Car accident attorney, Brent Wieand, has successfully handled hundreds of personal injury claims for victims who were seriously injured by a careless or reckless driver. Serious car accidents happen daily and often have traumatic and life changing consequences. In addition to pain and mental anguish, car accident victims often incur expensive medical bills, lost wages, property damage and other financial losses. If you or a family member is suffering due to a vehicle accident call Brent Wieand for a free consultation as to your legal rights at 1 (215) 666-7777.
Why Choose Brent as your Personal Injury Lawyer?
The auto accident lawyer you choose may make all the difference in your claim. Injury lawyers are not all the same. The skill, knowledge and experience of your personal injury attorney may be the deciding factor in your damages claim. In addition, the amount of time and attention your lawyer dedicates to your claim may determine whether you are fully compensated for your losses.
Put your trust in Brent Wieand when you need a car accident attorney in Philadelphia. He has the legal experience and know how to handle even the most complex auto accident claims. Brent won’t back down from insurance companies that don’t play fair and will zealously stand up for your rights in court. Brent has been recognized by Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” from 2013 – 2015. This honor is limited to less than 3 percent of all Pennsylvania lawyers. When you retain Brent Wieand, he will directly handle your automobile accident claim and give your the personalized attention you deserve. To Brent, you are not just another claim. To Brent, its personal.
Pennsylvania Law Limits the Time you have to File a Lawsuit
The state of Pennsylvania limits the amount of time you have to file a claim for injuries following an auto accident. With minor exception, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of accident. Therefore, it is important that you don’t wait to contact an experienced attorney if you are injured in a car accident.
Limited v. Full Tort
In Pennsylvania, drivers have the option of choosing limited or full tort automobile insurance. Limited tort means that your right to sue for damages is limited if you are involved in an accident. Many Pennsylvania drivers select limited tort because it is less expensive than full tort. However, most drivers are unaware of the huge repercussions selecting limited tort may have if they are injured in an accident. By selecting limited tort, you cannot seek repayment for pain and suffering unless you meet certain criteria. While your insurance premiums may cost less in the short run, you may spend far more if you are injured in a serious accident and cannot get the recovery you need.
However, even if you selected limited tort you should always consult with a lawyer if you are injured in a car accident. Limited tort accident victims have rights and experienced injury attorneys can often help victims recover compensation despite legal obstacles.
Brent Wieand can help if you have suffered serious injuries following a car accident. He understands the complex laws and will fight hard for you so you can concentrate on healing.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
In Pennsylvania, all motor vehicle insurance policies must provide for first party medical benefits in the amount of $5,000 under coverage known as Personal Injury Protection or “PIP” insurance.
Pennsylvania has enacted a “no fault” system of car insurance with regards to payment of medical bills related to motor vehicle accidents. Thus, when someone is injured arising out of the “maintenance or use” of a motor vehicle they will usually look to their own insurer first to pay for medical treatment regardless of who caused the accident.
Pennsylvania statute 75 Pa. CS. 1713(a) sets forth the payment priority for PIP benefits which is as follows:
1. for a named insured, the policy on which he is the named insured;
2. for an insured, the policy covering the insured;
3. for the occupants of an insured motor vehicle, the policy on that motor vehicle;
4. for persons not occupying a motor vehicle (such as pedestrians) the policy on any motor vehicle involved in the accident.
In Pennsylvania, all insureds must maintain the minimum $5,000 level of PIP coverage by law. However, insureds can elect to purchase a greater amount of coverage as PA automobile insurers are required to offer benefits for reasonable and necessary medical treatment with limits up to at least $100,000.
PA Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured (UIM) Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies to the named insured as well as family members living in the same household. It offers protection if you are injured in a car accident, hit by a car as a pedestrian, or become the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you are injured by an uninsured driver.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you if you are injured by a driver who does not carry sufficient insurance coverage to pay for the injuries caused to you.
In Pennsylvania, UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory, however automobile insurance carriers are required to offer this coverage. The choice not to carry UM/UIM benefits must be done in writing. Unless UM/UIM coverage is waived in writing by the first named insured on the policy, it is deemed to have been elected in amounts equal to the bodily injury liability coverage.
Even though it is not mandatory for drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, it is highly recommended. The Insurance Research Institute has estimated that 6 1/2 percent of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured. In addition, the PA minimum liability requirements ($15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident) are usually insufficient to cover damages for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages caused by serious accidents. This is why it is so important to protect yourself against uninsured and underinsured drivers.
Philadelphia car accident attorney, Brent Wieand, recommends that every Pennsylvania driver carry at least $100,000/$300,000 in UM/UIM coverage. By electing UM/UIM coverage, you and the family members in your household will be protected in the case of a serious automobile accident. If the worst does occur, this insurance coverage can help pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.
Car Accident Lawyer Philadelphia
When you are involved in a car accident it is often an emotionally wrenching experience. Brent Wieand is a car accident lawyer with years of experience helping clients under similar circumstances. Brent truly cares about his clients and the losses suffered by them and their families. Thats why he fights so hard on their behalf. Brent will fight to compensate you for your damages, as well as put your mind at ease during this difficult time. Brent has experience representing victims of many different types of automobile accidents, including car, motorcycle accidents, SEPTA accidents and truck accidents.
Whether you are catastrophically injured, or simply want a free consultation to answer questions regarding an accident – give Brent a call at 1 (215) 666-7777.
