What Happens When You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Being hurt in a motor vehicle accident can leave you overwhelmed and wondering how you will pay for your medical bills and other expenses. If you’re injured as a passenger, It can be challenging to figure out who may be responsible for damages. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case, determine who may be at fault, and identify all possible sources of compensation. Who may be liable will depend on the specific situation.

Options for Filing a Car Accident Claim as an Injured Passenger

File a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

If another motorist caused an accident, and you were injured, you can file a claim against his/her insurer. However, if multiple people were injured, and the at-fault driver has low insurance policy limits, the amount of compensation you receive may not be enough to cover all types of damages. When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, things can get even more complicated. Hiring an accident attorney can help take the weight off of your shoulders and significantly increase your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation you need and deserve.

File a Claim With Your Driver’s Insurer

You may also be able to have your medical bills and some other accident-related expenses covered by the insurer of the person who was driving the car you were in, regardless of who was at fault. In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage included in their vehicle insurance policy. Again, depending on the driver’s insurance policy limits, PIP may or may not be enough to cover all of your medical bills and wage loss.

If the driver of the car you were riding in as a passenger is at fault, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering from the liability coverage on the driver’s policy. People are often hesitant to file a claim with a friend’s or family member’s insurance company. However, you are not trying to get money from them personally, but rather are seeking compensation from their insurer. Once you file a claim, it will be between you and the insurer, and your loved one will likely not be involved. If you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will handle all communications and negotiations with insurers.

File a Claim with Your Own Auto Insurance Company

If you have your own car insurance policy with PIP, MedPay, or uninsured /underinsured motorist coverage, you can use it to pay your medical bills and damages even though you weren’t driving. You may also be able to use your health insurance to cover medical costs. However, some insurers may require you to exhaust auto insurance claims first.

Dealing with multiple insurers can be frustrating and time-consuming. Our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers provide free case evaluations and give you a straightforward assessment of your claim.  If your claim proceeds, we handle all aspects of your case, act as your strong advocates, and fight to help you recover the full and fair amount of compensation you need to protect your health and financial security.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/what-happens-when-youre-injured-as-a-passenger-in-a-motor-vehicle-accident/

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Who is Responsible When You Are Hurt in a Truck Accident?

Determining who may be responsible for damages when you have been injured in a truck accident is challenging. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, finding a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in handling these types of claims is critical to ensuring all liable parties are held accountable.

Truck Accident Cases Are Complex

Truck accident cases are very different from auto injury claims. Because of their large size and weight, semis and other commercial vehicles are more prone to causing life-altering injuries and fatalities when involved in an accident. Crashes involving passenger vehicles can be deadly as well, but the claims process for recovering damages typically involves only two insurers. In truck accident cases, multiple parties may be liable, which means you need experienced accident injury lawyers who know how to track down all possible sources of compensation and prove liability.

Multiple Parties May Be Liable For Damages

Identifying the persons or entities responsible for damages after a truck accident comes down to the circumstances surrounding the crash, and whether a driver is a company employee, independent contractor, or owner-operator of a truck. This can get tricky, as a trucking company may try to deny a driver’s status as an employee or contractor in order to avoid liability. Not only that, the negligence of multiple parties may play a part in why an accident occurred. Depending on the circumstances, liability may lie with multiple parties, including the:

● Truck driver

● Trucking company

● Cargo loader

● Parts and/or vehicle manufacturer

● Maintenance company or repair shop

● Other motorists

Truck accident cases are very complicated when more than one party is potentially liable for damages. Filing claims with multiple insurers is stressful and overwhelming, and it is the last thing you want to deal with when you have been hurt and are trying to heal.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer to Determine Liability

There are countless scenarios in which a truck accident can occur. For example, if a crash was caused by faulty brakes but the trucking company failed to do required checks and maintenance so the problem was not detected, both the brake parts manufacturer and trucking company could be liable for damages.

An insurer may claim that you or another party is fully or partially at fault a crash. If you do share liability for the accident, this makes sorting out who is responsible for damages even more challenging. A truck accident attorney can take the weight off your shoulders by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, handling communications and negotiations with insurers, and fighting to help you recover the full amount of compensation you need and deserve.

It is also important to hire knowledgeable Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers who are familiar with the rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the motor carrier industry in the United States.

A Truck Injury Attorney Provides Compassionate Legal Support

It can be easy to underestimate the physical, emotional, and financial costs of being injured in a truck accident. Many trucking companies have powerful insurance companies on their side and will do everything they can to minimize or deny your claim. Your lawyer will ensure that the severity and scope of your injuries and losses are accurately calculated, and provide the aggressive legal representation you need to protect your health and financial security.

Our personal injury lawyers in Chester County, PA are dedicated to helping make things right for injured victims and their families.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/who-is-responsible-when-you-are-hurt-in-a-truck-accident/

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How Much is Pain and Suffering Worth in a Personal Injury Claim?

The calculation of economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage is fairly straightforward when determining the value of a personal injury claim. However, putting an accurate number on damages like pain and suffering requires the experience and knowledge of seasoned accident injury lawyers. There are several different factors to consider when determining these damages, and understanding how they are calculated can give you a better idea of what your case may be worth. 

What is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering damages are compensation for the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury. Although the legal terminology for pain and suffering varies from state to state, generally it may include:

• Physical pain 

• Emotional distress

• Mental anguish

• Disfigurement 

• Embarrassment

• Loss of enjoyment

• Loss of consortium

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can have a serious impact on a victim’s quality of life. That’s why it is critical to have a skilled personal injury lawyer who knows the importance of putting an accurate value on pain and suffering damages. 

Important Factors to Consider

There is no set formula for the calculation of damages for pain and suffering, as each case is unique and every injured victim copes with their physical and emotional hardships in their own way. However, accident attorneys take a number of factors into account, including:

• The type and severity of a victim’s injuries

• Whether they have suffered disfigurement or permanent disability

• The impact a victim’s injuries have had on their daily activities 

• Whether they will be able to work or do the things they used to enjoy

• The duration of their recovery 

• Whether it is possible for a victim to fully recover from their injuries

• The physical pain associated with their injuries

• Any stress, fear, depression, and anxiety caused by their injuries

• The impact a victim’s injuries have had on their personal relationships

A good attorney will know what type of evidence is required to show the extent of pain and suffering. Evidence such as personal journals, medical records, and expert witness testimony can all play a role in building a solid claim for pain and suffering damages. 

Methods for Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages

In some cases, pain and suffering damages may be calculated using the multiplier or per diem methods. 

When using the multiplier method, your lawyer will take the total amount of your medical bills and multiply it by 1.5 to 5 times to calculate pain and suffering damages. Usually, the more severe your injuries are and the longer it takes to recover, the higher the multiplier will be. 

With the per diem method, the number of days from the date of your injury to the date your doctor releases you is multiplied by a daily rate (per diem). For example, if your per diem is $300 and it took you 500 days to recover, you would claim $150,000 in pain and suffering damages. 

Your attorney will assess your specific circumstances and consider the facts of your claim and the impact of your injuries to determine a reasonable amount for pain and suffering damages. Before accepting a settlement, it is also a good idea to speak to an estate planning attorney to ensure that any compensation you receive is distributed as you wish in the event of your passing. 

Understanding the multifaceted aspects of pain and suffering damages can be challenging. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to find out more about how they can help protect your rights and interests.   

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-much-is-pain-and-suffering-worth-in-a-personal-injury-claim/

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slipping on an icy sidewalk or tripping over a loose rug can have life-changing repercussions, including serious injury or death. According to the National Safety Council, 35,000 people died from slip and fall accidents in 2019 alone. Although sometimes falls are inevitable, being aware of common dangers can help you stay safe. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident, a personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your options. 

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Wet or uneven surfaces – More than 50% of slip and fall accidents are caused by dangerous walking surfaces. Some hazardous conditions that can cause injuries include:

• Spilled liquids

• Cluttered floors

• Loose rugs or torn carpets

• Missing or loose floorboards and stairs

• Defective, cracked, or pitted outdoor walkways

• Potholes in parking lots

• Recently mopped or waxed floors

Broken or defective handrails – Slip and fall accidents also may occur on staircases. Reaching for a handrail for stability while walking up or down the stairs is a natural thing to do, but if the railing is broken or loose, it can throw you off balance and result in a catastrophic injury. 

Weather conditions – Both indoor and outdoor slip and fall injuries can occur due to weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. Property owners have an obligation to ensure that sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances are free of hazards, regardless of how bad the weather may be. If a property or business owner fails to clear ice and snow and someone falls, they may be liable for any injuries.

Nursing home neglect – Falls are common among people age 65 and older, but this does not mean that they are unpreventable. When nursing home staff fail to properly supervise and assist residents, slip and fall accidents are much more likely to happen.

Work-related injuries – Improper training, poor safety standards, and inadequate equipment often lead to serious falls on slick surfaces in the industrial, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. 

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that may require costly ongoing medical care and affect an injured victim’s ability to earn a living. Some common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:

• Broken bones, particularly of the hand and wrist

• Sprained, strained, or torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons

• Neck and shoulder injuries

• Spinal injuries

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Cuts and abrasions

• Knee injuries

• Shoulder injuries

The best accident attorneys understand that injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident can have a significant impact on a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial stability. It can be challenging to put a number on damages like pain and suffering in these cases, so it is critical to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. 

If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you do not have to go it alone. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to learn about your options. Perna & Abracht have tremendous experience with slip and fall cases and serve the areas of Chester, Delaware, and Lancaster Counties in PA.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/common-causes-of-slip-and-fall-injuries/

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Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer before Accepting a Settlement

After an accident, it can be tempting to accept the first settlement offered by an insurance company. You may be in financial straits and unsure about the next steps to take. It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are not on your side and will try to offer as little compensation as possible. Before you give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement, it is vital to speak to a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and advise you of your options. 

The Insurance Adjuster Is Not Your Friend

The top priority of an insurance adjuster is to protect the insurance company’s interests. This means they may try to pressure you into accepting a minimal settlement before you even know the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact they may have on your life. They may take advantage of injured victims’ vulnerability and will often try to twist your words to pin fault on you instead of their insured. If an insurance adjuster contacts you for a statement, you do not have to speak to them right away. Politely decline to speak with them and call an accident lawyer. 

If You Accept a Settlement, You Have No Further Recourse

Accepting and signing a settlement agreement releases the insurer from liability, so you will not be able to recover additional compensation down the road. A good car accident attorney will evaluate your claim, estimate what it may be worth, and advise you on how to protect your rights. When they assess the circumstances of your accident and injuries, they may also discover additional sources of compensation that you may not be aware you could pursue. If you proceed with your case, they will handle all negotiations on your behalf. 

What Happens If I Don't Accept a Settlement Offer?

Just because you reject a settlement offer does not mean that your case will go to trial right away. Litigation can be a costly and lengthy process, so insurance companies prefer to reach settlement agreements outside of the courtroom. Attempting to negotiate a settlement on your own will most likely result in minimal compensation or no recovery at all. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with insurance companies’ tactics and are there to fight for your interests and maximize the amount of settlements or court judgments. Although there are cases in which an injured victim may have to take their case to court, they are few and far between.  

Personal Injury Lawyers Work on Contingency

You really have nothing to lose when you contact an attorney after an accident. Personal injury law firms take clients on contingency, which means you will not pay attorney fees until and unless they recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free, even if they decide not to move forward with your case. Another benefit of hiring a lawyer is that it takes a big weight off of your shoulders, which allows you and your family to concentrate on your healing and recovery. 

If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, an estate attorney can help you sort-out the legal issues that may come next if you recover compensation in a wrongful death claim. 

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/speak-with-a-personal-injury-lawyer-before-accepting-a-settlement/

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How Personal Injury Lawyers Determine Future Losses after Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries often cause permanent disability and leave victims unable to work and do things they used to love. Determining future losses after a catastrophic injury can be challenging. Knowing the factors your personal injury lawyer takes into account when calculating these losses can give you peace of mind and help you better understand the long-term impact an injury can have on your life. 

What Is A Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is an injury so severe that it leaves a victim with permanent damage. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations are examples of catastrophic injuries, and can have significant long-term effects on a person’s ability to function. In fact, any debilitating injury that takes away someone’s mobility, cognitive function, or leads to disfigurement has a serious impact on the whole family’s quality of life. Although no amount of money can change what happened, victims of catastrophic injury caused by negligence need—and deserve—full and fair compensation to help them get the ongoing care they need and maintain financial security.  

How Are Future Losses Calculated?

Many catastrophic injuries require costly ongoing medical treatment and therapy. In addition to affecting an injured victim’s physical health, these types of injuries affect their relationships, social life, mental health, ability to make a living, and myriad aspects of daily life. A good accident injury lawyer will know what factors to consider and how to determine the long-term financial, physical, and emotional costs of your injury. 

Some factors that are usually considered when valuing a catastrophic injury claim include:

Tangible future costs. Personal injury lawyers consult with medical professionals, therapists, forensic accountants, and others who specialize in catastrophic injuries to estimate the total monetary costs of an injury. This may include future medical bills, nursing care, medications, therapy, additional necessary treatment, home modifications, and loss of future income and earning capacity. 

Non-economic damages. Putting a dollar amount on damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship is more challenging, as these are intangible losses. Depending on the severity of your injuries, how they have affected your life, and the circumstances surrounding your specific case, your lawyer may determine that these damages are worth from 2-to-5 times the amount of tangible future economic damages like medical bills and wage loss. This is a general rule of thumb that varies from claim to claim. 

Looking At The Big Picture

Some other factors that have an impact on future losses include your age, education, occupation, medical history, where your claim is litigated, and whether multiple parties are liable for damages. Of course, insurance policy limits also play a part when determining how much an injured victim may be entitled to recover for future losses. If the negligent party who is responsible for your injury acted in a particularly reckless or malicious manner, your lawyer may seek punitive damages as well. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it is also a good idea to speak with an estate attorney who can help you draft vital documents such as powers of attorney, an advance directive, and a will.  

What Are Mitigated Damages?

One of the reasons it is so important to get proper medical care after an accident is that insurance companies will try to offer lower settlement amounts if they believe you failed to mitigate injury-related damages. Going to the emergency room and following-up with recommended treatment after a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of accident can help protect your rights and give you a better chance of recovering maximum compensation to get the care you need and move on with your life.

If you need assistance with a claim involving catastrophic injury, contact a personal injury attorney today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-personal-injury-lawyers-determine-future-losses-after-catastrophic-injury/

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Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

 

Apps like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to get around town, but what happens if you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle? Whether you are injured as a passenger, motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist, it is important to know who may be liable for damages. You may be required to file claims with multiple insurance companies, so having a good car accident attorney in your corner is vital.

Determining Liability in Rideshare Accident Cases

Like any other motor vehicle accident, crashes involving rideshare drivers must be investigated to determine who was at fault. Although Uber and Lyft both carry $1 million liability insurance policies, you may have to file a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance company, another motorist’s insurer, or even your own car insurance.  

An accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, determine who may be at fault for your injuries, and help you recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Filing multiple insurance claims can be a stressful, complicated  process. When more than one insurance company is involved, they may even join forces to minimize or deny your claim. Your lawyer can handle all negotiations with insurers and help to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

If You Are Injured in a Rideshare Accident

Although rideshare companies carry liability insurance, there are certain factors that can influence whether you can recover compensation from them after a crash. For example, the driver must be logged into the app and “on the clock” when the accident occurred. If they are not, you may have to seek recovery from the driver’s personal auto insurance.  

If another motorist is partially or solely at fault, their insurance should cover the cost of your damages. Depending on the circumstances, where you live, and the specifics of your policy, you may have to file a Medical Payments, Personal Injury Protection, and/or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claim with your own auto insurance company. Each case is unique. Finding a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling rideshare accident cases can help to ensure your rights and interests are fully protected.

Steps to Take If You are Involved in a Rideshare Accident

After any crash, taking certain steps can help preserve valuable evidence and ensure you receive the medical care you need. Regardless of how the crash occurred, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and your well-being.

•    Call 911 and wait for first responders to arrive
•    Seek medical attention
•    Get the name, contact information, and insurance information from the rideshare driver and any other motorists who were involved in the accident
•    Report the crash to the rideshare company as soon as possible. The most convenient way to do this is by using their app or website
•    Take pictures of the scene, damage to vehicles, and your injuries
•    If possible, obtain a police report at the scene
•    Keep all accident-related medical records, bills, and receipts in a safe place
•    Make sure to save any texts, emails, or other correspondence from the rideshare company, driver, and their insurers
•    Before speaking with insurance adjusters, signing anything, or accepting a settlement, contact a car accident attorney.

There is no need to rush to determine who is at fault or to accept the first settlement offer that comes along. Contact a rideshare accident attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/who-is-liable-in-a-rideshare-accident/

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Understanding Premises Liability: A Personal Injury Lawyer Explains

 

Slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and even inadequate security on a premises can lead to victims suffering serious injury due to no fault of their own. The concept of premises liability usually comes into play in these types of cases. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand how premises liability may apply in your case and determine whether you have cause to bring a claim.

What is Premises Liability?

Business and property owners have a duty to keep their premises in a safe condition. Like most personal injury claims, premises liability claims are based on negligence, which means that a property owner failed to practice reasonable care to prevent or address dangerous conditions. When a property owner fails to properly maintain or repair dangerous conditions or provide a warning of them, they may be liable if someone is injured. However, merely  because you are injured on someone else’s property does not mean they are responsible for damages.

Proving Fault in a Premises Liability Claim

To prove a premises liability claim, you must show that the business or property owner was aware of the unsafe condition but failed to resolve the situation. A good accident injury lawyer will know how to prove all the elements required to bring a successful premises liability claim, including:

•    That the property owner owed you a duty of care
•    That the owner or business breached that duty by neglecting to act with reasonable care to prevent or warn of hazardous conditions
•    That their negligence led to injury or harm
•    That you suffered damages or losses due to your injuries

If you are considering pursuing a premises liability case, it is important to choose an experienced PI attorney who knows how to bring all of these elements together to prove negligence and build a solid claim for damages.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability claims can arise from many different circumstances. Some of the most common types involve:

•    Slip, trip, and fall accidents, which are often caused by uncleared ice or snow, spills, leaks, loose rugs or carpet, and damaged concrete and stairs.
•    Falling objects in retail stores, warehouses, and on construction sites
•    Dog bites
•    Swimming pool injuries and drowning
•    Elevator or escalator failure
•    Fires and explosions
•    Toxic substance exposure
•    Lack of security
•    Inadequate maintenance and defective conditions on the property
•    Failure to warn of known hazards

How a Premises Liability Attorney Can Help

Depending on the circumstances, bringing a premises liability claim on your own can result in a minimal settlement or no compensation at all. Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of a victim’s injuries or place blame on them for what happened. A knowledgeable premises liability lawyer can evaluate your case and give you an honest assessment of the options that may be available to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation, so you really have nothing to lose if you contact an attorney about your case. If you do have a viable claim, your lawyer can fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/understanding-premises-liability-a-personal-injury-lawyer-explains/

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Who Is Liable for a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident?

 

Also known as autonomous vehicles, self-driving cars continue to be developed by companies such as Uber, Tesla, Waymo and others. Although they are designed to eliminate driver error and reduce the incidence of accidents, some self-driving vehicles have been involved in serious, fatal crashes. If you have been hurt in a self-driving car accident, it can be tough to figure out who may be liable for your injuries and damages. A good car crash injury lawyer can determine which parties may be responsible and help you recover compensation for your medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Automation is Intended to Reduce Driver Error

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some type of human error is responsible for approximately 94 percent of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States. The economic and human costs of these crashes are innumerable. While the creation of self-driving cars seeks to significantly reduce these costs, crashes involving self-driving vehicles have led to significant questions about liability.

Who is Responsible When an Autonomous Vehicle Causes Injury or Death?

There are several elements that may be involved in any type of accident, but when an autonomous vehicle is involved, liability issues can get murky. The most common causes of car accidents include:

Human Error

Most self-driving cars still have human operators who remotely monitor the vehicle while it is on the road. If an operator is ultimately responsible for controlling a self-driving vehicle, they may be personally liable if their negligence causes a crash. For example, if a remote operator of an autonomous vehicle falls asleep and is involved in an accident, they may be responsible for any damages resulting from the collision.

Defective Design or Manufacturing

Technology fails for many different reasons, including improper design, defective parts, and vehicle malfunction. In these types of cases, the designer, parts manufacturer, auto manufacturer, and other parties may be liable if a self-driving car is involved in a crash.

Poor Regulation

Regulatory agencies are also responsible for keeping everyone safe on the road. If a government entity permits unsafe self-driving vehicles to operate, they may be responsible if testing on roadways results in harm to the public. When bringing a claim against a municipality or other government agency, there are strict procedures and deadlines that must be followed. These entities also enjoy certain liability protections that individuals and businesses do not. If you believe poor regulation of a self-driving vehicle led to an accident, it is vital to hire a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.

Dealing with Insurance Companies after a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident

Because several parties may be responsible for damages in a self-driving car accident, negotiating with multiple insurance adjusters can be a nightmare. In cases involving autonomous vehicles, you may have to file a claim with the insurers of:

- The company that owns the vehicle

- The vehicle operator

- Technology and parts designers and manufacturers

- Other motorists involved in the accident

- A regulatory agency

Determining exactly who is at fault in these crashes is overwhelming and confusing. Although many of these companies have high limits on their liability policies, it doesn’t mean they will offer a fair personal injury settlement from the get-go. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you sort it all out and assist you with pursuing compensation from the appropriate parties.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a self-driving vehicle accident, contact an attorney for a free case evaluation.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/who-is-liable-for-a-self-driving-vehicle-accident/

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Should you Hire an Accident Attorney or Handle the Claim Yourself?

When you have been hurt in an accident and you are focused on your recovery, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps to take. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you might be entitled to damages, but is it wise to handle the claim on your own or should you hire a personal injury lawyer? Considering these factors can enable you to make an informed decision about hiring an attorney. 

1. Personal Injury Law is Complex

If you are only dealing with property damage, you most likely will not need an attorney. But if you or a loved one has been injured; it is important to know how tort law may apply to your case. The best accident lawyers will give you an honest assessment of your claim. Most offer a free initial consultation and case evaluation, so you have nothing to lose if you decide to consult with an attorney. 

2. You May Underestimate the Value of Your Claim

Attempting to pursue an accident claim on your own is usually a losing proposition. It can be easy to underestimate the cost of future medical bills and loss of income, especially if it is not clear how your injuries will affect your health and quality of life in the future. Whether you were hurt in a slip and fall accident or motor vehicle collision, a seasoned personal injury attorney will know how to accurately value your damages and fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve. 

3. Dealing with Insurance Companies can be Challenging

After an accident, speaking with insurance adjusters and negotiating a settlement may be the last thing on your mind. Insurance companies are in the business of making money—even your own insurance company may not have your best interests in mind. Insurers have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to find ways to minimize or deny personal injury claims. Skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers are familiar with these blame-shifting tactics and will negotiate aggressively on your behalf so you can focus on what is important –healing and getting on with your life. 

4. Personal Injury Lawyers Know How to Prove Liability

For a personal injury claim to be successful, you must prove that your injuries and losses are the other party’s fault. Although medical records, photos of the scene and your injuries, witness testimony, surveillance camera footage and police reports are valuable evidence, it takes the experienced eye of an accident attorney to put them all together and build a case to prove negligence. In addition, personal injury law firms often have experts such as accident reconstructionists, investigators and medical experts who can help to explain the extent of your injuries and why a party may be liable.  

Do you or a loved one need assistance with an accident claim? Our personal injury lawyers in Chester County, PA can assess your case and advise you of your rights and options.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/should-you-hire-an-accident-attorney-or-handle-the-claim-yourself/

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8 Reasons You Should Hire an Attorney for a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident

If you are injured while riding a bicycle or as a pedestrian, you should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. There are eight good reasons why it’s important to act quickly to hire an experienced attorney in these cases:

1.    Injuries are more severe. Because, as a cyclist or a pedestrian, you are totally exposed to the vehicle that hit you as well as to the ground, road surface or sidewalk. It’s possible you were “pinned” between them, and this produces greater trauma than if you had the protection of a vehicle around you. As a pedestrian, severe injuries can occur if the car is going as slowly as 10 miles per hour; pedestrian fatalities can occur when the car is traveling just 30 miles per hour

2.    At first, you may not know how badly you are hurt. If you are injured as a cyclist or pedestrian, and are conscious or even walking after the accident, you are likely to just be glad you survived. In your relief, you may not realize how badly you are injured. An experienced attorney knows that there may be serious injuries and long-term adverse ramifications that you do not grasp at the moment.

3.    You are not thinking clearly.  No matter if your injuries are minor or severe, you will be traumatized by the unexpected impact of a motor vehicle. This trauma will have an immediate effect on your ability to think clearly and act on your own best behalf. A personal injury attorney can take charge in a clear-headed and experienced manner.

4.    Insurance companies are not your friend. As with any type of accident, you should not have a conversation with an insurance company representative before speaking with your attorney. Good car accident lawyers know that insurance companies are not looking out for your best interest. Insurance companies usually are looking to minimize the amount of compensation they will have to pay. Do not say anything about your injuries, how you are feeling, or what actions you might be taking in the future before consulting with your attorney.

5.    You must be checked out professionally. The only way to know the extent of your injuries is to be checked thoroughly by medical professionals. This may include medical testing to determine if you have internal injuries or some hidden issue that could impair you in the future. Your attorney will ensure that you are checked-out thoroughly by credentialed medical professionals.

6.    Who pays for medical bills upfront? This is a good question, and your attorney will know the answer. States have differing laws on this; in some states, the driver’s insurance company is required to pay the medical bills for a cyclist or pedestrian the driver may have hit. As noted earlier, it’s likely for a cyclist or pedestrian to have more severe injuries, and the question of who will pay for immediate medical bills is a very important one.

7.    Recovering losses: your bike. For a person who is not a cyclist, it’s easy to consider your bicycle to be “just a bike.” Yet any experienced cyclist knows that bikes come in a wide range of price tags. Insurance adjusters usually are not well-versed in bicycle valuations and may drastically downgrade the amount of your loss. It’s even worse if the adjuster recommends repairing your bike, as bicycles involved in a car accident generally cannot be restored to their previous condition. Your attorney will take action to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the loss of your bike.

8.    Recovering losses for injuries and long-term ramifications. It’s very difficult to calculate a fair compensation for injuries suffered, particularly those with long-term ramifications. An experienced accident lawyer will protect your interests by professionally valuing your claim and by seeking fair compensation for a cyclist or pedestrian.

If you have been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact Perna & Abracht LLC for a thorough evaluation of your case and your best next steps.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/8-reasons-you-should-hire-an-attorney-for-a-bicycle-or-pedestrian-accident/

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