Were you recently injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania? Do you think someone else was to blame? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. A Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can demand fair compensation for you and protect your rights during the insurance claims process.
Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers has over 80 years of combined experience. Our attorneys have been recognized for their zealous client representation and advocacy by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. We have recovered over $50 million for clients since our founding.
One of our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys can meet with you to discuss your car accident during a free case review where we can explain your legal rights and options. Call us today to get started at (215) 875-7030.
How Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania car accident lawyer from Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers can help level the playing field between you and the other party. Insurance companies try to protect their bottom line by denying as many claims as possible. Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys are seasoned litigators and negotiators, so we know how to successfully combat these tactics.
When you hire our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers to handle your car accident claim, we:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, contributing factors, and all at-fault parties
- Compile evidence to prove liability and refute insurance companies’ claims that you were to blame
- Assess the short- and long-term impact of your injuries on your life
- Work with your medical providers and others to get a better understanding of how the accident affects your life
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for maximum compensation
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney.
Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics
In 2023, 110,382 reportable traffic crashes occurred in Pennsylvania, according to the 2023 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics Report published by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. These motor vehicle accidents claimed the lives of 1,209 people. 66,563 others were injured.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s report reveals illuminating information about car accidents throughout the state. 308 of the traffic fatalities in 2023 involved alcohol. This represents 26% of all motor vehicle deaths in 2023.
280 deaths were speed-related. Distractions were involved in 55 fatal crashes.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Common driver errors include the following:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Drowsy driving
- Tailgating
- Improper turning
- Careless or illegal passing
Thousands of crashes were blamed on vehicle defects and improper maintenance, with failing brakes and tires as the primary issue.
Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws
Pennsylvania has one of the most unique forms of auto insurance in the country. Most states either use a fault or no-fault system for car insurance. In a fault system, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damages they cause. In no-fault states, each motorist or passenger involved in an accident turns to their own insurance policy for coverage, regardless of fault.
Pennsylvania uses a different approach known as choice no-fault. This system allows accident victims to choose whether they want to go through their own insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
All drivers in Pennsylvania are required to maintain insurance in the following minimum amounts:
- Medical payments coverage of $5,000
- Personal injury protection coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage of $5,000
Your personal injury lawyer can review your insurance policy and explain your coverage.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Pennsylvania Car Accident Claim?
You have the right to recover compensation for the economic damages you suffered as a result of the accident, regardless of the type of insurance you have.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Costs to repair your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages for which you may be able to receive compensation could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your ability to recover non-economic damages after a car accident may be based on whether you have full tort or limited tort insurance. The amount you can recover will also depend on whether you suffered an injury, which will allow you to pursue the maximum compensation available.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
While one of the most common questions our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers receive is, “What is my case worth?” it is one of the most difficult questions to answer. Every car accident claim is different.
Factors specific to your case can affect its value, including:
- The economic damages you sustained
- How long you are out of work due to your injuries
- Whether your injuries permanently disabled you
- The duration of your medical recovery
- How many people contributed to the accident
- The amount of insurance coverage available
- Who is at fault for the accident
- Whether you contributed to the accident
- The strength of your evidence
- Your health before the accident
These individual factors can have a tremendous impact on your claim. The best way to determine the potential value of your case is to speak to an experienced attorney.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for the Accident?
Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state that allows you to recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the car accident. If you are less than 51% at fault for an auto accident, you can still recover compensation for the damages you sustained. However, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. Therefore, if you are found 40% at fault and suffered $100,000 in damages, your damages would be reduced by 40% to $60,000.
Insurance companies know these rules and try to exploit them to minimize your recovery. They may try to blame you for the accident simply to avoid paying what they owe. This is also why it’s important not to admit fault for an accident.
You don’t know all of the factors that may be involved in your case, such as if the other driver was drunk or texting. Let an experienced lawyer investigate your case and find out what really happened.
We Fight to Recover Compensation for All Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents involve tremendous amounts of force and velocity. Car accident victims can slam into hard surfaces, be flung about the vehicle, and suffer serious injuries from broken glass and exposed metal. As a result, many car accidents cause severe injuries.
Our law firm regularly works with personal injury victims who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputations
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Disfiguring injuries and scarring
Our legal team works tirelessly to secure the compensation our clients need to cover the costs of medical treatment, loss of income, and other damages.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
All states establish time limits by which affected parties must take certain legal action to preserve their rights. These are known as statutes of limitations. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania for car accident cases is two years. If you don’t file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date, you can lose your right to recover compensation through the courts. You should speak to an experienced car accident lawyer to preserve your rights.
Keep in mind that this deadline applies for personal injury lawsuits you file against a third party. This is not the deadline for car accident claims you make with your own insurance company. The deadline specified in your auto insurance policy applies in these cases. An experienced lawyer can help you file all applicable claims and take timely legal action to protect your rights.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Were you injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania that was someone else’s fault? Would you like to discuss your situation with an experienced car accident attorney? If so, Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
One of our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers can investigate your case, identify the at-fault driver, and fight for fair compensation. Contact us today to get started with your free case review.