Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt in a car crash in Philadelphia, PA? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses under Pennsylvania law. Hiring an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you receive a maximum financial recovery.
The legal team at Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers will fight for the results you deserve. We’ve been helping accident victims for over three decades, and we’ve secured $50+ million for our clients.
Contact our Philadelphia law firm today at (215) 875-7030. We offer a free consultation to discuss your car accident case with an experienced lawyer.
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Why Choose Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers To Help Me After My Car Accident in Philly?
Many people struggle physically, emotionally, and financially in the aftermath of a car accident. You may be receiving treatment for your injuries, 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 claims while you heal. Our legal team has over 80 years of combined experience tackling the most complex cases. We know how to deal with insurance companies and protect our clients from tactics designed to undervalue their claims.
If you hire our car accident lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Help you understand your rights and make informed decisions regarding your case
- Thoroughly investigate the collision to identify all at-fault parties and options for compensation
- Collect the evidence needed to prove liability and the value of your damages
- File claims and handle all negotiations and correspondence with the insurance company
- Take your case to trial if we cannot reach a settlement that fully compensates you
Call our law firm today for a free, no-obligation case assessment with an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Most people are understandably dazed after a car crash. However, your actions can significantly impact any insurance or personal injury claim you file. Take the following steps to make the car accident claims 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 severe bodily injuries (or fatalities), you can move your vehicle from the roadway, such as to the shoulder or median. Use your best judgment. 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 crash seems minor, you should consider calling 911. If dispatched, the police will prepare an accident report containing vital details regarding the collision. The police report is often an important piece of evidence that can help with your case.
If the police didn’t investigate your crash, 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 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 a crash scene. This is a big mistake. Never admit fault after a crash. You may be confused, and you probably don’t have all the relevant facts. An insurance company will be quick to use your statements against you.
Gather Evidence, If Possible
If you’re injured 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 hurt.
If your doctor does find something wrong, your medical record will establish that your injuries resulted from the car accident. This is important for proving negligence.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Most traffic accidents in Philadelphia occur due to driver error or negligence. Unfortunately, that means they can typically be avoided if people exercise caution and drive safely.
Car accidents commonly occur due to:
- Distracted 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
- Aggressive or 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 car 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 financially accountable for your losses.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
You may be able to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic losses after suffering an injury in a car crash.
Economic damages represent the financial costs you’ve incurred due to the accident and injuries, such as:
- Medical costs for emergency services, hospital stay, surgery, and care
- Future medical expenses if you need ongoing treatment or follow-ups
- Physical therapy
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including medical supplies, travel, and childcare
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced 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.
They might include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- PTSD, anxiety, or phobia arising from the crash
Your car insurance coverage and other factors will dictate whether non-economic 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 Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years to take legal action after a collision. You’ll have two years from the accident date (or date of death for wrongful death cases) to file your lawsuit.
Note that there may be exceptions to the general two-year deadline. If you fail to file your personal injury lawsuit within the applicable time frame, the court will dismiss your case.
Contact our car accident attorneys to ensure that your rights are protected.
How Much Money Can I Get For My Auto Accident?
According to Forbes, the average car accident settlement is around $21,000. However, that’s not really a helpful statistic. Every car accident claim is unique because each crash and victim differ. Some cases may be worth a few thousand dollars, while others are worth several millions.
The value of your personal injury case will depend on 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 types of auto insurance policies do you and the other party have?
Generally, the more severe your bodily harm, the more money you’ll recover. However, we must evaluate the full picture when calculating your damages.
What Types of 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 family.
Some injuries that car accident 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, some people develop vehophobia – or a fear of driving – after traumatic crashes.
Our experienced car accident attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation available for all injuries suffered.
Call Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Near You For Help
If you were involved in a car accident, the dedicated legal team at Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll battle insurance adjusters and defense attorneys to get the outcome you need and deserve.
Call our Philadelphia car accident attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, offer advice, and explain the benefits of an attorney-client relationship.
Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers
123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109
(215) 875-7030
