Automobile collisions are something no one plans for. However, sticky situations in life can arise at any time, and when they do, it’s important to have access to a competent attorney.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial responsibility for your losses. You have rights under Pennsylvania’s personal injury laws that allow you to pursue compensation for your damage, but having a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side can help you to maximize your claim.
It can be difficult for an injury victim to figure out what to do if they’ve been in a car accident and what their legal options are. At Morelli Law Firm, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys can help you every step of the way.
Why Work With a Car Accident Lawyer in a No-Fault State?
In a no-fault state, a car accident lawyer can still help you pursue compensation for the injuries and damages resulting from the accident. Attorneys know how to navigate the complex no-fault laws and regulations, as well as how to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
An experienced lawyer can also build a strong legal case so you can receive maximum compensation for your losses. Working with our team can help you eliminate the surprise expenses that might otherwise compromise your financial security.
You have a right to seek compensation for any losses you encountered. At our firm, we work with a wide range of collision severity levels. From minor fender benders to major impacts, a Philadelphia auto accident lawyer can help you make sense of legal opportunities that could make up for your financial losses.
The Liable Parties in a Car Accident Aren’t Always Obvious
Knowing who to name liable in a motor vehicle accident is key. Determining negligence by establishing fault often involves collecting evidence and statements from all parties involved. A negligent party can be proven as such if that party didn’t act with the responsibility expected.
Negligence is often a result of a driver error or mechanical defect. A car accident lawyer in Philadelphia can investigate your situation and identify all of the potentially liable parties to increase your chances of collecting the maximum compensation possible.
Auto mechanics, manufacturers, and even government officials all owe you a duty when it comes to your well-being in your car. Depending on the circumstances and the factors involved in the crash, liable parties could be:
- A negligent driver: There are various reasons a driver might be negligent. For example, if the other driver was distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly, they could be held liable for your damages.
- Auto parts or vehicle manufacturers: Defective tires, steering mechanisms that fail, and faulty brakes have all made the news for causing terrible accidents in the past. When parts are found to be defective, the maker can be held liable.
- Mechanics or maintenance providers: If mechanics fail to diagnose maintenance issues or conduct faulty repairs, they could be held responsible for causing the accident.
- Government agencies: The entities responsible for road and traffic signal upkeep could be responsible if hazards such as a faulty traffic signal caused a crash.
- Trucking companies: As an example, if a transportation company fails to properly balance the weight in a tractor-trailer, the truck could potentially tip over and cause an accident.
- Commercial drivers and their parent companies: If a commercial driver is found to be negligent, their employer could also be held liable. They may be partially responsible for putting the driver on the road or sending them out in a car that was poorly maintained.
- Pedestrians: Disregarding roadway laws or creating a distraction could be held liable if they are found to be negligent
- A Bartender: Under Philadelphia’s dram shop laws, a bar or restaurant that served alcohol to an intoxicated person can be held liable for damages caused by the drunk driver.
If you’re unsure whether a particular party may be liable for your losses, a Philadelphia auto accident attorney can guide you. We can establish potential leads and assess any evidence at the scene of your accident for additional details regarding liability.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Gathering Evidence to Establish Liability
Our lawyers work to gather proof to prove negligence and build your case. For instance, your testimony that you saw the other driver texting just before the collision would not be adequate proof. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer may be able to subpoena cell phone records with the time a text was sent to validate your claim.
We may also be able to obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras that can provide additional evidence of distracted driving. Additionally, we can review police reports and witness statements to determine who was at fault.
Once liability is established, our lawyers will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses. We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.
What’s the Difference Between Full Tort & Limited Tort?
You do not have to prove that you suffered a severe injury to be compensated for your pain and suffering with full tort. To claim damages for pain and suffering under limited tort, however, you must show that you have suffered a significant injury. This could be wrongful death, disability, or permanent disfigurement.
Injuries like muscle strains that heal on their own within a few months’ time are usually insufficient. If you chose limited tort, you can still file a Philadelphia automobile accident claim, but it’s critical to undergo the proper diagnostic tests to verify any injuries you may have sustained in the collision.
It’s important to know that you might be eligible for the full tort option if the other motorist had been drinking and driving or was operating a car that wasn’t registered in Pennsylvania. When choosing auto insurance, it’s key to know the distinctions so that you’ll be aware of your choices in the event of an accident.
Injuries That Commonly Result in Personal Injury Claims
Suffering a car accident can be traumatic and overwhelming for anyone involved. Unfortunately, injuries are a common occurrence when motor vehicle accidents happen. These injuries range from broken bones to long-term impairments that may require therapy or medical supervision for months or years.
After a car crash, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries appear minor at first, you should still see a doctor, as some injuries may take time to manifest symptoms or complications. The documentation will be helpful when filing a personal injury claim.
Some of these injuries are frequently seen in car accident cases:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussion
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
Settlement Offers in Car Accident Cases
Accident victims may receive a quick settlement offer from the driver’s insurance adjuster. Settlement offers are meant to keep a civil case out of court. That said, they can still offer you the compensation you need to recover from your losses.
Insurance companies often try to lowball settlement offers that don’t reflect the physical, emotional, and financial stress from the accident. Our team can negotiate with your insurance provider to ensure you receive an appropriate settlement offer that covers all of the losses associated with your car accident case.
If a settlement offer seems underwhelming or overly generous, contact our team. We know how to sort through settlement offers for overlooked avenues for compensation. When you partner with a car accident attorney in Philadelphia, you’ll have the chance to fight for comprehensive financial support.
We Can Help You Fight to Recover Your Car Accident Damages
Even under normal circumstances, you may struggle to keep up with the immediate financial demands of a car accident. This fight grows more complicated if you’re trying to recover from injuries.
Instead of staring down your bills, you can work with a car accident attorney in Philadelphia, PA, to draft a demand letter.
A demand letter lets a liable party know that you can hold them legally responsible for your collision-based losses. In your letter, you can cite economic and non-economic losses from your traffic accident, including:
Medical Expenses
If your post-accident injuries require medical care, we want to factor in those costs. Medical costs can include doctor’s visits, surgeries, imaging exams, and prescription medicines. When you file for your losses, talk to a personal injury attorney about including professional witness statements along with your complaint.
Professional witnesses, including medical professionals and physical therapists, can help verify that your injuries relate to your crash. In turn, they can establish the loss’s value and your overall estimate.
Property Damage
You can lose all kinds of property in a car wreck. Your car may need replacing or significant repairs. Any luggage, technology, or personal materials you had inside your car at the time of the accident may also need additional care. When we file your complaint, we can list the cost of replacing and/or repairing the property you want to be restored.
Note that you can also detail the cost of temporary, albeit essential, rentals in your complaint. If you need to rent a car while yours is in the shop, the liable party may be responsible for covering that expense.
Income Loss
There’s a chance that your employer may force you to take unpaid time off to heal from your injuries. Alternatively, you may not have the PTO to cover your medical appointments. We can fight to recover your lost wages in either of these scenarios.
We can also fight for any benefits you may have lost as a result of your injuries. If you lose your job due to your injuries, we’ll represent your fight for financial support and recommend action in a workers’ rights suit.
Reduced Earning Potential
There are injuries or circumstances under which an automobile accident may force you to take a lower-paying job. In your complaint, we can account for the difference in salary you would have made had you not been injured. In turn, we can include that difference in your final estimate.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering make up some of the non-economic damages you can recover. Fortunately, you can file for compensation based on your pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma. While you can’t readily quantify the value of these losses, you can reference previous cases to see what other injured parties have received for their damages.
Requesting Wrongful Death Damages
A person may pass away as a result of their injuries. This death can occur at the scene of the crash or later down the line. If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. These claims can request compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Future income loss
- Medical expenses affiliated with the deceased’s treatment
- Emotional losses
Note that not all family members have the right to file a wrongful death suit on behalf of their loved one. Instead, a personal representative must file a claim. However, if the executor doesn’t file a claim within six months of the individual’s death, representation rights transfer.
After six months,Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 §8301(d) gives the deceased’s beneficiaries the right to pursue wrongful death claims.
The Statute of Limitations Affects How Long You Have to File Your Case
If you’re considering legal action after a crash, do not delay. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524 generally allows two years for accident injury victims to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you allow this time limit to pass, you may lose your right to recover compensation in a lawsuit.
Understanding the statute of limitations is key when filing an injury claim. Depending on the circumstances, the statute of limitations may be different and range from two to five years. It’s best to contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to determine the applicable statute of limitations.
If you’re struggling with this upcoming deadline, get a car wreck lawyer as quickly as possible. We know how to draft a strong case on a tight deadline. You’ll have a better chance of bringing your concerns before the court when we work together.
Our Personal Injury Team Can Help You Build Your Car Accident Claim
Our personal injury team strives to take the legal complaint’s stress off your shoulders. With that in mind, you can count on a car accident attorney in Philadelphia to help you:
- Identify the liable parties
- Gather evidence to establish liability
- Gather evidence to establish your damages
- Hire accident reconstruction and medical experts to serve as professional witnesses
- Manage legal deadlines, paperwork, and case communications
- Negotiate with a liable party’s insurance company, as necessary
- Represent you should your case go to trial
If you have questions about the services that our team offers, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to make the process of filing for compensation as straightforward as possible from your case evaluation forward.
Connect with a Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney at Our Firm
At Morelli Law, we understand the challenges that come with filing a car accident claim. That’s why we strive to make the process as straightforward as possible. Our team of experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We know how to navigate the legal system and can help you manage paperwork, deadlines, and communications.
If you’re ready to take the next steps toward compensation, contact our personal injury law firm in Philadelphia, PA. A Morelli Law Firm representative can schedule yourcase evaluation over the phone or through our online form.