Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident in Wayne County, PA? The at-fault driver may owe you significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and even your pain and suffering. Standing up to a powerful insurance company is rarely easy. An experienced Wayne County car accident lawyer at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC can help you fight for every dollar you deserve.
Between us, our trusted lawyers have over 100 years of experience in personal injury law. We’ve used our experience and knowledge of the law to recover over $150 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of personal injury victims.
You don’t have to handle the stressful insurance claims process alone. Our lawyers are prepared to handle every aspect of your case. Simply call (570)-714-4878 to schedule a free consultation with Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC today.
How Can Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Crash in Wayne County?
The amount of money you recover for your car accident injuries can have a massive impact on your future. Victims have only one shot at making a full financial recovery. You deserve a lawyer who will give you the best chance at recovering the maximum compensation possible.
Our Wayne County personal injury lawyers know every insurance trick in the book. If it seems like the insurance company is requesting a ton of information and acting like the crash was your fault, you’re not alone. Insurance companies often take advantage of vulnerable accident victims.
Our Wayne County personal injury attorneys can help you fight back. At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, our team has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Over the years, we’ve helped countless clients successfully resolve their cases.
We can help you walk away with the money you deserve by:
- Conducting our own investigation and locating the evidence to prove your case
- Documenting your damages
- Determining how much compensation your case is worth
- Hiring leading experts in fields like medicine, accident reconstruction, vocational rehabilitation, and more as needed
- Being prepared with strong counterarguments when the insurance company blames you
- Negotiating with the insurance company for the highest settlement offer possible
- Bringing your case to a jury if the other side refuses a full settlement
Our team is always available to discuss your options. Contact us today to get started.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were seriously injured, hiring an experienced accident lawyer can be critical. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to make sure you not only win compensation but recover the most compensation possible.
Whether you’re dealing with your own insurance company or a third-party’s insurance adjuster, they’ll work hard to minimize the amount of compensation you receive. After all, they have virtually endless resources to fight your case and maximize their profits.
An experienced attorney can help you fight back by:
- Investing their own resources to level the playing field and force the insurance company to take your case seriously
- Hiring expert witnesses who can testify and help resolve contested issues
- Anticipating victim-blaming insurance strategies designed to minimize your insurance payout
- Giving you the opportunity to focus on recovering from your injuries
The time after an injury can be critical. Your lawyer can jump in immediately and use their experience to help you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your case. It may not be obvious, but it’s never too early to seek legal advice after a crash.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Claim?
The circumstances surrounding your accident must be carefully evaluated before your lawyer can determine how much your personal injury case is worth.
Some of the most important facts relevant to your case value include:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Whether your doctors anticipate a full physical recovery
- The duration of your recovery
- The cost of your medical care, therapy, rehabilitation, and other expenses
- The impact of any impairment that remains after you’ve reached maximum medical improvement
- Damage to your quality of life
- Expected ongoing expenses related to medical treatment, in-home assistance, nursing care, etc.
- The overall impact of the injury on your earnings
- Whether you share part of the blame
- The strength of the evidence
- The insurance available to cover your damages
As you can see, many factors will be important to your case value. That can make it difficult for victims to understand how much money they really deserve. Unfortunately, insurance companies work hard to downplay a victim’s losses. They may offer you a settlement they’ve classified as “standard”.
The specific details of your case will determine how much compensation you deserve. All personal injury claims are different. You don’t have to settle for a “standard” settlement. Instead, call a lawyer who can conduct a detailed analysis of the losses you’ve suffered.
How Can Insurance Impact the Value of a Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania?
Every state has its own car insurance laws. Pennsylvania is classified as a “choice no-fault” state. Drivers have a choice as to the type of car insurance they purchase.
If you chose no-fault insurance, or “limited tort” insurance, you’ll typically seek compensation from your own insurance company. If you purchase at-fault insurance, or “full tort” insurance, you can sue the at-fault party for damages.
Full tort insurance is typically more expensive. That’s because it allows you to pursue compensation for non-financial losses, or pain and suffering damages. Victims with limited tort insurance are usually limited to compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is two years. Victims who fail to file a lawsuit before the two-year anniversary of the crash lose their right to sue for damages.
Different time limits can apply depending on the facts of your case. The identity of the defendant can be important. You could have more or less time to take legal action.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Car accident victims in Pennsylvania can suffer all types of losses. These damages can be physical, mental, and financial. As a victim, you can pursue compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages to make up for those losses.
However, the types of damages you recover will also typically depend on the type of insurance policy involved.
What Types of Economic Damages Can I Recover in Pennsylvania?
Economic damages compensate victims for any financial losses they have suffered due to the injury, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medications and medical devices
- Nursing assistance
- In-home assistance
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
Victims can seek compensation for all economic losses regardless of the type of insurance coverage involved.
What Types of Non-Economic Damages Can I Recover in Pennsylvania?
When a case involves “full tort” insurance coverage, the victim can pursue compensation for non-economic damages. When a victim has suffered a “serious injury”, they can seek non-economic damages even if limited tort insurance is involved.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental trauma
- Diminished quality of life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Chronic physical pain
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Your lawyer can help you determine whether your injuries meet Pennsylvania’s “serious injury” threshold. Typically, injuries that result in permanent or long-term damage qualify as serious.
Can I Recover Punitive Damages in Pennsylvania?
Possibly. Punitive damages are only available in cases where a defendant’s acts were especially shocking. When the evidence proves that the defendant’s acts amounted to a willful disregard for human life and safety, courts may award punitive damages as punishment.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys in Wayne County take cases on a contingency fee basis. Rather than charge upfront fees, personal injury law firms take a percentage of their client’s settlement or verdict.
Many victims hesitate to seek legal representation because they don’t think they can afford a lawyer. That’s simply not the case.
The contingency fee system means you can get quality legal advice without worrying about how you’ll cover costs while your case is pending. You’ll only pay if–and when–your attorney recovers compensation in your case.
What Happens to My Compensation Award if I’m Partly Responsible for Causing a Car Accident in Wayne County?
It’s common for at-fault drivers to blame victims after a car crash. Don’t panic if someone is trying to blame you. You don’t automatically lose your right to damages.
Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws, you can recover partial compensation if your share of fault is less than 51%. Once your percentage of fault reaches 51%, you’re unable to receive compensation.
Insurance adjusters know this law well. They often try to use it to their advantage. It’s one reason why hiring an experienced attorney can be so important if you were involved in an accident. Your lawyer can protect you from unfair insurance tactics and help you avoid making statements that could jeopardize your compensation award.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident claims can be successfully resolved through negotiations with the insurance company. However, there are always situations where a trial may become necessary.
It’s critical that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If the insurance adjuster refuses to pay a fair amount, you deserve an attorney with a proven track record of succeeding at trial.
Often, merely filing a lawsuit can motivate an insurance company to negotiate in good faith. That’s more likely to be true if you have an experienced trial lawyer on your team.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Wayne County, PA?
A few simple steps can keep you safe after a car accident in Wayne County. These steps can also protect your right to file a claim for compensation at a later date.
If you were involved in an accident, you should:
- Call 911, report the accident, and request emergency medical assistance if needed
- Remain at the scene of the accident. Leaving the accident scene is a crime in Pennsylvania. You can, however, move the vehicles to a safe location nearby if possible
- Exchange insurance information and contact details with the at-fault driver
- Collect evidence by taking photos and videos of the accident scene to document vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, etc.
- Exchange contact information with any eyewitnesses
- Resist the urge to apologize or accept blame for the accident
- Politely refuse to make any recorded statements for insurance before talking with a lawyer
- Seek medical attention as quickly as possible. The sooner you receive medical care, the easier it will be to prove the accident caused your injuries
It’s always a good idea to contact an experienced Wayne County car accident attorney. Most attorneys offer free case reviews. You can explain what happened and learn whether you have a valid case without any financial cost or risk.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Wayne County
Our team at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC has over a century of legal experience. We’ve handled virtually any type of car accident case you can imagine.
Some examples of our practice areas include:
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions are incredibly common. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy to prove your case. It can be tough to prove the other driver was distracted, speeding, or otherwise caused the crash. Our lawyers are here to offer the legal assistance you deserve, so contact us today to get started.
Rollover Accidents
SUVs and large trucks are most likely to rollover in an accident. That doesn’t mean a smaller passenger vehicle can’t be involved in a rollover. If you or a family member were hurt, call our accident lawyers in Wayne County today. We have the skills and resources to help you maximize your financial recovery.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections in Wayne County can be incredibly dangerous. They tend to involve multiple lanes of traffic, pedestrians, and various distractions. If you were injured, our attorneys in Wayne County are here to help in any way we can. Give us a call to start building your case today.
Speeding Accidents
Drivers are more likely to cause a crash when they exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions. Injuries are also likely to be more severe when high speeds are a factor. The accident report alone isn’t always enough to prove you deserve compensation. Our lawyers are prepared to help you navigate the legal system and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on car accidents can be terrifying. They can also cause devastating injuries to the chest, spine, and neck. If someone else caused your accident, you deserve to be compensated. Call our legal team to learn more about your legal rights today.
Fatal Car Accidents
Over a thousand Pennsylvania families were forced to grieve the loss of loved ones due to car accidents in a recent year alone. If you lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, our lawyers are here to help you fight for justice. Call our law firm in Wayne County to explore your legal options today.
Additional Practice Areas
We also handle car accident claims based on:
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Multiple vehicle crashes and pile-ups
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Highway accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
You don’t have to let the at-fault driver off the hook for your damages. We can help you file a claim and negotiate for every available dollar. Just call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Most often, another driver will be responsible for your damages. Still, there are situations where additional parties may be held legally responsible for a car crash.
Examples of the parties who may be legally responsible in a car accident injury case include:
- Negligent drivers
- The at-fault driver’s employer, if they were working when the car wreck occurred
- Trucking companies
- Companies hired to inspect or maintain commercial vehicles
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles or vehicle safety equipment
- Government agencies
- Negligent passengers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
In the end, most car accident victims end up dealing with insurance companies. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine who is ultimately liable. Then, they can locate the relevant insurance policies and help you navigate the insurance claims process.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
A serious car wreck can cause just about any type of injury, depending on the circumstances.
Some common examples of car accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Facial injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries and dislocations
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Any type of injury can have a significant detrimental impact on your life. If you suffered damages due to someone else’s careless driving, our lawyers are here to provide the legal assistance you deserve. You don’t have to wait until you’ve made a full recovery. Contact our law offices to arrange a free initial consultation as soon as you’re ready.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Wayne County?
In Wayne County and across Pennsylvania, negligence is the leading cause of car accidents. Negligence is a failure to use a reasonable amount of caution to prevent injuries to others.
More specifically, someone is negligent when they:
- Owed you a legal duty of care
- Due to a failure to use reasonable caution, they breached their duty of care
- Directly caused an accident due to their careless, reckless, or wrongful acts
- Caused the victim to suffer damages as a result
In the end, some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right-of-way at intersections
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Unsafe passing
- Dangerous or illegal turns
- Weaving between lanes
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Racing to beat a yellow light
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Inexperienced drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Hazardous road conditions
While it may be possible to recover insurance compensation without proof of fault, most victims must establish liability to receive compensation. That requires an understanding of why your accident occurred. Your lawyer can conduct an investigation to determine why your crash occurred and who is liable for your damages.
Statistics on Car Accidents in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publishes statistics on car accidents. They show that car accidents occur daily. In a recent year, 110,382 traffic accidents were reported across the Commonwealth. 66,563 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents, and another 1,209 victims were killed in fatal auto accidents.
In Wayne County alone, 449 traffic accidents occurred, and 207 of those crashes resulted in at least one injury. Nine people were killed in fatal car wrecks.
Contact an Experienced Wayne County Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation Today
Car accidents happen in seconds. In a matter of moments, a victim’s life can change in dramatic ways. If you were involved in a car accident, you shouldn’t have to handle the fallout alone. If someone else was responsible, an experienced Wayne County car accident attorney can help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.
When you hire Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, you benefit from an entire legal team that will handle every aspect of your case. You can rest assured knowing that your case is in good hands. Your consultation is always free, so don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more about how a lawyer can help.