Finding Help After an Accident: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Pennsylvania, a
Pennsylvania injury attorney can be your advocate in seeking fair compensation. These legal professionals specialize in helping accident victims steer the complex claims process.
Quick Facts About Pennsylvania Injury Attorneys:
– They handle cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries
– Most work on a contingency fee basis (you pay nothing unless they win)
– Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for most injury claims
– They help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary
– Many offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case
When an unexpected injury disrupts your life, mounting medical bills and lost wages can quickly become overwhelming. Pennsylvania injury attorneys serve as guides through the legal system, working to secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
“Insurance companies make money by charging premiums and lose money by paying claims,” notes one industry insight from our research. This fundamental conflict of interest explains why having a dedicated advocate is so important—insurance adjusters represent the insurer’s interests, not yours.
Pennsylvania personal injury law firms have secured significant results for their clients, with many achieving multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These attorneys typically handle hundreds of cases each year, bringing valuable experience to your situation.
The most effective time to contact an attorney is immediately after your accident. This allows them to preserve evidence, advise you on communications with insurance companies, and ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.
Remember: Under Pennsylvania law, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim, but waiting can compromise your case.
Simple guide to
Pennsylvania injury attorney terms:
–
Car crash legal advice
–
Harrisburg car injury attorney
–
Auto accident lawyer near me
What a Pennsylvania Injury Attorney Does & Common Case Types
A
Pennsylvania injury attorney stands by your side after you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness. These dedicated professionals dig deep to uncover who’s responsible, collect powerful evidence, and build a rock-solid case that fights for what you deserve.
Pennsylvania injury attorney: definition & role
A
Pennsylvania injury attorney is someone who steps up to represent folks who’ve been injured through no fault of their own. These attorneys work within tort law – the legal framework that addresses civil wrongs causing harm to others.
When you’re working with a
Pennsylvania injury attorney, they become your champion in several important ways. They carefully evaluate whether you have a valid claim and investigate exactly what happened during your accident. They roll up their sleeves to gather critical evidence – everything from your medical records to statements from people who saw what happened.
Your attorney also calculates just how much your injury has cost you – not just your current medical bills, but future expenses too. They handle tough negotiations with insurance companies and, if needed, present your case in court.
“We see ourselves as guides through what can be a confusing and overwhelming process,” our team at Metzger Wickersham often tells clients. “While you focus on healing, we focus on securing the compensation you need and deserve.”
Most frequent Pennsylvania personal injury cases
In our 135+ years serving Pennsylvania communities, we’ve seen certain types of injury cases come through our doors more frequently than others.
Auto accidents represent a significant portion of personal injury cases we handle. Pennsylvania’s unique mix of rural highways, busy urban centers, and varying weather conditions creates distinctive challenges in these cases. Whether it’s a car crash on I-81, a truck collision on the Turnpike, or a motorcycle accident on a country road, each requires specific legal approaches.
Premises liability cases arise when property owners neglect their duty to maintain safe conditions. The grandmother who breaks her hip on an icy sidewalk, the child injured on an unsafe playground, or the shopper who slips on a wet floor without warning signs – all may have valid claims.
Product liability matters involve injuries caused by dangerous or defective products. From faulty vehicle components to dangerous medications or unsafe children’s toys, manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products don’t cause harm.
Workplace accidents often fall under workers’ compensation, but sometimes third-party claims become necessary when someone besides your employer contributed to your injury.
Medical malpractice cases develop when healthcare providers fail to provide proper care, resulting in patient harm. These complex cases require both legal and medical knowledge to pursue successfully.
At our offices in Harrisburg, Pottsville, Lancaster, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, and York, we’ve successfully handled thousands of these cases for Pennsylvania residents.
When to contact a lawyer after an accident
The best time to reach out to a
Pennsylvania injury attorney is right away after your accident. Early consultation provides several crucial advantages that can significantly impact your case.
Evidence preservation becomes a race against time after an accident. Physical evidence can disappear, accident scenes change, and witness memories fade quickly. When you contact an attorney promptly, they can take immediate steps to document and preserve these critical elements.
Protection from insurance tactics is another important benefit of early legal help. Insurance adjusters often reach out to accident victims within days – sometimes hours – hoping to secure statements that might later undermine your claim. Having an attorney manage these communications shields you from potential pitfalls.
Avoiding critical mistakes becomes easier with professional guidance. Something as simple as posting about your accident on social media or failing to follow medical advice can seriously damage your claim. Early legal counsel helps you steer these everyday decisions.
Meeting deadlines is essential in injury cases. Various notification requirements and strict filing deadlines apply to different types of claims. Missing these can permanently bar your right to compensation.
This is precisely why our team at Metzger Wickersham makes ourselves available 24/7. We understand that accidents don’t happen on a convenient 9-to-5 schedule, and immediate legal support often makes all the difference in the outcome of your case.
When you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an injury, having a compassionate
Personal Injury attorney by your side can provide both practical help and peace of mind during a difficult time.
Navigating a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claim
Understanding what happens after you’ve been injured can feel overwhelming. Let’s walk through the journey of a personal injury claim together – from the moment of your accident to the day you receive compensation.
First 48 Hours: Actions to Protect Your Rights
The moments right after an accident are crucial. Your actions during this time can make a significant difference in your case outcome.
First and foremost,
move to safety and get medical help – even if you feel “fine.” Some injuries take days to show symptoms, and prompt medical attention creates an official record of your injuries.
Remember to
call 911 after serious accidents. Police reports provide neutral documentation that can strengthen your claim later on.
While at the scene,
take plenty of photos of everything – your injuries, vehicle damage, hazardous conditions, or anything else that might have contributed to your accident. These visual records often prove invaluable months later when memories fade.
Don’t forget to
collect contact information from witnesses. Their perspectives can provide crucial support for your version of events.
Be careful about what you say after an accident. Avoid discussing who was at fault or making statements like “I’m fine” to insurance representatives. These seemingly innocent comments can be used against you later.
Important documents to keep include medical records, accident reports, photos, witness information, insurance communications, work records showing missed time, and receipts for any accident-related expenses.
Statute of Limitations & Comparative Fault Rules
In Pennsylvania, timing matters. The law gives you
two years from your injury date to file a lawsuit (under 42 Pa.C.S. §5524). Miss this deadline, and you’ll likely lose your right to compensation forever.
There are limited exceptions under what’s called the “findy rule,” which might extend your deadline if your injury wasn’t immediately findable. However, these exceptions are rare, so it’s always best to act promptly.
Pennsylvania also follows a “modified comparative negligence” approach (42 Pa.C.S. §7102), which means:
Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you’ll receive $80,000 instead.
However, if you’re found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover any compensation at all. This makes establishing the other party’s liability absolutely essential to your case.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, you can visit the
Pennsylvania General Assembly website.
The Lawsuit Process from Consultation to Resolution
Your journey typically begins with a
free consultation at Metzger Wickersham. During this meeting, we’ll review your situation and determine if you have a viable claim.
Next comes the
investigation phase, where we gather evidence, talk to witnesses, consult with professionals, and review your medical records to build a compelling case.
Once your medical condition stabilizes enough to understand your long-term needs, we’ll send a
demand letter to the responsible party’s insurance company. This outlines your injuries and requests appropriate compensation.
The insurance company usually responds with a counteroffer, beginning
negotiations that may continue for weeks or months.
If negotiations don’t yield fair compensation, we’ll
file a formal lawsuit on your behalf. Both sides then exchange information through a process called findy, which includes written questions, document requests, and recorded testimonies.
Many cases resolve through
mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate a settlement. If needed, your case proceeds to
trial, where a judge or jury determines who’s responsible and how much compensation you deserve.
Either party may appeal the verdict if there are legitimate grounds to challenge the legal process.
Throughout this journey, our team at Metzger Wickersham stands beside you, explaining each step in plain language and fighting for your best interests. Learn more about this process in our guide to the
Legal Process: Personal Injury Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre.
How long does a Pennsylvania personal injury lawsuit take?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the honest answer is: it depends.
Simple cases might wrap up in 3-6 months, while complex litigation can stretch to 1-3 years or sometimes longer. Several factors influence this timeline:
Injury severity plays a major role. Cases involving serious injuries typically take longer because we need to understand your long-term medical needs before settling.
When
liability is disputed (meaning the other party denies responsibility), more investigation and negotiation are needed.
Cases with
multiple defendants naturally take longer due to additional procedures and negotiations with each party.
Even your
local court’s schedule matters. Some Pennsylvania courts have more congestion than others, affecting how quickly your case moves forward if it goes to trial.
While approximately 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough approach helps us negotiate from a position of strength and maximize your potential recovery.
For more specific guidance on your accident situation, check out our
Injury Lawyer in Williamsport: Accident Guide.
Compensation & Fees Explained
When you’re hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, understanding what money you might receive and how attorney payment works can take a weight off your shoulders. Let’s break down what you need to know about compensation and fees in Pennsylvania injury cases.
What compensation can you recover?
After an injury, your life can change in many ways – and Pennsylvania law recognizes this by allowing you to seek different types of compensation:
When you work with a
Pennsylvania injury attorney, they’ll help you pursue both the obvious costs and the less visible impacts of your injury. Your medical bills and lost paychecks are just the beginning. You deserve compensation for how your injury affects your daily life and future as well.
“I couldn’t believe how much my accident affected my life beyond just the hospital bills,” one of our clients shared. “My attorney helped me understand I deserved compensation for all of it – even the things I hadn’t considered.”
| Economic Damages |
Non-Economic Damages |
| Medical bills |
Pain and suffering |
| Lost wages |
Emotional distress |
| Property damage |
Loss of enjoyment |
| Future medical care |
Disfigurement |
| Rehabilitation costs |
Loss of consortium |
| Out-of-pocket expenses |
Permanent disability |
In rare situations involving truly shocking behavior, punitive damages might be available too. These aren’t meant to compensate you but rather to punish particularly bad conduct.
For more detailed information about damages in personal injury cases, you can visit
Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute.
Can you sue for pain and suffering in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you absolutely can seek money for pain and suffering in Pennsylvania. These damages acknowledge that injuries hurt in ways that go beyond what shows up on a medical bill.
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania doesn’t put artificial caps on how much you can receive for pain and suffering in most injury cases. Medical malpractice cases do have some restrictions, but for typical personal injury claims, there’s no preset limit.
To build a strong case for these damages, we’ll need to show evidence like:
Your medical records tell part of the story, but your personal experience matters too. At Metzger Wickersham, we take time to understand how your injury affects your daily life, from missed family events to hobbies you can no longer enjoy.
Understanding contingency fees with Pennsylvania injury attorneys
“But how will I afford an attorney?” This common worry disappears with our contingency fee approach. When you work with a
Pennsylvania injury attorney at Metzger Wickersham, you pay nothing upfront.
Our contingency fee arrangement means:
You only pay if we win your case. The fee is a percentage of your recovery – typically between 33% and 40%, depending on whether your case settles quickly or goes to trial. We’ll clearly explain this percentage during our first meeting, so you’ll never face surprise costs.
There are some case expenses beyond attorney fees – things like court filing costs, witness fees, and medical record charges. We cover these costs for you during your case and they’re reimbursed from your settlement later.
This approach means anyone can afford quality legal help, regardless of their financial situation. It also means we’re motivated to get you the best possible outcome – because when you win more, we do too.
To learn more about how contingency fees work in legal cases, you can visit
Cornell Law School’s explanation of contingency fees.
How attorneys negotiate with insurance companies
Insurance companies have one goal: paying as little as possible on claims. Your
Pennsylvania injury attorney has a different goal: getting you fair compensation. This is where skilled negotiation becomes crucial.
At Metzger Wickersham, our negotiation process typically includes:
Building a rock-solid demand package with all your medical documentation, evidence of lost income, and proof of how the injury impacts your life. This comprehensive approach leaves little room for the insurance company to downplay your claim.
We’ve negotiated with Pennsylvania insurance companies for over 135 years, so we recognize their delay tactics and lowball offers immediately. When an adjuster claims “this is our final offer,” we know it rarely is.
Many insurance companies actually track which law firms take cases to trial versus which ones always settle. They often offer more to attorneys they know will go to court if necessary. Our willingness to take your case all the way to trial often leads to better settlement offers.
We also negotiate with medical providers and health insurers to reduce any liens against your settlement, maximizing the amount that ends up in your pocket.
“Insurance adjusters changed their tune completely once they knew I had Metzger Wickersham behind me,” another client told us. “My attorney handled everything, and I ended up with a settlement that truly covered my losses.”
For more insights into the negotiation process, check out our guide on
Personal Injury Attorney in Pottsville: Negotiations.
Choosing the Right Pennsylvania Injury Attorney
Selecting the right
Pennsylvania injury attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an accident. The attorney you choose can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your overall experience during a challenging time.
What to expect at your first meeting
When you sit down for your initial consultation with a
Pennsylvania injury attorney, you’ll experience something like a friendly but thorough interview. The attorney will listen carefully to your story, asking questions about how your accident happened, the injuries you’ve suffered, and the treatment you’ve received.
They’ll want to understand how this injury has affected your daily life – from missed work to canceled family activities. This conversation helps them assess the strength of your case and potential compensation.
You’ll also discuss the financial arrangement, typically a contingency fee agreement. Your attorney should clearly explain what percentage they’ll receive if your case succeeds and how case expenses like filing fees and experienced witnesses will be handled.
During this meeting, your attorney should outline what comes next – a general timeline of your case journey. While they can’t predict exact dates, they’ll help you understand the process ahead. They’ll also guide you on what evidence to gather, from medical records to accident photos.
Finally, this is your chance to ask questions. At Metzger Wickersham, we encourage clients to ask about our approach, communication style, and experience with similar cases. This initial meeting sets the foundation for our working relationship, and we believe in absolute transparency from day one.
Key factors when evaluating lawyers
Finding the right match for your case requires looking beyond flashy advertisements. When evaluating a
Pennsylvania injury attorney, consider their focus area first. An attorney who handles everything from divorces to business contracts simply won’t have the depth of personal injury knowledge that comes from daily immersion in accident cases.
Track record matters tremendously. Ask about past results in cases similar to yours – not just the occasional headline-grabbing verdict, but consistent positive outcomes over time. At Metzger Wickersham, our 135-year history has built a substantial record of successful settlements and verdicts.
Complex injury cases require substantial resources. Your attorney should have the financial stability to invest in proper investigation, medical professionals, accident reconstruction, and trial preparation if needed. Small firms sometimes struggle to fund complex litigation, which can impact your case.
Pay attention to communication style during your consultation. Does the attorney explain complex legal concepts clearly? Do they listen carefully to your concerns? Your case may last months or even years, so choosing someone who communicates in a way that makes you comfortable is essential.
Client reviews offer valuable insights into how an attorney treats the people they represent. Look beyond star ratings to read about specific experiences. Were clients kept informed? Did they feel respected? Was the firm responsive to questions?
Even if 95% of cases settle before trial, having an attorney with solid courtroom experience strengthens your negotiating position. Insurance companies track which attorneys regularly try cases and which tend to settle quickly – and they adjust their offers accordingly.
At Metzger Wickersham, our team approach means you benefit from our attorneys’ collective knowledge, with each bringing unique strengths to your case while maintaining the personal connection of having one dedicated attorney guiding you.
Benefits of hiring a local Pennsylvania injury attorney
Working with a local
Pennsylvania injury attorney offers several meaningful advantages that can directly impact your case outcome. Local attorneys develop intimate knowledge of regional court systems – they understand the procedural preferences of specific judges, the tendencies of local juries, and the unwritten rules that vary from courthouse to courthouse.
These attorneys build working relationships with court personnel, opposing counsel, and insurance adjusters over years of repeated interactions. These professional connections don’t change case facts, but they can help overcome procedural problems and facilitate more productive negotiations.
Local attorneys also develop knowledge about regional medical providers. They know which doctors provide thorough documentation for legal cases, which facilities have strong reputations for certain treatments, and can often recommend qualified specialists for your specific injuries.
The practical benefit of face-to-face meetings shouldn’t be underestimated. While technology enables remote communication, sitting across from your attorney allows for clearer communication, especially when discussing sensitive topics or complex case details. When you’re in pain or stressed, these in-person conversations can be particularly valuable.
Perhaps most importantly, local attorneys maintain deep community connections. Their professional reputation within the community matters to them, creating accountability that extends beyond any single case. They understand local industries, roadways, and community standards that might influence how a jury views your case.
With offices throughout Pennsylvania—including Harrisburg, Pottsville, Lancaster, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, and York—Metzger Wickersham offers the advantages of local representation combined with the resources and experience of a well-established firm. We’re your neighbors, committed to serving the communities we call home.
Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Shippensburg
Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania Injury Attorneys
When should I contact a Pennsylvania injury lawyer?
The aftermath of an accident can feel overwhelming, but reaching out to a
Pennsylvania injury attorney shouldn’t wait. Contact one as soon as you can after being injured—ideally within days, not weeks.
Why the urgency? Early involvement means your attorney can jump into action while evidence is still fresh. They’ll document the accident scene, speak with witnesses while memories are clear, and ensure you’re getting proper medical care that’s thoroughly documented.
“Many clients tell us they wish they’d called sooner,” our team at Metzger Wickersham often shares. “Those first few days after an accident are critical for building a strong case.”
Even if you’re on the fence about pursuing a claim, our free consultations give you clarity without obligation. Our phones are answered 24/7 because we understand accidents don’t just happen during business hours.
How much compensation can I expect?
This is naturally one of the first questions most clients ask, but the honest answer is that compensation varies significantly from case to case. Your potential recovery depends on several key factors:
Your medical expenses (both current and future needs), how much work you’ve missed, whether your earning capacity has been permanently affected, and the extent of your pain and suffering all play crucial roles in determining compensation.
Other important factors include how clear the liability is in your case, available insurance coverage, and even which Pennsylvania county your case would be tried in if it went to court.
While some claims settle for thousands of dollars, others result in seven-figure recoveries. Our research shows that many Pennsylvania injury firms have secured numerous six-figure settlements, with some cases exceeding $1-2 million when circumstances warrant.
At Metzger Wickersham, we carefully analyze each client’s situation to provide realistic expectations rather than making empty promises. We’re committed to maximizing your recovery while keeping you informed throughout the process.
What happens if the insurance company won’t settle?
Insurance companies sometimes dig in their heels—it’s actually part of their business model. When fair settlement offers aren’t forthcoming, you have several paths forward with a
Pennsylvania injury attorney by your side.
First, we can continue negotiations, often bringing additional evidence or professional opinions to strengthen your position. Sometimes, a skilled mediator can help bridge the gap between positions in a structured mediation session.
If these approaches don’t yield results, filing a lawsuit often changes the dynamic. Many insurance companies reconsider their stance once they see we’re prepared to go to court. And if they still won’t budge? We’re fully prepared to present your case to a judge or jury.
“Unlike some firms that push for quick settlements to avoid courtrooms, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial,” explains our litigation team at Metzger Wickersham. “This thorough approach not only strengthens our negotiating position but ensures we’re ready if litigation becomes necessary.”
Our attorneys have stood before Pennsylvania judges and juries countless times over our 135-year history. This trial experience—and our reputation for being willing to use it—often makes insurance companies think twice about lowballing our clients.
Conclusion
The journey after an injury can feel like navigating through fog—disorienting and uncertain. But you don’t have to find your way alone. A
Pennsylvania injury attorney stands ready to be your compass, guiding you through the legal landscape while you focus on what matters most: your recovery.
For 135 years, the team at Metzger Wickersham has walked alongside Pennsylvania residents during their most challenging moments. We’ve seen how accidents can turn lives upside down in an instant, and we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping put the pieces back together.
When you’re hurting, the last thing you need is more stress. That’s why we’ve built our practice around making the legal process as straightforward as possible. Our attorneys work as a unified team, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences to create the strongest possible case for you.
The clock starts ticking immediately after your accident. Those first few days are crucial for preserving evidence that might later disappear. And with Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations, postponing legal help can jeopardize your right to compensation entirely.
We understand that financial concerns might keep you from reaching out. That’s why we work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement means everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
There’s something special about working with a local attorney who understands the nuances of Pennsylvania’s courts, knows the local medical providers, and genuinely cares about the community they serve. Our seven offices throughout Pennsylvania—in Harrisburg, Pottsville, Lancaster, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, and York—ensure we’re never far when you need us.
The attorney you choose can dramatically influence your case’s outcome. At Metzger Wickersham, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and explain how we might help. Our team is available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t keep office hours.
Let our family help yours steer this challenging time. Together, we’ll work toward the justice and compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on what’s most important—healing and moving forward.
For additional information about specific types of claims, visit our
More info about auto accident claims page.
