AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Car Accident Attorneys in Philadelphia, PA
If you or someone you love has been involved and injured in a car accident you need a team of personal injury attorneys you can trust on your side. It is important to hire an experienced law firm who will fight for your rights and all due compensation owed to you as the victim. The personal injury car accident attorneys of J. Fine Law have over 18 years of trial experience in auto accidents, bus accidents and ridesharing accidents. We know how to stand up to the big corporations and insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain & suffering, damages and more. Call our car accident attorneys today at 1-800-HURT-123 for a free consultation with one of our lawyers!
Steps to Take after a Car Accident
A car or bus accident is a scary and traumatic event for anyone to experience. It is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to ensure you’re able to recover future compensation owed to you. After assessing yourself and all parties involved for serious injuries, follow these crucial steps.
Seek Safe Grounds: Move your car off of the road to avoid further damage, however if your car is not drivable, leave it where it is. Immediately move yourself at least 50 feet from the scene of the accident, more if your car is still in the roadway. Other drivers may not see the collision and could slam into the scene.
Call the Police: The police in Philadelphia and other counties have enacted laws so that they do not always come out for every accident. Unless there is “significant” injuries and cars are not drivable do the police always come out. If they do not come out or tell you when they call they are not coming out make sure to do the following: 1) get photographs of as much as possible, 2) get the other driver license and insurance card and 3) get their tag. If police arrive on the scene ask them to write and file a report. This piece of paper will be crucial for our case as it will contain information such as traffic and weather conditions. If able get the police report #.
Do not Admit Fault: Even if you believe you are responsible, do not apologize or admit fault to the other driver or the police. Apologies will be strewn into an admission of guilt and used against you later as a reason to deny responsibility of compensation owed.
Receive Medical Attention: If the police do not ask you if you’d like medical attention, go to your own doctor or a hospital right after the scene has been cleared.
Forward all Calls to your Lawyer: You need to report the accident to your insurance company, but do not give them more information than needed at the time of the call. Once it has been reported, direct all communication to our auto accident law firm. We know exactly how to speak to and work with insurance companies.
How our Auto Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help
A car accident in which serious injuries are involved is life changing and stressful for you and your loved ones. Let our experienced legal team handle this complicated situation on your behalf. We’ll deal with the police, insurance companies, medical bills and all paperwork so you can focus on your health. It is the job of the other party’s insurance company to do everything to avoid responsibility and reparations for your injuries or loss of wages. It is our job to stand up for your rights and fight for a settlement to cover all the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses and damages. Throughout our 18 years fighting for the rights of personal injury victims, our law firm has secured over $50 million in verdict awards and settlements. Don’t try to fight the insurance companies alone, they are powerful corporations with unlimited resources. Call J. Fine Law today for a free consultation!
Auto Accident & Car Crash Lawyer FAQ
Is there a time limit for my auto accident lawsuit?
Yes, with all civil injury claims in Pennsylvania, there is a statute of limitations involved. For claims against private defendants, you have two years from the date of the accident to file. If the defendant is a public employee or entity, you have six months to notify them of your intention to file a civil action.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, but there are limitations under Pennsylvania law. Plaintiffs may recover damage as long as they are not 51% or more liable.
Example: If the court determines you are 20% at fault in an auto accident, while the defendant is 80% at fault, you may recover a reduced amount of damages ($100,000 drops to $80,000).
Should I agree to a settlement with my insurance company?
Please understand, your insurer is not your ally! They will do whatever it takes to pressure you into taking the least amount possible. Do not agree to a settlement with your insurance company until you’ve consulted with an auto accident attorney.
At J. Fine Law our personal injury attorneys will mediate and guide discussions with your insurer and other parties. This ensures you secure the most favorable result in your case.
Who will pay for the damages to my car?
Typically, your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle then seek to be reimbursed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In some cases, where liability is clear, the negligent driver’s insurance will agree to pay for damages rather than waiting to reimburse your company.
What happens if the person that hit me doesn’t have enough insurance (or no insurance at all)?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance you will have to seek recovery from your own carrier, but this only works if you carry uninsured motorist benefits.
Pennsylvania law only requires individuals to carry $15,000 liability insurance, however many cases are far more than this amount. If the at-fault driver only has the minimum amount, you can pursue a claim for underinsured motorist benefits within your own policy if you carry such coverage.
Read More: Protect Yourself Against Uninsured Drivers
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. If you were in an auto accident that involved even a minor injury, you must hire a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. Our experienced attorneys will explain your rights, assist you in medical treatment, contact all parties involved, monitor the statute of limitations, gather evidence and more.
Free Auto Accident Attorney Consultation
Even if no parties involved in the car accident have insurance, we may still be able to get you compensated for injuries & damages. Our attorneys work hard, dedicate themselves to every client and spend the necessary time to ensure you are awarded the maximum compensation. Free consultations are available in our office locations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cherry Hill, NJ. Call 267-888-2960 or fill out the form on this web page or from the scene call 1-800-HURT-123 to discuss your case with one of our auto accident attorneys today!