Allentown Car Accident Lawyer
Just about everyone who has driven for any amount of time on Pennsylvania’s roads has experienced some sort of “fender bender.” Indeed, most traffic accidents are minor and lead to nothing more than an exchange of insurance information and maybe a trip to the repair shop. Unfortunately, there are far too many cases where a car accident leads to more serious injuries.
When an accident is the result of negligent or reckless driving, the at-fault driver can be held legally responsible for their victims’ injuries. A skilled Allentown car accident lawyer can provide you with legal advice and representation in these matters. At the O’Donnell Law Offices, we assist clients who have sustained serious–and often life-threatening–injuries in what should have been an avoidable accident.
Pennsylvania’s “No Fault” Rules Can Limit Your Ability to Sue
At the outset it is important to understand that not every car accident can lead to a personal injury lawsuit, even when one driver was clearly at-fault. This is because Pennsylvania has a “no-fault” insurance system with respect to car accidents. As you probably already know, if you drive a car in Pennsylvania, state law requires you to purchase and maintain a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage.
Your insurance policy is then expected to provide certain “personal injury protection” following an accident. Basically, your insurer is expected to pay for your medical bills and other out-of-pocket losses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. But if your injuries meet a certain threshold, you can step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a claim for damages directly against the negligent driver or their insurance carrier. (The no-fault rules do not apply to property damage, such as the loss of your vehicle, so there is no restriction on your ability to pursue a negligent driver on that issue.)
Keep in mind, Pennsylvania’s no-fault rules can be quite complicated, especially if you have never dealt with the system before. What you may consider a serious injury does not necessarily meet the state’s threshold for going beyond no-fault coverage. And depending on what type of auto insurance policy you purchased, your options for seeking compensation may be severely limited. This is why it is crucial to consult with an experienced car accidents lawyer before pursuing any claims.
Pennsylvania also has a strict statute of limitations in personal injury cases, which is normally two years from the date of an auto accident. So it is important not to delay in seeking legal advice, as there are often complex factual questions that need to be sorted out before deciding whether to pursue a personal injury claim outside of the no-fault system.
Contact the O’Donnell Law Offices Today
If you have sustained serious injuries in a car accident, the negligent driver can be held responsible for your medical bills, lost income, and even your ongoing pain and suffering. So if you need to speak with an experienced Allentown car accidents lawyer, contact the O’Donnell Law Offices today to schedule a free initial consultation.
