What Does an Auto Injury Attorney Actually Do?

An auto injury attorney handles insurance claims, gathers evidence, and fights for fair compensation after a car accident so you can focus on recovery.

The phone call from the other driver’s insurance company will come sooner than you think. The person on the other end might sound friendly and concerned, but it’s critical to remember they are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line by paying you as little as possible. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded statement, hoping you’ll make a mistake that weakens your claim. This is where an auto injury attorney levels the playing field. They understand these tactics and act as a shield between you and the insurer, fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

Key Takeaways

• An attorney is your professional advocate: They manage the complex legal work and aggressive insurance negotiations, building a strong case on your behalf so you can focus entirely on your recovery.
• Protect your claim from the very beginning: Your first steps are critical. Always seek immediate medical attention, document everything at the scene, and never accept an insurance company’s offer before speaking with a Pittsburgh injury lawyer.
• You can afford expert legal help without upfront costs: Most auto injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win a settlement for you, removing the financial barrier to getting justice.

What Does an Auto Injury Attorney Actually Do?

After a car accident, you might wonder if you really need a lawyer. What does an auto injury attorney do that you can’t handle on your own? The short answer is: a lot. A skilled attorney does more than just file paperwork. They become your strategic partner, your advocate, and your shield against insurance companies, managing the complex legal details so you can focus on your recovery. From investigating the crash to negotiating a fair settlement, their job is to protect your interests at every turn and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Fighting for Your Rights

Think of an auto injury attorney as your personal advocate. Their primary role is to stand up for you and make sure your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process. After an accident, you’re vulnerable, and it’s easy to be taken advantage of by insurance adjusters or the other party involved. Your attorney steps in to ensure that doesn’t happen. They work on your behalf to build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages. An experienced injury law firm provides the aggressive representation needed to get you the justice you deserve.

Handling the Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating parts of an accident claim. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they have teams of adjusters and lawyers trained to do just that. A personal injury attorney levels the playing field. They are skilled negotiators who know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively. Your Pittsburgh auto accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company, submit the necessary documentation, and argue for a fair settlement. This frees you from the stress of back-and-forth calls and protects you from saying something that could weaken your claim.

Building Your Case with Evidence

A successful injury claim is built on strong evidence. Your attorney acts as an investigator, gathering all the crucial pieces needed to prove your case. This involves collecting police reports, tracking down and interviewing witnesses, obtaining your medical records, and documenting lost wages. In some cases, they may even hire accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists to provide expert testimony. By meticulously connecting the dots between the accident and the impact it has had on your life, your lawyer builds a compelling claim that clearly demonstrates why you are entitled to compensation. This thorough preparation is key to securing a favorable outcome.

Applying Expert Legal Knowledge

Personal injury law is complicated, with specific rules, deadlines, and procedures that can be difficult to understand. An attorney who specializes in auto injury cases brings a deep understanding of these complexities to your claim. They know the relevant state and local laws, how to interpret insurance policies, and what legal strategies are most effective. Your lawyer guides you through each phase of the claims process, explaining your options and helping you make informed decisions. With an expert like Attorney Sean Logue on your side, you have a knowledgeable guide ensuring your case is handled correctly from start to finish.

How to Choose the Right Auto Injury Attorney

After a car accident, choosing an attorney can feel like another overwhelming task on a very long list. You’re dealing with injuries, car repairs, and calls from insurance adjusters. The pressure is on, and you need someone in your corner who you can trust completely. But with so many options, how do you find the right person for the job? The key is to look for a specific set of qualities that separate a good attorney from a great one. You need more than just a legal representative; you need a dedicated advocate who will fight for you every step of the way. Taking the time to find the right fit is one of the most important decisions you can make for your case and your recovery. It’s about finding a professional who not only has the right skills but also gives you the confidence that your case is in the best possible hands.

Look for Specialized Experience

You wouldn’t ask a general family doctor to perform heart surgery, and the same principle applies to law. While many attorneys can handle a basic car accident claim, you need a lawyer who specializes in injury law when you’re facing serious injuries and a complex case. An attorney who focuses on auto accidents understands the specific laws and procedures inside and out. They are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and know how to build a strong case to counter them. While it’s important for new lawyers to gain experience, your future is on the line. You deserve an attorney who has dedicated their career to this specific field and has a deep understanding of how to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Check Their Track Record and Client Reviews

Past performance is a strong indicator of future success. Before you commit to an attorney, do your homework. Look for a lawyer with a proven history of winning cases similar to yours, as this can give you confidence in their ability to handle your claim effectively. Search for testimonials and read through client reviews to see what former clients have to say about their experience. Did they feel supported? Were their questions answered? Were they happy with the result? A reputable attorney will be transparent about their case history and proud to share feedback from satisfied clients. This research helps you find a firm that not only talks about getting results but actually delivers on its promises.

Prioritize Clear Communication and Availability

The legal process can be confusing, and the last thing you need is an attorney who leaves you in the dark. Excellent communication is absolutely essential. Your lawyer should be able to explain complex legal concepts in a way you can understand and keep you updated on the progress of your case. You should also feel comfortable asking questions and confident that you will get a timely response. When you’re trying to recover, you need to know your legal team is accessible. That’s why you should look for a firm that makes it easy to contact us and is available when you need them most, not just during standard business hours.

Find Someone Who Knows the Local Courts

Having a local attorney provides a significant home-field advantage. An experienced Pittsburgh injury lawyer who practices in the Pittsburgh area knows the local court systems in Allegheny, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. They are familiar with the local judges, the opposing lawyers, and even the jury patterns, which can be a major benefit for your case. This insider knowledge allows them to tailor a legal strategy that is most effective for the specific court where your case will be heard. An out-of-town lawyer simply won’t have this level of insight. Choosing a firm with deep roots in the community ensures you have a team that truly understands the local legal landscape.

How Much Does an Auto Injury Attorney Cost?

After a car accident, the last thing you need is another bill to worry about. It’s completely normal to wonder if you can even afford legal help when you’re already dealing with medical expenses and car repairs. The good news is that getting expert legal representation is much more accessible than most people think. At Logue Law Group, we believe everyone deserves a strong advocate, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we structure our fees to remove the financial burden from our clients, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.

How Contingency Fees Work

Most personal injury law attorneys work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This is a straightforward arrangement that puts your interests first. In simple terms, we only get paid if you win your case. Our fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the settlement or court award we secure for you. If we don’t recover any money on your behalf, you owe us nothing for our time and legal services. This approach ensures our goals are perfectly aligned with yours: to get you the maximum compensation possible. It also means you can hire an experienced attorney right away without paying any upfront costs.

Common Myths About Attorney Fees

One of the most persistent myths about hiring a lawyer is that it will cost you a fortune out of pocket. This fear often stops people from seeking the legal help they desperately need. For auto injury cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The contingency fee model was designed to level the playing field, giving you access to the same quality of legal representation as the large insurance companies you’re up against. You don’t need to have money saved up to have a powerful legal team fighting for you. Our priority is to protect your rights and build a strong case, not to add to your financial stress.

Understanding Other Potential Legal Costs

While our attorney fees are contingent on winning your case, every lawsuit involves some operational costs. These are expenses related to building your case, such as court filing fees, the cost of obtaining medical records, or fees for expert witnesses who may need to testify. A trustworthy attorney will always be transparent about these potential costs from the very beginning. During your initial consultation, we will explain how these expenses are handled. Often, they can be covered and then reimbursed from the final settlement, meaning you still won’t have to pay for them directly from your pocket.

Why You Should Take Advantage of a Free Consultation

The best way to understand your rights and options is to talk directly with an attorney. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. This meeting is your opportunity to tell us what happened, ask all your questions, and get a professional assessment of your case. It’s a risk-free way to find out if you have a valid claim and learn how our expert Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorneys can help. There’s no pressure and no commitment required. Taking this first step ensures you have the information you need to make the best decision for your future. You can contact us 24/7 to schedule yours.

Your First Steps After a Car Accident

The moments after a car accident are disorienting and stressful. Your adrenaline is pumping, and it’s hard to think clearly. But the actions you take right after a crash can have a huge impact on your health and your ability to get fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you protect yourself physically, financially, and legally. It’s about staying as calm as possible and methodically working through a few key steps to secure your well-being and preserve crucial evidence for your case.

This initial shock can make it tempting to just exchange information and leave, especially if the damage seems minor. However, what seems like a small fender-bender can lead to significant medical issues and vehicle repair costs down the road. By following a clear checklist, you create a solid foundation for any insurance claim or legal action that may follow. These steps are designed to protect your rights and ensure that you have the documentation needed to prove what happened and who was at fault. Think of it as setting yourself up for the best possible outcome in a difficult situation.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Your first priority is safety. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical help if anyone is hurt. Even if the crash seems minor, a police report is an essential piece of evidence. It provides an official, objective account of the incident, which is incredibly valuable when filing an insurance claim. The responding officer will document the scene, gather statements, and note any initial observations about fault. This report becomes a cornerstone of any future injury law claim, so make sure you get a copy of the report number before you leave the scene.

Document the Scene and Gather Information

If you are physically able, start documenting everything. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks on the road, traffic signals, and any relevant road conditions. It’s also a good idea to photograph your injuries. This evidence can fade or be cleaned up quickly, so capturing it on the spot is critical. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their accounts can provide an unbiased perspective on what happened.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking immediate medical care creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which is vital for your claim. Delaying treatment gives the insurance company an opportunity to argue that your injuries aren’t that serious or were caused by something else. Be sure to keep detailed records of every doctor’s visit, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Exchange Details with the Other Driver

You need to exchange essential information with the other driver or drivers involved. Politely ask for their full name, contact information, insurance company, and policy number. You should also get their driver’s license and license plate numbers. While you need to communicate to get these details, stick to the facts of what happened. Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Simply state what you observed. This isn’t the time to debate who caused the crash; that will be determined later.

Talk to an Attorney Before Your Insurer

Before you speak with the other driver’s insurance company, you should speak with an attorney. The other party’s insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to protect their company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They may ask you for a recorded statement to try to find inconsistencies or get you to say something that weakens your claim. An experienced Pittsburgh injury lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance companies for you, protecting your rights and ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve. You can contact us for a free consultation to understand your options.

When Is It Time to Call an Auto Injury Attorney?

After a car accident, your mind is likely racing. Between dealing with vehicle damage, medical appointments, and calls from insurance companies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might wonder if your situation really calls for legal help. While a minor fender bender with no injuries might not require an attorney, many situations do. Knowing when to make that call can be the most important step you take to protect your future.

An auto injury attorney is more than just a legal representative; they are your advocate. They step in to handle the complexities of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. From gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to negotiating with aggressive insurance adjusters, their job is to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. They understand the local court systems and the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, the best first step is to seek professional advice. A no-obligation consultation can give you clarity on your options and help you decide what to do next. The team at Logue Law Group is available 24/7 to discuss your case and provide the guidance you need.

If You Have a Serious or Lasting Injury

If you were injured in a car accident, you should always seek medical attention, even if you feel fine at first. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, don’t show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. If your injuries are significant, such as broken bones, a concussion, or anything requiring ongoing medical care, it’s time to call an attorney. An experienced injury law attorney will help you account for all your medical costs, not just the initial emergency room visit. This includes future expenses like physical therapy, surgeries, medication, and any necessary long-term care. Without legal guidance, you might accept a settlement that doesn’t cover these future costs, leaving you to pay out of pocket down the road.

When Fault Is Unclear or Disputed

Determining who is at fault in an accident isn’t always black and white. The other driver might deny responsibility, or there may be no clear witnesses. In Pennsylvania, the law follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as you are not found to be 51% or more responsible. This is where things get complicated. If the other driver or their insurance company disputes fault, you need a strong case to prove they were negligent. An attorney can launch a thorough investigation, gathering evidence like police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements. They may even work with accident reconstruction experts to build a compelling case that clearly establishes liability and protects your right to compensation.

If the Insurance Company Is Delaying or Denying Your Claim

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. This often means paying out as little as possible on claims. You might find that the at-fault driver’s insurer is delaying your claim, giving you the runaround, or making a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t come close to covering your expenses. In some cases, they may even deny a perfectly valid claim. You should never accept an initial offer or give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. Once you accept a settlement, you lose the right to ask for more money later. An attorney from our trusted firm will handle all communications with the insurance company, fighting back against their tactics and negotiating for the full compensation you deserve.

In Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles

Accidents involving three or more vehicles, like a chain-reaction pileup, create a tangled web of liability. With multiple drivers and insurance companies involved, everyone is likely to point fingers and shift blame. Figuring out who is responsible for your injuries and damages can become incredibly complex and stressful. In these situations, having a skilled lawyer is essential. They can cut through the confusion by conducting a detailed investigation to determine the sequence of events and identify all responsible parties. It’s possible that more than one driver shares fault for the accident. A Pittsburgh injury lawyer will work to hold every negligent party accountable, ensuring you can pursue compensation from all available sources to cover the full extent of your losses.

What to Expect from the Legal Process

The legal process after a car accident can feel intimidating, but it follows a clear path. When you work with an attorney, you have a guide for every step. Your lawyer’s job is to handle the complexities so you can focus on your recovery. From the first conversation to the final resolution, they will manage the paperwork, communicate with the insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf. While every case is unique, the journey generally involves an initial review, a thorough investigation, settlement negotiations, and, if needed, preparing for trial. Understanding these stages can help demystify the process and give you confidence that your case is in capable hands. An experienced injury law attorney will make sure you are informed and supported from start to finish, turning a confusing situation into a manageable plan of action.

Your Initial Case Review

Your first meeting with an auto injury attorney is a chance to share your story and get a professional opinion on your case. During this initial consultation, which is almost always free, you’ll discuss the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the impact it has had on your life. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and understand your legal options. Consulting with a Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney early on is crucial because it ensures you know your rights and can take the right steps within the legal timeframe. An experienced lawyer will give you a straightforward assessment and explain how they can help you get started.

The Investigation and Discovery Phase

Once you decide to work with an attorney, they will begin building your case. This is the investigation and discovery phase, where your legal team gathers all the evidence needed to prove your claim. They will collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and any other relevant documentation. A car accident law firm provides essential legal guidance during this stage, managing all communications and paperwork so you do not have to. This meticulous work forms the foundation of your claim and is critical for demonstrating the other party’s fault and the full extent of your damages.

Negotiating a Settlement

The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement, not a trial. During this phase, your attorney acts as your dedicated advocate, dealing directly with the insurance companies. They will present the evidence gathered during the investigation and negotiate aggressively to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. A skilled personal injury attorney works to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering without the need for a lengthy court battle. Their experience in these negotiations is invaluable, as they know how to counter the tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts.

Preparing for Trial if Necessary

While settling is the most common outcome, sometimes the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount. If that happens, you need an attorney who is ready and willing to take your case to court. This willingness to go to trial is a powerful negotiating tool in itself. Misconceptions about hiring a lawyer can prevent you from getting the help you need, but a trusted firm can mean the difference between a rushed, lowball payout and your full financial recovery. Your Pittsburgh injury lawyer will handle all aspects of trial preparation, from filing motions to preparing witnesses, ensuring you are positioned for the best possible outcome.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?

After a car accident, the first thing on your mind is likely your health and the immediate stress of the situation. But as the dust settles, you’ll start to wonder about the financial impact. Compensation, legally known as “damages,” is about more than just getting your car fixed. It’s designed to cover the full range of losses you’ve suffered because of someone else’s negligence. This includes everything from the medical bills piling up to the wages you lost while out of work.

The goal of an injury law claim is to help you recover financially so you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally. The total compensation you may be entitled to depends entirely on the specifics of your accident and the severity of your injuries. It covers tangible, easy-to-calculate costs as well as the intangible, but very real, impact the accident has had on your life. An experienced attorney can help you identify all of your losses, both present and future, to ensure you are asking for a fair settlement that truly covers what you’ve been through.

Current and Future Medical Expenses

Medical bills are often the most immediate and overwhelming expense after an accident. Compensation covers not just the initial emergency room visit and ambulance ride, but all related medical care. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and appointments with specialists. More importantly, it also accounts for future medical needs. If your injury requires long-term physical therapy, ongoing treatments, or even future surgeries, those projected costs are a critical part of your claim. It’s essential to consider the full scope of your medical journey, not just the bills you have in hand today.

Lost Wages and Future Earning Ability

An injury doesn’t just affect your body; it affects your ability to work and provide for your family. You can seek compensation for the income you lost while you were unable to work during your recovery. But what if your injuries are permanent? If an accident leaves you with a long-term disability that prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits your career potential, you can also claim damages for lost future earning ability. This calculation helps account for the wages, raises, and promotions you may miss out on over the course of your working life due to the injury.

Pain and Suffering

Some of the most significant impacts of a car accident aren’t visible on a medical bill. “Pain and suffering” is a legal term for the physical and emotional distress you experience. This includes the actual physical pain from your injuries, as well as the mental anguish, emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life that often follow a serious crash. For example, compensation can account for the emotional impact of permanent scarring or the chronic pain that keeps you from activities you once loved. While no amount of money can erase this suffering, it is a crucial component of your compensation.

Vehicle and Property Damage

This is the most straightforward type of compensation. It covers the cost to either repair your vehicle or, if it’s declared a total loss, provide you with its fair market value. This category isn’t limited to just your car. Any personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident can also be included in your claim. This might include a laptop, your cell phone, or even expensive child car seats that need to be replaced after a collision. While property damage is often the first thing an insurance company wants to settle, it’s important to remember it’s just one piece of your overall claim.

How Long Will My Auto Injury Case Take?

One of the first questions on everyone’s mind after an accident is, “How long will this take?” It’s a completely valid question. You’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and a major disruption to your life, so you want to know when you can expect some resolution. The honest answer is: it depends. Every case is unique, and the timeline can range from a few months to a few years. The length of your case is influenced by several key factors, from the severity of your injuries to the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly. Understanding these elements can help set realistic expectations from the start.

Factors That Influence the Timeline

The timeline for your auto injury case is shaped by a few critical components. First is the extent of your injuries. It’s essential to wait until you’ve reached what’s known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before settling. This means your treatment is complete, and we have a clear picture of your long-term medical needs. Another factor is the complexity of your case. A straightforward rear-end collision will likely resolve faster than a multi-vehicle pileup where fault is disputed. The strength of your evidence, like medical records and witness statements, also plays a huge role. A well-documented case can move much more quickly through the injury law process, as it leaves less room for the insurance company to argue.

Settling vs. Going to Trial

The path your case takes also dramatically affects the timeline. The vast majority of personal injury cases, around 95%, are resolved through a settlement. This is a formal agreement reached through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company, without ever stepping into a courtroom. Settling is almost always the faster route. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount for your injuries and losses, going to trial might be the only way to get the compensation you deserve. While only a small fraction of cases go to trial, this process is much longer. An aggressive attorney who is prepared to fight for you in court gives you the best leverage for a fair settlement. You can contact us to discuss which path might be right for your case.

Working Effectively with Your Attorney

Think of your relationship with your auto injury attorney as a partnership. You bring the facts and your personal experience, and they bring the legal expertise. For this partnership to succeed, you both need to be on the same page. Working effectively with your legal team means being an active participant in your own case. This collaboration is built on clear communication, a shared understanding of the process, and realistic expectations about the outcome. When you and your Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney work well together, you create the strongest possible foundation for your case and give yourself the best shot at a fair resolution.

Setting Communication Expectations

Open and honest communication is the backbone of a strong attorney-client relationship. Your lawyer needs all the information you have, even the parts you think might not be important. Hiding key details or delaying your responses can seriously hurt your chances of success. During your first meeting, ask your attorney how they prefer to communicate. Do they use email, phone calls, or a client portal? How quickly do they typically respond? It’s also fair to let them know what you expect. Establishing these ground rules early on prevents frustration and ensures you feel informed and supported throughout your case. Remember, this is a two-way street, so be prepared to be responsive when they reach out to you.

Understanding the Legal Timeline

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to a personal injury case. The legal system has its own pace, and it’s rarely as fast as we’d like. One of the most critical factors is the statute of limitations, which is a strict legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. While that might sound like a long time, evidence can disappear and memories can fade quickly. These legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, are not flexible. Missing one could mean losing your right to compensation entirely, which is why it’s so important to speak with an attorney soon after your accident.

Managing Your Settlement Expectations

It’s natural to want your case resolved quickly and for the highest amount possible. However, it’s important to understand that insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as they can. They often make low initial offers, hoping you’ll accept out of desperation. Your attorney’s job is to apply legal pressure and negotiate for a fair settlement that truly covers your losses. The reality is that most personal injury cases settle without going to trial, which is often better for you. Settling usually means you get paid faster and avoid the stress and uncertainty of a court battle. Trust your attorney to guide you on what constitutes a fair offer.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

The moments after a car accident are confusing and stressful. It’s easy to make a mistake that could impact your physical recovery and your ability to get fair compensation. Your adrenaline is high, and you’re likely not thinking with perfect clarity. Insurance adjusters know this and may try to use the situation to their advantage. Understanding the most common pitfalls can help you protect yourself and your claim from the very beginning. By avoiding these critical errors, you put yourself in a much stronger position to secure the resources you need to get your life back on track.

Accepting a Quick, Low Settlement Offer

Soon after the accident, you will likely get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. They might sound friendly and concerned, and they may even offer you a quick settlement. It can be tempting to accept, especially when you have bills piling up. However, these initial offers are almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth. Insurance companies want to close your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. Once you accept their offer and sign the paperwork, you lose the right to ask for more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you first thought. Always have an experienced injury law attorney review any settlement offer before you agree to anything.

Waiting to Get Medical Care

In the immediate aftermath of a crash, you might feel shaken up but otherwise fine. This is often due to adrenaline masking the pain. It is crucial to get a medical evaluation right away, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some common car accident injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Waiting to see a doctor not only puts your health at risk but also gives the insurance company an opening. They may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident because you didn’t seek immediate treatment. A medical record from right after the crash creates a direct link between the incident and your injuries.

Giving a Recorded Statement Without a Lawyer

The other driver’s insurance adjuster will ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. You are not legally required to do this, and you shouldn’t. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions designed to get you to say something that could hurt your claim. They might try to get you to downplay your injuries, admit partial fault, or speculate about details you aren’t sure of. Anything you say can and will be used against you to devalue or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a statement and tell them your attorney will be in touch. Let a Pittsburgh injury lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company to ensure your rights are protected.

Delaying Your Search for Legal Help

Evidence is a critical part of any car accident claim, and it can disappear quickly. Witnesses move or their memories fade, and physical evidence from the scene can be lost. In Pennsylvania, you also have a limited time to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, which is typically two years for personal injury cases. While that might sound like a long time, building a strong case takes a lot of work. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can start preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and handling the insurance companies on your behalf. Don’t wait until it’s too late. You can contact our team for a free consultation to understand your options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if the other driver’s insurance already offered me a settlement? Should I take it?

 It can be very tempting to accept a quick offer, especially when you have bills to pay. However, you should be extremely cautious. Insurance companies often make low initial offers hoping you’ll take the money and close the case before you realize the full extent of your injuries and expenses. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more later. It’s always best to have an attorney review any offer to make sure it fairly covers all your current and future costs, from medical care to lost wages.

I’m worried about paying for a lawyer. How can I afford one when I’m already dealing with medical bills?

 This is a very common and understandable concern. Most auto injury attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only receive a fee if we successfully win your case and get you a settlement or court award. Our payment is a percentage of that final amount. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. This arrangement allows you to get expert legal help without adding to your financial stress.

What if I think I might have been partially at fault for the accident? Can I still get compensation?

 You absolutely might still be able to recover compensation. Pennsylvania law follows a rule called “modified comparative negligence.” This means you can still receive damages as long as you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your final compensation would then be reduced by your percentage of fault. These situations can be complex, which is why having an attorney to investigate the details and build a case on your behalf is so important.

I was just in an accident but feel fine. Do I really need to see a doctor right away?

 Yes, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. The adrenaline from a crash can easily mask pain, and some serious injuries like whiplash or internal issues don’t show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking immediate medical care not only protects your health but also creates a clear medical record linking your injuries directly to the accident. Delaying treatment can give an insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or were caused by something else.

My case seems straightforward. Why can’t you tell me exactly how long it will take to resolve?

 While we can explain the steps in the process, it’s impossible to give a precise timeline for any case. The duration depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how long your medical treatment takes. It also depends on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. We want to ensure we have a complete picture of your long-term needs before we resolve your claim, and rushing the process could mean leaving money on the table.