Which driver has the right of way is often a source of confusion, especially in the congested traffic of downtown Philadelphia. When another driver breaks a right-of-way law and causes an accident, a Philadelphia accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you need to cover costs like medical bills and lost wages.

The Cochran Firm has been fighting for injured clients in Philadelphia for over 50 years, and we’re ready to help you next. Call The Cochran Firm at 800-969-4400 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer for right-of-way accidents in Philadelphia.

Why Choose Us

Serving Philadelphia for Over 50 Years

For over half a century, injured Philadelphians have turned to The Cochran Firm for dedicated legal representation. As a personal injury law firm, we represent clients in need of injury compensation due to a wide range of accident types. We have extensive experience in the realm of car accident compensation, and our skilled accident lawyers know what it takes to craft a winning argument for interpreting right-of-way traffic laws in our clients’ favor.

We have a reputation in Philadelphia for our ability to recover impressive compensation values for clients, often earning them six- or seven-figure amounts. Our accomplished team of attorneys offers free consultations, and you only pay if we win your case. You can learn more about your options for recovering compensation by discussing your situation with an accident lawyer at The Cochran Firm.

Right-of-Way Accidents in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Averages a Crash Injury Every Day

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) shows that, in 2022, Philadelphia saw a total of 372 car accidents that resulted in injury or death. On average, then, Philadelphia sees at least one serious accident per day that leads to medical expenses and other costs for the injured person or their family.

PennDOT doesn’t specifically keep tabs on which of these collisions is a right-of-way accident. However, it's safe to assume that confusion over who had the right of way was a contributing factor in many of them. Right-of-way laws are typically learned in the teenage years, and there’s not always posted signage to remind drivers of who must yield in a given driving situation. As a result, these laws are often a source of confusion for drivers.

How Right-of-Way Accidents Happen

Right-of-way accidents happen for three main reasons:

  • Driver forgot or misremembered the right-of-way rule
  • Driver was distracted
  • Driver was driving recklessly.

A driver who breaks a right-of-way law can be held financially responsible for the resulting costs, regardless of their reason for breaking the law. The following driving situations make it more likely to be involved in a right-of-way accident in Philadelphia:

  • Intersections
  • Left turns into oncoming traffic
  • Traffic circles/roundabouts
  • Lane changes
  • Parking lots or parking garage exits.

What all these circumstances have in common is that avoiding a crash requires all drivers to pay attention and know the laws. When a driver makes a poor judgment call at an intersection or while merging, the result is a right-of-way accident.

Common Right-of-Way Accident Injuries in Philadelphia

There’s no limit to the types of injuries people can sustain in a car crash. These accidents frequently result in a wide array of injury types. Factors like the speed and angle of the collision can vary greatly in a right-of-way accident, and these same factors are often what determine the type and extent of injuries. Accident lawyers routinely represent clients suffering from right-of-way accident injuries that include:

Depending on how the crash occurs, right-of-way accidents can also result in burns, scarring, disfigurement, loss of limbs, or even death. While minor injuries typically result in a full recovery, many right-of-way accident injuries can have a life-altering impact on the health, finances, and quality of life of the injured person and their loved ones.

Philadelphia Accident Compensation

When you’re injured in a right-of-way accident, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the costs and losses you faced due to the injury. This compensation is typically paid by the other driver’s auto insurance company. Accident compensation can reimburse you for things like:

  • Medical bills
  • Ambulance bills
  • Medical device costs
  • Attendant care costs
  • Future medical procedures or surgeries
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Pain and suffering.

Before you can recover accident compensation, however, you need to provide proof of how the accident has harmed you. A lawyer for right-of-way accidents in Philadelphia will consider your losses in two different categories: financial and non-financial damage. Financial costs, called economic damages in personal injury law, are those you can provide proof of using bills, receipts, or pay stubs. Non-economic damages are harder to prove, but a skilled lawyer can work to build a case showing why you deserve to receive compensation for the emotional impact of your accident.

Injured in a Philadelphia right-of-way accident? The Cochran Firm has the track record and experience you want on your side. Give us a call today at 800-969-4400 to speak with a right-of-way accident lawyer in Philadelphia. 

Establishing Liability for a Philadelphia Right-of-Way Accident

Depending on the extent of your injuries, you can receive substantial injury compensation after a Philadelphia right-of-way accident. However, you can’t recover anything until you prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the crash. In a right-of-way crash, this means proving that the other driver had an obligation to yield, failed to do so, and caused the accident as a result. You need an experienced Philadelphia right-of-way accidents attorney on your case to build a strong argument against the other driver. As the lawyers at The Cochran Firm work to establish negligence, we may:

  • Collect police reports
  • Collect traffic or security camera footage
  • Speak with eyewitnesses
  • Review local laws
  • Hire an accident reconstruction specialist.

Exactly how your Philadelphia right-of-way accidents attorney proves that the other driver violated right-of-way laws depends on the specifics of the car accident. If the law is on your side, an experienced right-of-way lawyer will fight to get you compensated for the other driver’s negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Philadelphia Right-of-Way Accident Compensation

Our Philadelphia accidents attorneys commonly hear these questions from new clients who have been involved in a right-of-way accident in Philadelphia. Taking the time to understand your options helps you protect yourself and recover the compensation you deserve.

How much money can a lawyer for right-of-way accidents in Philadelphia help me recover? 

Your case value depends on factors like your medical expenses and the extent of your injuries. You can consult a lawyer for right-of-way accidents in Philadelphia to get a better idea of how much accident compensation you might be able to recover.

When should I call a Philadelphia right-of-way accidents attorney?

You should consult a Philadelphia right-of-way accidents attorney as soon as possible after the crash. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering the money you deserve.

Can an accident lawyer help if my insurance claim is denied?

If you tried submitting your own insurance claim and were denied right-of-way accident injury compensation, a lawyer may be able to help. However, it’s best to consult a lawyer before you submit a claim or speak with an insurance agent.

How long will it take a lawyer to recover compensation?

It's hard to predict how long it will take a lawyer for right-of-way accidents in Philadelphia to recover accident compensation. Some claims might be resolved in a few weeks, while others might take much longer. Claims often take longer when injuries are severe and a high compensation value is at stake.

Can an attorney help if I lost a loved one in a Philadelphia right-of-way accident?

If your immediate family member lost their life in a Philadelphia right-of-way accident, a lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.

How long do I have to recover accident compensation?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover right-of-way accident compensation. Most cases are resolved through negotiation rather than a lawsuit. That said, you need to allow a lawyer to get started on your case sooner rather than later in case a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Every Philadelphia right-of-way accident involves a unique set of circumstances and injuries. To get a better idea of your options and the possible case value, you can schedule a consultation with the Philadelphia right-of-way accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm.

Call a Right-of-Way Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been involved in a Philadelphia right-of-way accident, you need an experienced Philadelphia right-of-way lawyer on your case. Having the right of way doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be fairly compensated for accident injuries after a crash. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure that evidence is preserved and that you’re fairly compensated for your injuries.

The Cochran Firm is ready to fight for you. Call 800-969-4400 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia accident attorney.