For every motor vehicle collision, someone is at fault. Whether the collision involves a single vehicle, two vehicles or 10 vehicles, with limited exception, someone’s actions triggered the collision. Responding police officers are often the first to make the determination of who caused the collision. These officers then commonly issue a citation for a summary offense to the suspected at-fault driver on the scene or shortly thereafter.

Proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 (relating to vehicles) must be commenced within 30 days of the commission of the alleged offense, 42 Pa.C.S.A. Section 5553(a). Consequently, by the time an injured motorist seeks representation by a plaintiffs attorney, the summary offense proceedings may have already been completed.