How to Win Your Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the following guide might help you to build a winning case and get you the financial compensation you need for your recovery. Continue reading to find out how to win your car accident case in Pennsylvania with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
What to Do After a Crash
When you’ve been involved in a car crash, you should report the accident to the authorities as soon as possible, ideally by contacting law enforcement at the scene of the accident. If you call police from the scene of the crash, an officer will likely respond to document the accident and prepare a police accident report, which can be a critical document in a later car accident claim.
Collecting Evidence
At the scene of the accident, you should also begin collecting important information and evidence, including:
- The other driver’s contact information, vehicle and registration information, license information, and insurance information
- Brief statements or contact information from any eyewitnesses to the accident
- Photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries you suffered
See a Doctor
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Pain and other symptoms of injury can take time to develop, but you shouldn’t wait until then to get examined by a doctor. Promptly identifying your injuries can help your claim if the other party or insurance company tries to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Getting Your Car Fixed
You should similarly get your vehicle examined by a mechanic or repair shop as soon as possible after the accident. If you fail to promptly document the damage caused by the crash, the insurance company may end up denying your claim for coverage of the repair costs.
If the cost to repair your vehicle exceeds the current value, the insurance company may declare your vehicle totaled (even if it is still driveable) and will offer you a check for what they argue your vehicle is worth. However, this may be a low figure, so you should conduct your own independent research into vehicle values to counter for a higher offer.
What If You Were Cited for the Accident
If you were ticketed or cited for the accident, it can make pursuing a legal claim for your injuries more difficult, since a traffic infraction or criminal offense for reckless driving may support a finding that you were at fault for the crash. However, just because you received a ticket for the accident does not make you ineligible to pursue a legal claim; a car accident attorney can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Talking to the Insurance Companies
You may be contacted by an insurance adjuster soon after the accident. However, you should take care when speaking with insurance companies. You should never agree to provide a recorded or written statement to an insurer until you’ve first spoken with your attorney. Any statements you give to the insurance companies can later be used against you in your claim.
Read more: How Long Does An Insurance Company Have To Settle A Claim In PA?
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim
Under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit for compensation. Filing suit after the limitations period has expired on your claim may lead to your case being dismissed out of court.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC represent clients injured because of car accidents in Butler, Cranberry Township, Erie, Greensburg, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (412) 471-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 310 Grant St., Suite 720, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.