Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers

Auto Accidents: Still The No. 1 Cause Of Serious Injuries

An auto accident can change your life in a matter of a few seconds. From the physical pain and medical bills – and time spent out of work and in rehabilitation – to the strain on relationships and the practical hassles, you wouldn’t wish a serious car accident on your worst enemy. But you may wish you had a lawyer you could talk to about what to do next.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death or other damages and losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand whether you have a personal injury case – and help you take steps to resolve the matter.

Hurt In A Car Crash? Our Attorneys Can Help.

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, our car accident lawyers are trial attorneys who know what it takes to win a case. We help people who have been injured by the negligent behavior of others. We are connected with experts in the field. We can give you practical advice about your accident if it involves:

• A motorist who was texting, talking on the phone or otherwise distracted behind the wheel
• A driver who was drunk or under the influence of drugs
• An automotive defect or a dangerous product
• A serious injury to the brain, spinal cord or soft tissues
• The loss of a loved one

Every injury case is different and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney.

Common Car Accident Scenarios And Related Injuries

Car accidents can happen in many ways, and each type of collision can lead to different injuries. Here are some common car accident scenarios our clients have encountered:

• Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle hits the back of another, often resulting in whiplash, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage and concussions.
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents): In these accidents, the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, leading to broken ribs, chest injuries, pelvic fractures and head injuries.
• Head-on collisions: When the front ends of two vehicles collide, it can cause traumatic brain injuries, chest trauma, broken bones and internal injuries.
• Rollover accidents: These involve a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof, which can result in head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and severe cuts or bruises. They are sometimes the result of poor vehicle design that decreases stability and safety.
• Multivehicle pileups: These accidents involve several vehicles and can lead to whiplash, multiple fractures and severe trauma due to the complexity of the crashes. Sadly, they are often fatal for at least some vehicle occupants involved in the crash.
• Hit-and-run accidents: In these cases, a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene, with potential injuries varying widely depending on the nature of the collision.
• Drunk driving crashes: Alcohol-impaired drivers cause thousands of serious injuries and deaths on Pennsylvania roads each year. These crashes can be particularly severe because negligent drunk drivers may not even attempt to slow down or swerve when a crash becomes imminent.

Each case is unique. To ensure that your claim is carefully investigated, and aggressively negotiated or litigated, it is critical to consult an experienced West Chester car accident lawyer like those at our firm.

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, our car accident attorneys are committed to helping you obtain the auto accident compensation you need to recover from you injuries. Whether you’re in Chester County, Montgomery County or Delaware County in Pennsylvania, our car accidents lawyers are here to offer their legal representation and support.

Steps To Take After An Auto Accident To Protect Your Interests

After an accident:

● Seek immediate medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor
● Document the accident scene with photos and videos if possible
● Collect contact information from witnesses and other involved parties
● Avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurance adjusters
● Keep detailed records of medical treatments and accident-related expenses
● Report the accident to your insurance company, but limit conversation details

A legal claim’s success often hinges on the strategic decisions made in its early stages. Our knowledge of Pennsylvania’s auto accident laws and insurance regulations allows us to anticipate and counter common defense strategies used to reduce compensation.

Understanding Auto Accident Claims: The Process

The legal process following an auto accident involves multiple stages that require careful attention to detail. Your claim’s strength depends on:

● Evidence collection and preservation, including police reports, medical records, witness statements and photographic documentation of vehicle damage and the accident scene
● Proper documentation of all medical treatments, rehabilitation services and related expenses to establish the full scope of damages
● Timely filing of insurance claims and legal documents within Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
● Assessment of long-term medical needs and future care requirements, particularly in cases involving permanent injuries

Our strategic legal approach can help ensure these elements are properly handled to build a strong claim.

Types Of Compensation Available After An Auto Accident

Pennsylvania law allows accident survivors to seek various forms of compensation, depending on their insurance coverage and injury severity. When filing an auto accident claim, the following types of compensation may be available:

● Current and future medical expenses
● Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
● Property damage and vehicle repairs
● Physical pain and emotional suffering
● Rehabilitation and long-term care costs

Calculating fair compensation is not straightforward as it requires careful assessment of these elements. Our PA auto accident lawyers can help ensure that no potential damages are overlooked while we advocate for your financial recovery.

We Can Help You Navigate Pennsylvania’s Unusual Car Accident Fault Laws

In Pennsylvania, auto accident laws operate under a “choice no-fault” system. This means you have the option to select either no-fault or traditional tort coverage when purchasing auto insurance. This is a rare hybrid of auto accident fault laws found in most other states.

If you choose no-fault coverage, your own insurance company will pay for damages like medical care and lost wages without the need to allege or prove fault. However, you may only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if your injuries meet a certain severity threshold, such as significant disfigurement or disability.

If you instead opt for traditional tort coverage, you retain the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver for all damages, including pain and suffering, without needing to meet a specific injury threshold. This choice can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation after an accident.

Given these complexities, working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is crucial. They can help you understand your insurance policy, evaluate the circumstances of your accident and determine the best course of action for pursuing compensation. An attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, who often aim to minimize payouts, ensuring that you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.

Moreover, our West Chester, PA car accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process, from gathering evidence to representing you in court if necessary. By partnering with a skilled legal professional from our firm, you can focus on your recovery while they advocate for your rights and work toward achieving a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Contact Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, For A Free Consultation

If you are searching for a West Chester attorney for car accident injuries, contact us online or call 610-314-7066. The case evaluation is free, and there is no upfront cost for representation.