New Client Guide

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue justice and compensation for your losses. The following checklist includes some of the most important steps you can take in the aftermath of an injury to strengthen your claim and maximize your potential settlement.

  • Seek medical attention: The first and most important step is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Not only is this crucial for your well-being, but it also establishes an official medical record of your injuries — which can be key evidence in your claim.
  • Preserve evidence: Preserving evidence is vital when building a strong case. Document the accident scene, take photographs of any visible injuries, gather contact information from witnesses if possible, and keep any relevant documents related to the incident, such as police reports or medical records.
  • Report the incident: If you were involved in a car accident, report the accident to the police. If it’s a workplace accident, notify your supervisor or employer. Promptly reporting the incident helps ensure an official record is created.
  • Consult with a personal injury attorney: Hiring a personal injury attorney who specializes in cases like yours can significantly benefit your claim. An experienced attorney will evaluate your case, provide legal advice, and represent your best interests throughout the process. They will handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
  • File an insurance claim: After you retain legal counsel, your attorney will assist you in filing an insurance claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. They will work to ensure that all necessary documentation and evidence are included to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.
  • Negotiate a settlement: Insurance companies often attempt to settle cases quickly and for less than what victims are entitled to. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses. They will protect your rights throughout the negotiation process.
  • Litigation and trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney may advise you to proceed with filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court. In this stage, expert witnesses, testimonies, and evidence will be presented to prove the negligence of the responsible party and seek compensation through a trial.
  • Receive compensation: If successful, you will receive the compensation you deserve. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Your attorney will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible under the law.

Our Practice Areas

Our attorneys handle a wide breadth of personal injury cases, including those involving:

What is Pennsylvania’s Choice No-Fault System?

In Pennsylvania, drivers operate under a choice no-fault system. This means that drivers have the option to choose between limited tort (no-fault) and full tort (at-fault) car insurance coverage.

The main difference between at-fault and no-fault insurance lies in how financial responsibility is determined after a car accident. In states with at-fault systems, the driver’s responsibility for causing the accident dictates the extent to which they cover the costs of the accident. These costs could include medical expenses, property damage, and other losses suffered by the other party involved.

No-Fault vs. At-Fault Insurance

On the other hand, in no-fault states, each driver’s own insurance provider covers their medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who is at fault. This allows accident victims to receive prompt compensation without having to wait for fault to be determined through a lengthy legal process.

Pennsylvania operates under a hybrid system that provides drivers with the option to choose between limited tort and full tort coverage. Limited tort coverage is the default option and provides benefits similar to a traditional no-fault system. Full tort coverage is more expensive, but it provides individuals with more options for seeking compensation after an accident. With full tort coverage, drivers retain their right to sue for damages. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have suffered significant injuries or substantial economic losses as a result of an accident.

Contact A Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer

At Ainsman Levine LLC, we know how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating personal injuries can be. For this reason, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that no attorney fee is owed unless we win your case.

Contact us online or call us at 412-338-9030 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys.