What to Do After an Accident: Quinlan Law Group Explains Your Rights in Pennsylvania

An accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Medical bills start piling up, and you might be unable to work. We know how stressful and confusing this time can be.

We understand the pressure you face from insurance adjusters and the uncertainty about your future. Our goal is to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights in Pennsylvania.

(610) 626-3855) Law Office of W. Keith Williams II, P.C.: Understanding Your Options

When searching for legal help after an accident, you may come across various law offices and their contact information, such as "(610) 626-3855) Law Office of W. Keith Williams II, P.C." It is important to know that you have choices when it comes to legal representation. Your focus should be on finding a firm that is the right fit for your specific situation and that can provide clear guidance.

Regardless of which firm you choose to contact, understanding the basic legal framework in Pennsylvania is crucial. Many accident victims are not aware of the strict deadlines that apply to personal injury claims. For most personal injury cases in Pennsylvania, there is a two-year deadline, known as the statute of limitations. This means you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in court. This rule is outlined in 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.

The Immediate Aftermath: What Steps to Take

The moments immediately following an accident are critical. Your actions can significantly impact any potential legal claim you might have. Here are essential steps we advise our clients to take:

• Ensure Your Safety and Others' Safety: Move to a safe location if possible. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
• Report the Accident: For vehicle accidents, call the police. A police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be very helpful later. For other types of accidents, report the incident to the property owner, manager, or your employer.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. See a doctor as soon as possible. This creates a medical record connecting your injuries to the accident. Delays in seeking treatment can make it harder to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
• Gather Information: If you can, collect contact information from all parties involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details. Also, get names and contact information for any witnesses.
• Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant factors like road conditions, debris, or hazards.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with police or other parties.
• Contact a Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents, it is wise to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Understanding Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Laws

Pennsylvania has a complex auto insurance system, primarily offering choices between "full tort" and "limited tort" coverage. Your choice of coverage can significantly impact your ability to recover certain types of damages after a car accident.

• Limited Tort: If you chose limited tort, you generally give up your right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a "serious injury" threshold. This threshold is defined by law and can be difficult to meet. However, there are specific exceptions, or "carve-outs," where even limited tort drivers can sue for pain and suffering. For example, if the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, limited tort does not apply, as specified in 75 Pa. C.S. § 1705(d)(1)(i). This means if the other driver was drunk, your limited tort election would not prevent you from pursuing full compensation. Another carve-out applies if you were injured as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, regardless of your personal auto insurance election, as found in 75 Pa. C.S. § 1705(d)(3).
• Full Tort: With full tort coverage, you retain your right to sue for all types of damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injuries. While full tort policies typically have higher premiums, they offer greater protection in the event of an accident.

Navigating these choices and understanding how they apply to your unique accident is a complex process. An attorney can help you determine the best course of action based on your specific insurance coverage and the details of your accident.

Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can affect the amount of money you are able to receive if you are partly at fault for an accident. This rule is set forth in 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102. Under this statute, you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame, as long as your fault is not greater than 50 percent. If a jury determines you were 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot receive any damages. If you were found to be 50 percent or less at fault, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you sustained $100,000 in damages but were found to be 20% at fault, you would be able to receive $80,000. It is common for insurance companies to try and assign a greater percentage of fault to you to reduce the amount they must pay. An attorney can help challenge these claims and protect your interests.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our firm helps people injured in various types of accidents across Pennsylvania. We focus on assisting those who have been harmed due to someone else's negligence. Some common types of cases include:

• Car Accidents: Collisions involving passenger vehicles, often leading to significant injuries.
• Truck Accidents: Accidents involving large commercial trucks, which can result in devastating damage and severe injuries due to their size and weight. These cases often involve complex federal regulations (49 C.F.R. - FMCSRs) in addition to state laws (75 Pa. C.S. - Vehicle Code).
• Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are especially vulnerable on the road, and their accidents often lead to serious injuries.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: When walkers or cyclists are hit by vehicles, the injuries can be catastrophic.
• Wrongful Death: If an accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may have a claim to seek justice for their loss under 42 Pa. C.S. § 8301 and § 8302.
• Dog Bites: Attacks by dogs can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. Pennsylvania law, specifically 3 P.S. § 459-502-A, addresses severe injuries caused by dog bites, and 3 P.S. § 459-305 covers the confinement of dangerous dogs.
• Premises Liability: Accidents that occur on someone else's property due to hazardous conditions, such as slip and falls.
• Construction Accidents: Injuries sustained on construction sites, which can involve complex workers' compensation (77 P.S. § 1 et seq.) and third-party claims.

What to Do Next

After an accident in Pennsylvania, your next step should be to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case, evaluate your legal options, and explain how we can help you navigate the legal process.

Serving injured Pennsylvanians in: Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Harrisburg.

Hurt in Pennsylvania? Request a free case review — no fee unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the phone number for the Law Office of W. Keith Williams II, P.C.?

The phone number is (610) 626-3855. When you are looking for legal help after an accident, it is helpful to have direct contact information readily available. Make sure to call during business hours.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations, and it is outlined in 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue your claim.

What is the contact information for the Law Office of W. Keith Williams II, P.C.?

The phone number is (610) 626-3855. If you are researching legal options, having the correct contact details is essential to reach out and ask questions about your situation. You can typically find additional information like an address on their website or legal directories.

Can I still receive funds if I was partly at fault for an accident in PA?

Yes, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still receive funds if you were partly to blame, as long as your fault is not greater than 50 percent. Your total funds will be reduced by your percentage of fault, as specified in 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102.

What does '(610) 626-3855 Law Office of W. Keith Williams II, P.C.' mean for my accident case?

This refers to the contact number and name of a specific law office. If you are injured in an accident, you should always research and choose a personal injury attorney that fits your needs. You have the right to choose your legal representation.

What is limited tort coverage in Pennsylvania?

Limited tort coverage is an option in Pennsylvania auto insurance that generally restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a

Serving injured Pennsylvanians in: Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Harrisburg.