Being injured or losing a loved one in a motor vehicle crash can have life-altering repercussions. At Thomas, Conrad, & Conrad Law Offices, our car accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley help clients understand car accident compensation and which types of damages may apply in their cases. The car accident lawsuit process can be complex. Knowing how it works can give you peace of mind and help you make informed decisions.
Pennsylvania Car Crash Statistics
According to PennDOT, in 2022, approximately 13 motor vehicle accidents occurred every hour. About 184 people were injured and three people were killed in fatal crashes every day. Dangerous driving behaviors like speeding and drunk or distracted driving continue to be significant factors in many collisions. Car accident lawyers witness the devastating fallout from these crashes and understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll they take on families.
Types of Car Accident Damages in Pennsylvania
There are two general types of damages that may be recovered in car accident lawsuits: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical devices, long-term nursing care, and home modifications
- Property damage
Although calculating economic damages may seem straightforward, if someone suffers a catastrophic injury or is disabled and unable to work, determining future losses can be tricky. That’s why it’s essential to seek the advice of an experienced Lehigh Valley personal injury attorney if you’ve been injured in a crash.
Non-Economic Damages
Determining non-economic damages is even more difficult, as putting a dollar amount on how car accident injuries have affected a victim’s quality of life can be complex.
Some common non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Disfigurement
Car accident attorneys often calculate non-economic damages by using the multiplier method. This manner of calculating damages involves multiplying economic damages by 1.5 – 5, depending on the severity of an injured victim’s losses. Punitive damages are only awarded if an at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. These types of damages are not intended to compensate the plaintiff but to punish the defendant and deter them and others from committing similar acts.
How Does Auto Insurance Affect Car Accident Compensation in PA?
Generally, Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurer pays for accident-related expenses regardless of who was at fault. However, if damages exceed your policy limits or you have a full tort policy, you may be able to file a car accident claim against any liable parties.
If you carry limited tort insurance, you cannot sue an at-fault driver for pain and suffering unless your car accident lawyer can prove you were seriously injured. Full-tort liability insurance allows you to seek pain and suffer from an at-fault driver in any accident in which you were injured.
In addition, Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that any insurance settlement or award you receive may be reduced if you are partially responsible for a car accident. Understanding comparative negligence and how insurance can affect car accident compensation is challenging. A seasoned car accident lawyer can advise you of your options and ensure you pursue the full amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
How a PA Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when you’re hurt and focused on your recovery. Your car accident attorney handles all communications and negotiations with insurers so you can concentrate on healing.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit or wrongful death claim is two years. It’s important to act fast, as memories fade and valuable evidence can be lost. Your car accident lawyer ensures that all important deadlines are met and can help keep the claims process moving. They also protect your rights and fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you need to protect your health and financial security.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Car Accident Attorney
Our car accident lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury victims throughout the Lehigh Valley. To schedule your consultation with a car accident lawyer in Pennsylvania, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We make it easy to get the legal representation you need at several convenient locations in the Lehigh Valley.