Philadelphia

PERSONAL INJURY

Attorneys

Car Accident Lawyer

A Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm can assist if you are seriously injured in an auto accident. Car accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury and death in the United States. A collision can happen unexpectedly and change your life in the blink of an eye.
It is your right to hire a Philadelphia car accident lawyer if you are injured in an auto accident. To speak with an experienced lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm call (215) 666-7777. We handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases.

It’s well known that high-speed collisions and aggressive driving can have devastating results for everyone involved. However, even smaller “fender benders” can cause serious trauma. Relatively minor collisions often result in painful whiplash injuries that stretch and tear the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, cause disc herniations and nerve damage. If you are the victim of a car accident, our car accident lawyer in PA can help.

We aren’t like most Car Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia

Unlike many Philadelphia law firms handling car accident cases, the Wieand Law Firm isn’t a high-volume “law factory” with minimal attorney interaction. Our skilled car accident attorneys dedicate their full attention to small number of serious personal injury claims to maximize client results.
Car Accident Lawyer
You can depend on us to effectively handle your car accident case and keep you informed every step of the way. Trust a Philadelphia car accident lawyer with years of experience representing victims of auto accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We have handled almost every conceivable type of auto accident, including collisions with commercial vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.
To us, your claim is more than an easy settlement. To us, it’s personal.

Free Consultation with a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

For a free legal consultation call (215) 666-7777 or fill out the online form. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never owe any costs or attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you.
Some types of personal injury matters we handle include:

  • Concussion, traumatic brain injury and other head trauma
  • Spinal cord Injuries such as herniated and bulging discs
  • Scarring and Disfigurement
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Torn Meniscus
  • Broken bones
  • Severe Burns
  • Wrongful Death

7 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

After a serious car accident, you will likely be shaken up, stressed-out and not know what to do. There are several steps you can take to protect your legal rights after an automobile accident.

If you’re hurt, seek medical treatment. You should always be evaluated at an emergency room if you suffer a serious trauma or head injury in a car accident. Following an accident, your health should be your number one priority. If you later choose to make a claim for your injuries, your medical records can be used as evidence to support your claim.

Record Important Information. Try to collect as much information as you can after a car accident. Write down the names, telephone numbers, addresses and insurance information of other drivers. If there are witnesses, take their names, addresses and telephone numbers. Record the make, model, color and tag number of all vehicles involved.

Take Pictures. Use your cell phone or camera to take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved and any conditions that you think may have contributed to the accident, such as defective traffic signals, missing signs, or defective roadways.

Write Down Accident Details. Your memory of this chaotic day is likely to fade or even change with time. By promptly recording your recollection of what happened after an accident you can help preserve evidence needed to prove your case.

Notify the Police. A police investigation can be helpful to prove your case. Responding officers are trained in accident investigation. They will document observations from the accident scene, take statements from drivers, passengers and witnesses, as well as make a report which can be useful when making an insurance claim. Sometimes, police will not respond to minor car accidents. If police do not come to the scene you can go to the station to file a report.

Don’t give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company. Always contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement to ANY automobile insurance company. It is smart to communicate with insurance companies through legal counsel who can protect your rights.

Consult a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer before Discussing Settlement. Don’t be fooled by a friendly insurance adjuster who makes a settlement offer immediately after an accident. Its a trap! The insurance company’s goal is to settle your case for less than full value. Before you sign anything, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Philadelphia concerning the value of your claim.

Will Auto Insurance Pay my Medical Bills after a Car Accident?

Pennsylvania and New Jersey law requires drivers to carry insurance, known as personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for medical bills arising from an accident. These medical benefits are available to car accident victims regardless of fault.
An auto accident attorney can help you determine who is responsible to pay your medical bills, what coverage you have, and ensure your benefits are paid in good faith.

Will Auto Insurance Pay Wage loss after a Car Accident?

If you are hit by a negligent driver and become injured, your automobile insurance company may reimburse you for some or all of your lost wages. This is known as first party wage loss benefits. The amount of wage loss benefits you are entitled to will depend on your lost earnings, your insurance coverage and proper submission of a wage loss claim.
In addition, you may be able to recover lost wages and future income loss from the negligent driver and/or his auto insurance company.

Car Accident Settlement Amounts for Personal Injury Case

The sole goal of a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer is to get you the possible compensation after an accident.  If you are injured due to another motorist’s careless driving, you are generally entitled to recover damages for damages including:

  • past and future medical expenses,
  • past and future wage loss,
  • loss of earnings capacity,
  • pain and suffering,
  • emotional distress, and
  • property damage.

If the defendant driver was grossly negligent, reckless or intentionally caused your injury, you may also be entitled to punitive damages against that driver. A common reason punitive damages may be awarded is if a defendant caused an accident while operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In addition, the spouse of a car accident victim may also make a claim for loss of consortium. A loss of consortium claim allows a spouse to recover damages for the loss of affection and intimacy of their partner.

How long do I have to file a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Each state has adopted a “statute of limitations” that sets the period of time in which you can file a lawsuit. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with very limited exceptions, the statute of limitations for personal injury matters is two years from the date of the incident. If you fail to bring a lawsuit or settle your claim within the statute of limitations, you will lose your right to sue.
A personal injury lawyer will need sufficient time to investigate your claim before filing a lawsuit. Therefore, the sooner you contact an attorney the better.

What If the Other Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured?

It is estimated that around 12 percent of drivers on the road are uninsured. This means that the motorist carries no automobile insurance to pay for damages or injuries they may cause in a car accident. If you are injured by an uninsured motorist there may be other avenues to recover compensation for your losses.
In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, insurance companies are required to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage for purchase when selling auto insurance policies. This coverage allows people to protect themselves and household family members in the event of a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured motorist. In addition, PA and NJ have each set up a state run benefits plan that offers coverage for certain accidents if no other insurance is available.
A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can assist you in determining if you are eligible for benefits and file a claim on your behalf.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Injury Lawyer?

You have the right to legal representation if you are injured in a car accident. Although no lawyer can guarantee a certain result, the surest way to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses is to hire an top car accident attorney.
Most car accident attorneys in Pennsylvania and New Jersey offer a free legal consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t need to pay expensive upfront costs and attorney’s fees.

What happens after I file a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Legal proceedings are commenced by filing a civil complaint which sets forth your allegations against the defendant driver and other responsible parties. After a complaint is filed, the defendants have the opportunity to answer the complaint, and then the parties begin a process known as discovery.
In discovery, the parties will exchange written questions and requests for information. The defendant(s) may request that you appear for a deposition, where they can ask you questions under oath, and/or attend a defense medical examination where a doctor hired by the defendant(s) will evaluate your injuries. The parties also have the ability to subpoena information from non-parties.
Disagreements that arise in the discovery process are handled through a process known as motions practice. Discovery motions are usually argued before a judge or magistrate.
After discovery is completed, if the parties cannot reach a settlement agreement, your case may be adjudicated at a trial or through some alternative dispute resolution process, such as arbitration or mediation.

Who is Liable for a Car Crash?

It is not uncommon for drivers to dispute who is at fault for a motor vehicle accident – often with vastly different accounts as to how the accident happened.
In order to protect yourself, it is important to be proactive. Take photographs of the accident scene, get witness contact information and give responding police a clear statement as to how the accident occurred. You should never admit fault following an accident or offer an apology that may later be used against you as an admission of guilt.
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence law which reduces a person’s recovery proportionately for their share of comparative negligence. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
Thus, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may be able to bring a claim for your injuries. In cases of disputed liability, it is especially crucial to hire an attorney to represent you. For a free initial consultation an experienced car accident lawyer in Philadelphia today at (215) 666-7777.

What if I was Hit by a Drunk Driver?

When a drunk drivers choose to get behind the wheel, the damages and serious injuries they cause to others is no accident. Drunk drivers and stoned drivers can be held liable for compensatory damages caused to the victim, as well as punitive damages meant to punish and deter drunk driving. In Pennsylvania, an automobile insurance company is not allowed to waive coverage because its insured was drunk or intoxicated.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Dram Shop Liability

An establishment that serves a visibly intoxicated person, who then causes an accident, it can also be held liable for the damages they cause. This is known as a dram shop liability. In Pennsylvania, dram shop laws apply to businesses that serve alcohol as well as private events. An establishment may also be held liable if it violates other dram shop laws, such as serving alcohol to a minor, serving alcohol after hours, or selling alcohol without a license.

In the city of Philadelphia, it is important to understand the current state of the possibilities of getting into a drunk driving accident. Even though you may not be at fault or even under the influence there is still a possibility of someone else hitting you. The graph below shows us the data of drinking drivers vs. non- drinking drivers involved in a car crash in 2016. According to data from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the age group with the highest percentage of driving drunk was the two age groups from 21-30 years of age. The age groups after that show a consistent decline. A group that is particularly concerning is the “Under 16” age group with a total of 8 drinking drivers.

Drinking Drivers vs. Non-Drinking Drivers Involved in Crashes by Age Group (2016)

If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, both the driver and establishment that served him should be held accountable for the damages caused.

Pedestrian Auto Accident Lawyer Philadelphia

Car accidents involving pedestrians are especially scary due to the high risk of catastrophic harm. In the event, you are injured or a family member is killed by a negligent driver as a pedestrian, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries and economic losses.
In Pennsylvania, a pedestrian’s medical bills will first be paid by their own automobile insurance. If you are uninsured or don’t own a vehicle, the insurance company for the other vehicles involved in the accident will be responsible for your medical bills.
In addition, you can recover compensatory damages from the negligent driver. If the driver at fault was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to get benefits through Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or through the Pennsylvania Assigned Claims Plan.

How Often Are Accidents Caused at Traffic Intersections?

In Philadelphia, you may use the public transportation or you may even choose to walk instead. Out of the 5,811,000 car crashes that occurred in America in 2008, %40 of them were intersection-related crashes. The number of accidents that can occur at an intersection may be unbelievable at first until you take a look at the stats. Most of these accidents are caused due to left turns. Here is a helpful infographic about the dangers of intersections.
Philadelphia Car accidents attorney infographic

How To Respond to Possible Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident

 

Our Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Wieand Law Firm, LLC, knows that not every blow to the head results in a traumatic brain injury. TBIs range in severity from the mild to the severe. However, if you suspect that you or someone else has experienced a traumatic brain injury, it is to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. A TBI that seems mild may start to show signs of worsening over hours or days after the injury.

If negligence may have been the cause of your TBI, and you would like to know whether or not compensation is available from the at-fault driver, please call us at Wieand Law Firm, LLC. 

The Symptoms of a TBI

It is essential to recognize the symptoms that could indicate a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury. You should seek medical attention for them immediately. A TBI can result in profuse bleeding. Bleeding may flow from an open wound to the head or face, or it may manifest as discoloration around the eyes or behind the ears. This resembles bruising but is not the result of direct trauma to the area.

Symptoms of TBI also include neurological symptoms such as seizures, unequal pupil size, loss of balance, or weakness of the extremities. There may also be cognitive symptoms, such as confusion. A severe TBI may cause a loss of consciousness, slurred speech, or severe headache.

Additional symptoms of severe TBI include the following:

  • Cessation of breathing
  • Change of consciousness level without complete loss of more than a few seconds’ duration
  • Leakage of fluid from the ears and/or nose

Traumatic brain injuries are relatively common in children. Concerning symptoms in children include repeated vomiting, refusal to eat, and persistent crying. The signs and symptoms for adults may be present as well. In general, if you were injured in a car accident, and your head was jerked or hit in any way, you should get medical attention. After, you should call a leading Philadelphia car accident lawyer. 

First Aid for a TBI

If someone shows signs of a TBI after head trauma, it may be necessary to administer first aid until help arrives. The 911 dispatcher can usually tell you what to do, but here are a few pointers.

  • Monitor breathing and pulse, and if either stops, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Keep the person still, avoiding any unnecessary movement of the head and neck
  • Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop any bleeding, but be careful not to apply direct pressure to a suspected skull fracture.

Again, a 911 dispatcher may advise you on the right course of action for your specific situation. As a lawyer might explain to you, if you are unsure about how to care for yourself or another person who may have a TBI, you should let the dispatcher know. He or she may then advise you on how to proceed in a way that is the least harmful. 

TBI’s Can Have Lifelong Repercussions

Once the immediate danger has passed, then comes the process of recovery and rehabilitation. Many people never recover fully from traumatic brain injury. It might be appropriate to file a claim for damages if the injury was the result of someone else’s negligence. You can discuss your legal options with one of our lawyers when you call Wieand Law Firm for a consultation.

Other Serious Potential Injuries

There are so many ways that the human body can get hurt during an auto accident. The victim may have been cut by glass from a broken side window or was whipped so hard from the impact force that their neck sustained immediate whiplash. Bruises, lacerations, broken bones, emotional trauma, and head injuries are not uncommon for car accidents. When discussing your case with a member of our team, please be forthcoming about the extent and type of injuries you have, so a PA car accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

The most common form of injury from a car wreck is soft tissue injuries, where damage to the connective tissue occurs in tendons, ligaments, and/or muscles. Whiplash is frequently seen in car accident victims, where the head and neck muscles get rapidly forced forward and backward, or side-to-side, past its normal extension. If you have not yet gotten yourself examined by a doctor and chiropractor, we may suggest doing so as quickly as possible after the accident. 

Chest Injuries

Contusions or bruises can develop on the chest of someone who was in a car accident, which may result in damage to internal organs and broken ribs. The person driving the vehicle is more likely to have a chest injury due to the smaller area between them and the steering wheel. Seat belts can cause bruising on the chest upon impact, but this is preferred over the tragic repercussions of not wearing one. 

Leg and Arm Injuries

Extremities can get hurt because of the same heavy forces that cause traumatic brain injuries, a rapid change in direction, or sudden halt that makes arms and legs slammed around. The driver and passenger in the front seating may hit their knees against the bottom of the dashboard. The victim may have several cuts and bruising of their extremities. The injury to extremities can be excruciating and often require immediate medical care. 

Emotional Trauma

Victims of car accidents that were tragic are distressing and can result in emotional difficulties afterward. For example, someone who was part of a fatal accident where others passed away, may start having panic attacks every time they get into a vehicle. Emotional trauma should be taken seriously just like physical injuries. If you are dealing with anxiety, PTSD, depression, or other mental health challenges, please call us right now for help. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

When you leave your house in the morning, you probably do not expect to be involved in an accident. Unfortunately, a car accident can happen when you least expect it. Even though you put safety at the top of your priority list, not every driver does the same. As a result, you could suffer serious injuries in the collision. The first thing you should do is reach out to a doctor. Then, do not forget to visit a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, such as a lawyer from the Wieand Law Firm, who can conduct an investigation and see who is responsible for your injuries. What are some of the most common causes of car accidents?

Distracted Driving

One of the most common reasons why car accidents happen is that people are distracted. For example, someone could be too busy talking on the phone to pay attention to the road. Or, even worse, they could be trying to send a text message. If someone removes their attention from the road, the chances of having a car accident increase dramatically. This places everyone else on the road at risk. 

Drunk Driving

There has been a lot of attention paid to drunk driving during the past few decades. As a result, the rates of drunk driving accidents have fallen; however, there are still situations where drunk driving occurs. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can dramatically increase the chances of being involved in an accident. If you have been struck by a drunk driver, you need to see a doctor as quickly as possible. Then, reach out to a Philadelphia car accident lawyer who can help you. 

Speeding

There are a lot of people who believe that speed limit signs are simply guidelines; however, they are there for a reason. It is important for everyone to make sure they keep their vehicle under the speed limit. If someone speeds, they dramatically reduce the time they have to react to changing road conditions. For this reason, speeding can increase the chances of being involved in a car accident. 

Contact an Attorney

These are just a few of the most common examples of situations where a car accident could occur. If you have been involved in a serious accident, make sure you see a local doctor. Then, contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, such as an attorney from the Wieand Law Firm, who can help you. 

Questions To Ask When Meeting With a Car Accident Attorney

You’ve gotten injured in an auto wreck, and it wasn’t your fault. You want compensation for damage to your car, medical bills, and physical suffering. It’s time to hire a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Choosing the right one is a task you’ve likely never tackled before. Here are some questions you should ask when interviewing legal professionals. The responses you get are bound to shed light on which individuals are up to the job.

What Is Your Legal Specialty?

Some attorneys cover a wide variety of legal areas. Auto accidents are just one. You’re better off hiring a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. The more time your representative has spent understanding the nuances of this field, the better your chances of triumphing in court. The legal eagles at Wieand Law Firm are intimately familiar with this aspect of the law.

Who Will Work My Case?

It’s common for attorneys to pass their clients’ cases onto paralegals and partners at their firms. You want to know that the person you’ve vetted is going to be personally involved in your lawsuit. Ask the Philadelphia car accident lawyer you’re interviewing whether others will be taking over.

How Do You Charge?

Learn upfront about your legal ally’s fee structure. That way, there are no surprises down the road. Typically, accident attorneys serve on a contingency fee basis. They get nothing unless money comes your way. Like the attorneys at Wieand Law Firm, such lawyers are highly motivated to win.

When Will My Case Reach a Resolution?

Most victims do not relish the thought of being involved in long, drawn-out court cases. There may be financial concerns related to medical matters that make expediency relevant. The longer it takes to get awarded compensation, the more debt a plaintiff may accumulate from an inability to pay. Some attorneys prefer to settle out of court, whereas others lean toward a trial. While the latter option often results in heftier payouts, they usually extend for much lengthier periods than outside negotiations. Find out which option the attorney you’re questioning prefers and whether there’s an estimate of how long ending the matter will take.

Why Are You the Best Choice?

Discover whether the attorney you’re thinking about hiring has a decent record of courtroom success. The Philadelphia car accident lawyer you choose should also be friendly and easily accessible. Directly ask why this individual will be able to secure a victory. Selecting the right person could make a massive difference in your odds of success.

Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Gives Quick Tips for After an Accident

We know that after a car accident, victims usually experience two feelings: 

  1. They are either so full of adrenaline that they do not notice their injuries and feel that they got lucky after the accident (or)
  2. They feel their injuries immediately and find it hard to concentrate on anything else.

However you feel after a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should know that our team of lawyers is here for you. Below, we have listed a few quick tips for what you can do following an accident to ensure your safety and to help with a car accident claim. 

Tip #1: Always Check For Injuries

Remember, adrenaline is one of the first things that you feel after an accident. In some cases, this can be positive because it may help you get to safety after an accident has occurred and help you make sure that other passengers are okay and able to move to the side of the road safely. However, our car accident lawyer knows that adrenaline can also mask serious injuries. Before doing anything, check yourself for bruising, bleeding, lacerations, and areas of your body that are hard to move.

Tip #2: Get To Safety

We know that you may feel the worst is over immediately following an accident. However, if your car is in the middle of the road, there is a high possibility that another car or truck may hit you. If you can move, get yourself and other passengers out of the way and into an area where there is not likely to be further damage. 

Tip #3: Call the Authorities

We know that in minor fender benders, it may not make sense to call the police. However, when a severe accident has occurred that resulted in property damage and bodily injury, one of the first things you should do after an accident is call 9-1-1. The police can create a detailed report of the accident that may help you file a claim. 

Tip #4: Never Skip the Doctor’s Office

Our team has seen too many clients who believed they were uninjured after an accident skip going to their doctor’s office. This can do more harm to your case because an insurance company may not believe you were injured from the accident. Even if you feel fine immediately following the accident, see your doctor. 

We strongly encourage you to get legal assistance after a car accident. We can help you file documentation, protect your rights, advocate for your behalf, and safeguard you from further loss. Call Wieand Law Firm, LLC, to speak with our lawyer for car accidents in PA now!

Managing the Aftermath of a Car Accident

Working with our Philadelphia car accident lawyer is critical should you be suffering injuries and losses that have resulted from a car accident. There are a variety of ways that a car accident can occur; in the blink of an eye, your entire life can change. For a successful claim, it will be critical to gather substantial evidence to prove your case. At Wieand Law Firm, LLC, we will help you file a claim and work tirelessly to tie the evidence to the elements required to retain a favorable outcome for you. 

Common Types of Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can result in injuries and even fatalities. Unfortunately, car accidents are prevalent and can range in terms of severity. Common types of car accidents we have represented include:

  • Sideswipe Collisions
  • Rear-End Collisions
  • Side Impact Collisions
  • Head-On Collisions
  • Rollover
  • Collisions Involving Multiple Cars

Several factors might contribute to a collision: speeding, violation of traffic laws, distracted driving, driving while under the influence, inexperience, poor road conditions, and more. If you have fallen victim to a car accident, one of the first steps you should take is to contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Our team will review your case and determine the appropriate course of action.  

Proving Your Case

To take legal action, the plaintiff is responsible for proving that the key elements of personal injury are present:

  1. Duty of Care
  2. Breach of Duty of Care
  3. Injury Resulted
  4. You Suffered Damages

To reach a successful outcome for your case, it’s critical to seek medical care; you also must provide evidence in support of your compensation claim. Your lawyer will work to tie the evidence presented to your case to maximize the compensation you are entitled to. The following are types of evidence that should be collected when taking legal action:

  • Medical Documentation
  • Photographs/Videos of Injuries
  • Photographs/Videos of the Accident
  • Police Reports
  • Driver Information
  • Eyewitness Statements
  • Proof of Lost Wages

When facing the consequences of a car accident, no victim can manage losses on their own. The road ahead might be challenging, but the sooner you can gather evidence and take legal action, the better opportunity victims will have at a favorable outcome.  

 Important Questions To Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

At Wieand Law Firm, we want to help you reach your goals. You want to get the compensation you deserve, but it’s also important to take care of your health and your family. To make sure your case is handled the way you want, ask questions when you sit down with your Philadelphia car accident lawyer. What questions should you ask?

How Strong Is My Case?

The legal actions you take following a car crash often depend on the strength of your case. You need sufficient evidence to prove fault. If a driver working for a business was involved in an accident, you can take the business owner to court, but only if you can prove the company was negligent.

Your Philadelphia car accident lawyer will discuss these details to find out the specifics of your case. Afterward, our team at Wieand Law Firm can recommend options that provide the best chance of success. We can help make a strong case even stronger by gathering evidence and witness testimony if available.

What If I Am Partly At Fault?

This is a common question in Philadelphia because many automobile accidents involve a measure of responsibility on both sides. For example, the other vehicle pulled out ahead of you, but you were going over the speed limit.

What often happens is the settlement or court judgement assigns a portion or responsibility to each party. For example, if you were 25% responsible, the amount awarded may be 25% less. Of course, your Philadelphia car accident lawyer looks out for your interests and fights to get you the largest settlement possible.

How Long Will the Case Take?

Planning for your medical and financial needs is easier if you have a ballpark figure for how long the case will take. This is something you have to discuss personally with your Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Your attorney can give you a general estimate of the length of time you can expect your case to take.

Every case is different because insurance companies act differently. Sometimes, insurers are willing to settle quickly, and other times it’s necessary to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you need.

How Much Does Your Firm Charge?

There’s nothing wrong with asking a Philadelphia car accident lawyer for an overall estimate of costs. Some attorneys receive a percentage of the settlement (contingency fees) and others charge an hourly rate. The total cost depends on the complexity of your case.

Filing a Claim

After consulting with your lawyer, it may be in your interest to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer will work with you to determine the value for the case and submit a demand letter to the insurance company. Once the claim has been submitted, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. They may want to speak with you regarding your account of the accident. Be aware that it is to counsel with your lawyer or have their support before speaking with the adjuster. The insurance adjuster is not on your side, and they will be looking to pay out as little as possible for your losses. Once the adjuster has reviewed your case, they will likely offer a settlement. Much of the time, the first offer is much lower than it should be. This is a primary reason you will need a lawyer to assist with the negotiations process. They have the experience necessary to know whether you should accept the offer, or continue with negotiations. If a fair settlement is not made, it may be recommended that you pursue litigation.   

When taking legal action for a car accident, you need an experienced lawyer from Wieand Law Firm, LLC. Pursuing compensation from the insurance company can prove difficult on your own as adjusters will be looking to pay out as little as possible for your losses. You deserve a legal professional in your corner who will help you take action and obtain the compensation you are entitled to. For representation, you can rely upon, schedule a consultation with our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania car accident lawyer before it’s too late. 

If you are injured in a collision, a top Philadelphia car accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for:

  • Pain and Suffering
  • Wrongful death
  • Economic Damages such as hospital bills, lost wages and cost of repair of your vehicle
  • Future lost wages / loss of earnings capacity
  • Future medical treatment or surgeries related to your motor vehicle accident

A top Philadelphia car accident lawyer is intimately familiar with settlement values and verdicts in Philadelphia, PA. By choosing a car accident lawyer who focuses solely on personal injury, you can help to ensure that your attorney has the knowledge and experience necessary to secure full and fair compensation for your harms and losses resulting from the car accident.

Following a car accident, drivers should exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident. If you require emergency medical care you should not hesitate to take an ambulance to a hospital. If possible to do so safely, it is advisable to take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle where the vehicles came to rest, property damage, evidence of where the impact occurred or how fast the vehicles were going (such as skid marks on the highway and broken pieces of the vehicles in the roadway.)

Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should consult with a top Philadelphia car accident lawyer regarding the facts and circumstances surrounding your claim. You should avoid speaking to insurance adjusters in the heat of the moment. Insurance companies train adjuster to solicit information from drivers while they are vulnerable to use against them in court. Therefore, you should always speak with a top Philadelphia car accident lawyer before giving a statement to ANY insurance company.

If you are injured in a accident you want a top Philadelphia car accident lawyer to represent you. Car accidents often result in devastating injuries and can cause victims to lose wages and incur huge hospital bills. In addition, your vehicle may be totaled or inoperable affecting your ability to get to and from work. Certainly, a serious car crash can put your financial security in jeopardy and diminish your ability to support your family. With so much on the line, you need a top Philadelphia car accident lawyer to represent you in your time of need.

Speak with a top Philadelphia car accident lawyer immediately after an accident to protect your legal rights. The Wieand Law Firm is a leading personal injury law firm in Philadelphia PA. We have represented victims of car accidents for years. Our primary focus is getting you fully compensated for your injuries so that you are made whole following a wreck.

Car Accident Lawyer Near Me – Wieand Law Firm

To speak with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer call the Wieand Law Firm. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The firm is headquartered in Center City, Philadelphia, and has offices throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. Our Auto Accident Injury Lawyers are proud to represent New Jersey residents regularly handles cases in South Jersey areas of Cherry Hill, Gloucester, Vineland, Mt Laurel and Camden, NJ.
To discuss your car accident injury claim call us today at (215) 666-7777.

Disclaimer: This content is for information purposes only. It is not legal advice.

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