Car accidents lead to injured parties and property damage. Pennsylvania drivers may be wondering what steps to partake in after a car accident occurs. For a driver who has not been involved in an accident before, the steps to take can be daunting and overwhelming. The sudden trauma of an accident and getting treatment for any injuries is stressful enough, but when drivers must negotiate their options and understand the law, it can add to an already traumatic event. Before an accident happens, it is important to understand relevant Pennsylvania laws.
Medical Attention
When anyone is involved in a car accident, the main priority is to get immediate medical treatment for everyone on the scene. Injuries can take time to appear, so even minor accidents can cause significant injuries. It is crucial to have a medical checkup to assess for any injuries. It is important to contact the police, file an accident report, and speak to your insurance company after an accident occurs.
Financial Responsibility Law in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law dictates that all drivers must obtain automobile coverage. This means that when purchasing insurance coverage, consumers can either acquire limited tort or full tort coverage.
Full tort coverage means that one retains the option to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and can claim both economic and non-economic damages.
Limited tort coverage is less expensive, but drivers should be aware of its limitations. Drivers can recover medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses, but they cannot recover damages for pain and suffering unless they prove that they have serious injuries.
Drivers in Pennsylvania are also required to carry a minimum amount of coverage for personal injuries and property damage. The minimum may not be enough in the case of a serious car accident, so it is important to be aware that cost savings for lower coverages can lead to financial costs.
Settlements
Car accident settlements depend on the type of coverage the driver possesses. In limited tort coverage, certain serious injuries are exceptions under Pennsylvania law in which the driver is permitted to file a lawsuit. In the case of full tort coverage, the driver retains the automatic right to sue. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers have two years from the date the accident occurred to file a lawsuit. Pennsylvania also has a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that the fault can be split between drivers. This means that compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault.
An injured party who is filing a lawsuit can feel pressure to settle their case. Personal injury law can be complex, so it is always recommended to have the advice of a skilled car accident attorney before attempting to negotiate the system alone.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Advocate for All Injured Car Accident Victims
If you were injured in a car accident, talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your options. Personal injury law in Pennsylvania can be complicated, so it is best to speak to a lawyer to gain legal guidance. Our dedicated Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. have a track record of success and fight for car accident victims to obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call us at 610-565-3701 to schedule a free consultation. With offices located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we also serve clients in Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.