Car accidents in Kingston, Pennsylvania, raise many questions for victims and their families. Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, understands the concerns that car accident victims have following these traumatic events.
If you’ve been injured after an accident in Kingston, call us today at (570) 714-4878 for a free consultation. Our Kingston car accident lawyers are here to guide you and explain your legal rights and options.
Read on for our answers to Kingston car accident frequently asked questions.
How Can Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, Help After an Accident in Kingston, PA?
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, understands the stress that follows a personal injury. Our Kingston personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for individuals injured in accidents.
Our comprehensive legal services for Kingston car accident victims include:
- Thorough investigation of the accident scene and circumstances
- Collection and preservation of critical evidence
- Consultation with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
- Negotiation with insurance companies on your behalf
- Aggressive litigation if necessary to protect your rights
- Guidance through the complex legal process from start to finish
Our Kingston car accident attorneys are available to discuss your case. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is My Kingston Car Accident Case Worth?
Several factors determine the value of your Kingston car accident case.
These can include:
- Severity of injuries – More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation amounts
- Medical expenses – Current and future medical costs related to your injuries
- Lost income – Wages lost due to time away from work and future reduced earning capacity
- Property damage – Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings
- Pain and suffering – Physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Insurance policy limits – Available coverage amounts from the at-fault driver’s insurance
A Kingston personal injury attorney can evaluate these factors to estimate the potential value of your claim.
What Damages Are Available to Accident Victims in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law allows most car accident victims to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages aim to compensate for measurable financial losses.
These may include:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modifications for disabilities
Non-economic damages address intangible losses that are much more difficult to calculate.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship (mainly in wrongful death cases)
Damages help accident victims recover both the financial and personal costs of their injuries. A Kingston car crash lawyer can help assess your accident to determine any damages you may be entitled to.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Kingston Car Accident Lawyer?
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, works on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases. This means you pay no upfront attorney fees or costs to begin your case. We only collect legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for your injuries.
Should I Report My Kingston Accident?
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage so significant that the car cannot be driven to local police. Even in minor accidents, having an official police report provides important documentation for insurance claims.
How Do I Get an Accident Report in Kingston?
Having a copy of your accident report is essential for insurance claims and potential legal action.
To request your accident report:
- Contact the investigating police agency directly
- Provide the accident date, location, and report number if available
- Pay the required fee, if any
Accident reports are usually available within 5-10 business days after the incident. If not, following up with the agency is a good idea.
Should I Provide a Written or Recorded Statement for the Insurance Company After a Collision in Kingston?
You should be extremely cautious about providing any kind of statement to insurance companies after your accident. While you must cooperate with your own insurance company, you are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurer at all.
An experienced Kingson personal injury attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. This way, you won’t accidentally say something that the insurance company can use against you.
How Can Comparative Negligence Affect My Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury cases. This means you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, you may not recover anything.
If you are found 50% or less liable, your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident and your total damages equal $60,000, you would receive $48,000 in compensation.
What Causes Car Accidents in Kingston?
Several factors can contribute to car accidents in Kingston and throughout Luzerne County. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) states that studies show most car accidents are caused by driver error.
Driver errors that cause car crashes in Kingston include:
- Speeding
- Drunk or impaired drivers
- Improper turning
- Careless/illegal passing
- Proceeding without clearance
- Distracted driving
- Tired or drowsy driving
- Tailgating
According to PennDOT, these factors account for the majority of traffic accidents statewide.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations gives you two years from your car accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and any other losses.
If you miss this deadline, you might be permanently barred from filing a lawsuit for damages in court.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Kingston?
Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident can protect your health and legal rights:
- Ensure safety – Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries
- Call 911 – Report the accident to the police and request medical attention if needed
- Document the scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries
- Exchange information – Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved
- Gather evidence – Collect witness contact information and note road conditions
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to check for hidden injuries
- Contact your insurance company – Report the accident promptly to your insurer
- Avoid admitting fault – Stick to facts when discussing the accident with others
Following these steps helps protect your interests and preserves important evidence for your potential claim.
When Should I Call a Kingston Car Accident Attorney?
You should contact a Kingston car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
This is especially true if:
- You suffered serious injuries
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- There are disputes about who caused the accident
- The insurance company is offering an unfairly low settlement
- Your claim has been denied or delayed
Early legal consultation helps protect your rights and ensures important evidence is preserved. Many Kingston accident attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Contact a Kingston Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Our experienced car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, today to schedule your free consultation with a Kingston car accident attorney.
