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 Personal Injury Attorneys 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.
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:
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:
An attorney in Philadelphia can help a person recover all forms of compensation after a car accident.
A car accident can leave you feeling shocked, shaken, and overwhelmed. Whether you are dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, or insurance companies, knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a significant difference in your case.
If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and check on all passengers. Having police respond creates an official accident report, which will be important for your insurance claim or lawsuit. If you are physically able, document the scene—take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver, including license and insurance details, but avoid discussing fault.
Even if you do not feel hurt, it is essential to see a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately noticeable. Prompt medical care also creates a record of your injuries, which will help support your claim. Finally, consult a Philadelphia car crash attorney as soon as possible. Legal guidance early on can protect your rights and help you avoid missteps when dealing with insurance companies.
In Pennsylvania, compensation for car accident victims falls into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover the tangible losses you experience as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses such as hospital bills, physical therapy, prescription medication, and future medical care. You can also seek reimbursement for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. This might include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship or consortium. These damages are harder to quantify but are just as significant, especially in cases involving serious or permanent injuries.
Punitive damages are less common but may be awarded if the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious. For example, if the other driver was intoxicated or driving at an extremely high speed, the court may choose to award punitive damages as a way to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Limited tort coverage typically comes with lower premiums, but it also limits your ability to recover certain damages. Specifically, under limited tort, you can only claim compensation for economic damages like medical bills and lost wages—unless your injury qualifies as a serious injury. This threshold can be difficult to meet and is often a point of contention in legal cases.
Full tort coverage, on the other hand, allows you to sue for both economic and non-economic damages, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This type of coverage offers greater protection and is especially important in serious accidents where pain and suffering are substantial.
Understanding your insurance selection is crucial in a car accident claim. A knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident attorney could help interpret your policy and determine what damages you are entitled to pursue.
Not all car accidents are the same, and different types of crashes can influence liability, injuries, and the path to recovery.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common and typically occur when one driver fails to maintain a safe distance. These often result in neck and back injuries like whiplash. T-bone or side-impact collisions usually happen at intersections and can cause severe injuries to the occupants on the side of the vehicle that was struck.
Head-on collisions are less frequent but often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These crashes may involve wrong-way drivers, distracted drivers, or individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sideswipe accidents and multi-vehicle pileups can be complex, especially when multiple parties share fault. Finally, single-vehicle accidents, such as those caused by poor road conditions or vehicle defects, may not involve another driver but can still lead to a personal injury claim against a third party, like a municipality or manufacturer.
Each type of accident requires a different approach when investigating fault and determining compensation. An experienced Philadelphia attorney will analyze the specifics of your car crash case to build the strongest possible claim.
The legal process following a car accident can feel intimidating, but having a clear understanding of what to expect can ease some of that stress.
Your lawyer will begin with an initial consultation, during which they review the facts of your case and assess its strength. Once hired, your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, and may consult experts if necessary.
Next comes filing a claim, either with your own insurance company or with the insurer of the at-fault party. In many cases, negotiations with insurance adjusters begin at this stage. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault or downplaying injuries. Your lawyer will handle these negotiations to ensure you are treated fairly.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. This involves several stages: discovery (where both sides share evidence), depositions, mediation, and potentially, trial. The timeline for a car accident case varies depending on the complexity, but cases can take several months to over a year to resolve.
During this time, your attorney will keep you informed and handle all legal proceedings on your behalf. Their goal is to relieve you of the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
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.
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.
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.
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 Personal Injury Attorneys, explains that a car is considered a “total loss” when repairing the vehicle costs more than the car’s market value.
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.
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.
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 Personal Injury Attorneys, we will be your advocate, working to ensure you get what you deserve. This can include:
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.
Recovering from a car accident is not just about fixing a car or covering medical bills. It is about getting your life back. From understanding your insurance rights to pursuing every dollar you are owed, a Philadelphia car accident lawyer from Soloff & Zervanos can guide you through the process with compassion and determination. If you have been injured in a car accident, do not navigate the complex legal landscape alone. Call today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.
