In many cases, yes, it is worth getting a lawyer for a car accident in Philadelphia, especially when you are facing injuries, rising medical bills, lost income, or an insurance company that wants to settle for less than your claim is worth. At Munley Law, we have seen how quickly a crash can become more than a traffic inconvenience when liability is disputed or the long-term cost of treatment is still unknown.
For many people, the real question is not whether they can hire a lawyer, but whether doing so will protect their health, finances, and legal rights. Determining when to speak to a car accident lawyer often comes down to the seriousness of the injuries, the complexity of the insurance issues, and whether fault is being challenged.
When a collision leaves you with more than vehicle damage, the decision to get legal help can affect every part of your recovery. The key is understanding when a claim is straightforward, when Pennsylvania law complicates matters, and when having an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can make a real difference in the outcome. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation today.
What Questions Should You Ask a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
It is normal to have multiple questions after an auto accident, and your car accident lawyer can help you with them. One such question is: “What do I do now?” Following a car accident, you’ll want to do the following:
- Go to a safe location off the road if possible.
- Seek medical attention. Document all care received and medical expenses.
- File a formal police report.
- Keep documentation of all property damage, evidence, witness testimony, etc.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you will likely still have even more questions after a car accident, like:
- How am I going to pay my medical expenses?
- What if my car is totaled?
- Will the insurance adjuster deny my car accident claim or not provide me with fair compensation?
As stated, not all car crash cases result in a personal injury lawsuit. Some can be negotiated with the insurance company outside of court to seek the compensation you need.
However, when a car accident results in piling medical bills, lost wages, serious injuries, physical pain, and, in some cases, wrongful death, it is best to secure the representation of an experienced car accident attorney.
Does the Severity of a Car Accident Change Whether You Should Hire a Lawyer?
According to PA car accident statistics, most car accidents are not severe in nature. In 2020, of the nearly 105,000 reported incidents, only 1,060 resulted in fatalities.
While the number of fatal car crashes remains low, it does not mean they go without impact. Many traffic accidents result in:
- Serious injury
- Broken bones
- Property damage
- At least one totaled motor vehicle from the car accident case
When Philadelphia car accidents result in more than just scuffed paint and an inconvenience to your day, reach out to an experienced automobile accident attorney. Philadelphia car accident lawyers can help you understand Pennsylvania law regarding collisions, and help you make car accident claims with your insurance or the other driver.
Does the Cause of the Car Accident Change Whether You Should Hire a Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers will tell you that there is a difference between a simple fender bender at a stop sign and a drunk driving accident that resulted in fatalities. Because of this, the cause of your car accident may also impact your need for a Philadelphia car accident attorney.
Common causes of a car accident include:
- Other driver negligence
- Failing to abide by Pennsylvania law by running red lights, stop signs, etc.
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
Any time negligence is at play in a car accident, you will need a car accident attorney. However, it is not always just the negligence of another driver that can cause a car accident; other causes can include:
- Negligence of the government in failing to maintain roadways
- Negligence of car manufacturers in utilizing faulty parts
- Negligence of a trucking company for employing unfit drivers, or utilizing unsafe semi trucks
When it comes to determining negligence after a car accident, a car accident attorney can help you navigate Pennsylvania law. The type of insurance you and the other drivers involved hold ultimately will impact your ability to bring forth a personal injury cla
im.
If I Can Guess the Cause of the Accident, Do I Still Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
We know many car accidents have similar root causes — distracted driving, motor vehicle failure, inability to control the vehicle, etc. However, no two car accidents are the same, which is why it is important to talk with your local car accident attorneys to develop a plan.
Speak to experienced car accident lawyers at Munley Law today. We offer a no-obligation, free consultation to review personal injury, non-economic damages, and your current and future lost wages.
Because so many Philadelphia car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, they will carefully decide if your case is worth taking on. This is because they do not receive payment unless you win.
How Does Pennsylvania Car Insurance Affect a Philadelphia Accident Claim?
It is no secret that insurance companies will want to save as much as possible in personal injury cases. And often, they are able to do this if you are not well-versed in your policy and your rights to sue another party.
Pennsylvania drivers may choose limited tort or full tort coverage on their own insurance policy. Limited tort can lower premiums, but it restricts the right to recover pain and suffering damages unless a statutory exception applies (as in the case of severe injuries); full tort preserves broader rights to seek non-economic damages.
Knowing the difference between full and limited tort insurance can be monumental in your insurance company’s ability to provide you with the compensation you need after a car accident.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows the modified comparative negligence system, which means that as long as you are 50% or less responsible for a car accident, you can still seek compensation following a motor vehicle accident. If you are 51% or higher responsible for a car accident, you give up your right to seek compensation.
Further, your percentage of damages will be reduced by your percentage of liability in the car accident. So, if you are 30% responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by 30%. This is important to keep in mind, as it will ultimately impact the compensation you can receive to recoup losses.
Do You Need a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer If You Were Injured?
While you can always try to take on the insurance companies on your own, we always recommend meeting with a personal injury law firm after any serious car accident. With Munley Law, your first free consultation carries no obligation.
Experience matters when an insurer disputes fault, minimizes injuries, or resists paying full value. At Munley Law, our board-certified attorneys understand the insurers’ tactics and approach negotiations from a trial-ready perspective. The National Trial Lawyers Association (NTLA) has named J. Christopher Munley to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, and all our attorneys are members of the American Association for Justice (AAJ).
Some of our biggest recoveries for car crashes include:
- $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen’s death caused by a car accident
- $7.5 million verdict for a child injured in an accident
- $6.9 million settlement for when a garbage truck crashed into a car
- $4.4 million settlement for a car accident case
Whether a fatal car accident resulted in the loss of a loved one, or you have suffered car accident injuries resulting in broken bones and a totaled motor vehicle, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys can help.
To ensure you get the maximum compensation for your losses in car accidents, you need to calculate the damages associated with the injury, as well as any related non-economic damages. From there, your lawyer can put together a Philadelphia car accident claim to recoup lost wages and bring the other driver to justice.
How Soon Should You Hire a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
If you decide your car accident injury requires the guidance of a Philadelphia personal injury attorney, you will need to act quickly. In most Pennsylvania car accident cases, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the crash. Missing that deadline can bar recovery, which is one reason it’s smart to speak with counsel before signing any release or accepting a quick settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
Can a Lawyer Increase the Value of a Car Accident Claim in Philadelphia?
Yes, a lawyer can often increase the value of a claim by identifying damages that are easy to overlook, such as future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Legal counsel can also push back when an insurer tries to shift fault or undervalue the crash’s impact. Attorneys gather evidence, preserve records, work with medical documentation, and build a case that reflects the full extent of the harm.
Should You Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident in Philadelphia?
Not every minor crash requires legal representation. If there are no injuries, liability is clear, and the insurance company promptly pays fair property damage, a lawyer may not be necessary.
That said, some crashes look minor at first and turn out to involve delayed injuries, disputed fault, or low settlement offers. Speaking with a lawyer early can help you avoid mistakes before signing away your rights.
What Are the Signs That an Insurance Company May Be Undervaluing Your Claim?
Signs that an insurance company is offering a low-ball settlement include:
- A low initial offer
- Pressure to settle quickly
- Repeated requests for recorded statements
- Refusal to account for ongoing medical treatment
- Downplaying pain, future care needs, or missed time from work
When that happens, legal representation can shift the balance. A lawyer can evaluate the offer against the actual facts of the case and negotiate from a position of strength.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers, including firms like Munley Law, handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means the attorney’s fee is typically paid only if there is a recovery through settlement or verdict.
This arrangement allows injured people to get legal help without paying upfront hourly fees. It also means the lawyer has a direct incentive to pursue the strongest possible result.
Can You Still Recover Damages If You Were Partly at Fault for the Crash?
Yes, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law may still allow you to recover if you were partially at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not automatically barred from bringing a claim.
That makes fault allocation extremely important. Even a one percent change in how responsibility is assigned can have a major effect on the value of the case.
Can You Sue After a Car Accident If You Have Limited Tort Coverage?
Possibly, yes. Limited tort generally restricts claims for pain and suffering, but exceptions may apply depending on the nature of the injuries and the circumstances of the crash. Full tort provides broader rights to pursue non-economic damages.
Because tort election can significantly affect a case’s value, it is smart to have the policy reviewed as early as possible. Small details in the coverage can have big consequences.
Speak to a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today
Getting into a car accident can be a horrifying experience, especially if you are injured or if there are car accident fatalities. If you have questions about the value of your car accident claim or if your insurance company has not offered you maximum compensation for your property damage and injuries, we can help.
As car accident lawyers, we work diligently to communicate with insurance companies to settle your case outside of court. But if an agreement cannot be made, we will fight for you in court to ensure you are compensated for the losses you endured in a motor vehicle accident. We have spent nearly seven decades handling complex injury claims across Pennsylvania, and that depth of experience helps us evaluate when a case should settle and when it should be prepared for trial from day one.
Call today or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.
