Were you hurt in a motor vehicle collision in Philadelphia, PA? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses under Pennsylvania law. Hiring an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer from Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers is the best way to ensure that you receive maximum financial recovery. Contact our law firm today at (215) 875-7030 to schedule a free consultation.
Our team will fight for the results you deserve. We have been helping accident victims for over three decades, and we’ve secured $50+ million for our clients.
Why Choose Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers To Help Me After My Car Accident in Philadelphia, PA?
Many struggle physically, emotionally, and financially in the aftermath of an accident. You may be receiving treatment for your injuries and pain and suffering, leading to expensive medical bills and missed time from work.
You shouldn’t have to worry about an aggressive insurance adjuster during this time. Instead, you should be focusing on your well-being.
Let our Philadelphia car accident attorneys handle the legal issues and insurance claim while you heal. Our legal team has over 80 years of collective experience tackling the most complex cases and recovering just compensation from insurance companies. We know how to deal with insurers and protect our clients from tactics designed to undervalue their losses.
If you work with our highly rated car accident lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Help you understand your rights and make informed decisions regarding your case
- Thoroughly investigate to identify all at-fault parties and avenues for compensation
- Collect the evidence needed to prove liability and the value of your damages
- Handle all negotiations and correspondence with the insurance company
- Litigate your case if we cannot reach a settlement that fully compensates you
Call our law firm for a free, no-obligation case assessment with an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia?
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney in Philadelphia can mean the difference between low settlements from insurance companies and amounts that fully compensate you for your damages. Adjusters often make the process as difficult as possible for claimants. Their focus is on protecting the insurance company – meaning they’ll try to pay an accident victim as little as possible.
They might use legally confusing language, ask you to provide a recorded statement, or request unnecessary information. These are all tactics designed to undervalue or deny your claim.
With an attorney by your side, insurance companies won’t get away with these strategies – and they might not even try them. They’ll know you’re serious about your car accident claim and getting the compensation you deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Our car accident lawyers will protect your right to a fair financial recovery as a victim, giving you the chance to heal from your injuries.
How Much Money Can I Get After an Auto Accident?
According to Forbes, the average car accident settlement is around $21,000. However, that’s not really a helpful statistic. Every accident claim is distinctive because each collision and victim differ. Some cases may be worth a few thousand dollars, while others are worth several millions.
The value of your case will depend on your specific circumstances and answers to the following:
- How severe are your injuries? Will they permanently impair you?
- How do your injuries affect your enjoyment of life and ability to care for yourself?
- What is the value of your medical bills and other injury-related expenses?
- Do you share any blame for the Philly car wreck?
- Have you missed time from work? Are you able to return to work and earn the same income?
- What auto insurance policies do you and the other party have?
Generally, the more significant your bodily harm, the more compensation you will recover. However, we must evaluate the full picture when calculating your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years to take legal action after a collision. You’ll have until the second anniversary of your accident date (or date of death of a loved one for wrongful death cases) to file your lawsuit.
Note that there may be exceptions to the general two-year deadline. If you fail to bring your lawsuit within the applicable time frame, the court will dismiss your case.
Contact our top-rated team to ensure that your rights are protected and you take the appropriate actions.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Philadelphia Car Accident?
You may be able to get full compensation for your economic and non-economic losses after suffering an injury in an accident.
Economic damages represent the financial costs you’ve suffered due to the accident and injuries, such as:
- Medical expenses for emergency services, hospital stay, surgery, and home healthcare
- Future medical expenses if you need ongoing treatment, in-home medical care, or follow-ups
- Physical therapy
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for medical supplies, travel, and childcare
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Loss of earning potential if you cannot earn the same income as before
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are unique to you and your situation. They are more difficult to calculate and prove because they’re non-financial.
Non-economic damages you’ve suffered might include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- PTSD, anxiety, or phobia
Your insurance coverage and other factors will dictate whether pain and suffering damages are available in your auto accident case. For example, whether you opted for a full tort or limited tort policy may impact your recovery.
Additionally, in rare cases, a Pennsylvania court may award the plaintiff punitive damages. A judge grants these awards when a defendant’s conduct is particularly reckless or willful. They’re a form of punishment. For example, if a DUI accident permanently disabled you, you may be awarded punitive damages.
How Much Does it Cost To Hire a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer?
Many people hesitate to seek legal advice and representation because they’re worried about how much it costs.
The good news is that most accident attorneys in Philadelphia accept cases on a contingency fee basis. It costs you nothing upfront to get started on your claim. You will only owe attorney’s fees if your case is successful.
These fees are typically between 33–40% of the settlement or jury award your car accident attorney recovers in your case. They’re deducted from this amount, so you never owe anything from your own pocket.
Can I Get Compensation If I Was Partly At Fault for My Car Accident?
Philadelphia accident victims may be eligible for compensation even if they were partially to blame for the injuries they’ve suffered.
Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law, each party who shares responsibility for an accident is apportioned a percentage of fault.
If the victim’s portion exceeds 50%, they cannot recover compensation from the other party. However, if they are 50% or less to blame, the accident victim can receive a reduced amount.
For example, suppose you are found 30% at fault. The other driver would only be financially accountable for 70% of your damages.
Will My Car Accident Case Go To Trial?
Your car accident case probably won’t make it to trial. Most claims settle at the negotiating table. Also, many parties prefer settlement because it’s cheaper, quicker, and provides more certainty.
However, our skilled trial attorneys aren’t afraid to provide excellent courtroom representation. We’ll be ready to litigate your case and argue it before a judge or jury if it’s in your best interest.
What Should I Do After a Philadelphia Car Accident?
Most people are understandably dazed after wrecks occur. However, your actions can significantly impact any insurance claim you bring. Take the following steps to make the car accident claim process easier.
Don’t Leave the Car Accident Scene
This may seem obvious, but you must remain at the scene of the accident until you’ve fulfilled certain obligations. If you fail to do so, you may face a hit-and-run accusation, which can lead to criminal charges.
If there are no apparent bodily injuries (or fatalities), you can move your vehicle from the roadway, such as to the shoulder or median. Use your best judgment in determining what actions to take. If it seems unsafe or your vehicle is inoperable, stay where you are.
Call the Police
Pennsylvania law requires that you immediately notify law enforcement of an accident that causes:
- Injury
- Death
- Damage so severe that a vehicle requires towing
Even if the wreck seems minor and you do not feel pain, you should consider calling 911. If dispatched, the police will prepare an accident report containing vital details. This is often an important piece of evidence that can help with your case.
If the police didn’t investigate, you may be required to self-file a Driver’s Accident Report within five days.
Exchange Information With Involved Parties
Under state law, you have a duty to exchange certain information with other involved parties, such as:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license
- Insurance information
- Vehicle registration
If anyone is injured, you must also render aid, such as by requesting an ambulance.
Don’t Admit Fault
Some people apologize or say things like “I didn’t see you coming” at the scene. This is a big mistake. Never admit fault. You may be confused, and you probably don’t have all the relevant facts. An insurer will be quick to use your statements against you.
Gather Evidence, If Possible
If you (or a family member) are in pain and need medical treatment, you may be unable to collect evidence. However, if you can, take photos and videos of the vehicles, property damage, skid marks, traffic conditions, and any other relevant details.
Additionally, ask eyewitnesses for their contact information.
Seek Prompt Medical Care
Some injuries present symptoms later, or an adrenaline rush may prevent you from feeling their effects. That’s why seeking medical attention after a collision is crucial, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
If your doctor does find something wrong, your medical record will establish that your injuries resulted from the crash. Establishing when you were injured is important for proving negligence in accident cases.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle in Philadelphia
The team at Zavodnick & Lasky handles all kinds of car accident cases, including those described below.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common accident cases. They often result from distractions, following too closely, and other negligent driving behaviors. The following driver is typically the at-fault party, but not always.
We can help determine liability and recover full compensation for your injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are one of the most dangerous and life-altering accidents people can experience. You may be left with catastrophic injuries – such as brain damage or paralysis – that significantly impact your family and quality of life.
Let us help you seek accountability from the at-fault driver.
Intersection Collisions
When drivers fail to yield the right of way or ignore traffic signals, intersection accidents can result. These can cause significant harm to everyone involved.
Our skilled attorneys can fight insurance providers and get you on the path to recovery after being injured.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Driving while distracted is an unfortunate reality on Philadelphia roads. When drivers use cell phones, talk to passengers, or tend to children, they aren’t focused on driving safely.
If an inattentive driver caused your accident, you deserve full compensation for your injuries. Let us help you achieve that.
DUI Accidents
Those who drive under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances create a high risk of harm to themselves and others. If you were injured in an impaired driving accident, the driver should be held legally liable for your pain and suffering – even if they’re also facing criminal penalties.
We can help with your civil claim.
Other Philadelphia Car Accidents
Our law firm also helps victims after:
- T-bone collisions
- Parking lot accidents
- Accidents caused by passenger negligence
- Red and yellow light wrecks
- Rollovers
- Lane change accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Speeding accidents
- U-turn car accidents
- Uber accidents
- Lyft accidents
Contact our experienced car accident lawyers to schedule a complimentary, no-risk consultation and learn more about potential options for recovering compensation.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
All traffic wrecks are different, with unique individuals, causes, and contributing factors. Some Philadelphia car accidents result from multiple sources, meaning more than one individual can be involved in your case.
The following parties could be liable for your motor vehicle injuries, depending on the circumstances:
- Another driver
- A trucker and/or trucking company
- A mechanic or maintenance company
- A pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist
- The manufacturer of a defective auto component
- A government agency, such as if a road defect led to the accident
- The employer of a driver who was working when they caused your wreck
Our skilled attorneys will evaluate all facets of your claim to identify everyone who shares potential liability.
What Injuries Do Car Accidents Cause?
Motor vehicle accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from bruises to catastrophic injuries that require a lifetime of care for the victim’s loved ones.
Some injuries that victims sustain include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries, like sprains and strains
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Seat belt injuries, such as a dislocated shoulder
- Airbag injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
- Spinal cord damage
Victims may also suffer emotional injuries. For example, they may develop vehophobia – or a fear of driving – after being injured in traumatic collisions.
Our car accident lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation available if you or someone in your family were injured.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia?
Most traffic collisions in Philadelphia occur due to driver error or negligence. Unfortunately, that means they can generally be avoided if people exercise caution and drive safely.
Car accidents commonly occur due to:
- Inattentive driving, such as texting, rubbernecking, or eating
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes and turns
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs (DUI)
- Driving while tired
- Reckless driving, such as road rage, tailgating, or brake checking
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
Drivers aren’t always the negligent party in a collision.
For example:
- Negligent truckers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists can cause accidents.
- A government agency may share responsibility for a motor vehicle accident if an unreasonably hazardous road defect contributed (e.g., a large pothole or poorly designed intersection).
- An auto defect – such as a defective tire or brakes – may cause an accident. In that case, the manufacturer may be liable for damages.
Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers will determine the cause(s) of your auto accident. That way, we can hold every at-fault party accountable for your losses.
Call Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Near You For Help
If you or a family member were injured in a motor vehicle accident, the dedicated team at Zavodnick & Lasky can help. We’ll battle insurers and defense attorneys to get the outcome you need and deserve.
Call our Philadelphia car accident attorneys to set up a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, offer advice, and explain the benefits of an attorney-client relationship.
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