LLP is committed to protecting the rights of injury victims and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable. What sets us apart:

• Experience and Proven Results: Our legal team has decades of experience handling complex car accident claims. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients.

• Comprehensive Legal Knowledge: Galfand Berger LLP is well-versed in Pennsylvania’s personal injury laws, including the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, insurance regulations, and liability laws.

• Personalized Attention: At Galfand Berger LLP, we believe in a client-focused approach. We take the time to understand your case, answer your questions, and provide strategic legal guidance tailored to your unique situation.

• Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation: While many car accident claims are settled through negotiations, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our firm is known for aggressive negotiation tactics. If an insurer refuses to offer reasonable compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

• Strong Reputation and Client Testimonials: Galfand Berger LLP has built a reputation for excellence, earning recognition from legal organizations and positive reviews from past clients. Our commitment to justice and client advocacy has led to long-lasting trust within the Philadelphia community.

Contact Our University City Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP to Learn More

If you have been injured in an accident, speak with the skilled University City car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP. We will review your case. Call 800-222-USWA (8792) or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.