Steer Clear of Trouble with These Pennsylvania Auto Accident Lawyers
Why Pennsylvania Car Accident Victims Need Legal Help Fast
Auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania guide injured drivers through the legal and insurance maze that follows a serious crash. The need is widespread: PennDOT counted 115,938 wrecks in 2022 ‑ about 340 every day ‑ leading to 67,029 injuries and 1,179 deaths. Lost productivity, medical costs, and property damage now drain roughly $2,262 from every resident each year.
A collision creates problems faster than most people can solve them. Medical bills arrive while paychecks stop, and adjusters push quick, low settlements. Meanwhile, the two-year lawsuit deadline under Pennsylvania law is already ticking, and key evidence (skid marks, security video, reliable witnesses) disappears quickly.
This article shows how Pennsylvania’s unique insurance system works, what car-accident lawyers actually do, and how to pick the right firm so you can protect your health and finances.
Auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania basics:
Auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania: What They Do & Why Timing Matters
When a crash upends your life, auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania investigate the facts, prove fault, and negotiate with insurers while you focus on healing.
• Early investigation – gathering police reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements before they vanish.
• Proving negligence – showing duty, breach, causation, and damages under Pennsylvania law.
• Negotiation & litigation – insurers pay more when they know a lawyer will file suit and try the case if needed.
Victims who hire counsel typically collect about three times more than those who handle claims alone. Fees are contingency-based: you pay only from money recovered.
When should I hire Auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania?
The state’s two-year limitation period (42 Pa. C.S. §5524) sounds generous, but waiting even weeks can erase crucial evidence. Call a lawyer promptly if:
- you have significant injuries or lost income;
- an adjuster offers a quick settlement;
- fault is disputed;
- you chose limited-tort coverage and need to know whether an exception applies.
What cases do these lawyers handle?
Rear-end impacts, rollovers, distracted-driving and DUI crashes, uninsured-driver claims, commercial-truck wrecks, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle injuries all require different strategies. A single lawyer can coordinate experts—engineers, medical professionals, economists—so the full story gets told.
Navigating Pennsylvania Insurance Rules & Comparative Fault
Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state. Most drivers pick no-fault coverage so Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays medical bills quickly, regardless of fault. At purchase you also choose limited tort or full tort:
• Full tort – you can always claim pain and suffering.
• Limited tort – lower premiums, but you can claim pain and suffering only if an exception applies (serious impairment, DUI, out-of-state driver, commercial vehicle, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, or insurer paperwork error).
The state also uses a 51 % comparative negligence rule: if you are 51 % or more to blame, you recover nothing; at 50 % or less, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Don’t overlook Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. The legal minimum liability limit is just $15,000 per person—rarely enough for hospital care. UM/UIM lets you collect from your own policy when the at-fault driver’s coverage is absent or inadequate.
75 Pennsylvania Statutes §1705
Building & Valuing Your Claim: From Evidence to Settlement
A strong claim is like a puzzle—every piece counts. Police reports start the story, but thorough documentation of medical treatment, income loss, and daily limitations completes it.
• Medical proof – doctor notes, imaging records, therapy bills, and a clear link between injury and crash.
• Wage loss & future earnings – pay stubs, tax returns, and vocational opinions when you can’t return to the same work.
• Future care – life-care planners estimate long-term costs for surgeries, rehab, home modifications, and attendant care.
Pennsylvania gives you two years to sue (42 Pa. C.S. §5524), yet evidence disappears fast—take photos, get witness info, and preserve damaged property immediately.
Common injuries that drive compensation
• Whiplash and soft-tissue damage • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) • Spinal cord or disk injuries • Complex fractures • PTSD and other emotional trauma • Internal organ damage
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage stands in for the missing insurance. You may also increase available funds by stacking coverage across multiple vehicles. If your insurer delays or lowballs, bad-faith laws allow extra damages. More info about claim limitations
Roundup: Finding the Right Pennsylvania Lawyer for Your Situation
Look for lawyers who regularly handle car-crash cases, know local courts, communicate in a style you like, and have resources to pay expert costs upfront.
Client reviews reveal whether cases move efficiently and calls get returned. Free consultations and contingency fees mean quality help is available even when money is tight. Virtual meetings now let you connect statewide.
More info about Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania for complex injuries
Catastrophic cases often need life-care planners and experts that drive expenses over $100,000. Pick firms ready and able to invest that money and to present your case to a jury when negotiations fail.
Budget-friendly advocates across the state
Most firms charge 33–40 % only if they win and advance all costs, removing upfront risk.
Why one firm stands out—Metzger Wickersham
With 135 years of service and offices in Harrisburg, Pottsville, Lancaster, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, York, and Frederick, MD, Metzger Wickersham uses a team approach and offers 24/7 access so clients are never left guessing about their case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auto accident attorneys Pennsylvania
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Nothing up front. Most car-accident lawyers take 33 % if the claim settles before suit, up to 40 % if a trial is required. Case expenses are advanced for you and reimbursed only when money is recovered.
How long will my claim take?
Simple cases can resolve in 6–12 months; serious or disputed matters may take longer, especially if you are still treating or the insurer drags its feet.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Probably not. Early offers are often low. Have an attorney value the claim before you sign any release.
Conclusion
Swift action preserves evidence, keeps you within Pennsylvania’s two-year deadline, and counters insurance tactics designed to pay you less. A lawyer who handles car-accident cases daily can shoulder the legal burden while you focus on recovery.
Need guidance now? Visit the resources below or call Metzger Wickersham any time—help is available 24/7.
More info about your auto accident claim
