If you’ve been in a car accident in Pennsylvania where the other driver has admitted fault, you’re likely wondering how to get the compensation you deserve. The first step is to ensure everyone’s safety and seek medical attention if you have car accident injuries. Next, document the scene where the accident happened, gather contact information from witnesses, and take photos of the vehicle damage and any surrounding property damage. To receive full compensation, you may need to file a claim with the other driver’s auto insurance provider, often referred to as a third-party insurance claim, or through your own insurer if you have insurance coverage for auto accidents.
If a car accident happened and you weren’t the at-fault driver, a knowledgeable Easton car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy can file a personal injury claim on your behalf, helping you secure the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other expenses related to the accident.
Contact the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy today to schedule a free consultation by calling (610) 258-9955 or click here to complete the online intake form now.
What Do I Need to Do After a Car Accident in Easton, PA?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Easton, PA, protecting yourself and your interests is crucial. First, ensure everyone involved receives necessary medical attention for visibly severe injuries and potential invisible injuries. Then, gather essential information at the accident scene (where the accident happened). You’ll want to trade license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance company information. You’ll want the following information from the other driver to file a claim with the other insurance company:
- license plate number of the other party
- at-fault driver’s insurer
- driver’s license number
Additionally, take photographs of the accident scene and any injuries sustained. Finally, notify your own insurer about the car accident as soon as possible to begin the insurance claim process.
Exchange Information
Exchanging information with the involved parties is essential to file a claim and resolve any potential disputes. Be sure to exchange driver’s license numbers and auto insurance information for all vehicles involved. This includes obtaining their full names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance policy details. And, if there are witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information as well.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene and Serious Injuries
Documenting the accident scene and any serious injuries as quickly as possible is key after car accidents.
Also, document any visible injuries involved in the car crash that accurately represent the extent of the damages. These serve as valuable evidence to support a potential car accident case and provide a clear depiction of the circumstances surrounding the car crash.
Call the Police
When you are involved in a car accident, it’s advisable to call a police officer to the scene. Law enforcement can provide assistance, assess the situation, and create an official police report documenting the details of the accident. The police report serves as valuable evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings, helping to establish fault and support your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention after car accidents is critical.
An immediate comprehensive medical exam not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a necessary link between car accidents and resulting injuries. This documentation provides irrefutable evidence of the accident’s impact on your health and enables you to pursue the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills and damages.
Call Your Own Insurance Company
Notify your own insurance company after an auto accident, regardless of if you’re the at-fault driver. Your own insurer can help you file a claim and provide assistance in dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Even in “no-fault” states where each party’s own insurance company covers their damages, informing your own insurer is crucial for safeguarding your interests.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident in Easton, PA
It’s vital to know what to do after a car accident has occurred. But it’s also equally important to know what not to do after an accident. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Easton, PA, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer can be extremely beneficial.
Admit Fault
The most important thing to not do after a car accident is accept fault at the accident scene. Admitting fault can have serious repercussions, particularly with your personal injury or insurance claim. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s important to remember determination is a complex process and should be left to the police report and insurance companies.
Admitting fault at the accident scene can potentially harm your ability to seek full compensation for damages, particularly in no-fault states where fault is less of a factor in an insurance claim. PA is a no-fault state. Instead, let the authorities and insurance companies conduct their investigations to determine fault based on the police report and legal evidence.
Downplay Car Accident Injuries
It’s crucial not to downplay any injuries, even if they initially seem minor. Invisible injuries sustained in car wrecks can often manifest later after the accident occurred or exacerbate over time.
Some severe injuries, such as neck injuries or brain injuries, may not present immediate symptoms but can have long-term effects if left untreated. It’s wise to have an immediate comprehensive medical exam in a local emergency room, as documenting all injuries are key to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Downplaying injuries can not only jeopardize your health but also hinder your ability to recover full compensation for accident losses like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Seeking prompt medical treatment ensures all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, providing the necessary documentation for the insurance adjuster and car accident attorney, if necessary.
Talk to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
After an accident, it’s important to be cautious about speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Engaging with the other driver’s insurer without a car accident lawyer could jeopardize your ability to obtain fair compensation for injuries and vehicle damage.
An insurance adjuster may use your statements against you to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether. Direct all communication regarding the accident to your own insurance company or seek advice from a car accident attorney before speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Talking to a representative for the at-fault driver without a car accident attorney can lead to inadvertent statements that may be misinterpreted or used to dispute your claim.
To protect your rights, consult with a car accident attorney who can handle communications with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. They can advocate for your best interests while pursuing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Accept a Settlement Without Talking to a Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t accept a settlement offer without consulting a car accident lawyer first. Doing so may jeopardize your ability to recover maximum compensation for your losses. Auto insurance companies often seek to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount, which may not adequately cover medical costs, lost income, vehicle repairs, and other property damage. By accepting a settlement without a car accident lawyer, you risk agreeing to terms that are not in your best interests and may not fully address the extent of your injuries and losses.
Experienced Easton personal injury lawyers can assess the details of your car accident case, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the insurance coverage policy limits. They can negotiate on your behalf to pursue a settlement that reflects the true value of your insurance claim and advise you on your legal rights and options to ensure you understand the potential long-term consequences of accepting a settlement offer.
Whose Insurance Pays in a Car Accident in PA?
In Pennsylvania, after a car accident, each driver typically relies on their own insurance company to pay for their damages, regardless of who was at fault. This system, known as “no-fault” insurance, means each driver’s insurer covers their own medical expenses and vehicle damage up to the policy limits.
However, if the damages exceed the coverage limits or if there are threatening injuries involved, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be responsible for compensating the other driver in the car accident claim. In such cases, the other driver’s insurer may cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related expenses based on the findings of the police report and other evidence gathered during the investigation.
Can You Sue for a Car Accident in PA?
In Pennsylvania, as in most states, you have the right to sue for a car accident if you sustain injuries due to another driver’s negligence.
Despite being a “no-fault” state for insurance purposes, if your injuries meet certain thresholds defined by state law, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This typically involves seeking compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other property damage resulting from the car crash.
When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim?
You should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer for a car accident claim if you encounter challenges with the insurance company of the other driver or your own provider. This includes situations where the insurance company disputes liability, denies your claim, or offers an insufficient settlement. Additionally, if you sustain significant injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, or if there are disputes over the extent of your injuries or the compensation you’re entitled to, a personal injury lawyer can advocate on your behalf to ensure you recover compensation.
Furthermore, if the accident involves complex circumstances such as multiple vehicles, disputed fault, or injuries involving oncoming traffic, slow speeds, or pedestrians, legal representation can help protect your rights and navigate the complexities of your case effectively.
How Long After an Accident Can You Sue in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have up to two years to initiate legal action against the at-fault driver or their insurance company for damages resulting from the accident.
However, it’s advisable to consult with a car accident attorney promptly after the accident to ensure you understand your rights and options, as well as to gather evidence and build a strong case within the legal timeframe. Waiting too long to pursue legal action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses incurred due to the accident.
Compensation for Car Accidents in Easton, PA
If you have questions regarding compensation for car accidents in Easton, PA, contact the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy. They can help you understand your rights to full compensation for accident losses like vehicle damage, medical bills, lost income, and property damage. If the accident occurred due to the negligence of other involved parties, you may be entitled to file a claim and seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.
The experienced car accident legal professionals can guide you through this process to recover the costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle, covering medical costs, reimbursing lost wages, and addressing other accident-related expenses.
Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws
Navigating Pennsylvania’s car accident laws and responsibility rules can be complex, especially when choosing between limited tort and full tort insurance policies.
Limited tort policies, common in the state, restrict policyholders from filing lawsuits post-accident, while full tort policies grant more flexibility. Despite limited coverage for non-economic damages, limited tort policies remain more cost-effective. Conversely, full tort policies offer broader legal options, allowing for lawsuits against at-fault drivers.
Given the intricacies of Pennsylvania’s no-fault laws, legal guidance may prove invaluable. Seeking assistance from an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy can provide clarity and representation, ensuring your rights are protected in any accident scenario. Contact us at (610) 258-9955 or schedule a consultation online by completing the online intake form.