Should I Hire an Attorney for My PA Car Accident?
If you were in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you may wonder if hiring an attorney is necessary. When you hire an attorney, you’re giving yourself the best chance at recovering the compensation you need for your injuries and property damage. Without the help of an experienced attorney, it can be almost impossible to know what your case is truly worth, especially considering the long-term consequences of many injuries.
Car Accident Attorneys and PA’s Auto Insurance Landscape
Pennsylvania’s auto insurance system can be complicated for those unfamiliar with it. There are two types of auto insurance policy that you can purchase:
- Limited Tort Policies – These are “no-fault” policies under which you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses you incurred due to your injuries from your own auto insurance company. These policies do not allow you to seek pain and suffering compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer unless you suffer “serious injuries.”
- Full Tort Policies – These policies let you seek compensation, including for pain and suffering, from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company.
Understanding what type of insurance policy you have, which insurance company you can seek compensation from, and what the exceptions are to seeking that compensation can get complicated. For this reason, it’s best to have a car accident attorney who can file your claim for you and deal with the insurance company handling your case.
Situations When an Attorney Can Help
Some of the most common reasons to hire an attorney after a Pennsylvania car accident are:
- The insurance company you filed your claim with denied it, and you need to file an appeal with the insurer or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
- The insurance company you filed your claim with disputes the reasonableness or necessity of some or all of your medical treatments.
- You suffered severe injuries that resulted in significant medical bills and are unable to work at full capacity while you recover.
- Your injuries will require long-term treatment, and you need to calculate your future medical expenses.
- There are multiple parties involved in the accident, making it hard to determine which parties are liable and increasing the number of insurance companies and policies in play.
How Can an Attorney Assist with My Car Accident Case?
Car accident attorneys can help you with your case in the following ways:
- Investigating the Accident – Your attorney will investigate the accident to identify all liable parties and gather evidence connecting their negligent actions to your injuries.
- Calculating Your Damages – Your attorney will calculate the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company – Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement that covers your losses.
- Filing a Lawsuit – Your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party within Pennsylvania’s two-year time limit if an insurance claim won’t cover all of your expenses.
- Representing You in Court – Your attorney will represent you in court and present a compelling case before the judge or jury to seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact a Western Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney
Did you suffer an injury in a car accident in Western PA? Contact Ainsman Levine, LLC, for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer any questions you have about seeking the compensation you deserve.