If you were injured in a car accident in Scranton, PA, you may be entitled to compensation. Look no further than Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC. Our Scranton car accident lawyers can help you file a claim for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us at (570) 714-4878 to schedule a free consultation.
Our personal injury law firm has 100 years of combined experience and has recovered more than 150 million dollars for our clients. Our Scranton car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims secure maximum compensation. We’ll work hard on your behalf from start to finish.
How Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Can Help You After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA
A serious car accident raises many questions: Who will pay your medical bills? How can you get money for lost wages or damaged property? How do you prove the other driver was at fault? Our experienced Scranton car accident lawyers are ready to help you answer these questions.
When you work with our Scranton personal injury lawyers, we will:
- Investigate your crash: We collect crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction specialists to show exactly how the crash occurred.
- Calculate your damages: We look at all the costs you have incurred, including medical expenses, lost wages, and repair bills. We also consider future expenses and the impact on your quality of life.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to offer you less than you deserve. We work hard to negotiate a fair settlement that covers both your economic and non-economic losses.
- Manage all paperwork and deadlines: We handle the complex legal documents, filing procedures, and deadlines so you can focus on recovery.
- Represent you in court if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Our goal is to relieve your stress by managing the legal process from start to finish while protecting your financial recovery in Scranton, PA. Reach out to us today for a completely free consultation with a Scranton personal injury attorney.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Scranton?
Not every accident requires legal action, but hiring a trusted Scranton car accident attorney can make a significant difference.
Here’s why:
- Leveling the playing field: Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and corporate lawyers. With an attorney on your side, you have someone fighting for your rights against these powerful entities.
- Full claim valuation: A car accident can result in many losses—not just immediate medical bills. A skilled lawyer will assess all damages, including future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
- Disputing fault: Sometimes, the other driver or the insurance company may try to shift blame onto you. An attorney will gather evidence like traffic camera footage and expert reports to clearly establish the other party’s fault.
- Legal experience: Car accident law can be complicated. From local Scranton rules to broader Pennsylvania auto insurance laws, our attorneys know the system and will avoid mistakes or missed deadlines that could harm your case.
Research shows that accident victims who hire attorneys often receive a higher settlement than those who don’t. Our experience and dedication ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
What Is My Scranton Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your car accident claim depends on many factors. Every case is different, so there is no single number that fits every situation.
Some of the main factors we consider include:
- The severity of your injuries: Serious injuries like head trauma, broken bones, or spinal cord damage typically result in higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: All current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and other treatments are considered.
- Lost wages: If your injuries force you to miss work or affect your ability to earn income in the future, these losses are included in the compensation.
- Property damage: This covers the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress you experience because of the auto accident are also important factors.
- Comparative fault: Under Pennsylvania law, if you share some fault for the accident, your award may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our team works to minimize any such reduction.
- Strength of the evidence: The quality and quantity of evidence, such as witness statements and expert reports, greatly influence the final settlement amount.
Because every crash is unique, hiring a car accident lawyer is crucial to accurately evaluate your claim. Note that Pennsylvania also has unique “choice no-fault” car insurance rules. Whether you’ve selected “full tort” or “limited tort,” coverage could have an impact on your claim’s value as well.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Time is critical in personal injury cases. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of your auto accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This period is known as the statute of limitations. Filing your claim within this time frame is essential; missing the deadline can mean you lose your right to seek compensation.
There are some exceptions to this rule, depending on the specifics of your case. It is important to contact a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that all legal deadlines are met and that your claim is properly filed.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA?
In a successful car accident claim in Scranton, PA, you can recover two main types of damages: economic and non-economic. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence.
Economic Damages
These damages cover the clear financial losses you have suffered and may include:
- Medical bills: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost wages: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as any future lost earning capacity.
- Vehicle repair or replacement: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses: Expenses like transportation to medical appointments or necessary home modifications.
Our legal team will work to ensure you recover compensation for every loss you’ve incurred.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the more personal, non-financial losses and can include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain you have endured.
- Emotional distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, or stress resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy activities you once loved.
- Loss of consortium: In some cases, compensation for the impact on your relationships and quality of life.
Non-economic damages can be more difficult to prove, but our car accident lawyers are highly experienced in proving even the most complex claims.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the defendant’s behavior was especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future. They are awarded only when there is clear and convincing evidence of intentional or grossly negligent behavior.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Scranton?
Most car accident lawyers in Scranton, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. If you do not receive compensation, you owe nothing.
One of the main concerns after an accident is the cost of legal help. This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of your financial situation.
Our fee structure also aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you do. This motivates us to work hard to maximize your recovery and get you the best possible outcome.
Can I Get Money If I Was Partly at Fault for My Scranton Auto Accident?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 51% bar. This means that if you are partly to blame for your accident, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover any compensation.
It is important to have a strong defense to challenge any claims of shared fault. Our award-winning Scranton car accident attorneys work to collect evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert reports, to help prove that the other party bears the majority of the responsibility.
Will My Scranton Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases in Scranton are settled before they reach trial. Insurance companies prefer to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a court case. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial.
If your case goes to court, our experienced trial lawyers will represent you from start to finish. We prepare every case as if it will be tried, which shows insurers that we are ready to take the case to court if needed. Our goal is always to secure a favorable outcome, whether through settlement or trial.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
The steps you take immediately after a car accident can have a big impact on your case.
Here are some important actions to take:
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police. An official report can support your claim.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s license, insurance details, and contact information.
- Collect evidence: If it’s safe, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Ask witnesses for their names and contact details.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical check-up. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately, and medical records are essential for your claim.
- Do not admit fault: Avoid apologizing or admitting responsibility. Stick to the facts, and let the investigation determine fault.
- Contact an attorney: Before talking to insurance adjusters or signing any documents, consult a car accident lawyer who can guide you on your rights.
Following these steps helps protect your health and strengthens your claim.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle in Scranton, PA
At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident cases. We understand that each accident is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of our clients. Some common types of car accident claims we handle include:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are common and are often caused by distracted driving or tailgating. These collisions can lead to whiplash, back injuries, or even more serious harm. Contact our Scranton rear-end crash attorneys today.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a serious concern in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. Cell phone use while driving is especially dangerous, yet is far too common. You deserve compensation after this type of crash, and our Scranton distracted driving accident lawyers can help.
Intersection Accidents
These accidents occur at intersections and often involve T-bone collisions or head-on crashes. They may be the result of drivers running red lights or failing to yield. Learn more about your legal options when you contact our Scranton intersection accident lawyers.
Highway Accidents
Accidents on highways can be severe due to high speeds and the potential involvement of multiple vehicles. Our team works to gather evidence from traffic cameras and other sources to determine fault. Get in touch with our Scranton highway accident lawyers for legal assistance.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes are particularly dangerous and can result in serious injuries like head trauma or spinal cord damage. We investigate these cases thoroughly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our Scranton rollover accident attorneys today.
We can also help with many other types of motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- DUI accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Bicycle accidents
Contact a Scranton car accident lawyer with our team today for more information.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries in a Scranton Car Accident?
Determining liability in a car accident can be complex. In Scranton, multiple parties may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Other drivers: If another driver was speeding, texting, or driving under the influence, they may be held responsible for your injuries.
- Employers: If the driver was on the job, their employer might be liable if they failed to follow proper safety protocols.
- Manufacturers: In cases where a vehicle defect (such as faulty brakes or tires) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Government entities: Poor road maintenance or defective road design can sometimes lead to accidents. In such cases, a government entity might share liability.
Our respected Scranton personal injury attorneys review all evidence, from police reports to expert analysis, to identify all responsible parties. This thorough investigation helps ensure you have the best chance at a full recovery.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Broken bones, such as fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs
- Lacerations and soft-tissue injuries
- Burns or scarring from fire or chemical exposure
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries that have long-term effects on quality of life
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- In severe cases, wrongful death of a loved one
Each injury may require different medical treatments and can have lasting impacts on your life. Our goal is to help you get compensated for both your current and future needs.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Scranton
Car accidents are often caused by preventable factors.
In Scranton, some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, eating, or using a GPS can divert a driver’s attention.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a frequent cause of accidents.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic, can lead to collisions.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads more dangerous.
- Mechanical failures: Defective brakes, tires, or other parts can cause a vehicle to crash.
Understanding these causes is key to building a strong case as an injury victim. We work hard to collect evidence that proves how someone else’s actions led directly to your accident.
Call Our Scranton Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
A car crash in Scranton, PA, can upend your life, but you do not have to face it alone. Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC is here to help you get the compensation you need and deserve. With over 100 years of combined experience and more than 150 million dollars recovered, our Scranton car accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Scranton, PA, contact our office today for a free consultation. Remember: with our contingency fee payment structure, you only pay us attorney’s fees if we secure compensation for you.
