Accident claims are subjected to the laws of the state where the accident occurred. If you have unfortunately been injured in an auto accident in Pennsylvania but live in another state, pursuing a personal injury claim might seem difficult to impossible. But don’t give up due to unfamiliar laws and the far distance to the accident site. Employing the services of a car accident lawyer who is familiar with PA laws for car accidents and has experience handling non-resident car accident claims in PA can help you pursue your claim.
The Claim Process (Simplified):
Out-of-state car accident victims should follow these steps to file a non-resident car accident claim in PA and receive the settlement that they are entitled to:
- Call the police to document the accident.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you do not feel hurt. Call an ambulance if necessary.
- Document the evidence from the accident by taking photos, videos, and notes. You should document all names and addresses of witnesses and individuals involved in the accident, and vehicle information that were also involved. Acquiring insurance information is also critical.
- Consult the expertise of a PA car accident lawyer.
- Gather all medical records and police reports following the accident.
- Identify all liable parties, including the at-fault parties and insurance carriers.
- Identify lost wages and accrued medical bills
Your personal injury attorney can help you acquire this information if you are unable to do so. Once acquired, your personal injury attorney will file the accident claim in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania operates under modified comparative negligence law. This means that you can be compensated for damages if you were less than 51 percent at fault. If you were found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you will be unable to recover damages. It is important to note that claims must be filed within 2 years in accordance with the Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Finding the right attorney to handle your case is essential. The right Pennsylvania car accident lawyer will have knowledge of the state’s laws, familiarity with the state’s court system, and accessibility to necessary local resources.
For out-of-state victims, here is a simple list of tips to help you narrow your search for an attorney who will have your best interest in mind:
- Avoid lawyers who advertise quick settlements or grandiose guarantees.
- Avoid general practice lawyers, look for an attorney who specializes or has experience litigating non-resident car accident claims in Pennsylvania.
- Avoid lawyers who pressure you into contingency agreements without giving you time to review the document or having them elaborate on their credentials.
- Avoid lawyers who employ large numbers of paralegals who will be doing the majority of the work on your case.
Take the time to research and review the credentials of the potential lawyers to represent your case. There are a number of resources close at hand to help you select the right attorney for your case such as Google Reviews and online ratings on sites like Avvo.com.
You’re Not Alone!
If you have been the victim of a car accident in Pennsylvania, enlist the expertise of a veteran car accident attorney. Stuart Carpey is the area’s premier attorney for out-of-state car accident victims. For your non-resident car accident claim in PA, contact Stuart Carpey today, and get your rightful compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions from Out-of-State Car Accident Victims
What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in PA?
The average settlement for a car accident varies significantly depending on the injuries and nature of the accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average settlement in Pennsylvania was $20,235.
How Long Does an Insurance Company have to Settle a Claim in Pennsylvania?
There are two time limits for insurance claim settlements in Pennsylvania; your own company must respond in writing within 15 days, while another insurance company has 30 days to settle the claim.
How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in PA?
Determining fault in the state of Pennsylvania can be a complex process with insurance companies through the modified comparative negligence laws where investigators can find fault with multiple individuals involved in the accident.
Stuart A. Carpey, who has been practicing as an attorney since 1987, focuses his practice on complex civil litigation which includes representing injured individuals in a vast array of personal injury cases.