Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

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Nationally Board-Certified Advocacy for Serious Injury Victims

A collision on Roosevelt Boulevard (US 1), the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), or the Delaware Expressway (I-95) creates immediate financial and medical pressure. Your priority is your physical recovery at a top-tier facility like Penn Presbyterian or Jefferson Torresdale Hospital. Our priority is the legal mechanics of your claim.

At Munley Law, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are retaining a national powerhouse. We are the only law firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). This rare distinction sits alongside our Triple Board Certifications in Civil Trial Advocacy, signaling to insurance adjusters that we possess the highest level of courtroom authority.

Why Philadelphia Chooses Munley Law: Nationally Certified, Locally Dominant

Insurance adjusters in Philadelphia often attempt to settle claims quickly, banking on the victim’s lack of knowledge regarding Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (MVFRL). They know which firms settle and which firms fight.

Our partners have secured verdicts exceeding $10 million, earning us membership in the invitation-only Summit Council. When you choose Munley Law, you are choosing a team that includes:

• “Lawyer of the Year” Honorees: Marion Munley has been named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers for Product Liability and Personal Injury Litigation, and is a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania.

• NBTA Certified Specialists: Our team includes Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon, who have passed the rigorous testing required for NBTA certification—a credential held by less than 4% of attorneys nationwide.

• Million-Dollar Advocates: As members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we have a proven history of securing seven-figure recoveries for our clients.

Your Strategy for Full Tort Recovery To secure the compensation you deserve, your attorney must do more than file paperwork. From our office at 1617 JFK Blvd—just blocks from the Compulsory Arbitration Center—we execute a specific strategy to:

• Challenge Limited Tort Selections: We analyze the five specific statutory exceptions—including the commercial vehicle and out-of-state driver exceptions—to unlock your right to sue for pain and suffering.

• Establish “Serious Injury” Thresholds: We work directly with medical experts to document “serious impairment of body function,” a critical legal standard under PA law required to recover non-economic damages.

• Execute Local Procedural Strategy: Whether your case requires a hearing at the Arbitration Center on JFK Blvd or a jury trial at City Hall, we understand the specific rules of the Philadelphia venue.

We Handle the Insurance Companies. You Focus on Healing. Do not accept an initial settlement offer without reviewing your rights. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. You pay no fee unless we win your case.

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Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Hiring a lawyer helps you handle the strict rules of Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (MVFRL). It also improves your chances of getting paid what you deserve. Here is exactly what a Philadelphia car accident attorney from Munley Law will do for you:

• Handling the Laws: Insurance companies often try to use “Limited Tort” coverage to deny your claim for pain and suffering. We look for statutory exceptions in the law (Title 75) that might allow you to sue for full damages anyway, such as if the other driver was in a commercial vehicle or from another state.

• Getting Maximum Payment: A lawyer makes sure you get paid for every loss. This includes your medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and money for pain and suffering. We also look at future costs, like if you need long-term therapy or cannot return to your old job.

• Investigating the Crash: We have the tools to get the proof we need. This includes getting police reports from specific stations, like the 8th Police District (near Roosevelt Blvd) or the 39th Police District. We also look for evidence like speed camera photos or dashcam video to prove the other driver was at fault.

• Talking to Insurance: We handle all calls with the insurance adjusters. We make sure they do not trick you into saying something that hurts your case. This is important because of Pennsylvania’s 51% Rule. If they can prove you were more than half at fault, you get nothing.

• Going to Court: If the insurance company won’t pay a fair amount, we will take them to court. We know exactly where to go, whether it is a hearing at the Compulsory Arbitration Center at 1880 JFK Blvd (for claims under $50,000) or a jury trial at City Hall.

Schedule a free consultation today to see how a Munley Law car accident attorney can help you.

Why Choose a Philly Car Crash Lawyer at Munley Law?

When you pick Munley Law, you are choosing a firm with 65 years of experience. Our lawyers have won top awards from groups like Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Our partners have won multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.

• Your First Meeting is Free: We start by listening to your story. We will look at your insurance policy to see if you have Full Tort or Limited Tort rights. We will tell you exactly what to expect next.

• Building Your Case: Our team includes medical experts and investigators. We go to the accident scene—whether it happened on a busy road like Roosevelt Boulevard, Grant Avenue, or I-95—to see how the crash happened. We also work with your doctors at hospitals like Penn Presbyterian or Jefferson Torresdale to prove how bad your injury really is.

• Ready for Court: In many cases, we can settle without a lawsuit. But if we need to fight, we are ready. We present a strong case with clear evidence to get you the money you need to recover.

Our board certified auto attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us a fee unless we win your case. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Contact an Accident Lawyer at Munley Law

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Damages in a Philadelphia Car Accident Case

The value of your settlement depends on specific Pennsylvania laws, not just the severity of the crash. The most critical factors include who was at fault under the 51% rule (Modified Comparative Negligence) and whether you selected Full Tort or Limited Tort on your insurance policy.

Working with a Munley Law car crash attorney ensures every potential dollar is found and calculated correctly.

Economic Damages: Covering Your Financial Losses The first part of your claim covers the money you have lost. This is called economic damages. It includes all your medical expenses, from the emergency room bill at medical centers like Penn Presbyterian or Jefferson to the costs of long-term physical therapy. It also covers lost wages for the time you missed work. If your injury is permanent and forces you to take a lower-paying job, we calculate your lost earning capacity to make sure you are paid for the future income you will lose. We also include the repair or replacement cost of your vehicle.

Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for Pain and Suffering The second part of your claim is for the harm that does not have a price tag. These are called non-economic damages. This money pays for your physical pain and suffering, emotional distress (like anxiety or depression), and loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer enjoy your hobbies. It also covers loss of consortium if the accident affects your relationship with your spouse.

Important Note: If you have Limited Tort insurance, the insurance company will say you cannot get this money. However, we can often overcome this rule. If we can prove you suffered a “serious impairment of body function” or if an exception applies (like if the other driver was in a commercial vehicle or drunk), you can still recover these damages.

Punitive Damages: Punishing Reckless Drivers In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages. This money is not meant to pay for your bills, but to punish the other driver for extreme carelessness. In Philadelphia, this is most common in cases involving drunk driving (DUI), road rage, or intentional acts where the driver showed a total disregard for safety.

Call the car accident lawyers of Munley Law today to get a free car accident case evaluation.

How Liability is Determined in an Automobile Accident in Philadelphia

After a crash, the insurance company starts an investigation to decide who caused the accident. They review evidence like dashcam footage, witness statements, and the official accident report from the Philadelphia Police Department (or state police on highways like I-95).

Pennsylvania’s 51% Rule (Modified Comparative Negligence) Pennsylvania follows a rule called Modified Comparative Negligence. This means you can only get paid if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If the insurance company decides you are 51% responsible, you get nothing.

If you are partly to blame but less than 51%, your payment is reduced by your percentage of fault.

• Example: Driver A is speeding on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) near the Conshohocken Curve. Traffic stops suddenly. Driver A hits the brakes too late and rear-ends Driver B.

• The Twist: Driver A is mostly at fault. But, if Driver B had broken brake lights or was texting, the insurance company might say Driver B is 20% at fault.

• The Result: If Driver B’s case is worth $100,000, they would only receive $80,000.

Who Can Be Held Responsible? Often, more than one person or company is to blame. We look for every possible source of compensation, especially in cases involving the Limited Tort exceptions. Liable parties can include:

• Commercial Drivers: Trucking companies, delivery drivers, or SEPTA bus operators. These cases often involve different insurance rules.

• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a brake failure or tire blowout caused the crash.

• Government Entities: If a pothole or poor road design on a city street caused the accident. (Note: You must file a notice within six months to sue the City of Philadelphia) .

• Bars or Restaurants: In DUI accidents, the business that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver can be held responsible under “Dram Shop” laws.

• Rideshare Companies: Uber or Lyft drivers carry special insurance policies that kick in depending on if they had a passenger in the car.

Insurance adjusters often make mistakes when assigning fault. They may ignore evidence or try to blame you to save money. A Munley Law attorney can collect the proof needed from police district reports to camera footage, to show you were not at fault.

“For more than three generations, our family has been fighting for justice. It’s more than a career choice—it’s written into our DNA.”

Robert W. Munley, III

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Call us at (844) 686-5397

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia

PennDOT data confirms that Philadelphia County has the highest number of traffic deaths in the state. This is largely due to our mix of aggressive city driving and high-speed highways. Roads like Roosevelt Boulevard (US 1), Broad Street, and the Delaware Expressway (I-95) are statistically some of the most dangerous in the Commonwealth.

Most of these accidents are not “accidents”. They are the result of specific choices made by drivers.

Top Causes and Legal Consequences

• Speeding: High-speed crashes are common on the Roosevelt Boulevard corridor, especially near Red Lion Road and Grant Avenue. We use data from Automated Speed Enforcement (speed cameras) and the 8th Police District to prove the other driver was reckless.

• Drunk Driving (DUI): This is a critical legal issue. If the driver who hit you is convicted of DUI or accepts ARD, the Limited Tort restrictions do not apply. This means you automatically gain the right to sue for pain and suffering, even if you did not pay for Full Tort coverage.

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using apps while driving is a leading cause of rear-end collisions on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76). We pull phone records to prove the driver was not looking at the road.

• Aggressive Driving: This includes tailgating, illegal passing, and road rage. These behaviors often lead to multi-car pileups on narrow roads like Bustleton Avenue.

Defective Roads and Vehicles Sometimes, the driver is not to blame. A crash can be caused by a mechanical failure, like a tire blowout or brake failure. In other cases, the road itself is the problem. Deep potholes, missing stop signs, or poor construction zones can cause serious accidents.

Important: If your accident was caused by a dangerous road condition managed by the City of Philadelphia or PennDOT, the law is very strict. You must file a specific “Notice of Intent to Sue” within six months, or you lose your right to a claim forever.

Common Types of Philadelphia Car Accidents

In Philadelphia, car accidents are not random. They happen in specific ways on specific roads. Understanding the type of crash you were in helps us know who to sue and what insurance rules apply.

Rear-End Collisions This is the most common crash in the city. It happens frequently on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) and I-95 when traffic stops suddenly.

• The Injury: These crashes often cause whiplash or concussion.

• The Law: The driver in the back is usually at fault. However, if the front driver had broken brake lights or stopped for no reason, they can share the blame.

T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents

These happen when one car hits the side of another. They are very dangerous because there is less metal protecting you.

• Where They Happen: We see these often at dangerous intersections like Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard or Red Lion Road.

• The Cause: Usually, a driver runs a red light or makes a left turn without looking.

• The Injury: These crashes often cause broken bones, hip injuries, and head trauma.

Hit-and-Run Accidents Philadelphia has a serious problem with drivers fleeing the scene. This is common in North Philadelphia and Center City.

• The Problem: The driver who hit you takes off, so you cannot get their insurance information.

• The Solution: We file an Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim with your own insurance company. This allows you to get paid for your injuries even if we never find the other driver. Your rates typically do not go up for using this coverage.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Crashes involving people walking or biking have increased in Philadelphia.

• Where They Happen: Busy areas like Market Street in University City and Broad Street.

• The Law: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. If a car hits you, their insurance must pay for your medical bills. If you do not have car insurance, the state has a special fund (the Assigned Claims Plan) that can help.

Head-On Collisions These are rare but deadly. They happen on undivided roads like Bustleton Avenue or Kelly Drive where cars drift into the opposite lane. These cases often involve “Full Tort” damages because the injuries are usually severe.

If you were hurt in any of these crashes, contact Munley Law. We know the specific roads where these accidents happen and how to prove the other driver was wrong.

Common Injuries in Serious Car Accident Cases

The type of injury you have changes how we handle your case. In Pennsylvania, proving exactly how badly you were hurt is the only way to overcome Limited Tort insurance restrictions. We work with your doctors to prove your injury meets the legal standard of a “Serious Impairment of Body Function.”

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Head Trauma Head injuries are common in high-speed crashes on I-95 or Roosevelt Boulevard.

• The Injury: This ranges from a severe concussion to permanent brain damage.

• The Treatment: These critical cases are often treated at Level 1 Trauma Centers like Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City or Temple University Hospital on North Broad Street.

• The Case: We fight for compensation for long-term care, including cognitive therapy and lost ability to work.

Neck and Back Injuries (Spinal Cord) The force of a rear-end collision on the Schuylkill Expressway often damages the spine.

• The Injury: You may hear doctors use terms like “herniated disc,” “bulging disc,” or “radiculopathy” (pain shooting down the arm or leg).

• The Legal Battle: Insurance adjusters often try to call these “just sprains.” We use MRI reports and nerve tests (EMG) to prove the damage is permanent and requires surgery or long-term management.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Trauma Direct impacts in T-bone accidents often cause fractures.

• The Injury: Broken ribs, legs, or arms often require surgery with plates and screws (called open reduction internal fixation).

• The Treatment: Many accident victims in Northeast Philadelphia are rushed to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, the only trauma center in that area.

• The Case: We calculate the cost of your surgeries and the future arthritis that might develop years later.

Even at low speeds, your neck can snap back and forth.

• The Injury: Damage to muscles and ligaments. This causes stiffness, headaches, and dizziness (vestibular issues).

• The Challenge: If you have Limited Tort, the insurance company will say you cannot sue for this. We look for exceptions to get you paid anyway.

Psychological Trauma (PTSD) A crash is terrifying. Many clients suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. You may be scared to drive past the accident scene or have trouble sleeping. In Pennsylvania, you can be compensated for this emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Talk To Our Personal Injury Attorneys Now

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Call Us At 844-686-5397

What to Do Following a Car Accident in Philadelphia

A crash on a busy road like Roosevelt Boulevard or I-95 is scary. You might feel confused, but the steps you take in the first hour are vital for your health and your legal case.

Follow this checklist to protect your rights under Pennsylvania Law:

1. Move to Safety If your car can move, get it to the shoulder immediately. This is especially important on high-speed roads like the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) where secondary crashes are common.

• Stay Inside: If you cannot move the car, turn on your hazards and stay belted until help arrives.

• Check for Danger: If you smell gas or see smoke, get everyone out and move far away from traffic.

2. Call 911 and Request Police In Philadelphia, you must report any accident that involves injury or significant car damage. When you call, tell the dispatcher your specific location (like “Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Blvd“).

• Know Who Is Responding: The police district depends on where you are.

  • Northeast Philly: Accidents near Red Lion Road are handled by the 8th Police District (Academy Rd & Red Lion Rd).

  • North Philly: Crashes near Hunting Park are handled by the 39th Police District

  • South Philly: The 1st Police District covers the stadium area and Oregon Avenue.

• Get the Report Number: Ask the responding officer for the “Incident Number” or “DC Number.” You will need this to get the official police report later.

3. Collect Real Evidence While you wait for the police, gather proof. Insurance adjusters will try to blame you, so you need facts.

• Photos: Take pictures of the damage to all cars, the license plates, and the road conditions (like wet pavement or potholes).

• Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers. A neutral witness is powerful evidence.

• Cameras: Look around. Did a store security camera or a red light camera catch the crash? Write down the location of any cameras you see.

4. Seek Medical Care Immediately Do not say “I’m fine.” Adrenaline can hide the pain of serious injuries like whiplash or a concussion.

• Go to the Right Hospital: If you are seriously hurt, the ambulance will take you to a Level 1 Trauma Center like Penn Presbyterian or Temple University Hospital. In the Northeast, you may go to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.

• Protect Your Claim: If you wait days or weeks to see a doctor, the insurance company will argue that your injury was not caused by the accident. This can ruin your chance to get paid.

5. Watch What You Say When the police arrive, tell them the facts: “I was traveling north on Broad Street and the other car ran the red light.”

• Do Not Apologize: Do not say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see him.” The insurance company can use these polite words to blame you under the 51% Comparative Negligence rule.

• Do Not Guess: If you don’t know the answer, say “I don’t know.”

6. Call a Munley Law Attorney Before you talk to the insurance adjuster, call us. Insurance companies are trained to lower your payout. We handle the paperwork, find the police report, and deal with the adjusters so you can focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a lawyer if the insurance company already made an offer? Yes. In fact, you should never sign a release until a lawyer reviews it. Insurance adjusters often make quick, low offers to “close the file” before you realize how bad your injury is. Once you sign, you cannot come back later for money to pay for future surgery or chronic pain. A Munley Law attorney will review the offer to ensure it covers future medical expenses and non-economic damages, not just your past bills.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Philadelphia? In Pennsylvania, the standard time limit (Statute of Limitations) is two years from the date of the accident.

• The Trap: If your accident involved a government vehicle like a SEPTA bus, a City of Philadelphia trash truck, or a PennDOT vehicle, you have much less time. You must file a formal “Notice of Intent to Sue” within six months, or you lose your right to sue. Do not wait.

How is the value of my car accident claim calculated? We do not guess. We calculate. We look at two main buckets of money:

• Economic Damages: We add up every dollar you lost. This includes medical bills from hospitals like Penn Presbyterian, lost wages, and the cost of fixing your car.

• Non-Economic Damages: This pays for your pain and suffering. We use your medical records to prove you met the “Serious Injury” threshold. Adjusters often use a “multiplier” method (like 3x your medical bills) to come up with this number, but we fight for a value that reflects your actual life changes.

What is the difference between Full Tort and Limited Tort? This is the most common question we get.

• Full Tort: You have the unrestricted right to sue for pain and suffering, no matter how minor the injury.

• Limited Tort: You can usually only sue for medical bills, unless your injury is “serious.“

• The Exceptions: Even if you have Limited Tort, we can often restore your Full Tort rights if:

  1. The other driver was convicted of DUI or accepted ARD.

  2. The vehicle that hit you is registered in another state (like New Jersey or Delaware).

  3. You were riding in a commercial vehicle (like a bus or taxi).

What is Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured (UIM) Motorist Coverage? Philadelphia has a high number of drivers with no insurance or very low limits (the state minimum is only $15,000).

• UM Coverage: If you are hit by a driver with no insurance (or a hit-and-run driver), your own policy pays you.

• UIM Coverage: If the other driver only has $15,000 insurance but your surgery costs $100,000, your UIM coverage pays the difference.

• Important: Using this coverage is a contract right you paid for. It typically does not raise your insurance rates if the accident was not your fault.

Contact a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today

Do not guess about your rights. We have been a dominant force in Pennsylvania law for 65 years. Whether your case settles or goes to the Arbitration Center on JFK Blvd, we are ready.

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Robert W. Munley, III

Robert W. Munley, III is a seasoned personal injury attorney and award-winning courtroom advocate. While he regularly handles a range of personal injury cases, his focus is on truck accidents and workers’ compensation cases. Bob has served thousands of accident victims and workers, winning them millions with his bold advocacy.

Free case consultation
Call us at (844) 686-5397

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd #1690
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 515-7747

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747