Car Accidents Lawyer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Car accidents can be life-changing, often bringing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. For Pennsylvanians dealing with injuries or loss due to a collision, understanding your legal rights and the process of pursuing compensation can ease the path forward. Knowing what steps to take and the legal options available is crucial, especially if you’re considering filing a claim.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you’ve come to the right place. Here at the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, we serve Bethlehem and Palmerton, Pennsylvania as well as Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Carbon County. We’ll represent you and help you fight for your rights.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

Car accidents occur for many reasons, and identifying the cause of your accident can be crucial to a legal claim. Some factors are out of drivers' control, such as weather conditions, but often, collisions result from driver error. Common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, phone calls, and other distractions divert attention from the road.

• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time.

• Speeding and reckless driving: These actions increase the likelihood and severity of crashes.

• Running red lights and stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a common cause of intersection accidents.

• Weather conditions: Snow, rain, and fog reduce visibility and traction, increasing accident risk.

Understanding the cause of an accident can directly impact the outcome of any legal action you might pursue.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws and No-Fault Insurance

Pennsylvania is a "choice no-fault" state, so drivers can choose between no-fault and fault-based insurance coverage. Under no-fault, insurance pays for certain medical expenses and lost income regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you choose fault-based, you can pursue damages from the at-fault party. Here are important aspects to understand:

• Limited tort vs. full tort: If you select a limited tort policy, your ability to sue for pain and suffering is restricted unless certain conditions are met. Full tort allows you to sue without limitations.

• Statute of limitations: In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.

Comparative negligence: Pennsylvania follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, meaning if you’re more than 50% responsible, you can’t recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

After a car accident, taking certain steps can protect your health, well-being, and potential legal claims. Here’s what to do:

1. Check for injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if needed.

2. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and relevant road conditions.

3. Exchange information: Get contact, insurance, and vehicle information from the other driver(s).

4. File a police report: A police report can be valuable for any future claim, providing an unbiased account of the incident.

5. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, getting a medical checkup can reveal injuries that might not be immediately apparent.

Types of Damages You Can Claim

In Pennsylvania, the types of damages you may recover after a car accident can be divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for tangible costs, while non-economic damages account for intangible impacts. In cases where the accident involves especially reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Car Accident Case

Hiring a lawyer isn’t just for challenging cases; a knowledgeable attorney can be valuable even in seemingly straightforward accidents. They can assess the specifics of your case, help you understand your rights, and determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is the best route. Here’s how a lawyer can make a difference:

• Investigation and evidence gathering: Your lawyer can collect evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert opinions, to build a strong case.

• Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to make sure you receive fair compensation.

• Managing legal challenges: Pennsylvania’s car accident laws can be complicated, and an experienced attorney can help you manage them.

Working With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly, sometimes offering amounts that don’t fully cover the long-term costs of injuries or damages. Understanding how to communicate effectively with insurance representatives is critical to avoid common pitfalls.

It’s also worth noting that anything you say to an insurer could impact your case. For this reason, having an attorney handle the communications can prevent unintended statements that might be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Common Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies often use tactics to reduce the amount they have to pay out. Being aware of these strategies can help you respond more effectively:

• Low initial offers: Insurers may offer a quick settlement that’s less than the claim’s worth.

• Questioning the severity of injuries: Insurance adjusters might downplay your injuries or question the necessity of medical treatments.

• Delayed responses: By slowing the process, insurers may pressure claimants into settling for less than they deserve.

Having a lawyer advocate for you can protect you from these tactics, making sure you’re not shortchanged in the settlement process.

Handling Court Proceedings if Needed

Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but if negotiations fail, a trial may be necessary. The court process in Pennsylvania involves several steps, including filing a complaint, discovery, depositions, and finally, the trial. Your attorney will guide you through each phase, presenting evidence and making a strong case on your behalf.

In court, a judge or jury will determine the amount you’re owed based on the evidence presented. Preparing for trial can be lengthy and requires significant preparation, but if your case goes to court, having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can make a difference.

How Comparative Negligence Impacts Compensation

In Pennsylvania, comparative negligence laws dictate that you can only recover compensation if you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% responsible, you’d receive $80,000.

Understanding comparative negligence is crucial if there’s any question of shared fault, as insurance companies often try to assign some portion of responsibility to avoid full payout.

When to Consider Filing a Lawsuit

While most car accident claims are settled with insurance companies, there are times when filing a lawsuit is the best option, such as when:

• The insurance settlement offer is too low: If an insurer doesn’t offer fair compensation, a lawsuit may be necessary.

• There’s a dispute over fault: In cases of disputed liability, litigation may be needed to establish fault.

• Injury severity demands more compensation: Serious or permanent injuries often require additional compensation that may not be covered by insurance alone.

Final Considerations for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, understanding the law can help you make informed decisions about your claim. Although managing personal injury claims can be overwhelming, working with a dedicated attorney can provide you with the support, knowledge, and advocacy you need.