Attorney Michael L. Saile
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- Distracted Driving
- Speeding and Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Weather and Road Conditions
- Driver Fatigue
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs
- Inexperienced or Aggressive Drivers
- Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures
- Let Cordisco & Saile Help You Recover Compensation After a Car Accident
Car accidents are a daily reality in Pennsylvania. A 2024 study by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation found the state experienced 110,765 reportable traffic crashes in 2024, resulting in 1,127 deaths and 66,950 injuries.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation identified that unsafe driving behaviors, such as impaired driving and speeding, are major factors in fatal crashes. Among the counties, Philadelphia, Bucks, and Lehigh rank in the top ten for the highest number of reported car accidents, with Philadelphia County having the most traffic-related fatalities in the state.
Understanding why car accidents happen—and how fault is determined—can help you protect your rights if your losses exceed what your own insurance covers. With over 30 years of experience handling complex accident cases in Pennsylvania, Cordisco & Saile, LLC can assist you in determining the cause of your accident and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving significantly contributes to car accidents, despite existing laws aimed at preventing it. This behavior includes activities like texting, handling phones, such as adjusting the GPS, eating, or looking away to change the car’s temperature. All these actions divert attention from driving, raising the likelihood of accidents or losing control.
Pennsylvania has banned texting while driving and recently expanded the law to include all hand-held interactive mobile devices, even when the vehicle is stationary. Drivers can be pulled over by police if they are holding a cell phone and may receive a written warning. Starting in June 2026, the penalty will be a $50 fine, plus court and other fees. If a driver is convicted of vehicular homicide and distracted driving, their sentence will include an additional five years in prison.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed-related crashes are the primary cause of 23,427 incidents in 2024, leading to 357 deaths. Speeding, reckless, or aggressive driving all elevate the risk of accidents, as excessive speeds and tailgating reduce drivers’ reaction time. These crashes often cause serious injuries due to the force generated by the collision speed.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Impaired driving is a major cause of fatal car accidents, and drinking and driving account for nearly 30% of all traffic deaths in Pennsylvania. Lehigh County has seen a significant increase in impaired driving cases in 2024. Alcohol and other drugs can severely impair a driver’s abilities, including judgment, reaction times, and overall capacity to drive safely. Drunk driving or driving under the influence of other drugs is incredibly dangerous, impacting a driver’s depth perception, concentration, and steering abilities.
Pennsylvania’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers aged 21 and older is 0.08 percent. If a driver’s BAC reaches or exceeds this level, they may be charged with a DUI. For drivers under 21, the limit is zero, so any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge.
Weather and Road Conditions
Weather conditions can significantly impact how safely we drive and can make the roads more hazardous for everyone. For example, rain, snow, and fog can lower visibility, while rain or ice can make the roads slippery, making it harder to stop or slow down. The danger only grows if the road is already in poor condition beforehand, such as having crumbling sides or a poorly designed road.
Driver Fatigue
Drivers who are excessively tired pose a significant risk to themselves and others, as fatigue impairs attention, reaction times, and decision-making. They may fall asleep at the wheel or unintentionally drift into other lanes. Certain groups, including truck drivers, night shift workers, and long-distance travelers, are especially vulnerable to accidents caused by fatigue.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs
Running red lights, rolling through stop signs, failing to yield, and other violations often cause accidents. Not following traffic laws significantly increases the risk for everyone on the road, especially at intersections. Improper turning was a contributing factor to 13,313 car accidents in Pennsylvania in 2024.
Inexperienced or Aggressive Drivers
The way some drivers behave or their experience level can influence the chance of an accident and increase the possibility of a collision. Young, inexperienced drivers may make errors or drive more recklessly, especially when other factors like bad weather or impaired driving come into play.
Aggressive drivers can also raise the likelihood of an accident, particularly if they follow too closely, brake suddenly, or start to swerve. Drivers with road rage or those who are new to driving can put others in danger if they don’t drive carefully, ultimately contributing to potential accidents.
Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures
Blown tires, failed brakes, steering issues, airbag or seat-belt defects, and other component failures can cause a collision—or make it worse. If an automotive defect contributed to your injuries, you may have a claim against a manufacturer or supplier, separate from any negligent driver.
Let Cordisco & Saile Help You Recover Compensation After a Car Accident
The aftermath of a car accident can be extremely difficult to deal with, especially if the accident was not your fault. Determining the main cause of your car accident can help you identify and prove liability, as well as support your claims more effectively.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania, our team of attorneys at Cordisco & Saile is here to help you get the justice you rightfully deserve. Our dedicated car accident attorneys will fight tirelessly on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery. Contact us today or call (215) 642-2335 to schedule your free consultation.
Serving as a personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania, Michael Saile has been honored as both a Brain Injury Top 25 Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers and a 2024 Super Lawyer. He earned his J. D. at Widener University School of Law where he was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society. Saile is also the author of two publications titled “Not Another Bad Lawyer” and “Don’t Crash Again”.
