Free Accident Lawyer Consultation: What You Need to Know Before You Go

 

What to Expect During a Free Consultation

Accident lawyer consultation is a free, no-obligation meeting with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and legal options following an accident.

Walking into your first accident lawyer consultation might feel a bit intimidating, but understanding what to expect can ease those nerves. These initial meetings are designed to be straightforward and helpful – a chance for you to share your story and learn about your options. Most people are surprised by how comfortable these consultations actually are. Your attorney will guide you through a detailed case history walkthrough, asking thoughtful questions about the accident, your injuries, and how they’ve impacted your life. Everything you share remains confidential, protected by attorney-client privilege. The consultation typically lasts between 30-60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explain your situation and get answers to your questions. And yes, these consultations are genuinely free – there are no hidden fees or obligations to hire the firm afterward. Many Pennsylvania accident victims worry about costs, which is why most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis rather than charging by the hour. This means you won’t pay attorney fees unless they recover money for you.

Fee Structure	How It Works	When You Pay
Contingency Fee	Attorney takes percentage of recovery (typically 33-40%)	Only if you win your case
Hourly Rate	Billed for each hour of work	Upfront and ongoing regardless of outcome

Meeting format & length

You have several options for how to meet with your attorney. Phone consultations work well for simple cases or if you’re still recovering from injuries. Video conferences offer face-to-face interaction without leaving home. For complex cases, an in-office consultation might be best, allowing for document review and more personal interaction. No matter which format you choose, be prepared to spend about 30-60 minutes discussing your case. The attorney needs enough time to understand the details of your accident and answer your questions thoroughly.

Questions you should ask the lawyer

Coming prepared with questions helps you make the most of your consultation time. Consider asking about the attorney’s experience level with cases similar to yours. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, understanding their track record can give you confidence in their abilities. It’s also important to discuss their communication style – will you be speaking directly with the attorney or mainly with paralegals? How quickly do they typically respond to client questions? Finding an attorney whose communication approach matches your preferences can make the entire process less stressful. Don’t hesitate to ask about their assessment of your case, including potential challenges and timeline expectations. A good attorney will be honest about your prospects rather than making unrealistic promises. For more detailed guidance on preparing for your first meeting, check out our resource on First Meeting with an Auto Accident Lawyer in Pottsville.

Accident Lawyer Consultation: Why It Matters

The clock starts ticking the moment your accident happens. In Pennsylvania, you have just two years to file a personal injury claim—miss that deadline, and you could lose your right to compensation forever. This is just one reason why scheduling an accident lawyer consultation should be a priority after an accident. Beyond beating the clock, there are several compelling reasons why this initial meeting matters more than most people realize:

Pennsylvania’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Pennsylvania uses what’s called “modified comparative negligence,” which means your compensation can shrink based on your share of fault. If you’re found 50% or more responsible, you could walk away with nothing at all. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll help solve potential fault issues and build strategies to protect your claim. As one of our clients recently told us: “I was worried the accident might have been partly my fault, but my attorney pointed out several factors I hadn’t even considered that showed the other driver was mostly responsible.”

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance adjusters have one job: to save their company money. They’re trained to use tactics that might leave you with less than you deserve, including:

• Asking for recorded statements they can twist later
• Dangling quick settlement offers before you know how badly you’re hurt
• Questioning whether your injuries are really that serious
• Dragging their feet, hoping you’ll give up out of frustration

At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve seen countless initial offers that covered just a fraction of what our clients truly needed. Your accident lawyer consultation helps you identify and avoid these traps before they cost you.

Determining Your Claim’s True Value

Many accident victims don’t realize what their case is actually worth. Your compensation should cover far more than today’s medical bills, including:

• Medical treatments you’ll need in the future
• Wages lost while you recover
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
• Pain and suffering you’ve endured
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Home or vehicle modifications for any new disabilities
• Lost quality of life

Research consistently shows that people who work with attorneys typically receive settlements 3-4 times higher than those who handle claims alone. This difference can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Scenarios

What happens if the driver who hit you flees the scene? Or carries Pennsylvania’s minimum insurance of just $15,000 per person? These situations create special challenges that require creative solutions. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll explore all potential sources of compensation, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—a valuable protection many people don’t even realize they have. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving contributes to thousands of accidents each year. Knowing how to prove distraction is just one way an attorney can strengthen your case.

Accident lawyer consultation checklist

Before your accident lawyer consultation, gather these essentials: Accident details (when, where, and how it happened), contact information for everyone involved (including witnesses), your insurance policy information, key documentation like police reports and medical records, and a list of questions you want answered. “Free means free” with our consultations. There are no hidden charges or obligations—it’s simply an opportunity for us to understand your situation while you decide if we’re the right fit for your needs.

Accident lawyer consultation next steps

After your accident lawyer consultation, here’s what happens: We’ll complete our evaluation of your case and follow up with our assessment. You’ll decide whether to move forward with representation. If you choose us, we’ll handle the paperwork and immediately begin gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and addressing any medical liens. As one client shared: “After my consultation, I felt like I could breathe again. They explained exactly what would happen next and took over dealing with the insurance company. I could focus on healing while they fought for me.” Taking this first step can make all the difference between struggling alone and having a dedicated team fighting for what you deserve.

What to Expect During a Free Consultation

Walking into your first accident lawyer consultation can feel intimidating, but understanding what happens during this meeting can help ease your nerves. At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve designed our consultation process to be straightforward and comfortable.

Case History Walkthrough

Your story matters to us. During the consultation, we’ll ask you to share your accident experience in your own words. We want to hear about how the collision occurred, who was involved, the injuries you sustained, treatments you’ve received, and how the accident has changed your daily life. “I was nervous about remembering all the details,” one client told us, “but my attorney guided me through the conversation step by step, helping me recall important information I might have forgotten on my own.” This detailed walkthrough isn’t just casual conversation—it helps us identify potential liability issues and build the foundation of your claim. Even small details can make a significant difference, so don’t hold back.

Attorney Questions

Your consultation is interactive. We’ll ask targeted questions to clarify important aspects of your case: When did the accident happen? Did anyone witness it? Have insurance adjusters contacted you? Do you have any pre-existing conditions? How has your recovery been progressing? These questions help us spot both strengths to leverage and challenges to address in your case. Many clients are surprised by how relevant seemingly unrelated details can be. “They asked about my hobbies, which I thought was odd at first,” a recent client shared. “But they explained how my inability to continue woodworking was actually an important part of my ‘loss of enjoyment’ damages. I would never have thought to mention that on my own.”

Confidentiality Assurances

Everything you share during your accident lawyer consultation stays between us. Attorney-client privilege protects your information even if you decide not to hire our firm afterward. This confidentiality creates a safe space for you to share honestly about all aspects of your accident and injuries without worrying your words might be used against you later.

Virtual Options

Injuries can limit mobility, and busy schedules can make in-person appointments challenging. That’s why we offer flexible consultation options. Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face at one of our offices, speaking by phone, or connecting through video conference, we provide the same thorough service and confidentiality. Many clients appreciate being able to consult from the comfort of their own homes, especially when recovering from injuries.

Fee Structure	How It Works	When You Pay	Risk Level
Contingency Fee	Attorney receives percentage of settlement/verdict (typically 33-40%)	Only if you win	No financial risk if case unsuccessful
Hourly Rate	Pay for attorney’s time regardless of outcome	Throughout case	High financial risk; no guarantee of results
Flat Fee	One-time payment for specific services	Upfront or payment plan	Medium risk; services limited to agreement

Meeting Format & Length

Your accident lawyer consultation typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how complex your situation is. This gives us enough time to understand your case and offer meaningful guidance without overwhelming you. You can choose the meeting format that works best for your circumstances. In-office consultations at any of our seven Pennsylvania locations provide a personal touch. Phone consultations work well if you’re dealing with mobility challenges or tight schedules. Video conferences offer a nice middle ground—you get the face-to-face connection while still enjoying the convenience of meeting remotely. We’ve found that clients feel most comfortable when they choose the format that suits their personal preferences and communication style.

Questions You Should Ask the Lawyer

Your consultation isn’t just about us asking questions—it’s your opportunity to evaluate whether we’re the right fit for your needs. Coming prepared with your own questions helps you make an informed decision about your representation. Consider asking about who will handle your case day-to-day and whether the attorney you’re meeting with will personally manage negotiations and court appearances. Understanding our communication style and how frequently you’ll receive updates can help set expectations from the beginning. Ask about our experience with cases similar to yours and what outcomes we’ve achieved in comparable situations. This gives you insight into our track record and approach. It’s also wise to discuss our process—how we handle settlement negotiations, when we recommend settling versus going to trial, and what timeline you might expect for your specific case. Finally, make sure you clearly understand our fee structure. While we work on contingency (meaning you pay nothing unless we win), it’s important to discuss the percentage, what case-related expenses might arise, and whether there are any scenarios where you might owe money if we don’t win. “I appreciated how transparent they were about their fees,” a client recently told us. “They explained everything in plain English and made sure I understood before moving forward.” For more detailed information about what to expect during your first meeting, visit our detailed guide on first meetings with auto accident lawyers.

Must-Bring Documents and Evidence

Walking into your accident lawyer consultation with the right documents can make all the difference. Think of it as bringing the ingredients before a chef can cook a great meal—your attorney needs proper evidence to build a strong case. When Sarah came to us after her car accident in Harrisburg, she brought a shoebox full of jumbled papers. “I wasn’t sure what you needed,” she told us, “so I brought everything.” While her thoroughness was helpful, having organized documents would have made our initial meeting even more productive.

Essential Documents

Your police report serves as the foundation of your case. This official document contains the responding officer’s observations, statements from everyone involved, and sometimes an initial determination of fault. Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports, making them crucial for your attorney to review. Medical records tell the story of your injuries and recovery journey. Bring your emergency room reports, doctor’s diagnoses, treatment plans, and any imaging results like X-rays or MRIs. These documents help connect your injuries directly to the accident, which is vital for your claim. Those photos you snapped at the accident scene? Worth their weight in gold. Visual evidence of vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals provides powerful support for your version of events. As one client told us, “The photo I took of the skid marks ended up being the key evidence that proved the other driver was speeding.” Witness information can transform your case. Independent accounts from people who saw what happened offer unbiased perspectives that insurance companies and juries find compelling. If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, bring pay stubs from before and after the accident, documentation of missed workdays, and any statements from your employer. These records help calculate your lost income claim. Your insurance policy and any correspondence with insurance companies provide critical insights about coverage limits and how your claim has been handled so far. Bring any letters, emails, or notes from conversations with adjusters. Keep receipts for all accident-related expenses—medical bills, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, property repairs, and even modifications to your home if your injuries required them. These out-of-pocket costs often qualify for reimbursement.

Gathering Hard-to-Find Records

Don’t worry if you’re missing some documents before your accident lawyer consultation. Part of our job at Metzger Wickersham is helping you track down important evidence. For government-held information like detailed police reports or 911 call recordings, we can file formal requests under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law. This process takes time but often yields valuable information that strengthens your case. Businesses near your accident scene may have security cameras that captured what happened. We can send preservation letters to ensure this footage isn’t deleted and then work to obtain it through proper channels. Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders—sometimes called “black boxes”—that capture information about speed, braking, and other factors at the time of impact. This technical data can provide objective evidence about how the crash occurred. One client was surprised when we obtained surveillance footage from a nearby gas station that clearly showed the other driver running a red light. “I had no idea that camera existed,” he told us. “It completely changed the outcome of my case.” If you’re missing some documents, don’t delay your consultation. We can discuss strategies for obtaining missing evidence during our meeting. The important thing is to start the process as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh and available. For help gathering evidence or to schedule your free accident lawyer consultation, contact our team at any of our seven Pennsylvania locations.

How Lawyers Evaluate and Build Your Case

During your accident lawyer consultation, attorneys assess your case using a structured legal framework. Understanding this evaluation process helps you grasp how lawyers determine the strength of your potential claim.

The Four Elements of Negligence

Attorneys analyze accident cases using these four essential elements:

1. Duty of Care: Establishing that the other party had a legal obligation to act reasonably. For example, all drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely.
2. Breach of Duty: Demonstrating that the other party failed to fulfill their duty. This could include speeding, texting while driving, running a red light, or other negligent behaviors.
3. Causation: Proving that the breach directly caused your injuries. Your attorney must show that your injuries wouldn’t have occurred without the other party’s negligence.
4. Damages: Documenting the actual harm you suffered, including physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses, and other negative impacts.

During your accident lawyer consultation, the attorney will assess how strongly each element can be proven in your specific case.

Types of Damages Available

Pennsylvania law recognizes several categories of damages that accident victims may recover:

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable financial losses, including: – Past and future medical expenses – Lost wages and diminished earning capacity – Property damage – Rehabilitation costs – Home or vehicle modifications – Household services you can no longer perform

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for subjective, non-monetary losses: – Pain and suffering – Emotional distress – Loss of enjoyment of life – Disfigurement – Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving egregious conduct, such as drunk driving or intentional harm, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

The Role of Expert Witnesses

Complex accident cases often require testimony from various experts:

• Accident Reconstruction Specialists: Analyze physical evidence to determine how the accident occurred
• Medical Experts: Explain your injuries, necessary treatments, and long-term prognosis
• Economic Analysts: Calculate lifetime costs of injuries, including future care needs and lost earnings
• Life Care Planners: Detail the ongoing assistance and accommodations you may require

At Metzger Wickersham, we have established relationships with respected experts across Pennsylvania who can strengthen your case.

Settlement vs. Trial Considerations

During your accident lawyer consultation, the attorney will discuss whether your case might be resolved through settlement or trial: Settlement Advantages: – Faster resolution – Guaranteed compensation – Reduced stress – Lower legal costs – Privacy Trial Advantages: – Potentially higher compensation – Public accountability for wrongdoer – Full day in court – Jury determination of damages Approximately 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough approach often leads to stronger settlement offers. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries alone account for approximately 2.5 million emergency department visits annually, with car accidents being a leading cause. These injuries can result in lifetime costs exceeding $1.5 million per person, highlighting the importance of thorough case evaluation.

Common Mistakes Clients Make (and How to Avoid Them)

During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll discuss several critical mistakes to avoid:

Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements early in the claims process. These statements can be used to minimize your claim or deny it entirely. Avoid this by: Politely declining to give recorded statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Simply tell the adjuster you need to speak with your lawyer first.

Oversharing on Social Media

Insurance companies routinely monitor claimants’ social media accounts for evidence that contradicts their injury claims. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context. Avoid this by: Setting all social media accounts to private and refraining from posting about your accident, activities, or recovery.

Missing Medical Appointments

Gaps in treatment or missed appointments can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Avoid this by: Following your treatment plan diligently and keeping all medical appointments. If you must reschedule, document the reason why.

Accepting Early Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Avoid this by: Consulting with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Early offers rarely account for long-term complications or future expenses.

Waiting Too Long to Seek Legal Advice

Delaying your accident lawyer consultation can result in lost evidence and missed legal deadlines. Avoid this by: Scheduling a consultation as soon as possible after your accident, even if you’re unsure about pursuing a claim.

Working with Insurance Companies

A key benefit of legal representation is having someone experienced handle all communications with insurance companies.

The Demand Letter Process

After evaluating your case, your attorney will prepare a demand letter outlining: – Facts of the accident – Liability arguments – Description of your injuries – Summary of medical treatment – Economic and non-economic damages – Settlement demand amount This formal demand initiates serious settlement negotiations.

Countering Adjuster Tactics

Insurance adjusters use various strategies to minimize payouts: – Disputing the severity of injuries – Arguing pre-existing conditions – Claiming treatment was unnecessary – Suggesting gaps in treatment indicate recovery – Using surveillance to contradict injury claims Our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham have decades of experience countering these tactics effectively.

Medical Lien Negotiations

If health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid paid for your treatment, they may place a lien on your settlement. We negotiate with these entities to reduce their repayment demands, maximizing your net recovery. For more information about dealing with insurance companies after an accident, see our guide on working with auto accident insurance attorneys.

Costs, Fees, and Your Potential Compensation

Money matters can feel overwhelming after an accident. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about costs and potential compensation in plain, straightforward language.

The Contingency Fee Structure

“But how will I afford an attorney?” This is one of the most common concerns we hear. The good news is that at Metzger Wickersham, you don’t need money upfront to get quality legal help. We work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means our payment comes as a percentage of the money we recover for you—typically between 33% and 40%. The exact percentage depends on factors like case complexity and whether we need to go to trial or can settle earlier. The beauty of this arrangement is simple: if we don’t win money for you, you don’t pay attorney fees. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll explain our specific fee structure clearly so you’ll know exactly what to expect. As one client told us, “I was hesitant to call because I couldn’t afford legal bills while I was out of work. Finding out I didn’t need to pay anything upfront was such a relief.”

Case Expenses

Beyond attorney fees, personal injury cases involve various expenses that help build your case. These might include court filing fees, costs for obtaining medical records, fees for expert witnesses, and expenses related to gathering evidence. At Metzger Wickersham, we typically advance these costs for you. If we secure compensation for you, these expenses are reimbursed from your settlement after our contingency fee is calculated. If your case doesn’t result in recovery, you generally won’t owe us for these expenses either. We believe in transparency about costs. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll discuss potential expenses for your specific situation so there are no surprises down the road.

Potential Compensation Categories

“What is my case worth?” This question isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The value depends on many factors, including the nature of your injuries, their impact on your life, and available insurance coverage. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll discuss several categories of compensation you might receive: Medical Expenses cover everything from emergency treatment and hospital stays to ongoing physical therapy and future medical needs. Even if your health insurance initially covered these costs, you may be entitled to compensation for them. Lost Income includes not just the paychecks you’ve already missed but potentially future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work. This category can be especially important for people with physically demanding jobs or those who experience permanent limitations. Pain and Suffering compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced. While harder to calculate than medical bills, this often forms a significant portion of many settlements. Property Damage covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident. One client shared with us: “I had no idea my claim included compensation for future medical treatments. During my consultation, the attorney explained that my injuries would likely require ongoing care, and we needed to account for those costs in any settlement.”

Understanding Contingency Agreements

The contingency fee agreement is the formal document that outlines our working relationship. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll walk you through this agreement in everyday language. The no win, no fee promise is at the heart of this arrangement. This approach levels the playing field, allowing anyone to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Your agreement will explain how advanced costs are handled—who pays for them upfront and how they’re repaid. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe you shouldn’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses while recovering from injuries. We also believe in client approval for expenses. Your agreement will specify whether significant costs require your approval before being incurred. We want you to be informed and involved throughout the process. Perhaps most importantly, the agreement clarifies settlement authority. While we provide guidance based on our experience, ethical rules require your approval for any settlement. The final decision always rests with you.

Statutes & Deadlines that Impact Payouts

Time limits in the law can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your rights entirely, regardless of how strong your case might be. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means you typically have just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. While this might sound like plenty of time, building a strong case takes time, and evidence can disappear quickly. For wrongful death claims, the two-year clock generally starts on the date of death, which may differ from the accident date. These cases involve additional complexities that we can explain during your consultation. If your accident involves a government vehicle or property, notice requirements may give you just six months to file initial paperwork. During your accident lawyer consultation, we’ll identify any special deadlines that apply to your specific situation. Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges. There are additional considerations regarding the timeline for identifying the responsible driver. Fortunately, your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation even if the driver is never found. “I had no idea there were so many deadlines,” a client once told us. “I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer to call.” For more detailed information about the claims process, read our guide on how auto accident claims work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accident Lawyer Consultations

Do consultations really cost nothing?

Yes, at Metzger Wickersham, accident lawyer consultations are genuinely free with no strings attached. There are no hidden fees, no obligations, and no pressure to sign anything. We believe everyone deserves to understand their legal options after an accident, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer these no-cost consultations as part of our commitment to the Pennsylvania communities we’ve served for over 135 years. “When we say free, we mean completely free,” explains one of our attorneys. “The consultation serves two purposes: it lets us evaluate if we can help with your case, and it gives you a chance to see if our team feels like the right fit for you. Either way, you’ll never see a bill for this initial meeting.” This approach reflects the contingency fee model we use – we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. It’s that simple.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees?

This concern comes up frequently during accident lawyer consultations, and understandably so. Being hit by an uninsured driver or experiencing a hit-and-run can feel like hitting a dead end, but several potential paths to compensation remain open: Your own uninsured motorist coverage can be a financial lifeline in these situations. During your consultation, we’ll review your insurance policy to identify this coverage, which many people don’t realize they have. This protection steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified. Similarly, underinsured motorist coverage provides additional compensation when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your damages – a common issue since Pennsylvania only requires drivers to carry $15,000 in bodily injury coverage. For hit-and-run accidents, we work with skilled investigators to identify drivers who flee accident scenes. The unfortunate reality is that hit-and-run incidents have been steadily increasing since 2009, with pedestrians being particularly vulnerable. We also explore whether other parties might share responsibility, such as the vehicle owner (if different from the driver), the driver’s employer, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. One client shared her experience: “After being seriously injured in a hit-and-run, I thought I was out of options. During my consultation, the attorney finded uninsured motorist coverage on my policy that I didn’t even know existed. That coverage ultimately covered my medical expenses and lost income while I recovered.”

How long will my accident claim take?

This question doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, which we acknowledge openly during every accident lawyer consultation. While we can’t provide an exact timeline, we can share general expectations based on our extensive experience: Straightforward cases with clear liability and minor injuries might resolve within 3-6 months, while more complicated situations involving negotiation typically take 6-12 months. Complex cases with serious injuries or disputed liability often extend to 1-2 years, and those that proceed to trial may take over two years to reach resolution. Several factors influence your case timeline, including injury severity, whether liability is disputed, the number of parties involved, insurance company cooperation, court schedules in your county, and the time needed for your medical treatment and recovery. We understand the financial and emotional strain of waiting for your case to resolve. However, rushing to settlement often results in inadequate compensation that fails to cover long-term needs. “Patience typically leads to better outcomes,” as one of our attorneys often explains. “It’s crucial to reach maximum medical improvement before settling your case. This ensures we understand the full extent of your injuries and can account for any future care you might need.” While approximately 95% of personal injury cases settle through negotiation rather than trial, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough approach often motivates insurance companies to make stronger settlement offers, potentially shortening your timeline while maximizing your compensation.

Conclusion

Taking the step to schedule an accident lawyer consultation is one of the most important decisions you can make after being injured in an accident. This free, no-obligation meeting gives you valuable insights into your legal rights while helping you decide if legal representation makes sense for your situation. At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve been helping Pennsylvania accident victims for over 135 years. Our longevity isn’t just a number—it represents generations of commitment to clients and their families during some of their most difficult times. We approach every accident lawyer consultation with care, knowing that behind every case is a person whose life has been disrupted. When you leave our consultation, we want you to feel informed and empowered, regardless of whether you decide to work with us. Many clients tell us they feel a weight lifted just from understanding their options. Remember these important takeaways: The clock starts ticking immediately after your accident. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means delaying your consultation could jeopardize your right to compensation entirely. We’ve seen too many people wait until it’s too late—don’t let that happen to you. Evidence fades quickly after an accident. Skid marks wash away, witnesses’ memories blur, and surveillance footage may be deleted. The sooner we can start preserving this crucial evidence, the stronger your case will be. Insurance companies count on your inexperience. Their adjusters handle thousands of claims and know every tactic to reduce payouts. Having an attorney levels the playing field and often leads to significantly higher compensation. Our consultations are genuinely free—no catches, no hidden fees, no obligation whatsoever. We believe everyone deserves access to legal guidance after an accident, regardless of their financial situation. Our contingency fee structure means our success is tied directly to yours. We only get paid if we recover money for you, which means we’re fully invested in maximizing your compensation. We invite you to schedule your free accident lawyer consultation today. With seven convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania—Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Pottsville, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport—we’re never far away when you need us. For more information or to schedule your consultation, contact our Wilkes-Barre car accident attorneys or reach out to any of our other locations. Let us help you steer this challenging time with confidence and clarity.