Even though car accidents are typically very quick, a Philadelphia car accident lawyer knows the aftermath of a car accident is never as quick as it happened. Have you been injured in a motor vehicle accident? Do you believe that someone else is at fault for your injury? Have you been working with an insurance agent to get the compensation you deserve? Are you left feeling frustrated with the time and energy it is taking to resolve your claim and get back to your life? If this sounds like you, consider contacting the competent and caring car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA at Wieand Law Firm, LLC today to find out what they may be able to do to help.
Unfortunately, even in minor accidents, it can completely throw off your entire day. In more serious accidents, it can ruin the weeks and even months following the accident has occurred. Even though there is not always something to do about the aftermath of a car accident, there are things you can do to prepare for the weeks and months following the accident to make sure they are easier on you. While it may seem that everything is out of your control when a car accident has occurred, there are steps you can take to help any claim you file be smoother and help your recovery process become more streamlined. For more information on how a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania car accident lawyer from Wieand Law Firm, LLC can help you, keep reading below.
The process after a serious car accident can be confusing and complex. A car accident lawyer is well-informed of the car accident claims process and can file Philadelphia auto accident lawsuit. An auto accident attorney near me Philadelphia PA will take steps in the claims process such as:
If you suffered only minor injuries, you may be able to gather the necessary evidence and documents to engage settlement negotiations. However, a skilled Philadelphia PA car accidents lawyer has years of experience in negotiations and navigating the claims process. Finding the best accident lawyer in Philadelphia to handle negotiations can help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
A Philadelphia auto accident law firm can help you obtain compensation for damages sustained from a car accident. These damages typically fall under the categories of economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages: These damages can include medical bills, such as hospital expenses, ambulance rides, doctors’ visits, surgery costs, accident-related medications, and rehabilitation costs. Other economic damages include lost wages, lost of future income from disability, and property damage.
Non-economic damages: After a serious injury, some of the greatest losses may be non-economic damages. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of consortium. A car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA trust can help you understand if you are eligible for these damages.
Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages in a Philadelphia auto accident lawsuit. Examples of cases that may award punitive damages include drunk under the influence cases, street racing, or excessive speeding cases.
How Much Is My Claim Worth
While statistics can show the average damages after a car accident case, these statistics are largely irrelevant to the value of any individual case. An auto accident attorney near me Philadelphia PA can review the relevant facts in your case and give you a better understanding of what the value of your case may be.
Sometimes, insurance companies and lawyers use the multiplier method to calculate pain and suffering. They then use this multiplier to determine the accident’s true cost. The multiplier is often based on the severity of injuries and the circumstances surrounding your accident. However, this method can fail to account for long-term costs and damages. Therefore, it’s best to speak with your Philadelphia car accident lawyer about what you may expect your claim to be worth.
Car accidents can leave you disoriented. While you deal with this initial state of confusion, insurance companies like to use different tactics to influence your behavior. Here are some of the most common tricks that insurance companies will use on car accident victims.
Insurance companies will often attempt to dissuade you from seeking legal advice from a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. The Philadelphia pa car accidents attorneys at Wieand Law Firm, want to make sure that you don’t accept a settlement that is less than what you deserve. Therefore, insurance companies often discourage you from hiring a Philadelphia auto accident law firm. It is important to be cautious about what you tell insurance companies because they may not have your best interest in mind.
Insurance companies often insist that they are trying to help or make sure you get the most out of your claim. Unfortunately, this assurance is usually just something insurance companies will tell you to get you to reveal information to them that might actually hurt you in the long run. As much as they may try to press you, it is usually beneficial to talk to your lawyer at Wieand Law Firm, a Philadelphia auto accident law firm, before engaging with insurance companies.
In an attempt to bombard you with responsibilities, insurance companies may delay the communication process as your bills keep piling up. It is easy to get lost among your obligations while things keep piling on top of each other. Communication is made even more difficult by any issues you are experiencing with injuries or vehicle repair and replacement. In these situations, it is wise to find a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, to aid your case.
Insurance companies may try to use pictures and posts from your social media platforms to deny your claim. It is important to remember that the things you post on social media can be accessible to more people than you may imagine. They can also be taken out of context, which may deter your case. When making a claim, A Philadelphia car accident lawyer will advise you on updating your privacy settings or staying off of social media altogether.
Sometimes insurance companies rush you to make a statement about your accident. Before making this statement, you should consult with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, to ensure that the information the insurance company gathers during these conversations can’t be used against you in court.
Insurance companies may try to use pictures and posts from your social media platforms to deny your claim. It is important to remember that the things you post on social media can be accessible to more people than you may imagine. They can also be taken out of context, which may deter your case. When making a claim, either updating your privacy settings or staying off of social media altogether could help to avoid this issue.
Sometimes insurance companies rush you to make a statement about your accident. Before making this statement, you should consult with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, to ensure that the information the insurance company gathers during these conversations can’t be used against you in court.
Accidents can happen for many reasons, which means that a thorough investigation into the car accident is often necessary to prove fault. A car accident lawyer understands that there are several common causes of accidents to consider:
A car accident lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation to gather evidence. This evidence may include photos of the accident scene and taking witness reports. It’s important to secure attorney representation soon after an accident so that the investigation can begin while the evidence can still be collected.
Interstate 95, which runs through both Pennsylvania and New Jersey is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United Sates. Many drivers from other states use 1-95, the New Jersey Turnpike, and other highways in our region regularly. The car accident lawyers at the Wieand Law Firm have extensive experience litigating cases for victims that have been injured from out-of-state drivers.
We also can work with out-of-state drivers who have been injured in an accident in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A Philadelphia PA car accident attorney at The Wieand law firm will work relentlessly to protect your interests and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve from the insurance companies.
Passengers are free of liability for a collision unless they brazenly distracted the driver. If you sustained injuries as a passenger, you may have the right to file a claim against all parties at fault for the accident. The defense may argue that if you knowingly got into a car with an intoxicated driver that you had partial fault for your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer will employ legal strategies to minimize this defense.
While both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have laws that require all drivers to carry insurance, some drivers ignore those laws. While an uninsured driver still has liability for victims sustaining injuries in the crash, many uninsured drivers do not have assets to recover. Even if the driver has some insurance, the coverage limits may not be enough to cover your full claim.
Drivers that have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may be entitled to compensation from their own insurance company if the other driver’s insurance isn’t adequate to pay you whole claim. In some situations, the driver might also have coverage through a family member or their employer.
A car accident lawyer can handle complex uninsured and underinsured motorist claims that involve multiple insurance companies. Consult a car accident lawyer prior to accepting a settlement from an insurance company to help understand the legal implications and see if you are getting the best possible outcome for your claim.
The car accident lawyers at the Wieand Law Firm are highly trained personal injury attorneys that only get paid if they win money for your claim. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they earn a percentage of the money that you recover for your claim. This allows you to hire South Philadelphia accident lawyer for your case without worrying about being hit by massive legal fees. You never pay anything out of pocket, so you can relax about affording a lawyer and focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Your emotions might be all over the place following an auto accident, but you need to take a moment and cool down before you make a mistake. There are some things you should do after an accident. For example, call the police, check on everyone’s safety and contact your insurance provider. There are also some things you should never do after your accident. The following are just a few.
Act responsibly, but don’t take responsibility for the accident itself. In other words, do not admit fault. The police report will make that determination, and if you speak up before the responding officer has a chance to assess the scene him- or herself, you may incriminate yourself. It’s possible there was a circumstance you weren’t privy to. That circumstance could put fault on someone else. Even if you think you’re responsible, don’t admit it to anyone.
If you are injured, it’s essential you accept medical help. You don’t have to be the hero that helps everyone else if you are also suffering. Let the paramedics take a look at your injuries, and if they recommend a visit to the hospital, take it. You can worry about payment later when you’ve had time to recover. Your car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can also be working on a lawsuit while you’re in the hospital.
Until the responding police officer gives you the all-clear to leave the scene, don’t do it! Nothing makes you look more guilty, and it’s also illegal in most states. If you’re in an accident, stick around to make sure everyone’s okay and to speak with the police officer so you can give your version of what occurred. Philadelphia leaving the scene of an accident lawyers can advise you in these situations.
It’s possible if the other driver is at fault, his or her insurance provider will try to get in touch with you. You have no legal responsibility to speak with a representative of that company. In more cases than not, the insurer is trying to settle a claim before they have too much liability. If they can get you to accept an offer before you fully understand your future medical expenses, it benefits their company. It also leaves you in a hard situation. When the other insurer calls, politely inform him or her that you’ll have your attorney get in touch.
Following a car accident, you will likely hear from the other driver’s insurance company. This is a simple protocol on behalf of the other insurance company. Most people are not accustomed to speaking to another driver’s insurance company and it is completely normal to be unsure of what to say. Fortunately, our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania car accident lawyer has a few solid tips for you when dealing with insurance companies.
When the insurance adjuster calls, you need to be careful of what you say. Insurance companies are money-making businesses. While you are focused on receiving fair compensation, they are focused on paying out as little as possible. This means that you have to make sure that you don’t say anything that could compromise your case. Do not talk about your injuries or the car accident itself.
You can tell them the names of witnesses, tell them the models of the vehicles involved, and where it happened. You do not have to tell them the extent of your injuries or explain your side of the accident. Remember that they will look for any inconsistencies in your story or reason to give you less money. Instead of divulging these details, you should tell them that the case is still under investigation.
Sometimes an insurance adjuster will send you documents to sign. Before you sign any documents, take the paperwork to your lawyer. He or she will be able to advise you on whether it is smart to sign the documents. You do not want to give the adjuster the right to look at your entire medical history. Often, this is what they want to do. When they look at your history, they may be looking for a reason to poke holes in your injury claim.
If you have a lawyer, then you should tell the adjuster to speak to your lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to talk on your behalf and has the experience not to say anything that will compromise your case. In addition, anything he or she says is a third-person account and hence cannot be used against you. Remember that you are not obligated to say anything to the other insurance company. You should not feel as though you need to make a statement.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Philadelphia PA Residents Trusts
Being in an accident comes with a lot of “dos and don’ts.” If you are in an accident, be sure you avoid the four things above as well as the “dos and don’ts” listed and contact an attorney for assistance in the aftermath. Consider calling a Philadelphia car accident lawyer relies on at Wieand Law Firm, LLC today to set up an initial consultation.
If you are seriously injured in a car accident, turn to a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA residents count on in their time of need. Car accident attorney, Brent Wieand, of the Wieand Law Firm LLC, has dedicated his law practice to advocating for the rights of personal injury victims. He has represented hundreds of personal injury accident victims in Philadelphia and obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements to compensate them for their losses. To speak with Brent Wieand, a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA injury victims can depend on, call the Wieand Law Firm at 215-666-7777.
When you need a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA has grown to depend on, we can help. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience handling all types of collisions. We have successfully represented personal injury victims in cases involving:
If you have questions following a collision and would like to speak with a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA turns to follow a crash, call us today. We are always happy to help answer your questions and provide guidance and support in your time of need. You should not wait to speak with a lawyer following a serious automobile accident. Insurance companies have adjusters and legal teams working hard to help them avoid paying valid claims. Your chances of obtaining a full and fair compensation for your injuries and other losses increase by speaking to a lawyer. The sooner you speak with a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA residents know and trust, the better.
Speak with a car accident lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm if you sustained injuries in an automobile crash. We will help you obtain fair compensation for:
These painful injuries are often permanent and can result in lost wages and staggering medical bills. The car accident lawyers at the Wieand Law Firm can fight for your right to get the maximum compensation for your economic and non-economic damages after a collision.
If you were injured by the actions of someone else and filed a personal injury lawsuit for a car accident, your goal is likely to be completely reimbursed for your injuries. However, you may have been offered a settlement from the insurance company and not know what to do. There is a lot of misinformation out there about settling in a legal case, and the issue is made more complicated because every settlement offer is different. You should always speak with your Philadelphia car accident lawyer before you accept a settlement and receive legal advice. It is recommended that you follow his or her advice before making any decision. Your attorney will likely be able to evaluate how appealing the offer is effective.
Have the right perspective. Many people think of accepting a settlement offer as admitting defeat. It may feel like the defendant is “getting away with it,” but this is the wrong way to think of things. Accepting a settlement is simply agreeing to save time and legal fees by ending the case early. You may not realize that the vast majority of court cases end in a settlement of some kind. As a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA might explain, it is actually quite rare for a civil court case to go all the way to its conclusion.
If you are offered a settlement, your Philadelphia, Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can advise you on how the offer compares to the likely result of the trial. If the offer is good, it’s likely in your interest to accept. Remember ending the trial early will save you legal fees and get you your money sooner. You need to decide for yourself how valuable these benefits are to you specifically.
Generally speaking, there are only three reasons why you should ever refuse a settlement, the first two of which have already been discussed in this guide:
You should never accept a settlement offer before finishing your medical treatment. This is because you do not yet know how much they will cost you. Complications may arise which make your medical bills more expensive than you were expecting, which makes the settlement worse than it initially seemed. Again, this is a matter that your attorney will be able to advise you on. Accepting a settlement may actually be your option, but it is not something you should decide until after you have considered all the aspects.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in one year, more than 1,200 people were killed in vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania. This loss of life amounted to $1.79 billion total in financial costs – approximately $17 million in medical expenses and $1.78 billion in work loss costs.
Understanding the Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, and they can result in serious injuries that can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life as a Philadelphia PA slip and fall lawyer knows all too well. These accidents can occur anywhere, from the workplace to a shopping mall, and they can be caused by a variety of factors; learn more about these factors, and then contact the Wieand Law Firm LLC for help.
Wet or damp floors can be caused by spills or leaks from pipes, roofs, or air conditioning units. A wet floor is hazardous, and it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent accidents. To prevent this type of accident, place warning signs in the area, mop up the spill, and ensure that the floor is dry. If you notice that a surface looks shiny, walk around it as that may indicate there is water there.
Uneven surfaces can be caused by cracks, potholes, or uneven sidewalks. In some cases, these surfaces can be difficult to spot, and it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings. Maintain the floors and sidewalks in good condition, promptly repair any cracks or potholes, and place warning signs in the area as recommended by a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer.
Cluttered and messy areas can be found in a variety of settings, such as warehouses, storage rooms, or even in a home environment. To prevent accidents caused by cluttered and messy areas, clean up any clutter, organize the area, and improve lighting to make the area easier to navigate.
Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see objects on the ground, steps or uneven surfaces. To prevent accidents caused by poor lighting, ensure that lighting systems are properly installed and maintained, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and add additional lighting if necessary. Always check lights on a regular basis — it is better to replace a dimming light than wait until one goes out and causes an accident.
When selecting footwear, it’s important to choose shoes or boots with good traction and non-slip soles. Avoid wearing shoes with thin soles or high heels, as they can easily slip on wet or uneven surfaces. If you do wear these types of shoes, be very careful where you are walking and pay extra attention to hazard signs.
In conclusion, slip and fall accidents can be dangerous and result in serious injury. Remember, safety should always be a priority. If you experience an accident, contact a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer at Wieand Law LLC for help.
A Philadelphia car accident lawyer understands that a car crash can be a life-changing event. Many crash survivors deal with serious injuries and emotional trauma. Our lawyers understand that taking on a massive insurance company can be overwhelming, especially when insurance adjusters want to minimize your payout. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm can help you through this challenging time and make sure you get the best possible compensation for your injuries.
In Pennsylvania, no fault insurance coverage means that regardless of which party is at fault for a car accident, certain benefits, such as medical coverage and lost wages, are covered by the injured party’s own insurance policy. Therefore, if you are injured in a car wreck, your insurance policy will be the source of payment that covers you and any injured family members that reside with you. Once these benefits are exhausted, you are able to pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance policy to cover any existing balances for you losses. It’s important to note that your insurance company is not permitted to raise your insurance premium if you were not at-fault for the accident.
A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help ensure that both your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company pay the benefits that they are responsible for. Your lawyer can also ensure that your insurance company does not attempt to raise your insurance rates if you were not at fault for the accident.
Pennsylvania law requires insurance companies to offer two types of motor vehicle insurance: full tort coverage and limited tort coverage.
Selecting limited tort insurance coverage can prevent an injured victim from seeking pain and suffering compensation, even if they were not responsible for the crash. However, there are exceptions to this limitation. You may be able to apply for compensation for your pain and suffering if you are covered by one of the following exceptions:
A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim if you have limited tort insurance coverage. While some attorneys may hesitate to pursue these claims, the Wieand Law Firm will meet with you to discuss your legal options and help you understand how to get the best results possible for your injuries.
Full tort insurance coverage allows injured victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages for a car accident. This means that you are able to seek recovery for damages that include:
While receiving compensation for economic damages are important, the impact of a car accident on your life is often more than just monetary. Car accidents can lead to debilitating physical and emotional injuries that impair the victim’s ability to enjoy and participate in the life activities they once enjoyed. Pursing non-economic damages under full=tort coverage can help compensate injured victims for these types of losses.
Assigning monetary compensation for non-economic damages is a complex and challenging process. An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help an injured victim identify and enumerate their non-economic damages and place a monetary value on those losses.
If you or a loved one have experienced a car accident, contact Wieand Law Firm LLC to speak with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Pennsylvania, like every state in the United States, has a comprehensive set of laws and regulations related to car accidents. These laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals involved in accidents, ensure fair compensation for damages, and establish guidelines for responsible behavior on the road.
Pennsylvania operates under a fault-based system, which means that the person responsible for causing a car accident is typically responsible for covering the damages resulting from the collision. This is known as liability insurance, and all drivers in Pennsylvania are required to have minimum liability insurance coverage to operate a motor vehicle legally.
Pennsylvania law mandates that drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the minimum requirements are as follows:
– $15,000 for bodily injury or death per person
– $30,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
– $5,000 for property damage
It’s essential to check with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or a local insurance agent for the most current insurance requirements, as they may change over time.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system when determining fault in car accidents. This means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may not be eligible to recover damages.
Pennsylvania law requires individuals involved in car accidents to report the incident to the nearest police department if there are injuries, deaths, or if the property damage exceeds $1,000. Failure to report such accidents can result in penalties.
According to Philadelphia car accident lawyers, Pennsylvania does not have a traditional no-fault insurance system. Instead, it offers a choice between no-fault and traditional insurance coverage. Under the no-fault option, you can’t sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages like pain and suffering unless your injuries are considered “serious” under state law. Choosing traditional insurance allows you to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for all damages, including non-economic ones, without restrictions.
If you plan to file a lawsuit related to a car accident in Pennsylvania, you must adhere to the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit. Missing this deadline may result in your claim being dismissed.
Pennsylvania law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage can help protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Pennsylvania has strict seat belt laws in place. All drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
Pennsylvania has stringent laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI). If you are involved in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability for the accident.
Understanding the specific laws related to car accidents in Pennsylvania is crucial if you’re a resident or plan to drive in the state. These laws dictate insurance requirements, fault determination, reporting procedures, and more, all of which play a significant role in ensuring that individuals involved in accidents are treated fairly and responsibly. For further questions regarding car accidents, contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Wieand Law Firm LLC.
A Philadelphia car accident lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm can provide you with the support needed to take on an insurance company and get the settlement or verdict you deserve. We represent car accident victims in Philadelphia, the Main Line and across southeastern PA. The Wieand Law Firm has litigated countless cases, including auto accidents caused by distracted drivers, intoxicated drivers, or driver fatigue. Our firm dedicates itself to injured victims and provide the personalized attention your claim deserves. Call 215-666-7777 or send us a message via the online form to speak directly with an attorney.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It may contain typos, mistakes, or be outdated. It is not legal advice.
