October 10, 2023
How Soon After My Car Accident Should I See a Lawyer?
One of the most asked questions after a car accident is when to contact a lawyer. Though there are accidents when you do not need to contact a lawyer, many require a lawyer’s assistance.
There are many benefits to contacting a lawyer as soon as possible following a car accident, such as:
- Injured in the accident: If you were injured in an accident, especially a severe injury, you should consider hiring a lawyer. Your lawyer can determine if you may be eligible for damages.
- Missed work: If your accident injury forced you to miss time at work, a lawyer can review your medical records to solidify your claim for collecting lost wages.
- Bills and paperwork: An accident lawyer can help you with your medical bills, property damage bills, the police report, and other important documentation you will most likely accumulate following an accident.
- Evidence: Especially when fault is in question, an accident lawyer can help you gather evidence. A lawyer can obtain physical evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage. They can also collect all parties’ contact information and hire an accident expert to help with your case.
- Compensation: The most important benefit of hiring an accident lawyer is that it increases your chances of receiving more compensation than an insurance claim. A lawyer can help you recover financial losses and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws
Pennsylvania is a “no-fault” insurance state, but there are other accident laws you should be aware of if you get into a car accident, including:
- When to report an accident: Under Pennsylvania law, you must report a car accident to the police if any injury or death occurred or the vehicle damage was so severe that it incapacitated a vehicle or made it unsafe to drive.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit following an accident. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of injury. Your case will likely be thrown out if you do not make the deadline.
- Modified comparative negligence: This law is used when both or more parties are to share fault for an accident. This means that your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault determined by the court. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot collect any compensation.
King of Prussia Car Accident Attorneys at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Help Accident Victims Seek Compensation
You may need a lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident. Our King of Prussia car accident attorneys at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. are here to help. Call us today at 267-861-7100 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.