Montgomery County Car Accident Lawyer

Injured in a car accident? Attorney Anthony C. Gagliano III helps crash victims protect their rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for their injuries and losses.

Free Consultation  |  No Fee Unless We Win  |  Direct Attorney Involvement

Whether you are a resident of eastern Pennsylvania or just passing through en route to another destination, you can encounter dangerous conditions at any time. When an errant driver does something unexpected, for example, other motorists must react quickly to avoid a collision. If a crash happens, injuries and property damage can cause tremendous stress and anxiety. It’s important to work with an experienced Montgomery County car accident lawyer who can guide you through recovery and help you secure fair compensation.

Quick Facts and Deadlines: Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

• Immediately – Drivers must immediately notify police when an accident results in injury, death, or damage requiring a vehicle to be towed. 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746.
• 5 Days – If police do not investigate an accident that is required to be reported, a driver generally has 5 days to submit a written accident report to PennDOT. 75 Pa.C.S. § 3747.
• 6 Months – If your claim involves a Pennsylvania government entity, written notice may be required within 6 months of the accident. 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(a).
• 2 Years – Generally, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2). Property damage claims are also generally subject to a 2-year deadline. 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(3).
• 4 Years – A lawsuit for unpaid first-party insurance benefits generally must be filed within 4 years of the accident, or within 4 years of the last payment if benefits have already been paid. 75 Pa.C.S. § 1721.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Quick Facts

• Comparative Negligence: You may still recover damages if your percentage of fault is not greater than the defendant’s, although your award is reduced by your share of fault. 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102.
• Minimum Medical Benefits: Pennsylvania auto policies generally provide at least $5,000 in first-party medical benefits. 75 Pa.C.S. § 1711.
• Minimum Liability Coverage: Pennsylvania requires minimum liability limits of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. 75 Pa.C.S. § 1702.
• Limited vs. Full Tort: Limited tort may restrict recovery for pain and suffering unless a serious injury or another statutory exception applies. 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

There are a few essential steps that a person should take after being involved in an auto accident, including:

#1: Seek immediate medical attention.

It is critical to contact emergency responders or seek immediate medical assistance on your own after being injured.

#2: Call the police. 

Law enforcement officers must take statements from all parties involved, and you should request a copy of all reports later.

#3: Get contact information. 

Obtain necessary information from all parties involved in the accident, including their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information. This also includes contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident.

#4: Take photographs. 

If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage, skid markings, signs of weather conditions, and physical injuries.

#5: Save copies of all medical records. 

Obtaining copies of medical records is evidence that will make it easier to establish the severity of the injury and the expenses involved in treatment and its cause.

#6: Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. 

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible and definitely before the insurance company calls and starts asking for questions and wanting a statement.

The legal process after a severe car wreck can be complex, and insurance companies often seek their best interests. A skilled lawyer can protect your rights.

Anthony Gagliano represented me in a case involving an auto accident. I can not say enough good things about Anthony. He was amazing at communicating every step of the way in terms that I would understand about my case, he was fast, efficient, and wonderful to work with. I would recommend Anthony to anyone who needs help with a case! Thank you for all you did Anthony!

 Gabriella

Why Choose Anthony C. Gagliano III After a Car Accident?

Attorney Anthony C. Gagliano III brings extensive litigation experience and direct, hands-on involvement to every car accident case. He prioritizes clear communication so clients understand each step of the process and remain informed about their options. His results include an $800,000 car accident settlement, and because cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, clients pay no attorney’s fee unless compensation is recovered.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Recover Compensation

There is no risk in calling our law firm and sharing the details of your case. Get answers to your questions and see if you have legal options. We will explain the process and help you determine the appropriate next steps.

We Work With Hard-Working People Just Like You

We live here too, and it’s our pleasure to represent residents of Montgomery County and those throughout Pennsylvania. When you choose Anthony Gagliano, you are choosing a real lawyer, and you’ll always have his attention. We take great pride in being available to our clients when they need us the most.

Anthony and his team are terrific. They are very hands on, and I’ve never had to wait for a response when I have questions. He and Jessica are both patient and caring. They’ve made a very difficult time after my car accident seem easier, so that I could focus on healing and trying to put my life back together. I highly recommend their services. – Janet

You Always Have Communication with Your Attorney

Unlike many firms in the area, we pride ourselves on always being available for clients. You will always have access to Anthony and be aware of what’s happening with your personal injury case. Our clients consistently tell us they feel heard and updated. 

Understanding Pennsylvania Car Accident Insurance Laws

Pennsylvania’s auto insurance laws affect which policy pays first, what damages an injured person may recover, and whether partial responsibility reduces compensation.

How Pennsylvania’s No-Fault System Works

Pennsylvania requires auto insurance policies to include at least $5,000 in first-party medical benefits. This coverage pays covered accident-related medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. A separate liability claim may be brought against the negligent driver for additional losses, subject to the injured person’s tort election and other applicable rules. (75 Pa. C.S. §§ 1711 and 1705.)

Income-loss benefits are different from required medical benefits. Insurers must make income-loss coverage available for purchase, but it is not automatically included with every policy. Whether lost wages are covered depends on the coverage the insured selected. (75 Pa. C.S. § 1712.)

Limited Tort Versus Full Tort

Full tort generally preserves the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Limited tort generally allows recovery of economic losses but restricts noneconomic damages unless the injured person sustains a “serious injury” or qualifies for a statutory exception. Pennsylvania defines a serious injury as one resulting in wrongful death, serious impairment of a body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. (75 Pa. C.S. §§ 1702 and 1705(c)-(d).)

Exceptions to Limited Tort

A person who would otherwise be bound by limited tort may recover as though full tort applied when the at-fault driver:

• Is convicted of DUI or accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for the accident
• Was operating a vehicle registered outside Pennsylvania
• Intentionally caused the injury
• Failed to maintain the insurance required by Pennsylvania law

The statute also preserves full tort rights for certain vehicle-defect claims against manufacturers, repair facilities, and similar businesses. Another exception applies when the injured person was occupying a motor vehicle other than a private passenger motor vehicle. These exceptions are fact-specific and should be reviewed carefully before determining which tort option applies. (75 Pa. C.S. § 1705(d).)

What if You Were Partially Responsible?

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, not a contributory negligence rule. An injured person may still recover compensation when their share of fault is not greater than the defendant’s share, but the award is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of responsibility.

For example, a person awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible would recover $80,000. A claimant who is more responsible than the defendant generally cannot recover. (42 Pa. C.S. § 7102(a).)

Common Causes of Montgomery County Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can result from many factors, but driver behavior remains one of the most common causes. Distraction, speeding, impairment, unsafe lane movements, and aggressive driving can all lead to serious collisions on Montgomery County roads.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving caused 158 crashes in Montgomery County in 2024. Common distractions include texting, using handheld devices, adjusting music, eating, checking on children, and allowing the mind to wander.

Reading or sending a text can take a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds, enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speed. Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller’s Law prohibits drivers from using interactive mobile devices while driving.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding and aggressive driving often involve many of the same dangerous behaviors, including:

• Tailgating
• Unsafe passing
• Frequent lane changes
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield
• Illegal turns
• Driving too fast for road or weather conditions

Montgomery County recorded 556 aggressive-driving crashes in 2024. These behaviors reduce reaction time, make crashes more severe, and place nearby drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.

Drunk and Drug-Impaired Driving

Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, and some over-the-counter medications can impair judgment, concentration, coordination, and reaction time. A driver does not need to be visibly intoxicated to be too impaired to drive safely.

Impaired driving contributed to 554 crashes in Montgomery County in 2024. Depending on the circumstances, an impaired driver may also face criminal charges in addition to being held financially responsible for injuries caused by a crash.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Lane Departures

Unsafe lane changes occur when drivers fail to signal, neglect to check blind spots, misjudge surrounding traffic, or drift outside their lane. Lane departures can result in sideswipe collisions, head-on crashes, rollovers, or collisions with fixed objects.

Montgomery County recorded 1,651 lane-departure crashes in 2024. Drivers should signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, and avoid changing lanes unless there is enough space to do so safely.

Vehicle Failures and Defective Parts

Some accidents are caused or worsened by mechanical failures, defective vehicle parts, or improper repairs. Common examples include brake failures, tire blowouts, steering defects, defective airbags, and malfunctioning safety systems.

Vehicle failures contributed to 235 crashes in 2024. Depending on what caused the failure, a manufacturer, parts supplier, dealership, repair facility, maintenance company, or another party may share responsibility for the accident.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Montgomery County

Heavy traffic, confusing intersections, construction zones, limited visibility, and high-speed merging can increase the risk of accidents throughout Montgomery County. Drivers may encounter particularly challenging conditions along major corridors such as I-76, I-276, US-202, US-422, PA-309, and Bethlehem Pike. The following is a list of the most dangerous intersections across the county:

• North Gulf Road and North Warner Road in King of Prussia
• Lancaster Avenue and Haverford Station Road in Haverford
• Freeman School Road and Salfordville Road in Lower Salford Township
• Welsh Road and Darden Drive in Ambler
• Blue Bell Pike and Stenton Avenue in Blue Bell

Intersections are not the only dangerous parts of roadways. These roads also have a high accident rate:

• 935 Bethlehem Pike in Colmar
• 102 Alan Wood Road in Conshohocken

Even when a roadway contributes to a collision, driver negligence may still be a central factor. In some cases, a government agency, construction contractor, property owner, or other party may also bear responsibility for unsafe road design, poor maintenance, missing signs, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate lighting.

Types of Accidents

Rear-End Collisions

The NHTSA lists rear-end collisions as the most common accident type in the United States. These often occur when a driver suddenly stops and the vehicle behind cannot brake in time.

Single Vehicle Crashes

This type of crash involves only one car and has become more frequent during the pandemic. Causes may include speeding, distraction, or driving under the influence.

This type of collision accounted for about 23 percent of Montgomery County accidents in 2024, with 1,710 cases reported. It is an increase over 2023, when 1,695 single-vehicle run-off-the-road accidents were reported.

Statewide, single-vehicle run-offs accounted for 31,793 car accidents in 2024; in 2023, that number was 31,487; in 2022, it was 35,184.

Side-Impact Collisions

Also called T-bone accidents, these occur when one driver fails to yield or runs a red light. They are especially dangerous for passengers in the struck vehicle. Negligence is usually a key factor in these collisions.

Entering the Roadway/Clipping

Drivers should always check blind spots and mirrors before merging or turning. Relying only on sensors or alerts can lead to preventable crashes.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Whether you’re driving to work or picking up the kids from school, a hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken and unsure what to do. If the other driver flees the scene, our firm can help with your accident claim.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

About Economic Damages 

Economic damages cover financial losses, such as medical expenses—past and future—including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Time spent recovering usually means lost income, and an experienced Montgomery County car accident lawyer can help calculate those lost wages.

About Non-Economic Damages

Maximizing compensation means considering non-economic damages as well. Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress you’ve endured after a crash. These damages often represent a large portion of a personal injury claim.

Non-economic losses can also include emotional anguish or loss of companionship. Severe injuries that affect your ability to maintain relationships may justify a loss of consortium claim. Having a keen eye for detail and a strong courtroom presence helps Anthony C. Gagliano III pursue maximum compensation for clients.

About Pennsylvania Punitive Damages 

Punitive damages may be awarded when the at-fault driver’s behavior is especially reckless or intentional. Though not common, they serve to punish egregious conduct and deter future negligence. Discuss this with your attorney to determine whether it applies to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Montgomery County Car Accidents

Answered by Anthony C. Gagliano

How long do I have to file a car accident claim?

You have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury case. The court will likely not hear any action filed after the statute of limitations expires.

How much is my accident case worth?

Mr. Gagliano recently achieved an $800,000 settlement for a client who suffered multiple leg and ankle fractures on Roosevelt Boulevard after another car forced his car off the road and into a telephone pole.

A serious injury from a car accident can be financially debilitating. When another party is responsible, you can pursue damages for your financial and personal losses. Every case is different, so it is difficult to pinpoint the worth of a claim.

The compensation you can recover after being injured in an auto accident may include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are compensation for verifiable financial losses, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-economic damages are compensation for subjective, non-monetary losses, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If you were in a car accident in Pennsylvania and the other driver had no insurance, you may still have a claim through your own insurance policy if the at-fault driver has no insurance, does not have enough coverage, or leaves the scene and cannot be identified.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An attorney can review your policy and determine what coverage may be available.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

No, you should not accept the insurance company’s settlement offer. We know it can be tempting to see that number, but early offers often do not account for the future treatment, lost earning ability, or long-term symptoms that may develop. If your insurance company is reaching out to you with offers and you have not spoken to legal counsel, that should be your first step.

Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout Montgomery County

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. serves clients throughout the state, including Norristown, King of Prussia, Lansdale, Conshohocken, Ambler, Blue Bell, Lower Merion, Plymouth Meeting, Pottstown, and surrounding communities.

Speak with a Montgomery County Car Accident Lawyer

Your case loses value every day that you do not pursue legal representation. The essential steps to take after an accident can be enhanced by hiring an attorney who focuses their practice on helping car injury victims. Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., can provide you with a framework for obtaining medical care, collecting evidence, and building your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses and damages. Consult with a lawyer with extensive litigation experience, who can guide you through the legal process while you focus on recovery. Learn more by calling 267-861-7100 to set up a free consultation.