The Help You Need After A Car Crash Is Not Just Physical; It Is Legal
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there are more than 168 people injured in an accident every day. While that may not seem like a lot at first, that is nearly 1 out of every 209 people in the state of Pennsylvania. Based on these statistics, chances are you may be injured in an accident or know someone who receives an injury.
My name is Bill Mansour. At my firm, Mansour Law, LLC, I know how devastating each of these injuries can be for victims and their families. That’s why I help victims seek the justice they deserve when injured in an accident due to another person’s negligence.
Common Types Of Car Accidents
Pennsylvania car accident lawyers deal with a variety of car accident cases every year. Some of the most common types of car accidents our clients experience include:
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone collisions
- DUI accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Sideswipes
- Rollovers
Unfortunately, many of these accidents result in serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and concussions to traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. No matter what type of accident causes your injuries, our goal is to help hold the responsible party accountable.
Can You Sue For A Car Accident In Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has some of the most unique personal injury laws in the country. Instead of following a single system, Pennsylvania offers both limited tort and full tort coverage. This means that when you sign up for auto insurance, you get to decide to opt-in or out of Pennsylvania’s no-fault system.
The limited tort option allows you to recover only your economic damages, such as lost wages or unpaid medical bills. However, you cannot seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Under this option, you typically cannot sue the other driver pain and suffering damages. But there are some exceptions to this rule. The most common exceptions are when the other driver was DUI, when the other driver’s car was registered in another state, or when your injuries are serious.
The full tort option typically has higher premiums, but it allows you and anyone under your policy to seek damages, both economic and non-economic, from the other driver. Essentially, this coverage lets you opt out of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the driver responsible, even if your injuries are minor.
Based on this law, whether you may sue for your car accident completely depends on the auto insurance coverage you have. Generally, if you want to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, you must select the full tort option when signing up for an auto insurance policy. If you do not select an option when you purchase your policy, the insurance company automatically gives you the full tort option.
What If You Were Partially At Fault?
In certain situations, you may still be able to recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the accident. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, or 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102, allows you to recover funds as long your share of fault is 50% or less. However, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you had $500,000 in damages but were 20% at fault, you’d be entitled to $400,000 in damages.
Statute Of Limitations
Under the 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, claimants have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Like most states, Pennsylvania is strict about this rule. As a result, if you try to file after the statute of limitations expires, the court most likely won’t hear your case. At Mansour Law, LLC, I know the deadlines set by Pennsylvania law and can help file your lawsuit in a timely manner.
Insurance Requirements
According to 75 Pa.C.S. § 1702, the minimum insurance coverage requirements for all drivers in Pennsylvania are as follows:
- $15,000 for the injury or death of one person in a single accident
- $30,000 for the injury or death of two or more people in a single accident
- $5,000 in property damage in a single accident
In addition to this liability coverage, all drivers must have $5,000 in medical benefits for themselves and others under the policy. This coverage helps pay for medical bills if you are in an accident, regardless of fault.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Accident Case In Pennsylvania?
The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident case in Pennsylvania depends on several factors. For cases involving minor injuries, it might take only a few weeks or months to settle. However, a case involving serious injuries or permanent disability may take years to resolve. In fact, it might even go to trial. Ultimately, it depends on the willingness of the insurance company to offer the compensation you need to recover and the skill of your Pennsylvania car accident lawyer.
Is It Worth Hiring An Attorney?
Absolutely. When it comes to car accident claims, the insurance companies do everything they can to reduce or deny a claim. They not only use unethical tactics to get victims to accept low offers, but they also retain a large team of attorneys to defend them. Hiring a skilled Pennsylvania car accident attorney gives you the legal resources necessary to take on large insurance companies.
At Mansour Law, LLC, I provide a personalized approach to every case. Pennsylvania is my home, and I dedicate myself to representing the good, hardworking individuals and families in my community. When you call my office, you can expect me to show compassion and answer any questions you may have. I know what it’s like to watch family members recover from a serious car accident and will fearlessly fight for the compensation you need. Most importantly, I work on a contingency basis, which means you owe my firm nothing unless I settle or win your case.
Injured In A Car Accident? You Don’t Have To Go Through It Alone.
If your or a loved one sustains an injury in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, I have your back. Contact Mansour Law, LLC, online or give me a call at610-936-6863 to schedule a free consultation. I am proud to serve clients in Allentown, Bethlehem, Mt. Pocono, Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia, and surrounding east Pennsylvania communities.