Pennsylvania is a state with surprisingly diverse terrain. Some drivers may not expect that, not know how to deal with it, and then end up in an accident as a result.
However, some riders cause accidents for other, more careless reasons: negligent driving.
If you suspect that your accident was caused by a driver who was breaking Pennsylvania’s driving laws, then consider contacting a personal injury attorney.
A PI attorney will be able to help you make a claim for you to get the compensation you need to help you recover from your injuries.
Specific Rules in Pennsylvania
Some of Pennsylvania’s most important driving laws are listed below.
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Seat belts: All riders in the front seats must be wearing a seatbelt if they are in Pennsylvania, though passengers who are 18 and older may choose not to wear seatbelts in the backseat. Riders under the age of 8 have to be in a booster seat or child passenger safety system.
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Open container laws: Passengers and drivers in Pennsylvania are not able to possess an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Closed containers can be transported in the passenger area.
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Distracted driving: Distracted driving is essentially any activity that gets you to take your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off of the wheel. Texting while driving is a common form of distracted driving, and it is forbidden in Pennsylvania.
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Drunk driving: In Pennsylvania, nobody is allowed to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) can be imposed on the first DUI conviction if the driver’s BAC was particularly high (0.10 or more).
Distracted Driving and Your Pennsylvania Auto Accident
You ended up getting T-boned at an intersection. It turns out that the other driver’s negligence was due to the fact that he was texting while driving.
You end up getting severely injured, and you’re out of work for quite some time.
In this type of scenario, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Pennsylvania is technically a no-fault state, but it’s separated into pure no-fault and modified no-fault. If you have a pure no-fault plan, you can’t file suit against another driver, even if they caused the accident. But if both drivers have a modified no-fault plan, then you can file a claim.
A personal injury attorney will be in the best position to help you choose a course of action, so contact one as soon as possible.
Hiring a Personal injury Lawyer
The idea of filing a personal injury claim can be a bit scary, but the reality is that there isn’t much to worry about if you have a lawyer on your side. A personal injury lawyer can answer your questions, gather evidence about your auto accident, and argue on your behalf. Better yet, in most cases, the lawyer won’t collect payment unless you win your case.
Don’t worry about filing a claim-- talk to a PI attorney, have the lawyer handle your case, and focus on your recovery instead.