How to Protect Your Legal Rights to Compensation after a Pennsylvania Car Accident
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reports that there are hundreds of reportable car accidents across the Keystone State every year. Car accidents in Pennsylvania are so common that around 13 accidents occur every hour.
Car accidents in Pennsylvania cause considerable physical bodily harm, and many are fatal. There are approximately three people that die in car accidents every day. What this means is that one person loses their life every seven hours because of motor vehicle accidents.
Victims of Pennsylvania car accidents have rights, but they also have to follow procedures and rules as well. When you know what to do after a crash and what your legal options are for obtaining financial compensation, you will be better equipped to do what is necessary to get the full amount you are owed.
After a crash, you may have questions. Our Pennsylvania and South Jersey car accident attorney at Monaco Law PC has answers. Call today to speak with an experienced attorney.
How to Proceed After a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Crash
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people in the age range of one to 54 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For all age groups, they are the leading reason for non-natural death.
If your car accident resulted in injuries or death, or there was significant damage to vehicles, then you must call the local police and report the accident. An officer will then come out to investigate the accident scene, and they typically write a report about who was involved and, even potentially, what they believe happened. You should make sure to contact your local police station after the accident to request a copy of the officer’s report. When an officer does not arrive, a Driver’s Accident Report Form must be filed.
Pennsylvania drivers will have to purchase car insurance coverage to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state. Drivers can choose between limited tort coverage, or no-fault coverage. With this insurance, after a crash, a claim is filed with your own insurance. If you suffered severe damages and injuries, you can make a claim against the other party’s insurance.
The other type of coverage that can be purchased is full tort coverage. This insurance allows you to file a claim directly after a crash with the other party’s insurance without having to meet any standard for your damages.
The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania for filing a lawsuit after a crash is usually two years from the date the accident happened, although it can vary in length in specific instances.
Speak to a Pennsylvania Car Accident Injury Attorney Today
If you need help with a car accident injury claim, our Pennsylvania personal injury attorney at Monaco Law PC can assist you. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our Pennsylvania office.
We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Bucks County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Cheser County, Cumberland County, Delaware County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Montgomery County, Ocean County, Philadelphia, Salem County, and all of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
