Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania?

January 5, 2022 | Car Accidents

Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania?

After a car accident, you might be faced with a lot of chaos. In the midst of dealing with a damaged car, insurance companies, and the other drivers, it can be hard to know what to do.

Whether your accident was mild or severe, you might wonder, “When do I need to hire a car accident lawyer in Pennsylvania?” In this short guide, we’ll cover the answer, along with a few tips for finding the right lawyer.

What to Do After an Accident

On Pennsylvania roads, car accidents are all too common. When a car crash does happen, it can leave victims feeling disoriented and vulnerable. In the midst of doctors’ visits and auto shop appointments, you may wonder whether calling an attorney is just another hassle. 

In the aftermath of an accident, your first priority should always be to seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, a quick doctor’s visit will help you cover your bases. 

From there, we recommend that you take a few proactive steps in case a lawsuit stems from the accident. Those include:

  • Filing a police report, so there is a record of the accident
  • Taking pictures of the resulting damages and injuries
  • Acquiring the contact information of any witnesses
  • Refraining from discussions about who’s to blame for the accident

These steps can help to protect you. Another helpful way to protect yourself? Call a knowledgeable car accident attorney. 

Call an Attorney Before You Speak with Your Insurance Provider

Even if the other driver was not to blame, there could be legal fallout for the accident. Sometimes, it can be hard to convince an insurance company to provide the compensation you deserve. That’s why we recommend you call an attorney before you call the insurance company.

Insurance companies don’t want to pay out claims. Even if you’ve paid your policy premiums for years, have a great driving history, and weren’t at fault for your accident, claims adjusters do not work in your best interests. For this reason, you could face significant obstacles to gaining fair compensation after an accident.

For example, many claims adjusters will ask for a recorded statement from you. They may even claim that this statement is required to process the claim. In reality, the insurance company can get all of the information they need from the police report. A recorded statement is simply an opportunity to use your words against you.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may not fully understand the facts of the case or the severity of your injuries. Speaking with an attorney before your insurer can help you avoid common pitfalls. 

Call an Attorney When the Other Driver Is At Fault

If another party’s negligence caused your accident, you should call an attorney. In these scenarios, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. 

You may even deserve compensation for:

  • Future medical costs
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Loss of quality of life

An attorney can listen to the facts of your case and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system in Pennsylvania. 

Call an Attorney When You Are At Fault

Under Pennsylvania law, you may still deserve compensation for your injuries even if you share blame for the accident. Our state follows the rules of modified comparative negligence. You can seek compensation for injuries if you have less than 51% of the blame for the accident. 

If you walk away from your accident wondering what to do next, call an attorney. It’s worth the time and money to receive peace of mind and answers to your detailed questions. 

In many cases, attorneys will provide a no-cost case evaluation. During this meeting, you can share your story, learn about the likelihood of success in your case, and decide whether to pursue legal action.

If you’ve been injured in Pennsylvania, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963