East Falls Car Accident Lawyers
The number of serious car accidents is increasing in East Falls and all of Pennsylvania. Overall, the car accident fatality rate has been increasing in the Keystone State, meaning that you are always at risk every time you head out onto the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. The best thing you can do is contact an East Falls car accident attorney at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C.
Have you asked yourself: Do I Need a Lawyer? Ask us and we will tell you!
What Are the Different Types of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has the following types of car insurance available to you:
- Limited Tort: This insurance coverage will provide money for your accident, no matter who is at fault. In limited tort coverage, you can receive compensation from your insurance company regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, you cannot sue the other driver for pain and suffering unless you have suffered a serious bodily injury.
- Full Tort: This is the more traditional car insurance policy. Under this coverage, you could sue the other driver for all your damages, including pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. You have an unrestricted right to pursue compensation based on fault.
Full tort coverage provides the best chance to recover all of the damages you have suffered, although it costs more money. Many drivers do not realize what they have given up by trying to economize on limited tort coverage until they actually have to seek financial compensation.
Who Is At Fault in an East Falls Car Accident?
In a car accident case, fault is determined by which driver was negligent in the events surrounding the accident. In a legal sense, negligence means that a driver has done something unreasonable under the circumstances. This could be an action such as making an illegal turn, speeding, or running a red light.
The insurance companies would convene once they know the facts about your accident and reach a determination about which driver was responsible for the crash. They would consider all evidence that the attorneys present. In some cases, insurance companies may assign each driver part of the blame for the collision.
In Pennsylvania, you may still receive some compensation, even if you were partially to blame for the accident. Pennsylvania uses modified comparative negligence, which keeps you from receiving anything if you were more than 50% to blame for the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by the percentage of blame you bear.
How Do I Prove Fault in a Car Accident Case?
Negligence is not generally proven by the fact that the accident happened or what you say about it. Unless certain extreme cases apply, you would need to provide the insurance company with evidence that shows what their driver did so they can determine that their driver acted unreasonably under the circumstances.
A car accident lawyer would investigate the crash and gather the evidence you need to prove fault. They may use the following forms of evidence:
- Testimony from others who saw the crash.
- Pictures from the scene of the accident.
- The police report of the accident.
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage.
- Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert.
How Do I Get Compensation for an East Falls Car Accident?
You must file a claim with the responsible driver’s car insurance company to receive a settlement for an East Falls car accident. They would review your claim, determine whether to accept liability and potentially make you a settlement offer. If the responsible driver did not have car insurance at all, or if they did not have enough coverage, you could file a claim against your insurance coverage.
Regardless of which insurance company you deal with, you will need to negotiate compensation with them. They will likely make you several offers that are less than the amount that you deserve. Your car accident lawyer will pressure them to raise their settlement offer to an adequate amount.
What Types of Compensation Can I Get in an East Falls Accident Case?
If you can prove that the other driver was to blame, they would have a legal obligation to compensate you for the harm you have suffered fully. Your car accident compensation would include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Embarrassment and humiliation
You could still obtain some compensation regardless of fault if you have limited tort coverage. Here, you could receive some of your economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, up to the amount of your policy limit.
Do I Need an East Falls Car Accident Lawyer?
Anytime financial compensation is on the line, you should have an experienced car accident attorney fighting for you. The presence of a for-profit insurance company can make your claim far more difficult because they make more money the less they pay you. You need to follow an entire legal process before you can even qualify for financial compensation in the first place.
Your East Falls car accident lawyer can do the following in your case:
- Assemble the proof that you need to show liability.
- Estimate the amount of damages that you are seeking.
- Answer all of your questions about your case and the legal process.
- Prepare any claim or lawsuit that you would be filing.
- File a lawsuit against the responsible driver, continuing to develop your case in court.
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that maximizes the value of your claim.
If you have been injured in a car accident, call a lawyer and get them on your case; they will begin fighting for you today.
Contact the East Falls Car Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for Legal Assistance After a Crash
The East Falls car accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. fight for clients injured in motor vehicle crashes. We are experienced investigators and fighters who bring all our skills to bear to get the most possible money for our clients. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers by calling us today at 267-861-7100 or using our online contact form. Our offices are in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.
