Driving a car is the primary means of transportation for many Wyomissing residents, and accidents occur fairly frequently. While some drivers emerge unharmed, others are not so fortunate. If you are hurt in a car accident, a lawyer can help you get fair compensation.
Following a crash or collision, you should get help immediately. Call 911 and ask for help right away. While you wait, exchange information with the other drivers and anyone else at the accident scene. Take photos if you can. In Pennsylvania, you may have insurance that limits your right to sue for a car accident unless specific conditions exist, and you should talk to a lawyer about how to take your case to court.
For a free, confidential legal assessment from our car accident attorneys, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
What Should You Do Following a Car Accident in Wyomissing, PA
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries, even if they do not appear serious at first. Treat any accident like an emergency and call for help immediately.
Get Help Immediately
If you feel injured after a car accident, call 911 right away. Do not dismiss your injuries or leave them to chance because you are afraid of high medical costs. Get help immediately. If your injuries are severe, call an ambulance. Otherwise, have someone drive you to the hospital as soon as possible.
Report the Accident to the Police
If you call 911 about the accident, the dispatcher will likely contact the police and send them to your location. If you are not seriously injured and do not feel you need to call 911, you should contact the police yourself to report the accident.
The police may investigate the crash and write a formal report about what they find. Such a report may be crucial in insurance claims and lawsuits.
Document the Crash Scene
While you wait for help, document the scene however you can. If you have a camera, like the one in most cell phones, take as many pictures as possible. You may also record videos of the crash scene and the surrounding area.
Authorities quickly clear car accident scenes for road safety, but important evidence may be lost. As such, your photos and videos may preserve important details.
What Damages Should You Claim in a Car Accident Case?
Damages are unique in each case, and they represent the injuries and losses you experienced because of the other driver’s negligence.
Damage to Your Vehicle
You may claim the damage to your vehicle as part of your case. In some cases, vehicles are destroyed, and replacing them is incredibly expensive. Even if the damage is relatively minor, it can still be costly to fix.
You should also claim the value of personal items that were on your person or inside the vehicle during the accident. If they were damaged or destroyed, they should be accounted for in your claims for damages.
Medical Costs Related to Treatment for Your Injuries
Medical treatment is notoriously expensive. Even minor injuries may lead to big hospital bills. More extensive or long-term care may be completely off the charts. Our car accident attorneys can review all your medical bills and make sure they are accounted for in your claims.
The Value of the Income You Lose While Recovering
If you are injured, you probably need to take time off from work to recover. The longer you are out of work, the more income you may lose. Our car accident attorneys must account for all the income you lost while recovering, including future lost income if you cannot return to work for the foreseeable future.
Pain and Suffering
Car accidents can take a serious toll on your mind and body that is not always measured in terms of money. Your physical pain, emotional anguish, distress, and suffering related to the accident may warrant significant compensation.
How Auto Insurance Affects Your Ability to Sue for Damages After a Car Accident
Insurance is practically inevitable in car accident cases. Pennsylvania is unique in that it allows drivers to choose different forms of no-fault car insurance.
Limited Right to Sue
If you elect a limited right to sue when you purchase car insurance in Pennsylvania, you may file first-party, no-fault insurance claims to cover your damages, but you may not be able to file a lawsuit.
Those with a limited right to sue must prove that they have a “serious injury” as defined in their insurance policy.
Unlimited Right to Sue
If you instead elect an unlimited right to sue, you can file a lawsuit after a car accident without the need to prove a serious injury. This can make the legal process a bit faster and smoother. However, an unlimited right to sue is usually a more expensive insurance option.
What if No-Fault Insurance is Not Enough?
If your no-fault insurance is not enough to cover your damages, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. Keep in mind that you must have evidence of the driver’s fault to have the claim approved.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their liability coverage is still not enough to cover your damages, you can file a claim with your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is optional, so not everyone carries it.
FAQs About Legal Claims for Car Accidents in Wyomissing, PA
How Do You File Insurance Claims After a Car Accident in Wyomissing, PA?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, and drivers must file first-party claims with their no-fault coverage. You do not have to present evidence of fault to get the claim approved.
Can You Sue for Damages After a Car Accident?
If insurance is not enough to cover your damage, you may sue the at-fault driver. However, if your auto insurance comes with a limited right to sue, you will have to establish a serious injury as defined by our policy to file a lawsuit.
What Are Damages Worth in a Car Accident Case?
Damages may be worth substantial compensation. I tis not unusual for injured victims to claim thousands of dollars in vehicle damage and medical bills. In serious cases, plaintiffs may have even greater damages, resulting in a large potential award.
Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Yes. Before you can sue, you may have to navigate complex insurance claims first, and an experienced attorney can help you through this process so you can take your case to court and argue for the full extent of your damages.
Speak to Our Wyomissing, PA Car Accident Attorneys for Help
For a free, confidential legal assessment from our car accident attorneys, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
