The civil justice system, primarily the trial division, handles car accident trials in Philadelphia when there is no settlement between the parties and their insurers. These result from crashes caused by someone else’s recklessness and allow you to file a case for damages to recover a payout for your bodily harm and other losses.
Hiring a skilled car crash attorney could help ensure that you know your rights and that you reach a fair outcome. Call our office to schedule an appointment and learn more about receiving help after a car crash.
Most cases settle out of court through negotiations or arbitration and do not go to trial. However, plaintiffs often achieve a more favorable outcome and receive higher payouts than in a settlement. The downside is that civil trials are unpredictable and time-consuming, and all parties involved usually prefer to avoid them.
Our Philadelphia attorney has vast experience handling car accident cases from the beginning through to trial if the parties are unwilling to reach an acceptable settlement. We could analyze the incident, handle all communication on your behalf, and provide legal guidance and support, along with updates throughout the process.
If negotiations between you and the at-fault party and insurers fail, the next step is preparing for court proceedings for your Philadelphia car accident case. It is crucial to file the complaint in the applicable court within the two-year deadline from the date of the crash, according to 42 Pennsylvania Compiled Statutes § 5524. If you were not aware of your injuries and losses immediately, the court may grant an extension for discovery, pushing the expiration date out to two years from the day you reasonably identified the damages.
After filing a serve, the processor delivers a copy of the case to the defendant, who then files an answer to initiate the discovery phase. That involves exchanging evidence, such as:
This phase can take a year or longer, depending on the specifics. The pretrial motions and mediation occur next in the process. Many courts require mediation to enter into negotiations again in an attempt to reach a solution. If that is not successful, the court will schedule the trial.
The award for damages in Philadelphia car crash trials could range substantially, depending on the specifics of the case, such as how serious your injuries are and the cause of the wreck. The civil court will typically reimburse you for all the out-of-pocket financial losses you sustained as a result of the collision, and it also considers nonmonetary injuries.
Economic damages could include your medical bills, ongoing care, and other rehabilitative services necessary to treat the harm you sustained in the accident. These damages could also include any lost pay, benefits, and earning potential if you are unable to work for an extended period.
Non-economic damages are not simple to calculate and have a substantial impact on your life. These types of damages include:
If your life has changed significantly after a car crash, speaking with our attorney could help provide clarity on your next steps.
If you were in a preventable collision and sustained severe injuries and other damages, preparing a case to prove fault and your total extent of losses is critical. Our proficient lawyer experienced in handling car accident trials in Philadelphia could review your case, answer specific questions, and handle communication and negotiations with insurers.
If there is no suitable agreement, we could prepare the claim, file the petition in accordance with the statutes, and fight for the best possible outcome and maximum payout. Call our office today for more information.