Being injured in a car accident can be painful and expensive, but you should not have to carry this burden alone. A lawyer can help you take legal action against the other driver or drivers in the accident and get you fair financial compensation.
Your damages in a car accident will likely revolve around the money you lost because of the accident and the painful experiences you endured. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages if you cannot work for a while after the accident may be substantial. Additionally, your physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological injuries from the crash may warrant significant compensation. Proving your claims will not be easy, and you need a qualified attorney on your side who can guide your case through the judicial system.
Receive a private, free case assessment by calling our car accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Car Accident Case in Morristown, PA?
Damages in car accidents can be varied and expensive. You may be entitled to significant compensation, and a lawyer can help you get what you need.
Vehicle Repair Costs
First, our car accident lawyers should evaluate the cost of repairing your damaged vehicle. In severe accident cases, drivers may need entirely new vehicles. These costs are likely not cheap, and they should be accounted for in your lawsuit.
Medical Bills and Lost Income
Another major component of your damages will likely be medical bills and lost wages. Your injuries may be expensive to treat, especially if they are severe or come with long-term medical complications. On top of that, your injuries may prevent you from working, and you might lose income as a result. We can even include future medical costs and future lost income if your injuries are expected to persist beyond the completion of your lawsuit.
Distress, Pain, and Suffering
Car accidents are known for inflicting intense emotional and psychological distress on injured victims. The crash itself may have been frightening and traumatic. Your injuries might be so painful that they make your daily life difficult, which can lead to further psychological distress. While these damages may not have a precise monetary value, they may still warrant significant compensation.
FAQs About Filing Car Accident Claims in Morristown, PA
Do I Need to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident?
Yes. Insurance can be a great way for injured car accident victims to get compensation for things like medical bills and vehicle damage. Unfortunately, it does not always stretch as far as we need it to. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the court will likely want you to exhaust your insurance options first.
Can I File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
Yes. If you are physically injured in an accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. However, you should talk to your lawyer about whether you have full tort or limited tort insurance coverage. With full tort coverage, you may sue the other driver freely. If you have limited tort coverage, you may sue only if you have a “serious injury” as defined by the policy.
How Do I Know What Caused My Car Accident in Morristown, PA?
We may need to allow the police to fully investigate the accident before we can say with any certainty what happened and who is to blame. However, some common causes of car accidents include, but are not limited to, drunk driving, speeding, driving while distracted, and reckless driving.
Who Do I Sue for a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
You may sue anyone you believe is directly responsible for the car accident. This usually includes the other driver, but it may include several drivers if you are injured in a multi-vehicle accident. In other cases, accidents happen because of faulty car parts, and it may be possible to sue negligent manufacturers, although this is somewhat less common.
When Should I File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Morristown, PA?
You have a limited amount of time in which to file a lawsuit after a car accident. Many accident cases fall under the statute of limitations for personal injuries, which gives plaintiffs only 2 years from the date of the accident to file a formal complaint in court. As such, it is imperative that you contact a lawyer to help you begin your case as soon as possible.
Is a Lawyer Necessary for a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. While you are not required by law to have a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit for a car accident, it may be extremely difficult to navigate your case on your own. A lawyer should have the knowledge and experience to file your case, develop effective legal strategies, and successfully navigate complex legal procedures so you do not have to.
Can I Sue for a Car Accident if I am Somewhat to Blame?
Yes. It is common for plaintiffs in car accident cases to share partial responsibility with the defendant. You can still sue for damages, but under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law, your damages may be reduced according to your share of blame. If you are 10% responsible, you may lose 10% of your damages. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you are barred from recovering any damages.
Can I File a Car Accident Lawsuit if I Already Filed an Insurance Claim?
Yes. First, courts generally want plaintiffs to completely exhaust their insurance options before filing a lawsuit. Second, your insurance policy may determine whether you are able to file a lawsuit, depending on whether you have limited or full tort coverage. As such, you should review your insurance options with your attorney before you begin your lawsuit.
Can I File a Car Accident Lawsuit if I was a Passenger and Not a Driver?
Yes. Even if you were not driving the car when the accident occurred, you still can file a lawsuit for damages. Many passengers do not drive and therefore do not have auto insurance, so a lawsuit may be the only way they can recover damages.
What Do I Do if the At-Fault Driver in an Accident is Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured – which is against the law – you may turn to your own insurance policies. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to help drivers if the at-fault driver lacks coverage. You might have other policies, like MedPay, that can also help you. If all else fails, you can sue the other driver and make them pay for your damages out of pocket.
Review your Case with Our Morristown, PA Car Accident Lawyers
Receive a private, free case assessment by calling our car accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
