Car Accidents Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in 2019, there were 125,267 reportable traffic crashes in Pennsylvania, injuring 76,243 persons and claiming 1,059 lives. Being involved in an auto accident can be a devastating and painful experience. If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent party, you are within your rights to seek fair compensation for your injuries.

The moments after being involved in a car crash can be confusing to sort through. At Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C., we are committed to offering strong representation in personal injury and car accident-related matters. As experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys, we will fight compassionately to protect your rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C. represents car accident victims throughout Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Liability and Insurance
Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a “choice” no-fault state meaning that individuals may choose no-fault insurance or they may opt-out. Those that choose no-fault insurance would utilize their own car insurance coverage to pay for medical treatments and other accident-related expenses when injured in an accident. In order to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver, the injuries would need to meet certain thresholds set by state law.

Those individuals that “opt-out” of no-fault insurance would have limited access to financial compensation through the insurance policy but would be allowed to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. Depending on whether your coverage is limited tort or full tort determines the extent of damages that may be recovered.

Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of:

• $15,000 bodily injury per person per accident

• $30,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident

• $5,000 property damage per accident

Filing a Claim

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Statute of Lamination Act, 42 Pa. Con. Stat. Ann. section 5524:

“An action to recover damages for injuries to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another must be commenced within two years.”

Additionally, the state of Pennsylvania uses a modified contributory negligence rule to determine the amount of compensation a plaintiff is entitled to following a car accident. This means that the amount of compensation that an individual is able to recover is reduced by the percentage of their fault in the accident. For example, if it is determined that the plaintiff was 10% at fault for the accident and the court awarded a $10,000 settlement, then the final amount owed to the plaintiff would be $9,000. Using this same reasoning, a plaintiff can be no more than 50% at fault for an accident in order to recover damages.

Wrongful Death

The aim of the wrongful death action is to compensate the family members or loved ones of a decedent for the decedent’s death caused by a negligent party. According to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act, 42 Pa. Con. Stat. Ann. section 8301, when an individual dies as a result of another person’s negligence, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Auto accidents often have significant long-term consequences on the victims’ lives. You may be affected financially, emotionally, and physically. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and pursuing your rightful compensation.

At the Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C., our attorneys have dedicated their careers to handling personal injury and car accident matters. As your legal counsel, our team can help:

• Fight zealously to protect your rights and represent your best interests

• Provide a comprehensive case review and carry out a detailed investigation

• Gather necessary information and every required piece of evidence and documentation

• Prove fault and liability

• Determine and estimate case-value

• Handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf while you recover

• Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provided

• File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, if needed

Our attorneys will fight passionately to help you recover fair financial compensation for your injuries, property damages, lost wages, pain, and suffering.