Lancaster Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Have you been injured in a car accident in Lancaster, Pennsylvania? Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help when you call 717-231-1640. We offer a free consultation with a Lancaster car accident lawyer and are ready to fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Car accidents in Lancaster leave victims facing painful injuries and uncertainty about their future. Having an experienced advocate by your side can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Why Choose Marzzacco Niven & Associates For Help After an Accident in Lancaster

Why Choose Marzzacco Niven & Associates For Help After an Accident in Lancaster

When you’ve been injured in Lancaster, PA, you need a law firm you can count on for guidance, support, and proven advocacy. Marzzacco Niven & Associates is committed to standing up for accident victims and helping them pursue justice and financial recovery. 

Some of our key accomplishments include:

  • Over 120 years of combined legal experience in injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law
  • Tens of millions of dollars recovered on behalf of injured clients
  • Members of our team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, listed in Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and more
  • We have a certified workers’ compensation specialist on our legal team

An accident can leave you facing overwhelming medical, financial, and personal challenges. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster personal injury attorney.

What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of a car accident case is never the same for every victim. Attorneys carefully examine the details of your situation during a consultation to determine what fair compensation may look like. 

Key factors that influence the value of your case include:

  • The severity of your injuries and their long-term impact
  • Current and future medical expenses related to treatment and recovery
  • Lost wages during your recovery period
  • Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future

Every accident case has unique circumstances. A skilled attorney can review your situation, explain your legal options, and help pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?

Car accident victims in Pennsylvania may recover both economic and non-economic damages depending on their case. 

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses from the accident. These may include: 

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have a specific dollar amount. They may include: 

In rare cases involving particularly bad conduct, punitive damages may be available. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and prevent similar behavior.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Marzzacco Niven & Associates works on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your injuries. If we don’t win your case, you owe nothing for attorney fees. 

Should I Report My Lancaster Accident?

You should report car accidents in Lancaster, especially if they involve injuries, death, or significant property damage. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must report accidents to the police if anyone is injured or killed, or if the vehicle damage prevents any vehicle from being driven safely from the scene.

If police are not called to the scene, you are legally required to file a crash report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days.

How Do I Get an Accident Report in Lancaster?

Getting your accident report in Lancaster requires contacting the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash. The process varies depending on which agency investigated your accident.

For accidents investigated by Lancaster City Police, you can request reports through their records department. Pennsylvania State Police reports are available through their online portal. Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office accidents require contacting their records division directly.

Should I Provide a Statement for the Insurance Company in Lancaster?

You should be very careful when insurance companies request written or recorded statements after your Lancaster car accident. While you must cooperate with your own insurance company, you have no obligation to provide statements to the other driver’s insurer.

Insurance adjusters often use recorded statements to find inconsistencies that can hurt your claim. They may ask leading questions designed to minimize your injuries or shift blame for the accident.

What’s Comparative Negligence, and How Can It Affect My Claim in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system that allows injured parties to recover compensation even when they bear partial responsibility for an accident, as long as they are not more than 50% at fault.

Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault but the other driver is 80% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.

However, if you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any compensation.

What Causes Most Car Accidents in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?

The most frequent causes of car accidents in Lancaster include:

  • Distracted driving, including cell phone use and texting
  • Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors
  • Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs
  • Following too closely and rear-end collisions
  • Failure to yield right-of-way at intersections
  • Weather-related accidents on rural roads

Lancaster’s growing population and increased traffic have contributed to a rise in accidents on major roads, including Route 30, Route 222, and Interstate 283.

How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Lancaster Car Accident?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This two-year deadline applies to both personal injury and property damage claims. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Lancaster?

Essential steps to take after a Lancaster car accident include:

  • Ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if anyone is injured
  • Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so
  • Call the police to report the accident
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers
  • Take photos of the vehicle damage and the accident scene
  • Get contact information from witnesses
  • Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel seriously injured

Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses.

Contact a Lancaster Car Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, having answers to frequently asked questions is just the first step toward protecting your rights. Marzzacco Niven & Associates has the experience needed to guide you through this challenging time and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster car accident lawyer.