The time you have to make a personal injury claim for a car accident in Pennsylvania is generally two years, but this also depends on the facts of your accident and often on the employment status of the opposing driver. For example, the time limit to assert a personal injury claim is different when the collision involves a government vehicle.
In this article, the car accident lawyers at Cousin Benny explain more about the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Philadelphia as well as other relevant information about auto accidents. If you need help getting the compensation you deserve after a car accident injury, contact us today.
Difference in Statute of Limitations for Civil vs. Government Entity Accidents
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years. However, if the collision involved a government vehicle, you must provide written notice of your claim to the government entity within six months of the crash.
Why You Should File Your Car Accident Case as Soon As Possible
Filing a lawsuit early is helpful to your claim. Specifically, filing a lawsuit early ensures relevant evidence is preserved, while the memories of eyewitnesses may remain fresh. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help expedite your case, as skilled attorneys will know the process in detail and likely consider things you won’t.
Common Types of Auto Accident Injuries
Automobile collisions produce a variety of injuries. The injuries victims suffer depend on the type of vehicles involved in the crash and the collision’s severity. Common car accident injuries include:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Damage to internal organs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and neck injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Knee and leg injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Related Car Accident Injury FAQs
While a car accident is a terrifying event, the time following is equally confusing. Victims must deal with other issues, such as property damage and medical treatment. Injured victims also have questions regarding the viability of their injury claims.
If I am partially at fault for the car crash, can I still recover compensation?
It depends on your level of negligence. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence statute, you can still recover compensation as long as your level of negligence does not exceed 50%. However, your level of negligence reduces any verdict you obtain in court, e.g., if a judge or jury determines you were 20% negligent, your award of $10,000 is reduced to $8,000.
How long does it take to settle a car accident injury case?
It depends on the facts of your case. If the issue of fault is unclear, it will take more time for your attorney and the insurance carrier to investigate the collision thoroughly. Finally, if your injuries are severe and you have extensive medical bills, it will take more time for the insurance company to evaluate your claim.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
Under Pennsylvania law, an insurance company has 30 days to investigate and settle a claim. An insurance company may request additional time to investigate the claim. However, the insurance company must provide a valid reason to explain their delay. It is not common for an insurance company to evaluate and settle your claim in 30 days. In fact, any offer made within that time frame will likely not take into account all of your damages. The time it takes to settle a personal injury case varies from case to case. The experienced lawyers at Cousin Benny know how to obtain the maximum settlement for your injury case and keep you informed every step of the way.
What types of compensation can I expect from a car accident case?
Pennsylvania allows you to claim economic and non-economic damages. You can claim economic damages for your financial losses, such as your medical expenses, and you can also claim non-economic damages for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. You can also seek punitive damages if the other driver’s actions were egregious and malicious.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault accident state?
Pennsylvania is both a no-fault and fault-based jurisdiction. You can claim Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to pay for your medical expenses, regardless of fault in a car accident. To receive benefits from the other driver’s insurance policy, you must prove they caused the collision.
Reasons to Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often play the odds and deny valid claims to discourage car accident victims. A personal injury attorney can provide you with a complete and honest evaluation of the legal strength of your car accident claim. Additionally, a car accident lawyer can help you obtain evidence and build a case to obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
About the Team at Cousin Benny
Cousin Benny’s team of car accident lawyers are not afraid to fight powerful insurance companies. Our personal injury lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of car accident victims in Philadelphia. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.
