When you get behind the wheel, you’re not just taking control of a vehicle. You’re assuming responsibility for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Accidents happen, but when they’re caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice.
If you’ve been injured due to a driver error in Reading, Pennsylvania, you’re not alone. Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially after an auto accident. You need a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process with expertise and compassion.
At Munley Law, our Reading car accident attorneys can work with you to get you the compensation you need for your recovery. With over 60 years of proven experience in personal injury law, we have what you need to protect your rights at this time. Reach out to our law firm in Reading, PA for a free consultation today.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Product Liability
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
$5 Million Medical Malpractice
$5 Million Bus Accidents
The Statistics on Driver Error in Reading, PA
Driver error is a significant factor in many traffic accidents, and Reading, PA is no exception. In Pennsylvania, traffic fatalities for car accident victims have fluctuated over the years. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the state saw the lowest number of traffic fatalities in 2019 since record-keeping began in 1928, with 1,059 deaths.
However, despite less roadway traffic in 2020, fatalities increased to 1,129 and again in 2021 to 1,230. Early estimates for 2023 suggest that traffic fatalities may be on the rise again.
When a driver’s negligent or reckless behavior does result in a car accident, it’s crucial to have a competent and experienced personal injury attorney in Reading, PA on your side. Your attorney can help navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Driver Error Causes Car Accidents
Unfortunately, poor driving behavior is a leading cause of car accidents, often resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. The following are some common examples of driving negligence that can lead to a catastrophic car accident.
Distracted Driving
In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. Whether it’s a text message, a call, or even a meal on the go, any diversion that takes your attention away from the road can lead to a car accident. Distracted driving has seen a significant increase in recent years, largely due to the rise of smartphones and in-car technology.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense and a major cause of car accidents. These substances impair your ability to drive safely, affecting your judgment, coordination, and reaction times. If you’re impaired, you’re not only putting your life at risk but also the lives of others on the road.
Driving while fatigued is considered a form of impaired driving. According to PennDOT, driving after 21 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08, Pennsylvania’s legal limit.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed limits are designed to keep you and other road users safe. Drivers who break the speed limit put themselves and others at greater risk of a serious car accident. The faster a driver speeds going, the less time they have to react to unexpected situations.
Reckless driving can include behaviors like:
- Tailgating
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Running red lights
- Illegally passing over a double-yellow line
- Swerving between lanes
- Texting while driving
- Illegally passing a school bus
- Failing to observe traffic signs
- Failing to stop at a police barricade
If you find yourself the victim of a car accident it’s important to seek the help of a Reading PA driver error injury lawyer. Your personal injury lawyer can provide the legal support you need to navigate the aftermath of an accident, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Driver Error in Truck Accidents in Reading, PA
When you think of driver negligence, you might immediately picture a car accident. However, reckless and negligent driving is a significant factor in truck accidents as well.
Some driver risk factors that can lead to a truck accident include:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers work long hours, covering vast distances. Fatigue impairs driver reaction time and the ability to make sound decisions. A truck driver working while fatigued is more likely to make a mistake that leads to an accident.
- Inadequate training – Driving a truck requires specific skills and knowledge outside of how to operate a motor vehicle. Truck drivers need to understand how to handle larger, heavy vehicles while securing cargo. Without adequate training, a truck driver is more likely to commit serious errors.
- Improper loading – If a load on a truck isn’t properly secured, that load can shift during transit. This shift can unbalance the truck, making it harder for the driver to control their vehicle.
- Disregard for regulations – Trucking companies and drivers are subject to a host of regulations, such as maintenance requirements. If a company or driver does not follow these regulations, a driver may be at higher risk for an accident.
- Reckless driving – Just like with car drivers, a truck driver can also engage in reckless behavior like speeding, tailgating, and changing lanes without signaling. However, given the size and weight of most trucks, these actions can have far more devastating consequences in truck accidents.
Determining Liability in a Driver Error Injury Case 
When pursuing a personal injury claim for an auto accident in Reading, PA, one of the most crucial steps is determining liability. Pennsylvania operates under a “comparative negligence” system, meaning even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
Even if you share absolutely no fault in an accident, identifying who is at fault for the accident is often a complex task. While it may seem obvious that the other driver was the at-fault driver in an accident, sometimes additional parties may be involved.
Employer of the At-Fault Driver
If a driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job when the accident occurred, their employer could potentially be held liable. This is based on a legal principle known as “vicarious liability,” which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment.
Businesses that Served Alcohol to the At-Fault Driver
In some cases, businesses that serve alcohol can be held responsible for car accidents. This is known as “dram shop liability.” If a business serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes a car accident, that business could be held liable for damages resulting from the accident with the drunk driver.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe. If a defect in a vehicle contributed to an accident, the manufacturer could be held liable. This could include anything from faulty brakes to a malfunctioning steering system.
How a Reading, PA Driver Error Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Reading, PA due to negligence on the part of another driver, you might be feeling overwhelmed. From dealing with injuries to navigating insurance claims, pursuing your due compensation after an auto accident can be stressful. That’s where an auto accident attorney can make a significant difference.
After a truck or car accident, your experienced personal injury lawyer can help you with:
- Legal Advice and Guidance – Your attorney can explain your rights, help you understand the legal process, and answer any questions you have
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering crucial evidence from police reports, witnesses, and accident reconstruction experts to support your case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – A lawyer can handle insurance company negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that your interests are represented.
- Representation in Court – If your case goes to court your attorney can handle all aspects of the trial and present your case in the most compelling way possible.
Remember, if you have suffered from a car accident in Reading, PA, you don’t have to manage everything alone. A truck or car accident lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need, helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Munley Law Today
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident due to driver error in Reading, PA, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys at Munley Law today. With our expertise and dedication, our legal team can provide the support you need during this challenging time.
With over six decades of experience, our personal injury attorneys at Munley Law have a proven track record of success. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers understands the complexities of these cases. We offer personalized attention, ensuring your unique needs and concerns are being addressed.
The sooner you involve a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of securing your deserved compensation. Contact one of our Reading personal injury attorneys at Munley Law today for a free, confidential consultation.
