Thousands of people are injured in accidents in Pennsylvania every year. If you have been injured in an accident, you might be able to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Usually, accidents are caused by negligence. When someone acts in a negligent manner, he or she becomes liable for the damages that result.
Sometimes it is easy to prove that someone acted negligently, but at other times, it might be more challenging to prove how someone’s inactions or actions resulted in the accident that led to your damages and injuries. Personal injury claims are complex and challenging, so you should consult with a Pennsylvania accident injury attorney regarding your situation.
How Many Personal Injury Attorneys Are in Pennsylvania?
When you have been injured in an accident, you want to work with an attorney who focuses on helping accident victims. While the figures are probably slightly higher than indicated, Avvo reported that as of April 2018, Pennsylvania had 447 personal injury lawyers representing accident victims.
You want to get a lawyer who is licensed in the state where the accident happened so you will have representation in court. A local attorney is also familiar with the state and local laws, which would be beneficial to your case. Because accident injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you will not have any upfront expenses. Your attorney will be paid when you recoup compensation for your damages through a settlement or judgment.
A personal injury lawyer has negotiation skills that are beneficial when dealing with insurance companies. Often, a fair settlement may be reached before the claim advances to court. However, if the case must advance to court, your attorney can gather up evidence and documentation to support your claim and help you build a strong case against the other party.
Documentation and evidence, such as an accident report, medical bills, medical records, photos of the damages and injuries, statements from eyewitnesses, evidence of lost wages, and other documentation can prove what damages resulted. Your attorney will assess your claim, determine which damages you suffered, and then come up with a fair value for your claim.
How Can A Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
Even what you might think is a minor accident can have lasting effects. In an accident, you will suffer both economic and non-economic damages. The nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries will impact the value of your claim. While dozens of different damages can result from a single accident, some of the more common damages might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future lost wages, future medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, property damages, permanent scarring and disfigurement, disabilities, and more. Your attorney will discuss the accident and your damages with you.
There are situations where it is difficult to determine who is at fault for the accident or who to pursue a claim against. As an example, you were in an accident involving a semi-truck. You don’t know whether to pursue a claim against the driver, the company that owns the truck, or the company that leases and operates the truck. Your attorney will be able to assess the situation and pursue a claim against the property entities.
Courthouses in Pennsylvania
Not all courts are the same. Different claims are pursued in different courts. Some cases are filed in small claims courts while others are pursued in a higher court. Here are some Pennsylvania courthouses:
Columbia County Courthouse
35 W Main Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
US District Court
504 Hamilton Street #1601
Allentown, PA 18101
Allegheny County Courthouse
436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Your attorney will make sure your claim is filed in the right court, so time and resources are put to good use.
Speak With An Attorney Today!
If you have been injured in an accident, speak with an accident injury lawyer today. In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page so you can be put in contact with a personal injury attorney who can help you get your claim on track.
Helpful Resources
Personal Injury Claims in Pennsylvania
