It may be alarming to some residents of the Lehigh Valley to learn that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 1,300 traffic accident related deaths in Pennsylvania during 2011 involving cars, trucks and motorcycles. When the physical, emotional and financial cost of the NHTSA statistic is considered, the devastating impact of motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania each year is realized.
Motor vehicle accidents result in both fatalities and serious injuries that cause harm to victims and their families. Victims of motor vehicle accidents, and their families, may suffer physical, emotional and financial damages. When a loved one has been wrongfully killed or seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to determine liability to allow victims to recover damages for the harm they have suffered at the hands of the negligent party.
Depending on the circumstances, a negligent motorist may be responsible to compensate victims for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. In circumstances of a fatal motor vehicle accident, a negligent motorist may be responsible to compensate family members of the victim for related damages. Victims may receive recovery of damages through a settlement or the court process, based on the best outcome possible in the circumstances.
Victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents and train accidents are all protected by the legal system. It is important for victims of motor vehicle accidents to be familiar with their rights and legal options that may be available to them when they have been harmed.