The Medical Impact of Car Accidents on Victims in Hazleton

Car Accident Attorneys Dedicated to Hazleton Accident Victims

At Munley Law, we understand the life-altering impact of car accidents, which can result in severe injuries or tragic loss, burdening individuals and families with overwhelming costs and emotional turmoil. Navigating the aftermath of a car crash is challenging, especially when seeking adequate insurance claims or facing wrongful death cases. Our Hazleton car accident attorneys are dedicated to advocating for our clients, ensuring they receive the full compensation they are entitled to. We provide expert legal counsel to prove negligence to evaluate damages and engage in assertive negotiations; our focus is on securing settlements that promote your journey of recovery after a traumatic motor vehicle accident. At Munley Law, your recovery is our priority.

Understanding Car Accident Injuries

When you’re in a car crash, the sudden and forceful impact can cause a lot of harm to your body, hurting your body in many ways, like breaking bones or causing cuts. Injury victims might not feel the pain because of the rush from the crash. Later on, you could have pain or nerve issues. Additionally, the stress from the crash can stay in your mind long after, making you feel scared or anxious. 

Doctors and lawyers need to know all this to help you heal and to make sure you get the support you need. An experienced car accident lawyer will ensure that you receive the proper medical evaluations so that you can receive necessary medical care in a timely fashion, as needed. An experienced car accident lawyer will also make sure that all medical attention is documented swiftly for legal purposes and to have to be provided to your insurance company.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Motor Vehicle Crashes 

Identifying symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a vehicular accident is crucial for timely and effective intervention. According to an article in the National Library of Medicine, over 50 million people globally suffer from trauma due to road traffic accidents (RTAs). Here are key signs to look out for:

1. Re-experiencing the Trauma: This includes flashbacks, recurrent distressing memories of the event, and nightmares about the accident.
2. Avoidance and Numbing: Avoiding places, people, or activities that are reminders of the trauma, feeling emotionally numb, or losing interest in activities once enjoyed.
3. Hyperarousal: This manifests as being easily startled, feeling on edge, having difficulty sleeping, and experiencing irritability or angry outbursts.
4. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, negative thoughts about oneself or the world, and feeling detached from family and friends.
5. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches and pains, dizziness, chest pain, headaches, and stomach problems.
6. Duration of Symptoms: PTSD symptoms usually begin within three months of the incident, but sometimes can emerge much later. For a diagnosis, symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms following a motor vehicle collision, it’s important to seek professional help. Early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes…contact our car accident attorneys at Munley Law for a free consultation.

Death and Auto Accidents

Pennsylvania’s wrongful death laws are designed to provide legal recourse for the families of individuals who have died due to someone else’s negligence. Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death is considered to have occurred when a death results from an unlawful act, negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct of another person or entity.

• Who Can File a Claim: The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. If no claim is filed within six months from the date of death, any beneficiaries may file the claim on behalf of all beneficiaries.
• Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries in a claim typically include the spouse, children, and sometimes parents of the deceased. The compensation is distributed among these beneficiaries based on Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws unless otherwise specified in a will.
• Types of Damages: Damages can include funeral and burial expenses, hospital and medical costs, lost wages and benefits, compensation for loss of household services, and pain and suffering of the deceased before death.
• Survival Actions: Pennsylvania law allows for survival actions. These are separate claims that can be made for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the time of injury and death, as well as for the lost earning capacity during that period.
• Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the deceased’s death. However, there can be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
• Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the deceased is found to be partially at fault for the accident, it can reduce the amount of compensation that the family receives.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s laws is crucial for families seeking justice and compensation for the loss of their loved one due to another’s negligence or wrongful act. Legal assistance is often recommended to navigate these complex laws and ensure that the rights of the deceased’s family are fully protected.

Navigating insurance coverage and compensation claims in Hazleton, PA 

Filing insurance claims requires specific attention to Pennsylvania’s insurance laws and regulations, especially after an auto accident. Here are the key aspects for accident victims:

1. Choice of Full Tort or Limited Tort: Pennsylvania offers a choice between Full Tort and Limited Tort in your auto insurance policy, which affects your right to compensation for pain and suffering.
2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning your own car insurance pays for medical care regardless of who caused the accident, through PIP.
3. Minimum PIP Coverage: Familiarize yourself with the state’s minimum PIP coverage requirements to ensure you have adequate coverage.
4. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Understand any deductibles and co-pays your policy may require.
5. Health Insurance as Primary: In Pennsylvania, you can choose your health insurance as the primary source for covering medical bills from a car accident.
6. Pre-authorization and Network Restrictions: Check if your insurance requires pre-authorization for certain treatments and if there are network restrictions.
7. Filing Claims and Documentation: Learn the process for filing insurance claims in Pennsylvania and the importance of maintaining thorough records of all treatments and expenses.
8. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This is crucial in Pennsylvania for protection in accidents with drivers who have insufficient or no insurance.
9. Appealing Denials: Understand your rights and the process for appealing a denial of coverage by your insurance company.
10. Legal Assistance: Consider consulting an attorney at Munley Law for guidance, especially for significant injuries or if you face difficulties with your insurance claim — contact us for your free consultation.

Navigating insurance coverage for medical treatment after a car accident can be tough, and staying informed about these specifics is crucial for ensuring needed coverage and minimizing financial strain. For effective communication with insurance providers, prepare for filing by doing the following:

1. Be Prepared: Before contacting your insurer, gather all necessary documents, including your policy number, accident report, and any medical records or bills related to the incident.
2. Keep Detailed Records: Document every interaction with your insurance provider, noting dates, times, and the names of any representatives you speak with, along with a brief summary of the conversation.
3. Stay Calm and Courteous: Approach each interaction calmly and professionally, even if the process becomes frustrating. A polite and respectful tone can often lead to more productive conversations.
4. Be Clear and Concise: Clearly explain your situation, sticking to the facts without unnecessary details. Avoid speculation and focus on the key points of your claim.
5. Ask Questions: If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s important that you fully understand your policy, the coverage it provides, and the claims process.
6. Follow Up in Writing: After a phone conversation, follow up with an email summarizing the key points discussed. This creates a paper trail that can be useful for reference later.
7. Understand Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with policy details, including coverage limits and exclusions. This knowledge will help you advocate for yourself more effectively.
8. Escalate When Necessary: If your concerns aren’t being addressed satisfactorily, don’t hesitate to escalate the matter to a supervisor or manager.
9. Adhere to Deadlines: Be aware of and adhere to any deadlines for filing claims or providing additional information.
10. Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about any aspect of your claim or if negotiations become complex, consider consulting a legal expert or claims professional.

Effective communication can significantly impact the efficiency and outcome of your insurance claim process, so it’s important to approach it thoughtfully and strategically.

Members of our legal team at Munley Law are not only part of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation group, but two of our lawyers have also held the prestigious position of Chair within this group. Pioneers in truck and car accident law in Pennsylvania, our attorneys are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Furthermore, they are actively involved with the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, contributing as members of its Board of Regents. Munley Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fees are a fixed percentage of the settlement we win for you, plus any costs incurred during the case pursuit. Importantly, if we don’t secure the compensation you deserve, you owe us nothing, regardless of the resources we’ve allocated to your case. Call one of our attorneys to ask specific questions, understand more about what to expect, and make an informed decision about your legal representation in your efforts to get the care and compensation that you deserve.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

197 N Cedar St.
Hazleton, PA 18201
(570) 536-9498