when to get an attorney for a car accident philadelphia

by Ms. Kailee Pacocha III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 10 min read

When you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in or around Philly as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, it’s going to operate in your best interests to retain a Philadelphia car accident lawyer right away to help you with your personal injury claim.

If you were hurt in an accident, you should call a lawyer before you speak to an insurance adjuster. Unfortunately, the insurance company — even if it is your own insurer — is simply not on your side. Your Philadelphia auto accident attorney will protect your rights.

Full Answer

When should I hire an attorney after a car accident?

Contacting a lawyer on the day of the collision, or within a few days afterward, is best. You can still hire a lawyer if you wait longer than that, but sooner is better. If you or someone else in your car suffered personal injuries, hiring a car accident lawyer is usually a good idea.

Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that was my fault?

Hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer after a car accident that was your fault is a good first step, before speaking to the insurance companies. Lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and can help mitigate any claims that are made against you by the other parties involved in the accident.

Under what conditions must you file an accident report in PA?

Pennsylvania Requires You to Report Most Car Accidents

C.S.A. § 3744, the state requires drivers to report a traffic accident if: There is an injury or death; or. Damage to the vehicles prevents the involved parties from driving away from the scene.

How long after a car accident can you sue in PA?

two years

For most car accident claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the car accident date. Similarly, if you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit because of a traffic fatality, the time to file the lawsuit is two years from the date of death.Jun 15, 2021

What can a car accident lawyer do for you?

After your car accident, a car accident lawyer can gather information from the accident, give you legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue compensation for your losses, so you can heal from it and get back to your normal routine. Car accidents can be traumatic for the victims.

Can you sue someone for lying about a car accident?

Home » Frequently Asked Questions » Can I Sue Someone For Lying About a Car Accident? If the other driver lied about their actions when they were at fault for a car crash that caused you serious injuries, you can file a lawsuit or claim through their insurance policy.

Is Pennsylvania a no fault state for car accidents?

Pennsylvania is both a fault and no-fault state for automobile accidents. The type of insurance policy a driver chooses determines their rights to pursue damages after a car accident. Understanding fault and no-fault insurance laws before you purchase a car insurance policy is essential.Aug 28, 2021

Do you need a police report for a car accident Pa?

C.S.A § 3746 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, police must file a car accident report for these specific types of car accidents: When a hit and run accident occurs. If anyone is injured in a car accident. If the vehicle cannot move and must be towed from the scene.

Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in PA?

In Pennsylvania, the law no longer requires police to respond to the scene of an accident where there's no injury or serious damage to property. Many minor accidents also do not need to be reported to the Police or the DOT. However, it is in your best interest to file a report even if you caused the accident.Dec 10, 2018

Can you sue for pain and suffering in PA?

You can sue for pain and suffering in Pennsylvania for non-economic losses for: Past and Future Pain and Suffering – This includes any past and future physical pain, mental anguish, discomfort, inconvenience, and stress.

Who pays for car damage in Pennsylvania?

The at-fault party's insurance coverage should pay for your repairs, including the deductible. However, Pennsylvania law only requires $5,000 in property damage coverage in a policy, which may not be enough to pay for the repairs.

How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Pennsylvania?

An insurance company has 15 days to settle a claim in Pennsylvania if you're making the claim to your own insurance company. If you're making the claim to another insurance company, they have 30 days to investigate and settle the claim. The insurance company has 10 days to acknowledge that you reported the accident.

What are the consequences of an auto accident?

Common injuries involve broken bones, life-changing pain, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, neck problems, severe burns, disfigurement, brain injuries, amputations, and in severe accidents, even paralysis or death. As a result of becoming a victim of an auto accident, you may suffer for the rest of your life, incurring enormous bills for medical treatment and physical therapy, as well as treatment for depression and anxiety due to the intense psychological impact of an accident. If you have been injured in an accident, you probably feel overwhelmed. You may be confronted with major financial difficulties, disability, and unethical insurance companies, all while trying to recover from your injuries, causing you to lose out both financially and psychologically. Many victims take years to recover from an automobile accident. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers are here to make that recovery as easy on you as possible.

What are the elements of a car collision?

First, that the defendant (responsible party) owed the plaintiff a duty of care. All drivers owe others around them a duty of care to reasonably prevent harm. They must follow roadway rules, drive prudently, and obey state and local laws. Other parties, such as vehicle part manufacturers, owe duties to produce safe goods for consumers. Duties of care will vary depending on the defendant’s relationship to the plaintiff.

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania?

To file a car accident personal injury claim in Pennsylvania, you must do so within two years of the date of the crash or of the date you discover your injuries. If the crash causes a loved one’s death, you have two years from the date of the death to file a claim. Give yourself plenty of time to file your claim by speaking to a lawyer without delay.

Understand Negligence

Not all car accidents can result in a lawsuit. To prove that someone was the cause of the car accident, you will more than likely need to prove that they were negligent.

Get Well and Gather Evidence

Take pictures of the car accident scene if you are able to. These should include damage to your car, other cars involved, and any surrounding areas. It is also good to make sure to capture images of factors that could be important showing why the accident happened. This may include road signs, the weather, or the condition of the road.

Get a Good Lawyer

There are a lot of personal injury lawyers in the world. It is important that you find one who will fight for you and advocate on your behalf. This could be your insurance company, the insurance agents representing other drivers in the accident, or in court if you take your case to trial.

At the Scene of the Accident, You Should

See if anyone is injured and call 911 immediately if medical attention is needed

Get in Touch with the Heslin Law Firm Today

Are you interested in hiring the car accident lawyer Philadelphia residents depend on? Call the Heslin Law Firm today at 215-332-0300 to schedule a free consultation.