Reading Car Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Reading Personal Injury Lawyer / Reading Car Accident Lawyer

If you've been in a car accident in the Reading area, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. An experienced Reading car accident attorney can help you through the legal process, ensuring you get the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that have taken a financial toll on you.

Contact a Reading auto accident lawyer at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

$32 Million Wrongful Death

$26 Million Truck Accident

$17.5 Million Car Accident

$12 Million Product Liability

$9 Million Truck Accident

$8 Million Truck Accident

$7.5 Million Auto Accident

$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident

$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury

$5 Million Medical Malpractice

$5 Million Bus Accidents

Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Reading, PA

Accident injury lawyers can explain your legal rights and guide you through the legal process of car accident claims. They can also help you in the following situations:

Handle Insurance Companies: An experienced legal team will manage all communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Deadlines and Paperwork: An experienced lawyer ensures all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time throughout the legal proceedings.
Gather and Present Evidence: Auto accident attorneys can collect and present evidence, including witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Court Representation: If needed, legal counsel will represent you in court to fight for the best possible outcome.
Focus on Recovery: With a lawyer and their dedicated team handling the legal aspects, you can concentrate on your recovery from your car accident injury.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a Reading personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents and protecting the rights of accident victims as soon as possible after an accident. Early involvement allows a lawyer to gather crucial evidence, retrieve witness statements, and handle the insurance companies on your behalf.

A personal injury attorney can provide valuable expertise and support if you've sustained severe injuries, faced significant property damage, or encountered disputes over who is at fault. Additionally, if the insurance company offers an accident settlement that seems unfair, an attorney can help negotiate a better deal or take your case to court if necessary.

Regarding accident claims, having legal guidance from a personal injury law firm at the beginning of your claim can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Crash Attorney?

First off, most consultations with car accident attorneys are free. This allows you to discuss your case with a lawyer without cost, so you can understand your legal options and decide if you want to hire them. It's an excellent way to get legal advice and see if the lawyer fits your needs.

After the consultation, the cost of hiring a car crash attorney depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer's fee structure. Mostly, car crash attorneys in Reading mainly work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.

Typically, in a personal injury lawsuit, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award, ranging from 25% to 40%. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about coming up with upfront legal fees.

Some attorneys may charge additional legal representation costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses related to your case, which can be paid from your personal injury claim settlement.

Discussing all potential costs and fee arrangements with your attorney during your initial consultation is essential to understand what to expect before you sign any contracts fully.

Who Can Be Held Liable For My Injuries?

Several people could potentially be held liable for your auto accident injuries. Some typical liable parties include:

The Other Driver: If the accident was caused by the other driver's negligence, like speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or driving under the influence, they can be held responsible.
The Other Driver's Employer: The employer might also be liable if the driver worked during the accident since the employee performed work-related tasks.
Car Manufacturer: If a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes, malfunctioning airbags, or defective tires, contributed to the accident or worsened injuries, the manufacturer can be held responsible under “product liability” laws.
Government Entity: If the accident happened because of poor road conditions like potholes, bad signage, or broken traffic signals, the government entity in charge of maintaining the road (city, county, or state) might be an at-fault party.
Restaurants and Bars: In Pennsylvania, if a restaurant or bar serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor, and that person causes a car accident, the establishment can be held as a negligent party for the damages. This means the injured party can claim compensation related to the accident.

How Much Is My Reading Car Accident Case Worth?

Determining the monetary compensation worth of a car accident case depends on several factors unique to each situation. Generally, it includes compensation for medical expenses for serious injuries, loss of income, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

The severity of any physical injury, ongoing medical care, the impact on your ability to work, and the extent of the damage to your vehicle all play a role in the final amount.

Factors like the clarity of fault and the available insurance coverage can also influence the case's value.

As an accident victim, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney's Reading, PA law office can provide a more precise estimate based on the specifics of your personal injury case and ensure you pursue the total compensation you deserve.

Damages in a Car Accident Case

In a car accident case, damages refer to the potential compensation crash victims can receive for the losses they've experienced due to the accident. These can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include:

Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
Lost Wages: Income you've lost because your injuries prevented you from working.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.

Noneconomic damages cover:

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the non-financial losses, including physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma you've endured.
Loss of Enjoyment: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact an injury has on a family, like loss of companionship, affection, and care.

In some cases, an experienced attorney can fight for punitive damages to be awarded if the responsible party's behavior was particularly reckless. These damages are meant to punish the person liable for the often catastrophic injuries, and to deter similar behavior in the future.

How Your Tort Option Affects Your Claim

The tort option you choose for your car insurance policy can greatly affect your ability to file a claim after an accident. In Pennsylvania, you can choose between “limited tort” and “full tort” coverage when you purchase car insurance.

Limited Tort: This option generally offers lower premiums but limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering after an accident. You can only pursue non-economic damages if your injuries are considered severe, such as disfigurement, or if the other driver was convicted of DUI.

Full Tort: With this option, you pay higher premiums but retain the right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This option provides broader protection and the potential for higher financial compensation.

Choosing the right tort coverage option from insurance providers is crucial. Limited tort can save you money on insurance premiums but might restrict your compensation in an accident. Full tort offers more comprehensive coverage, ensuring you can seek full damages in your insurance claim.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Berks County?

In Berks County, motor vehicle accidents can happen for many reasons. Some common types include:

Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or other distractions take attention away from the road.

Speeding: Driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of driving errors and the severity of accidents.

Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, causes driver error, and slows reaction times.

Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Negligent drivers who ignore traffic laws and signals can cause serious traffic accidents and collisions.

Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and road rage.

Fatigue: Tired drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel.

Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.

How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Lawsuit Against the Other Driver?

In Pennsylvania, injured people typically have two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit against the other driver. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

It's important to act promptly and consult with an experienced Reading car accident lawyer to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and protect your legal rights.

If you or a loved one were injured following a car accident in Reading, PA, do not wait. Contact our team at Munley Law to get the compensation you deserve.