Highway Accidents in Pittsburgh

Due to heavy traffic and complex roadway designs, Pittsburgh’s highways can be highly dangerous for drivers. In 2023, 1,209 fatal car accidents took place in Pennsylvania. Many serious and fatal collisions occurred on state highways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway accident in Pittsburgh, contact a Pittsburgh attorney handling car accident cases for legal advice and claims assistance.

Types of Highway Accidents in Pittsburgh, PA

Traveling on a highway in Pittsburgh can come with many crash risks, especially when drivers are not careful or disobey traffic laws. Driver errors such as speeding, weaving in and out of multiple lanes, tailgating, distracted driving, reckless driving, and drunk driving increase the odds of collisions. 

Common types of highway accidents include:

• Lane-change accidents
• Accidents while merging
• Sideswipe accidents
• Large truck accidents
• Lost load accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Multivehicle accidents and chain-reaction crashes
• Vehicle rollover accidents
• Head-on collisions
• High-speed accident

These accidents can typically be prevented with proper care exercised by all drivers on the highway. However, some highway collisions are caused by dangerous roadways – including poor design and complex interchanges – and bad weather. 

Most Dangerous Highways in Pittsburgh

Statistically, a higher number of fatal motor vehicle accidents occur on certain highways more than others in Pittsburgh. The most dangerous highways are those that regularly experience heavy traffic congestion, such as I-376, I-79 and Route 28 (especially during rush hour). Other dangerous local highways include I-70, Route 51 and William Penn Highway (Route 22).

What to Do After a Highway Accident in Pittsburgh 

Highway car crashes can result in catastrophic damage, with injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and spinal cord injuries common due to the high speeds of the vehicles involved. 

It is important to know what to do after a highway accident to seek help and start building the foundation of your car accident claim: 

1. Call the police to report the highway accident right away.
2. Stay at the scene to exchange information with the other driver(s).
3. Do not admit fault.
4. Take pictures and videos of the crash scene.
5. Get medical care for your injuries immediately.

File a car accident claim with your own insurance company as soon as possible. Since Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state, your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will be the first source of financial compensation. If you have full tort insurance or suffered serious injuries, you may then be able to bring a claim against the at-fault party.

How a Highway Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA Can Help

Car insurance companies always put themselves and their profits first, making it difficult for highway accident victims to recover fair and full compensation for their losses. When you hire a personal injury lawyer in Pittsburgh, you strengthen your negotiating power and increase your odds of success.  

Your lawyer can investigate your highway accident to determine fault and causation and collect key evidence to prove your claim. An attorney can then handle conversations with insurance claims adjusters to protect you from accepting an unfair settlement offer. You can rely on your attorney to represent you in and out of court to protect your rights while you concentrate on rebuilding your life after a serious highway accident.

For a free highway accident case consultation in Pittsburgh, contact Dallas Hartman, P.C.