Were you injured in a car accident in Lackawanna County, PA? If so, call Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC at (570) 714-4878 for legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation, and our Lackawanna County car accident lawyers will fight to maximize your financial recovery.
Our legal team has 100 years of combined experience representing accident victims throughout Pennsylvania. We are a well-respected personal injury law firm with a proven track record of securing life-changing results for our clients. To date, we’ve recovered $150+ million in settlements and verdicts.
If you need help after a crash in Lackawanna County, contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
How Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Can Help You After a Car Accident in Lackawanna County, PA
The aftermath of an auto accident can be stressful and overwhelming. You may be facing serious injuries, costly medical bills, and financial uncertainty. On top of that, insurance companies often attempt to minimize settlements.
At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, we understand these challenges and have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for accident victims. Our skilled Lackawanna County personal injury lawyers have handled a wide range of complex cases, and we’ve secured significant recoveries for our clients.
When you choose our law firm in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, we will take care of every aspect of your car accident case, including:
- Clarifying your legal rights under Pennsylvania law
- Conducting a detailed investigation to establish liability
- Collecting crucial evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness testimony
- Accurately assessing your damages, including projected future losses
- Handling negotiations and communications with insurers
- Advising you on whether a settlement offer is fair
- Shielding you from bad faith insurance practices
- Pursuing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary
After a traffic crash, you likely have many questions. Our Lackawanna County personal injury attorneys are here to provide answers. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Handling an insurance claim on your own can be difficult. Insurance companies have teams of professionals focused on reducing payouts. However, studies show that accident victims who hire attorneys typically secure larger settlements.
Here are some of the ways hiring a lawyer will benefit you:
- The insurance company will work hard to minimize your injuries and pay you less than you deserve. By working with an attorney, you level the playing field and gain an advocate who will fight for rightful compensation.
- If your case is especially complex, you may require experts to provide insight. That could include medical professionals, an accident reconstructionist, or even financial advisors. A skilled lawyer will know who to call for help.
- Your attorney will handle every part of the legal process. That could include investigating, collecting evidence, negotiating, and court representation if necessary.
Above all else, you should be focused on your recovery, not a complicated legal battle. We can deal with every facet of your case as you heal from your injuries and rebuild your life.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Determining the value of a Pennsylvania personal injury case requires a thorough evaluation of several factors. Each claim is unique, and compensation varies based on individual circumstances.
We will assess the following elements to determine your case’s worth:
- The severity of your injuries and their long-term effects
- The extent of medical treatment needed, including in the future
- Your lost income and potential changes to your earning capacity
- The physical pain and emotional distress you have endured
- Insurance policies, coverage limits, and the liable parties involved
- Whether you share any blame for the collision
More severe injuries typically result in more compensation due to extensive medical costs, prolonged recovery, and lasting personal impacts. However, every case has unique considerations.
Our Lackawanna County car accident attorneys will ensure that your damages are fully evaluated to maximize your financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions that alter this timeframe.
For instance, if your crash involved a government vehicle, you may face shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements. Missing the applicable statute of limitations can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Promptly speaking with a Pennsylvania car accident attorney is essential. Acting quickly will help you preserve evidence, strengthen your claim, and ensure that your rights are fully protected.
What Types of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident in Lackawanna County?
Car accident victims in Lackawanna County may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages account for your financial losses resulting from the collision, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs for travel, childcare, and other reasonable expenses
Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced quality of life
Our experienced car accident lawyers in Lackawanna County will identify your losses and fight to secure full and fair compensation for them.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Lackawanna County?
Most car accident attorneys in Lackawanna County, including those at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront for our services, and we only collect attorney’s fees if we secure compensation on your behalf.
If we win your auto accident case, we will receive an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or award. Therefore, you never owe us anything out-of-pocket – no hourly charges or retainers. This allows you to access skilled legal representation without financial worries.
We will explain this arrangement to you and answer your questions during your free case review.
Can I Get Money If I Was Partly At Fault for a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
It depends on your level of responsibility. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar to recovery. If an accident victim shares more than 50% of the blame for their injuries, they are barred from receiving compensation. However, if they are 50% or less at fault, they can recover a reduced award.
For example, if you are deemed to be 20% responsible for a traffic collision, your damages will be reduced by 20%. If you’re 51% (or more) to blame, you wouldn’t be entitled to anything from the other party.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to limit payouts. Our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers will push back against unfair allegations and present strong evidence to protect your right to compensation.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Probably not. Most injury claims (around 95%) are resolved through negotiations. Reaching a settlement is usually a faster and less expensive option than going to trial.
However, you may need to litigate and go to court if:
- The insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount to settle
- Liability is disputed or complex issues arise
- Multiple parties are involved in your case
- You suffered significant damages
If you hire a respected Pennsylvania trial attorney, the other side will be more likely to take your case seriously. They won’t want to risk facing off against us in the courtroom. However, if settlement negotiations fail or if litigation becomes necessary, we’ll be prepared to advocate for you.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Lackawanna County?
Motor vehicle accidents often leave victims unsure of what to do next. However, the actions you take in the aftermath can impact your rights and ability to recover compensation.
If you’re involved in a collision in Lackawanna County, follow these steps (if possible) to protect yourself and your potential claim:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Pennsylvania law requires you to report crashes that result in injury, death, or significant vehicle damage. An official accident report can be crucial evidence for your case.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
- Do not admit fault. Even casual remarks can be misinterpreted and used against you. The full circumstances of the accident may not be immediately clear, so wait for an investigation to be completed.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not present symptoms immediately. Medical records will be critical in linking your injuries to the accident.
Before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster, consider consulting an experienced car accident attorney in Lackawanna County. A lawyer can guide you through the process and communicate on your behalf.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, we help auto accident victims after various kinds of crashes, including the following:
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions are often caused by distracted driving, tailgating, and sudden stops. Even at low speeds, they can lead to painful injuries like whiplash and spinal damage. Our Lackawanna County rear-end crash attorneys will work to establish fault and negotiate with insurers as you focus on your recovery.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are among the most severe, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. These accidents may be caused by reckless driving, impaired motorists, or wrong-way entries. Our Lackawanna County head-on crash lawyers fight to hold responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for victims.
Intersection Accidents
Many wrecks occur at intersections due to failure to yield, running red lights, and distracted driving. These accidents frequently lead to severe injuries for drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Our Lackawanna County intersection accident lawyers investigate these incidents to build strong cases for our clients.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Fleeing the scene of a crash is illegal in Pennsylvania, but hit-and-run accidents still occur. If the at-fault driver cannot be located, you may still be able to recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. Our Lackawanna County hit & run accident attorneys will explore all available legal options.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?
Determining liability in a Pennsylvania car accident case depends on the specific circumstances. Any individual who contributed to the crash could share accountability, meaning multiple parties could be responsible.
Examples include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial trucking companies
- Motorcycle riders
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Government entities (e.g., for poor road maintenance)
- Vehicle manufacturers (e.g., if defective auto parts caused the crash)
- Employers (e.g., if the negligent motorist was on the job when the collision occurred)
Liability isn’t always straightforward. However, our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the details of your accident to identify all potentially responsible parties.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions.
Common auto accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis and nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
In the most devastating cases, car accidents can lead to fatalities. If you’ve lost a loved one, our Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice and financial relief.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC today for a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Negligent driving behaviors are the most common cause of auto collisions. In other words, many of these incidents could be avoided by paying attention, following traffic laws, and driving safely.
The following tends to lead to the most car accidents:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating behind the wheel
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
- Drunk driving
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failing to check blind spots
- Drowsy driving
- Road rage
Sometimes, dangerous or defective auto parts, unsafe road conditions, or bad weather can also contribute to crashes. It’s essential to identify the exact causes to determine who is liable for your injuries.
Lackawanna County Car Accident Stats
Lackawanna County only makes up around 1.7% of the state’s population. However, the area experiences thousands of accidents each year, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities.
According to Pennsylvania’s most recent crash statistics, Lackawanna County experienced 2,307 collisions in 2023. Of these accidents, 1,036 resulted in injuries and 18 caused deaths.
The county also saw six pedestrian fatalities in 2023, the highest number in at least five years.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Lackawanna County
Auto accidents can happen anywhere. However, some intersections and roads in Lackawanna County are especially prone to collisions due to factors like high traffic volume, complex road designs, and driver behavior.
Some of the most noteworthy high-risk roads and intersections in and around Lackawanna County include:
- Route 435
- Route 6
- Brooklyn Street
- US-6 near the Carbondale exits
- Belmont St (PA-171) near Carbondale
- Fallbrook St (PA-106)
- Pittston Ave & Orchard St in Scranton
- Canaan St & US-6 BUS/Roosevelt Hwy in Carbondale
It’s important to exercise extra caution when driving in these areas and throughout Lackawanna County to help prevent accidents. Always be aware of your surroundings, obey traffic laws, and adjust your driving to road/traffic conditions.
Call Our Lackawanna County Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you were injured in an auto accident in Lackawanna County, PA, Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC is here to help. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may be facing, and we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
With a century of combined experience, we have the resources and knowledge to fight for your rights and best interests. Call our Lackawanna County car accident attorneys today for a free case review and legal guidance. There are no fees unless we win your case.
