When you’ve been involved in a car accident you’ll likely need to schedule repairs for your vehicle. This post about the history of the modern vehicle, the first car accidents, and auto body shops in Fitler Square is brought to you by the Fitler Square workers’ comp lawyers at Schuster Law.

The Invention Of The Engine & Car

The century before the car was invented a man named Thomas Newcomen invented a steam engine. The engine he built, however, wasn’t very powerful and was generally used to pump water. Other inventors improved upon this design and made high-pressure steam engines, eventually developing the steam locomotive.

In 1879, German man Karl Benz made and obtained a patent for a two-stroke gasoline engine. He then built his first engine-powered vehicle he called the “Motorwagen”, receiving a patent for the car in 1886. The Motorwagen had only three wheels but Benz soon offered a second model with four.

Benz wasn’t the only inventor working on a “horseless carriage”. More vehicles popped up in Germany, France, and the United States. Although car ownership was still relatively rare, personal vehicles were popular.

Of course, like with any other form of transportation, it was only a matter of time before the first crash occurred.

Ohio City The Home Of The First Car Crash

James William Lambert was excited about motor vehicles and built several himself. His first car was very unstable, having one wheel in the front and two in the back. Since paved roads didn’t yet exist, stability was important. While driving with a friend, Lambert’s car hit a tree root and he lost control. The car and its passengers crashed into a hitching post.

Lambert and his friend were relatively unharmed but the car had significant damage.

The second car that Lambert built caught fire during a drive and was completely destroyed by the flames.

Today, car owners don’t have to do their own repairs, although they certainly can if they choose to.

Auto Body Shops In Or Near Fitler Square

Philadelphia Auto Body
3111 Grays Ferry Ave,
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 755-5957

Caliber CollisionFitler Square near workers' comp law firm.
2052 Washington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-9969

A.O.K. Auto Body & Glass
1330 Washington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 465-4300

Basil’s Auto Body
1645 Washington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 735-2199

If you’ve been injured on the job in an auto accident, you may want to consider contacting an experienced Fitler Square workers’ comp attorney. For additional information on services that may be beneficial to car accident victims, read our post on chiropractors in Fitler Square.