Boasting more than 120,000 miles of highways and roads, Pennsylvania is no stranger to motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, many of the car wrecks that result in serious injuries leave victims and their loved ones with life-long complications and financial hardships. There is tremendous fallout for accident victims as they must not only confront the pain and suffering from an accident, but also take on the economic challenges as well.
You can count on The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP to be your steadfast advocate when handling your car accident case. Our legal team represents clients throughout Pennsylvania. And as one of the most well-respected and successful personal injury law firms in the tri-state area and country, we’ve won and collected billions of dollars on behalf of accident victims. We can evaluate your case and determine your eligibility for legal compensation. There is no cost to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer at our firm, so reach out to schedule your free consultation.
Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in PA
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, nearly 116,000 accidents were reported in the Commonwealth in 2022. These accidents injured 67,012 people and resulted in 1,179 fatalities. To put these numbers into perspective, that breaks down to an average of 13 car crashes every hour and more than $3 billion in total damages sustained.
Data shows that passenger cars were involved in more collisions than any other type of vehicle, followed by SUVs, light trucks, commercial vehicles, and vans. Driver error was the predominant factor in most crashes logged, and the number one culprit was excess speed. Last year, approximately 320 people in Pennsylvania died in alcohol-related car accidents.
Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws
If you or someone you love were injured in a car accident, we can help you understand your rights. Pennsylvania’s no-fault and liability insurance laws can be complicated, but our lawyers will help you seek maximum compensation from negligent parties.
No-fault insurance means that a portion of your medical bills and wage losses are paid by your own insurance, regardless of who is responsible. In theory, this system sounds effective. In real life, these benefits are seldom enough to cover the consequences of a serious car accident.
Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirements
All motorists in Pennsylvania are required to carry a minimum for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and liability coverage. It includes the following:
- $5,000 in medical care for motorists and their passengers
- $5,000 in property damage liability coverage
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
Understanding “Full Tort” and “Limited Tort” Options
When buying a Pennsylvania car insurance policy, you can choose between limited or full tort. A limited tort policy is less expensive but can leave you shorthanded in the event of a collision. As the name implies, a limited tort policy restricts your ability to sue for certain monetary damages.
A limited tort policyholder can sue for medical expenses and lost wages in excess of first-party coverage. However, you cannot file a lawsuit against a third party for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages unless your injuries are severe enough to meet a legal threshold. There are exceptions to this rule such as 1) the defendant’s vehicle is registered outside of PA; 2) the defendant plead to, was found guilty of or was admitted to ARD for DUI; 3) you were in a commercial vehicle at the time of the MVA; and 4) you were struck as a pedestrian.
If you purchased a full tort policy, you have the right to seek monetary damages for all types of accident-related losses. Regardless of what insurance policy you purchased, a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you maximize your recovery.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are optional add-ons to auto insurance policies. In Pennsylvania, UM coverage will provide the only means to get compensation if an uninsured driver hits you. The minimum UM coverage is $15,000 for bodily injury per person, and $30,000 for bodily injury per accident.
If you are in an accident with an underinsured motorist, UIM coverage will help cover extra costs if the at-fault driver’s policy has insufficient bodily injury limits to fully compensate you for your injuries. If your insurance provider has denied benefits you are entitled to, contact our team as soon as possible. We have decades of experience securing favorable settlements and verdicts in complex car accident claims.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Pennsylvania
Most car accidents in Pennsylvania are entirely preventable. Some of the most prevalent causes due to human error or negligence include the following:
- Distracted driving – inattention due to texting, phone calls, eating, grooming, or other activities
- Speeding – excess speed can prove fatal in areas of high-volume traffic
- Disobeying traffic signals and stop signs can cause catastrophic injuries
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly slows reaction time.
- Improper or illegal turns – turning right on a red light when prohibited or not coming to a complete stop before making a right turn at a red light.
- Driving while fatigued can have the same effect as drunk driving
- Vehicle defects – including brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering system failure
- Inclement weather – typically fog, snow, or black ice
- Adverse road surface conditions, including potholes, inadequate water drainage, excessive gravel, or debris on the roadway
Types of Auto Accidents
State data shows the following types of car accidents are the most commonly reported:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on accidents
- Sideswipe or side impact crashes
- Vehicle rollovers
- Blind-spot accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash, deep lacerations, and soft tissue damage account for many car accident injuries in the emergency room. More severe injuries may require surgery along with months of rehabilitation. Car accident injuries are the fourth leading cause of injury-related death in the nation and can significantly diminish one’s quality of life. In addition, wrongful death lawsuits often occur from fatal car crashes.
Some of the most common car accident injuries reported in Pennsylvania include:
- Facial and dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions/ Traumatic brain injury
- Herniated discs and other back injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injury
Seeking Compensation for Car Accident Injuries
In some cases, your potential compensation for car accident injuries is dictated by the type of insurance policy you purchased. In addition, our car accident attorneys are familiar with the maneuvers used by insurance companies to minimize their payouts.
Always keep in mind that insurance adjusters are not looking to help you obtain fair compensation. They will do what they can to minimize the payout to you. Don’t take on powerful insurance companies alone-with experienced personal injury attorneys behind you, you are much better positioned to negotiate a fair settlement.
Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Claim
Full tort insurance policies and limited tort policies (if you qualify to bring a claim), allow you to seek monetary compensation from liable parties for a host of economic and non-economic damages including but not limited to:
- Lost income, past and future
- Rehabilitation costs past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life in addition to scarring and disfigurement.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim
The statute of limitations for car accident injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of injury. When this deadline expires, the courts will likely bar your complaint. Unfortunately, many accident victims (especially those seeking extensive medical treatment) may wait too long before initiating legal action.
It is also important to note that for personal injury complaints against a government entity, your attorney must file a Notice of Intent within a much shorter period of time.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania
Competent and seasoned legal representation can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that insurance companies do not take advantage of you. When you choose our firm, you will benefit from decades of experience. Those decades make us a formidable force when handling a personal injury case. Our tenacity and knowledge of Pennsylvania law gives us an edge when taking on any opponent as we leverage our experience to give you the best chance at maximum compensation
Skilled auto accident lawyers understand the nuances and complexities that exist in personal injury cases and know just how to shepherd a case so that it is ready for trial. The lawyers at The Rothenberg Law Firm know that not every case is the same. We do not employ a cookie-cutter approach, but treat each case as an independent, unique claim that deserves special attention.
Our legal team will review your insurance coverage, handle all communications with the defendant and adjustors, identify liable parties, gather evidence (including police reports, eyewitness testimonials, medical records, etc.), and negotiate for the maximum compensation you are rightfully owed.
A car accident claim can be complex. Car accident victims need to understand that a car accident claim (or any personal injury claim for that matter) is best handled by personal injury lawyers who know what to expect. If you want to maximize your recovery, it is wise to consult with experienced auto accident attorneys.
Schedule a Free Consultation at The Rothenberg Law Firm
Our Pennsylvania car accident law firm has a long track record of over 50 years of successful case results and satisfied clients. We have won and collected billions for our clients. You can trust our team for sound legal guidance and advocacy delivered by results-oriented professionals.
We understand the gravity of your situation and know how difficult it can be when medical expenses and other bills pile up, and you’re unable to work. Contact us today to request your free case evaluation. There are no upfront legal fees since we take all injury cases on a contingency basis.
And with an office conveniently located in Philadelphia, we are easily accessible for your questions and needs.
