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Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

Most of us know that there is a possibility that we will get into a car crash. That is why we do our best to drive safely. However, we cannot control the actions of other drivers around us. Sometimes, their negligence can cause injuries.

When you need a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. are ready to step in and help. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of personal injury attorneys understands that these cases can become complex, but we want to ensure you get the compensation you deserve when another person causes you harm.

Car Accident Statistics – the Harsh Reality

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were more than 125,000 total vehicle collisions during the latest reporting year across the Commonwealth. Out of these incidents, there were:

  • 1,059 collision fatalities
  • 4,680 suspected serious injuries
  • 35,539 suspected minor injuries
  • 15,188 possible injuries

While we realize that most traffic crash injuries are relatively minor, please know that even minor injuries can lead to major medical expenses. For major injuries, the costs can become overwhelming. Consider the following common injuries we encounter after vehicle crashes:

Each of those injuries requires immediate medical care. In many cases, multiple surgeries and extended periods of rehabilitation are necessary for a person to make a full recovery. In the worst-case scenario, a crash victim is permanently disabled and in need of costly lifelong care.

What many people do not consider are the hidden costs associated with vehicle crashes. This can include:

  • Lost wages of the victim and/or a family caregiver
  • Any necessary home or vehicle accommodations
  • In-home therapy or care/medical devices
  • Emotional or psychological damages

An attorney in Philadelphia can help a person recover all forms of compensation after a car accident.

Causes Car Accidents

There are times when fault cannot be assigned to a driver, but there are many cases in which another person’s negligence contributed directly to the crash.

  • During the latest reporting year, 26% of all traffic fatalities were alcohol-related incidents. Impaired drivers are a danger to everyone in and around the roadways.
  • Distracted drivers, those who pay more attention to their phones or other devices, can be just as dangerous as impaired drivers.
  • Speeding drivers cause more crashes than anyone else on the roadways.

Who Decides Where My Damaged Car Gets Repaired After a Car Crash?

Where your damaged vehicle is repaired after a car accident depends on various factors, including which insurance company is paying for the repairs. Each insurance company in Pennsylvania has its own rules and policies. “Some insurers have preferred providers, while others give their policyholders the freedom to choose where they would like to get their vehicle repaired,” explains our Philadelphia car accident lawyer.

Who Will Pay the Towing and Storage Costs After a Car Accident?

Another common question that a car crash victim may have on his or her mind is, “Who will pay the towing and storage costs for my damaged vehicle after a traffic accident?”

Generally, the at-fault party’s insurer will cover these costs, but the victim’s insurance company may choose to pay for the towing and storage expenses for your damaged car and then try to get reimbursed from the other motorist’s insurer.

Who Decides if My Vehicle is Repairable or Totaled?

If you were in a serious car collision, your vehicle might have been damaged to the point where you start wondering, “Is my car repairable or totaled?” The insurance company that is responsible for paying on the claim has an obligation to determine whether the damaged car is repairable or totaled.

How is this estimation made? Our car accident attorney in Philadelphia at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., explains that a car is considered a “total loss” when repairing the vehicle costs more than the car’s market value.

Can I Still Recover Damages if the Police Said I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you may recover compensation if you are partially at-fault for a car accident in Philadelphia. Many people assume that if they had any share of the fault for a car accident that they cannot recover compensation for their claim. However, this is not the case. First, it is important to understand that Philadelphia operates under a “choice no-fault” car insurance system. Any driver who uses the no-fault insurance system will turn to their own insurance carrier for coverage of medical expenses. However, if injuries are severe enough to pass certain thresholds, or if a driver uses fault-based insurance, they can still recover compensation even if they are partially to blame for the incident.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system, and a driver can recover compensation if they are 51% or less at fault for the incident, though the total amount of compensation they receive will be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if a driver sustains $10,000 in damages, but it is determined that they were 20% at fault for the incident, then they would only receive $8,000 in total compensation from the at-fault party.

Still, let’s not forget that the police are not always accurate when assigning fault at the scene of the crash. That is why it is advised to let a Philadelphia car crash lawyer investigate your claim and establish fault.

Can I Hire a Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney if the Insurance Company Has Already Made a Settlement Offer?

Most definitely. You have a right to hire a lawyer even if the insurance company has already made a settlement offer. Make sure that you do not accept the offer or sign any papers offered by the insurer unless you have consulted with a goal-oriented attorney who will ensure that the offer being made is fair.

Often, insurance companies in Pennsylvania offer low-ball settlements because this is their way of making money. Paying less than the victim deserves is their profit. Make sure that you do not fall prey to insurers’ dishonest and unfair tactics. You deserve more. Contact our best car accident lawyers in Philadelphia right now.

Contact Our Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Please do not speak with insurance companies before you seek help from a qualified car crash attorney. If your crash was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for more compensation than you think. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we will be your advocate, working to ensure you get what you deserve. This can include:

  • Compensation for your medical bills
  • Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Possible punitive damages

Let us get to work so you can focus on recovering and being with your family. If you need a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, you can contact us. There is no reason for you or your family to suffer financially because of another person’s negligence.

Although Pennsylvanians are used to seeing car accidents, being in a car crash is one of the most traumatizing things that can happen to you when you least expect it.