As one of the largest cities in the country with a population of over 1.6 million, Philadelphia sees its share of car accidents. While you risk getting in a car accident anywhere in the city, certain locations report higher numbers of car accidents than others.
So, where do car accidents occur most in Philadelphia, and what can you do to obtain compensation if a negligent driver caused an accident that injured you or a loved one?
Read on to learn of the most dangerous roads and intersections for car accidents in Philly. For specific advice concerning your rights and options to seek compensation from an at-fault driver, contact a local Philadelphia car accident attorney.
Philadelphia’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
According to crash facts and statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), more than 25% of the most dangerous roads are in Philadelphia. Additionally, Philadelphia ranked 11th in a list of the 50 most dangerous cities for driving.
Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Philly include:
- Roosevelt Boulevard, which saw 26 crashes and 30 fatalities along an 11-mile stretch of the road in a recent year. The intersections of Roosevelt Blvd. at Red Lion Rd. and Roosevelt Blvd. and Grant Ave. seem to be a particularly dangerous location for car crashes.
- Delaware Expressway (I-95), which reported 16 fatal accidents along its nearly 30-mile length.
- Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), which reported 12 traffic fatalities along a 5-mile stretch. The area around the University of Pennsylvania typically sees the highest number of car accidents.
The intersection at Grays Avenue and South 48th Street also reported high car accident numbers.
Other roads in Philly that report considerable numbers of accidents and fatalities include:
- Broad Street
- Lehigh Avenue
- Bustleton Avenue
- Torresdale Avenue
- Henry Avenue
- Woodhaven Road
- Whitaker Avenue
- Aramingo Avenue
- Castor Avenue
Altogether, these locations and a few others accounted for 155 total fatal accidents that killed 167 people during the most recent year of reporting.
What Causes Car Accidents in Philadelphia?
Car accidents can result from a variety of factors in a large urban area like Philadelphia. In some cases, accidents result from a combination of factors.
Some prevalent factors contributing to car accidents in Philly include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems, can lead to accidents when drivers are not fully focused on the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Speed limits are set for the safety of all road users, and disregarding them can lead to collisions.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and road rage can escalate situations and contribute to accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major contributor to accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced coordination and judgment, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failure to obey traffic signals and signs can lead to intersection accidents. Disregarding red lights or stop signs puts drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make roads slippery and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers may struggle with reduced visibility and compromised road traction.
- Poor Road Conditions: Inadequate road maintenance, potholes, and construction zones can contribute to accidents. Uneven road surfaces or poorly marked lanes can pose hazards.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, including aggressive maneuvers, weaving in and out of traffic, and not yielding the right of way, can lead to accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or novice drivers may lack the skills and judgment needed to navigate complex traffic situations, leading to accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can result in accidents. Regular maintenance is crucial to minimize the risk of mechanical failures.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigued or drowsy driving can impair a driver’s alertness and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
After a car accident in Philadelphia, consult a car accident attorney who can navigate the legal process. They can assist you in seeking a car accident settlement and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
How Is Philadelphia Addressing Road Safety?
Philadelphia has created the Vision Zero Task Force to help reduce serious injuries and fatalities on the city’s roads. Efforts to improve road safety involve a combination of public awareness campaigns, law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and encouraging responsible driving behaviors.
Some methods Philadelphia is using to make its roads safer include:
- Reducing the speed limits on certain roads and installing speed inhibitors, such as speed cushions, raised crosswalks, and rumble strips
- Increasing law enforcement presence to cut down on speeders and implementing automated speed enforcement with traffic cameras
- Installing traffic controls such turn prohibitors and speed limit signs
- “Right-sizing” roads by removing traffic lanes or adding parking spots
- Installing dedicated bike lanes to make roads safer for bicyclists as well as other infrastructure improvements to increase pedestrian safety
- Making roads more accessible to disabled individuals
Vision Zero efforts in Philadelphia have focused on a “High Injury Network” throughout the city, which includes Kelly Drive, Lincoln Drive, Chestnut Street, Locust Street, Market Street, and others. The city is also replacing at least 130 street lights with LEDs to improve illumination and increase visibility.
For its efforts, Vision Zero in Philly has reduced fatal crashes by 34% and reduced speeding by between 18% and 25%.
What Should I Do if I Get into an Accident in Philly?
If you get into an accident in Philadelphia, it’s important to follow certain steps to ensure your safety, the safety of others involved, and to properly handle the situation to protect your legal rights.
Here’s a general guide on steps you should take:
- Make Sure Everyone’s Safe: Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved for injuries. If there are injuries, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and reduce the risk of further accidents. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration details with the other party involved. Be sure to obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, license plates, and any visible damage. Document the location, time, and date.
- Contact the Police: In Philadelphia, you are required to report an accident to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call the Philadelphia Police Department or 911 to report the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report or a case number.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that may imply guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information and details about the incident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and you’ll need proof you sustained an injury and received treatment to pursue an injury claim.
- Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan: Be sure to complete any treatment your doctor prescribes. If you stop your treatment prematurely, the insurance company could use that to assert that you weren’t as seriously injured as you claimed.
- Keep Records: Keep track of medical treatments, repair costs, and any other related expenses. You must share these with your attorney so they can assess your damages.
- Comply with Insurance Requirements: Familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s insurance requirements and ensure that you comply with reporting and other obligations. An attorney can review any insurance policies with you to determine what coverage is available.
Contact an Attorney
An important step you should take after suffering injuries in a car accident in Philadelphia is to contact a personal injury attorney in the area. A lawyer can ensure you handle the process appropriately, and they can help you gather evidence to support your claim. They can file your claim with the insurance company and negotiate to get the highest settlement possible.
Additionally, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability, your attorney can file a lawsuit for you and fight for you in court to hold them accountable and get the money you need.
What Compensation Can an Attorney Help Me Recover From a Philadelphia Car Accident?
A personal injury attorney can help you pursue various types of compensation after a car accident in Philadelphia. The specific damages you may be eligible to recover depend on the circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and other factors.
Here are common types of compensation that an attorney can help you seek:
- Medical Expenses
- Future Medical Expenses
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
- Rehabilitation Costs
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If the accident killed a close family member, you may qualify to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. You may receive damages to cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional distress you experienced.
An experienced car accident attorney in Philadelphia can assess the value of your claim and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Get Help From an Experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney
Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq., Car Accident Lawyer
You have enough to worry about dealing with your injuries and losses following a car accident in Philadelphia. You shouldn’t bear the additional burden of seeking compensation as well.
If you suffered injuries or lost a close family member in a Philadelphia car accident, pedestrian accident, or bicycle accident a negligent driver caused, contact The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP right away.
Our experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are here for you, and we are prepared to fight throughout the process to protect your rights and help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.
