How Do You Know When You Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Car accidents can be a frightening and emotional time for everyone in the vehicle, especially when there’s an injury. Unfortunately, many drivers will experience at least one serious motor vehicle accident in their lifetime. We know how overwhelming it can be to think about legal issues when trying to heal from an injury, so we want to take as much anxiety out of this situation as possible.
At Westmoreland Injury lawyers, we have helped many of our neighbors here in Greensburg, PA, through the complex process of navigating the legal system and their car accident cases after an automobile accident. When you need a car accident attorney to help you through this process, you can rely on us to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Does It Mean that Pennsylvania is A No-Fault State?
Pennsylvania car accident laws are unique because each driver receives some compensation from their insurers regardless of who was at fault, which is not the case in most states across the country. Because of these unique laws in PA, all parties involved should carefully document what happened and any damage to their vehicles with photos after an accident.
Despite the “no-fault” laws in Pennsylvania, this does not mean that one driver will not be assigned blame. When speaking with the other driver about the accident, do not admit fault by apologizing or incriminating yourself in the accident.
Limit what you say and keep your interactions brief with the other people involved in the accident and the first responders or police on the scene. Having a car accident attorney on your side when you speak with the other drivers or the insurance companies will help you stay on the right path toward compensation and healing.
What is Tort Law?
When you are in a car accident, you may hear about tort law or tort coverage. We have a blog that discusses this meaning in great length, but let us give you a basic definition for this informational piece. Tort law is a part of civil law determining which acts or omissions violate general social duties and cause harm. The origins of the word “tort” come from the French and Latin languages, from words that mean “a wrong” or something that is “twisted or unjust.”
In Pennsylvania, full tort coverage car insurance means that if you are involved in an accident, you have the right to sue the other at-fault driver for non-monetary damages, including things like pain and suffering or emotional distress. Full tort coverage is also called full coverage insurance in PA.
If you have limited tort coverage, you are less likely to obtain compensation after an accident. If your car is covered under full tort insurance, you will have better outcomes when dealing with your insurance company.
How Soon is Too Soon to Call a Car Accident Attorney?
When you have sustained an injury due to a car accident, you will need to be able to prove you have had damage to your person or property to be compensated. It is never too early to speak with a car accident attorney about your accident.
Of course, after you have been injured in an accident, you should seek medical help immediately. If your injuries are severe, make sure you take care of yourself before thinking about a car accident case.
Even if you feel your injury or the damage to your vehicle wasn’t severe enough to warrant a discussion with a car accident attorney, it will not cause any harm to speak with a legal professional about what happened. Let them help you decide if you have a case, and if you do, they will work with you to show the insurance company the extent of your injuries.
Insurance companies have a team of lawyers who will begin to assess your injuries as soon as you file an accident claim. To receive the compensation and justice you deserve in your car accident case, you should always speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible, so you do not have to face the insurance company’s lawyers alone.
What If I Think My Accident Doesn’t Require a Car Accident Attorney?
The circumstances of every car accident are different. Whether you have been involved in a fender-bender where your vehicle has only received minor damage or a more catastrophic accident with more severe injuries, you may need guidance from a car accident attorney. Let one of the experienced car accident attorneys at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers determine if you have a case or not.
Want to Speak with A Car Accident Attorney?
At Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the legal process after a car accident. One of our experienced car accident attorneys will talk to you about your case and decide what the next steps are so you can heal without the added stress of going through the legal process without representation.
Do not hesitate to contact us when you are ready to speak about your accident and learn what you can do to get the justice you deserve.
