If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash on Roosevelt Boulevard, I-76, or anywhere in the Delaware Valley, you shouldn’t have to fight aggressive insurance companies alone. At the Law Offices of Jared S. Zafran, our dedicated Philadelphia car accident lawyers handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured victims, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 215-587-0038 today for your 100% free, no-obligation consultation.
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, PA
The driver who caused the crash, whether by running a red light at Broad and Pattison, merging without signaling on I-76, or rear-ending stopped traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway, is responsible for the damages that result. Pennsylvania law also recognizes shared fault under a modified comparative negligence rule: your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover at all if you are found more than 50% responsible.
Multiple parties can share liability in a single crash. A trucking company whose driver was fatigued, a municipality whose broken traffic signal contributed to the collision, or a vehicle manufacturer whose defective brake system failed all can be named defendants. A skilled car accident lawyer in Philadelphia at Zafran Law Group will investigate every angle before accepting a single-party settlement.
Common Causes of Philadelphia Auto Accidents
Car accidents are shocking and scary events, but our car accident attorney in Philadelphia, are here to help. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
Many car accidents are caused by human error or negligence, including:
Should I Hire A Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer?
The best indicator of whether you should retain a car accident attorney is if there is any point in the process that you feel uncomfortable about your claim. This can be because you sustained serious injuries, because you are having trouble getting your insurance company to pay out on your policy, or if you’re worried about being able to find or afford medical treatment.
A car accident attorney in Philadelphia, PA can help you sort out these challenges and relieve some of the stress that comes with handling a car accident claim.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Crash in Philly
If you find yourself in a car accident, follow these steps to help guide you.
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. A car accident lawyer can later help document these injuries properly.
- Anyone with neck or back pain or injury should remain immobile until first responders arrive to assist.
- Check your vehicle and the area around it for fuel leaking, fire, smoke, or downed electrical lines, consider whether you need to flee your vehicle.
- Move your vehicle off the roadway to avoid being hit by other cars. Only do so if it will not cause more damage or injury. Use flare or emergency flashers too to alert other drivers.
- Call police and paramedics to address any injuries and get a police report written. Give the police officers as much information about the accident as possible.
- Exchange Information with the other driver. You’ll want to exchange names, addresses, car type (make, model, color, and license plate), driver’s license number, registration, and insurance numbers. Taking pictures can often help speed the process along. Try to get information from any potential witnesses too, which can support a car accident injury lawyer, in building your claim.
- Visit a doctor, whether it’s the emergency room, urgent care, or a scheduled primary care visit. It’s best to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure your injuries are treated.
- File a claim with your insurance company and provide them with all the documented information from your accident. They’ll help make sure that your benefits are paid out and what steps to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Car Accident Claims
It is possible, but it can be difficult to do without the help of a car accident attorney. Generally, the excess would come from other sources, such as an umbrella insurance policy or the at-fault driver’s own funds. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against a defendant and advocate on your behalf, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your pain and suffering.
In Pennsylvania, to obtain a copy of your traffic accident report, you can request it through the Pennsylvania State Police or the local police department that responded to the accident.
Complete a “Request for Crash Report” form and mail it to the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reports Unit or submit it in person. Alternatively, you can visit the Pennsylvania Crash Report Retrieval website to search for and request a copy online. Please note that it may take up to 15 days for your report to be available in the system after it’s been filed.
Generally provides a two-year Pennsylvania statute of limitations for most personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents.
The accident report is typically used for several important purposes. Insurance companies use it to assess claims and determine liability. Lawyers may reference it when pursuing legal action or settlements. Additionally, the report serves as a key document for law enforcement and government agencies to investigate the accident and improve road safety. It can also be used as evidence in court if the case involves legal proceedings.
Yes, even with good insurance, a car accident attorney Philadelphia PA can help guarantee you fair compensation. Even when you have strong insurance coverage, the insurance company will work to minimize your recovery. A car accident attorney will work to maximize your recovery, ensuring that you are compensated for past, present, and future medical costs, as well as for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Most Philadelphia car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and payment is only made if compensation is recovered.
After submitting an insurance claim, the process typically begins with the insurance company reviewing your claim and assigning an adjuster to investigate. The adjuster will assess the damage, gather any necessary documentation, and may contact you for additional information. Once the investigation is complete, the insurance company will determine coverage and offer a settlement if applicable. If you agree with the settlement, payment will be issued. Depending on the complexity of the claim, the process may take a few days to several weeks.
When a lawyer files a lawsuit for a car accident on your behalf, you can expect several key steps:
- Filing the Complaint: We’ll start by filing a legal complaint outlining your case and the damages you seek.
- Notification: The defendant will be served with a copy of the complaint and a summons to respond.
- Discovery: Both parties will gather evidence and exchange information through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
- Pre-Trial Motions: There may be pre-trial motions to resolve certain issues or to dismiss the case.
- Settlement Negotiations: Often, the parties will attempt to reach a settlement before going to trial.
- Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case will proceed to trial, where both sides will present their evidence and arguments.
- Judgment: After the trial, a judge or jury will render a verdict and determine any damages or compensation.
- Appeals: If either party disagrees with the outcome, they may file an appeal.
The process can be lengthy and complex, so it’s important to work with a qualified attorney to guide you through each step.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but a car accident lawyer can provide a clearer estimate based on the details of the accident.
What Is The Max You Can Get From A Car Accident Settlement?
There are two factors that determine what you can get out of a settlement from a car accident. The first is the extent of your injuries and the cost of the treatment you needed to address them. Typically, the more serious the injury is, the more the settlement may be.
The other factor is the insurance policy limits. For example, if the at-fault driver’s policy has a $100,000 bodily injury limit, that would be the max that their insurance would payout for an accident. The Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Zafran Law Group can help you determine a fair settlement.