As visitors flood the busy roads of beautiful Montgomery County this summer, the risk of car accidents will only increase. It’s important to be proactive before you set out for your road trip to Montgomery County. Research the area first and familiarize yourself with roads that have a higher accident rate. When you arrive and start exploring, look out for schools, work zones, and places with a high walkability score.
Being mindful of busy Pennsylvania roads this summer and knowing what to do if you’re in a car accident can help you during the insurance claims process. A car accident lawyer in Montgomery County can explain your options for compensation and support you from the beginning of your case to its resolution.
The Number of Car Accidents Peak During Summer Months
More crashes occur in the summertime (May to August) in Pennsylvania than in any other season. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT), in 2019:
- May: 10,603 crashes and 91 fatalities
- June: 9,818 crashes and 111 fatalities
- July: 9,915 crashes and 94 fatalities
- August: 9,847 crashes and 86 fatalities
The 111 fatalities in June made up 10.5% of all traffic deaths that year.
In addition, there are three major holidays during this time frame: Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Memorial Day weekend saw the most accidents, with 2,939 crashes and 27 deaths. Labor Day weekend came in as a close second with 2,766 crashes and 40 deaths. Note that Independence Day wasn’t even on a weekend that year. Still, there were 1,151 collisions and 18 deaths from the day before to the day after Independence Day.
Why Car Accidents Are More Common In the Summer
With so many cars on the road, crashes are almost inevitable. However, other factors may lead to an accident or at least contribute to it.
Typical reasons include:
- The summertime holidays bring in more visitors.
- Rain can compromise drivers’ vision and control of their cars.
- Motorists can become distracted while driving due to their unfamiliarity with the area.
- People often like to drink alcohol while enjoying the warm weather.
- Motorists may disregard the bicyclists and pedestrians they’re sharing the road with.
- School is out, so young and inexperienced drivers are on the roads.
- The heat can wear on cars’ mechanical components, leading to malfunctions.
- The heat can make people drowsy and dehydrated.
We have no control over what others do, but we can always do our part. Knowing about these potential risks before traveling on Montgomery County roads this summer can help you prevent an accident. So, make sure you set up the GPS before you start driving, stay hydrated, and be hyper-alert to your surroundings to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
How an Auto Accident Lawyer in Montgomery County Can Help You
If you were hurt in an auto accident in Montgomery County, legal aid is available. A personal injury attorney can handle your case while you recover from your injuries. The responsibilities a lawyer can assume include:
- Gathering photos, video, and other evidence of the crash
- Obtaining a copy of the police report
- Establishing the liable party
- Relaying messages between you and others involved
- Evaluating your economic and non-economic damages
- Filing your lawsuit within the allotted time
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Many personal injury firms that handle car accident cases work on a contingency basis. Your attorney won’t charge you any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs for their assistance. Instead, they will take their payment from the final compensation they secure for you. This way, you can focus on healing from your injuries without additional financial stress.
Common Damages You Can Recover After a Montgomery County Car Collision
No two car accident cases are the same, so the damages you are entitled to recover will be unique to your case. Still, common forms of compensation in these types of cases include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Mental anguish
Tragically, car accidents can be fatal. If your loved one didn’t survive their related injuries, you could pursue wrongful death damages. This compensation usually covers funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills, loss of consortium, and loss of support.
Get Help with Your Montgomery County Auto Accident Case from Cordisco & Saile LLC
Knowing what to look out for on the busy Montgomery Country roads this summer can make all the difference in your safety and well-being. Still, if you were hurt in a crash, the auto accident lawyers in Montgomery County from Cordisco & Saile LLC are ready to take on your case.
Call us today at (215) 642-2335 to schedule your free consultation.
