Car Accidents

A car accident claim is rarely just about the crash itself. It’s about the pain, the disruption to your daily life, and the uncertainty of not knowing what your recovery will look like or what it will ultimately cost you, both now and in the years ahead. Insurance companies do not always treat that cost honestly. Understanding what actually goes into it is the first step.

The main factors in evaluating the value of your claim after an auto accident are:

• The severity and permanence of your injury
• Current and future medical treatment
• Loss of past income and future earning capacity
• Physical discomfort and emotional trauma (known as “pain and suffering”)
• Impact on your everyday activities and quality of life
• Available insurance coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

The more serious the injury, the more each of these factors matters, and the more scrutiny an insurance company will apply before paying what a claim is actually worth. An experienced car accident attorney will ensure that no cost, past or future, tangible or intangible, is overlooked in your claim.

Several parts of your auto policy, and the other driver’s, affect who is liable for your losses and how much you are able to recover. We will review each of them with you to help you decide your next steps.

Full tort vs. limited tort. Pennsylvania drivers choose one when purchasing car insurance. Limited tort can block you from recovering additional damages for pain and suffering unless your injury meets a predefined legal threshold for a “serious injury.” Full tort doesn’t have that restriction.

PIP (first-party medical benefits). In Pennsylvania, your auto insurance policy includes at least $5,000 to cover your initial medical bills, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. These claims are technically filed against your own insurer, and your attorney will negotiate with them and the other parties on your behalf.

You stay in control of your case. An accident can take enough control away from you already. We lay out every option in plain terms, and nothing moves forward without your sign-off.

We deal with the insurance companies, so you don't have to. We manage all communication and negotiation with insurers and keep you informed at every step, so you can focus on recovering.

We prepare to win, not just settle. Most cases resolve without a trial, but insurers negotiate differently when they know a firm is genuinely ready to go the distance. That preparation is why most of our clients walk away with a settlement they are satisfied with.

There is no cost unless your case succeeds. Car accident claims are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost, and your initial consultation is always free.

• • $450,000 — Car Accident, Pittsburgh, PA
  • $280,000 — Motorcycle Accident, New Stanton, PA
  • $840,000 — Car Accident, Monroeville, PA
    

                                                Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

What should I do after a car accident? Get medical attention right away and call the police to report the accident. Document the scene if you can, get witness information, and avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Pennsylvania? In most cases, two years from the date of the accident. Evidence and witness memory fade quickly, so it’s best not to wait.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident? Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation as long as you are found less than 51 percent at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your share of fault.

What if the other driver did not have insurance? If the other driver is not insured, you may be able to recover from your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can guide you through this and negotiate with your insurer to get the best result for you.

Do I have to report the accident to the police? Under Pennsylvania law, you are required to report an accident to the police if it results in injury, death, or a certain level of vehicle damage. Even when a report is not strictly required, it is a good idea to have one, since it creates an official record of what happened.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made me an offer? Insurance companies may make an early, lowball offer that does not reflect the full cost of your injury, particularly if you are still receiving treatment. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot ask for more later. It is worth having an attorney review any offer before you sign.

The first step is a conversation. Contact Jordan Lee Strassburger or Erica L. Laughlin for more information.