Get our lawyers’ help building your case after a car accident, whether you know who is at fault or still need to identify the at-fault driver after a hit and run or multi-vehicle collision in Bangor.
Right away, we can see if you can sue for non-economic damages. This is determined by the type of insurance you have in Pennsylvania and the severity of the injuries you sustain. You may only bring a compensation claim if there is still time remaining in the statute of limitations, which is typically 2 years for car accident lawsuits in Pennsylvania.
The Reiff Law Firm’s car accident lawyers can evaluate your case for free when you call us at (215) 709-6940.
When Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Bangor, PA?
Consult a lawyer after any car accident in Bangor to see whether or not you have a claim and who may be liable for your injuries.
If You Do Not Know Who is at Fault
Many accidents are complicated, leaving victims unsure who is at fault. After a hit and run or multi-vehicle accident, you may need help identifying the negligent driver so you can hold them accountable for all of your damages.
After a hit and run, our car accident lawyers can interview eyewitnesses, review security footage, and work with law enforcement to identify the liable driver. After a multi-vehicle collision, we can reconstruct the accident using photos, videos, police reports, and eyewitness statements to determine which driver initiated the collision and if any other drivers contributed to it.
If You Know Who is at Fault
Even if you know who is at fault for your accident because you witnessed what happened, you may still need a lawyer’s help to prove their liability successfully. Our attorneys can recover and review evidence to confidently identify the negligent driver and pursue compensation from them.
When Can You Sue for a Car Accident in Bangor, PA?
Pennsylvania has choice no-fault insurance. Whether or not you can sue and recover non-economic damages mostly depends on the type of insurance you selected and the seriousness of the injury you suffered.
If You Have Full Tort Insurance
Drivers with full tort insurance in Pennsylvania maintain the right to seek non-economic damages and additional economic damages in a lawsuit. The full tort option does not require you to have sustained a serious injury, and you can sue for any car accident injury that causes you damages.
If You Have Limited Tort Insurance
If you have the limited tort option for your car insurance, you may only sue for non-economic damages if you suffer a “serious injury.” In Pennsylvania, a serious injury is any injury that results in death, serious impairment of a body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. This is a broad definition, and many different injuries may qualify.
The serious injury threshold for suing with limited tort insurance in Pennsylvania is not enforced when a defendant is convicted for driving under the influence, intended to hurt themselves or others, doesn’t have the mandatory car insurance, or when other specific conditions are met.
If the Statute of Limitations is Still Running
You may only sue for a car accident while the statute of limitations is still running. In most cases, the clock begins to run on the date of injury. Car accident victims in Pennsylvania should anticipate having 2 years to file their cases. There are exceptions to this rule, so you can still reach out to our lawyers to see if you have a case, even if it has been more than 2 years since the collision.
Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
How Soon Should You Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
You should get a lawyer immediately after a car accident to make sure you meet all mandatory police reporting requirements, preserve evidence at the highest risk of being lost, and do not even come close to missing the statute of limitations, which would bar you from compensation.
Can Your Lawyer Get the Police Report After a Car Accident?
Participants in car accidents, their legal representation, and involved insurance companies can obtain police reports from law enforcement after collisions. We can review the report with you, identify any inaccuracies, and look for useful information.
What Evidence Can Your Car Accident Lawyer Get?
Our lawyers can collect ample evidence for your car accident compensation claim, including pictures, video footage, expert witness statements, eye witness statements, medical records, income records, property damage reports, and more.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Track Your Damages?
Having an experienced lawyer helps you keep an accurate tally of your damages and prevents you from losing track of your total economic and non-economic losses, which is easy to do when victims are overwhelmed by painful injuries.
How Can a Lawyer Help if You Share Fault for a Car Accident?
Under a modified comparative fault state, Pennsylvania allows victims who contribute to collisions but are not more at fault than the defendants to sue and recover damages. Our lawyers can advocate for the highest recovery if comparative fault is an issue in your case.
Will Your Lawyer Make You Testify in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
We may encourage you to testify during a trial so you can speak about any negligence from the defendant that you witnessed, as well as the different economic and non-economic damages you suffered as a result.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Case Your Lawsuit Goes to Trial?
When car accident lawsuits go to trial, having experienced attorneys on your side is invaluable. Not only can our lawyers work hard to prove your case, but we can also support you through civil litigation and keep you updated at every stage.
Reach Out for Help After a Car Accident in Bangor, PA
Schedule your free case assessment with The Reiff Law Firm when you call our car accident lawyers at (215) 709-6940.
