Easton Auto Accident Lawyer
Practice Areas
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Easton, PA, you need an experienced car accident attorney to help you get the financial compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, our team of Easton car accident lawyers has extensive experience in car accident litigation, and our personal injury lawyers are here to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Accidents happen, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Easton personal injury attorney, Ed Shaughnessy, at 610-258-9955 today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Easton, PA
Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Pennsylvania include:
Distracted Driving
Using smartphones and other distractions while driving is a leading cause of car accidents. Distractions lead to several failure-to-yield accidents in Pennsylvania. Failing to yield the right-of-way, especially at red lights and stop signs, is a common cause of collisions.
Our Easton distracted driving accident lawyer can help pursue compensation through the auto accident claims process.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, road rage, and reckless driving contribute to car accidents regularly. Our Easton speeding car accident attorney has extensive experience in these types of personal injury claims.
Drunk Driving
Impaired driving remains a significant problem across the United States. A drunk driving accident can lead to criminal charges and a personal injury lawsuit.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, contact Easton DUI accident lawyer Edward Shaughnessy for a free consultation.
Vehicle Defects
Mechanical failures or defects in vehicles can lead to accidents. Easton product liability attorney, Ed Shaughnessy, may be able to help you file a product liability claim, as well.
Adverse Road Conditions
Poor weather conditions, poorly maintained roads, and hazardous road debris can all contribute to auto accidents.
If you have suffered a crash due to one of these reasons, contact Easton car accident attorneys to determine if you have a valid car accident case.
Common Types of Auto Accidents in Easton, PA
Car accidents can take various forms, each with its unique challenges and potential for debilitating injuries. Our experienced Easton personal injury attorneys have decades of experience in handling cases involving car accidents, semi-truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents in Easton, PA.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most frequent type of auto accidents. Easton car accident cases range from minor fender-benders to devastating collisions that cause lifelong injuries or even wrongful death. Common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behavior.
Contact an Easton car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy to recover compensation through a car accident lawsuit.
Semi-Truck Accidents
The results can be particularly catastrophic When an accident involves a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler. Many auto accidents involving semi-trucks often lead to wrongful death claims. Common causes of these semi-truck crashes include driver fatigue or distraction, inadequate maintenance, and improper cargo loading.
If your accident was caused by one of these examples of negligence, you may have a valid truck accident claim. An Easton truck accident attorney can help you determine your legal options and provide legal representation through the claims process.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death due to the lack of protection for riders. Common causes of these accidents include driver inattention, failure to yield, poor visibility, and adverse road conditions.
An Easton motorcycle accident lawyer can help injured victims recover compensation.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable, especially in busy cities. Collisions with vehicles, road hazards, and driver negligence are frequent causes of bicycle accidents leading to personal injury claims in Easton, PA. Be sure to contact an Easton bicycle accident lawyer to learn if you have grounds to file a claim.
Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by a driver’s failure to yield, distracted driving, or speeding. If a negligent driver hit you, contact an Easton pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more information about your legal options.
Fatal Accidents
Experiencing the loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident is a devastating event, leaving families with emotional and financial burdens. As an Easton fatal car accident lawyer, Edward P. Shaughnessy is dedicated to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation to help families navigate this difficult time. With extensive experience in personal injury law, he works diligently to ensure that the rights of the deceased and their families are protected, seeking justice and appropriate compensation for their loss. If you are facing the aftermath of a fatal car accident in Easton, PA, contact Edward P. Shaughnessy for professional legal support and guidance.
Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries our car accident lawyer team sees include:
- Whiplash: This is a neck injury often seen by our Easton rear-end collision lawyer. Even though this is considered a minor injury, victims can still suffer long-term pain and neck mobility issues. For this reason, we urge victims to contact an Easton whiplash injury attorney to learn about legal options.
- Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in various body parts during an accident. Broken bones can result in months or years of pain, as well as thousands of dollars in medical bills. An Easton bone fracture attorney can help you recover fair compensation for medical bills and other damages.
- Head Injuries: A traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a concussion, is a very common car accident injury. If you have suffered this type of injury because the other driver was negligent, contact an Easton traumatic brain injury attorney today.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Back and spinal cord injuries are common in car wrecks. Permanent disabilities can result in unmanageable medical bills and lost wages, which an Easton spinal cord injury attorney can help with.
- Internal Injuries: Organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys may be damaged in a collision. If you suffer these injuries, a skilled lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected. Contact an Easton organ damage attorney to determine if you have grounds to file a claim.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include muscle sprains, strains, and contusions.
If you have suffered one of the aforementioned injuries after a car crash caused by another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to contact Easton car accident attorney, Ed Shaughnessy. As a seasoned Easton personal injury lawyer, he can help you file a car accident claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and help recover financial compensation for your damages.
Determining Fault in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Understanding fault in a car accident is critical when pursuing a personal injury claim. In Pennsylvania, fault in car accident claims is determined by using a modified comparative fault rule, commonly known as the “51% Bar.”
Is Pennsylvania an At-Fault State?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that each party is responsible for obtaining compensation through their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the car crash.
However, the modified comparative fault rule comes into play when both parties share some degree of fault in the car accident. If your car was damaged by a hit-and-run driver, an experienced Easton hit-and-run accident lawyer can help uphold your rights through this legal process.
Pennsylvania’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule – 51% Bar
Under this rule, car accident victims can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as the degree of fault is less than 51%. If someone is found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, they will not be eligible for compensation.
For example, if you are determined to be 40% at fault for an accident, based on a police report, you can still recover 60% of the damages. This rule emphasizes the importance of determining fault accurately, as it directly impacts your potential compensation.
An Easton auto accident lawyer can help you determine your exact percentage of fault in an accident to ensure fair compensation in the car accident settlement.
Motor Vehicle Accident Damages
If you cannot recover enough damages from your insurance company, you may want to pursue a personal injury claim to get what you deserve.
You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages when pursuing a personal injury claim following a motor vehicle accident. An Easton auto accident lawyer, like Ed Shaughnessy, can help you recover fair compensation if you pursue a civil lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Economic damages typically include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and personal belongings.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to injuries and recovery time.
- Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in a long-term disability that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages typically include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the accident on your quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to damages awarded to a spouse or family member for the loss of companionship and support resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for losing the ability to engage in activities and hobbies you enjoyed before the accident.
How Do I Recover Damages if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?
In cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, recovering damages can be more complex. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, so you must go through your insurance company and use your own insurance coverage.
Additionally, Pennsylvania law requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). As an insured driver, this coverage can compensate for your injuries and losses when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, you can file an accident claim with your own insurance company to seek compensation for your damages.
It’s essential to consult with an Easton car accident lawyer to navigate the claims process effectively and ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations for Motor Vehicle Accidents
Following an accident, there is a specific timeframe within which you must file a car accident claim. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Pennsylvania is generally two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file your personal injury claims within this time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation and receive a fair settlement.
However, it’s important to note that this rule may have exceptions and nuances, depending on the specific circumstances of various personal injury cases. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Easton, PA, as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and you meet all deadlines.
Typical Auto Accident Settlement Amounts in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, typical car accident settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the specifics of each case. A fair settlement usually covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Many individuals hire a car accident lawyer to navigate negotiations with the insurance company to ensure a fair settlement. The car accident settlement amount is often influenced by the medical records and police reports related to the accident, as these documents provide crucial evidence about the incident and the extent of car accident injuries sustained.
The behavior and liability of the other driver also play a significant role in determining a settlement amount. Effective legal representation can help secure a fair settlement that adequately covers the costs of medical treatment and other damages resulting from the crash.
Easton Auto Accident Attorney FAQs
What is an Auto Accident?
An auto accident involves a collision between vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles, that often results in property damage, personal injury, or both. Most car accident cases can stem from various causes, including driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle malfunctions, leading to potential legal claims for car accident injuries.
What to do After an Auto Accident in Easton, PA?
After a car wreck or other accident, car accident victims should take measures to protect themselves, such as calling 911 and seeking medical treatment. From there, crash victims should gather information at the accident scene, obtain witness statements, and ensure the correct information is in the police report. Next, call or hire a car accident lawyer before contacting their insurance adjuster or insurance company.
When to Get a Lawyer After an Auto Accident in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, it’s advisable to consult or hire a car accident lawyer immediately after an auto accident, especially if the car wreck resulted in significant injuries, complex liability issues, or the possibility of long-term consequences. Early legal guidance from a personal injury lawyer can ensure the protection of your rights with insurance adjusters and negligent drivers, proper handling of insurance claims, and the pursuit of appropriate compensation for damages and injuries sustained.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At the Law Offices of Edward P Shaughnessy, our car accident lawyer offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay your car accident lawyer any attorney fees unless and until he wins.
How Often Do Auto Accident Settlements Exceed Policy Limits in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, it’s uncommon for auto accident settlements to surpass policy limits, as insurers typically set caps for insurance coverage to limit their financial exposure. Nonetheless, in instances of extremely negligent driving or where multiple parties are liable, car accident case settlements may exceed the limits set by the insurance company, offering additional avenues for adequate compensation above what the insurance provider offers, typically with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
How is Pain and Suffering Calculated in an Auto Accident in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, pain and suffering in an auto accident are calculated using either the “multiplier” method, where actual damages are multiplied by a number based on the severity of the car accident, or the “per diem” method, assigning a daily rate to pain and assigning it to the recovery duration.
Experienced Easton Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Easton, PA, don’t wait to seek help from a legal professional. An experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy is here to provide you with the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. With extensive experience in personal injury law and a commitment to advocating for clients, our Easton car accident lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Easton car accident lawyers today at 610-258-9955 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you on the path to recovery and justice. Your rights matter, and we’re here to protect them.
Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation!
