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Frequently Asked Questions about Motor Vehicle Accidents

Q: I have been in a motor vehicle accident. Should I go to a doctor?

A: If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you should see a doctor right away. Firstly, you should see a doctor for your own well-being. You may not be able to discern the extent of your injuries yourself; a small ache could be something significant, or it could be nothing at all. Only a doctor can tell you for sure. Secondly, you should see a doctor because if you decide to bring a legal claim against the at-fault driver or another party, you will need documentation of your injuries and what you did to fix them.

Q: Are there parties other than the at-fault driver against whom I can take legal action?

A: If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, there may be parties other than the at-fault driver who share responsibility for what happened. If the accident occurred because the other driver was drunk, and a business served alcohol to the visibly intoxicated driver before the accident, your state’s dram shop law may allow you to hold the business liable; this varies from state to state. If a defect in one of the autos caused or worsened the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be responsible for the injuries that resulted. Or a third party may have left debris in the road or caused one of the drivers involved in the accident to undertake a risky driving maneuver to avoid collision. Finally, if the owner of the car driven by the at-fault driver negligently allowed the driver to use the car, the owner may be liable, too.

13,000 people have been injured or killed since 1990 in crashes caused by aggressive driving. If you have been a victim of aggressive driving, click here to tell us about your case.

Erie, Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

The lawyers at Bernard & Stuczynski, in Erie, Pennsylvania, have been successfully handling auto accident claims for more than thirty years. We are committed to helping injured individuals obtain the compensation they need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally from injuries sustained in Pennsylvania car accidents.

We have successfully handled a wide variety of motor vehicle accident cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accident, and boating accidents. Our attorneys understand that every accident is different and work together to ensure our clients optimize the compensation they receive for their injuries. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact the Erie, Pennsylvania auto accident attorneys at Bernard & Stuczynski for a free initial consultation. Our lawyers can be reached by phone at 814-452-6232 or 1-800-999-0750 outside the Erie area, or by filling out the intake form on the Contact Us page.

Bernard & Stuczynski represents personal injury clients throughout northwestern Pennsylvania including Erie County, Crawford County, Warren County, Mercer County, Clarion County, Lawrence County, Venango County, and the cities of Erie, Edinboro, Meadville, Warren, Oil City, Franklin, Sharon, Presque Isle, North East, Fairview, Girard, Titusville, Corry, Mercer, Union City, Grove City, Clarion, Bradford, Youngsville, and New Castle.

Motor Vehicle Accidents - An Overview

Motor vehicle accidents cause the loss of time, property, health and even life. Such accidents occur because of elements including driver error, negligence, manufacturing defects and dangerous weather. No matter what the specific cause or result, a crash can turn a normal day into a prolonged struggle. Speaking with a lawyer can help you sort out your rights, your options and your future. Contact an attorney to find out more.

When you have been in an auto accident, you may have a sense of who caused it. Issues of fault, however, can be complicated by who acted when and which laws governed the situation. If the other driver was negligent, you may have to prove that the driver breached a duty of care to you and that the breach caused your damages. The assistance of an attorney can be immensely valuable at this time, whether you are battling an insurance company, seeking compensation for your injuries or defending yourself in court.

Auto Accident Injuries and Compensation

An individual who has been injured in an automobile accident may be able to seek monetary compensation for injuries and damages. Cases are fact specific, typically with complex issues of proof and fault in dispute. Working with an experienced attorney will help you sort out your legal options.

Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts

When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact an attorney to learn more.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

When a driver refuses or is unable to carry proper motor vehicle insurance, that driver puts more than just him- or herself at risk. If the driver injures another person, the insurance will be inadequate to cover the damages. Injured parties, however, may be covered by their own insurance policies; uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects accident victims in these cases. If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important to contact an attorney to create a plan of action.

No-Fault Insurance

When a driver has been in an accident, no-fault auto insurance allows the driver to collect from his or her insurance company no matter who was at fault. Not every state has a no-fault insurance structure, but those that do have very specific laws governing when, how much and for how long the injured party may collect. Consult with an attorney to discuss how your state views fault and to determine how the laws may affect your right to recover damages for injuries.

What to Do If You Are in an Accident

When you are in an accident, you have immediate, important decisions to make. For the crucial decisions you have to make later on, consult with an attorney.

Motor Vehicle Accidents Resource Links

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA is a government agency dedicated to making American roads safer for travelers.

What Are the Driving Laws in My State?
The Insurance Information Institute provides this summary of state laws regarding auto insurance, seat belts, drunk driving and more.

National Safety Council
The National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization, provides links and articles on topics like seat belt use, safe driving for teenagers and reducing motor vehicle crashes.

US Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Department of Transportation is a federal agency focusing on policy and lawmaking to ensure safer US travel.

MedlinePlus: Motor Vehicle Safety
This Web site, from the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, offers information on preventing motor vehicle crashes, stating that about every 12 minutes, someone in America dies from a motor vehicle accident.

Motor Vehicle Accidents Info