Seeking compensation after a motor vehicle accident can be confusing, frustrating, and downright difficult. While many people may be left confused when they ask themselves, “What is my Pittsburgh car accident case worth?”, they don’t have to figure it out alone. A Pittsburgh car accident attorney at SMT Legal can help.
The Nature and Severity of Your Injuries
The extent of your injuries is often one of the largest factors when it comes to valuing a car accident claim. Some injuries are minor and require limited recovery time. Others are quite severe and can impact you for years to come.
In general, more serious injuries are given more weight in a claim. This is because severe accidents often create long-term challenges and interruptions to your daily routine. Soft tissue injuries can be tricky, especially early on. It’s incredibly important to bridge all those gaps with accurate medical documentation.
Even seemingly minor injuries can manifest into something more serious over time. This is why it’s important to stay up-to-date with your doctor regarding your injuries so you can accurately report them in your claim.
In 2024, there were 110,765 total crashes reported in Pennsylvania. Of these, there were 66,931 total injuries, with 4,713 suspected to be serious.
Medical Treatment You Received
Tied directly to injury severity is the type of medical treatment you received after the crash. Even if your injuries weren’t serious, if you went to the emergency room, visited your doctor, or had to have follow-up appointments, these can all be included in your claim. Of course, if you had to have more extensive care, such as surgeries and physical therapy, these costs should be included in your claim as well.
In Pennsylvania, the aim of a car accident claim is to restore you to your pre-accident state, covering not only immediate damages but also future medical expenses.
How the Injury Affects Your Daily Life
Accidents involving vehicles aren’t confined to roadways. They follow you home. In many cases, they impact your ability to work, take care of your family, enjoy your hobbies, and even complete routine tasks.
If your injury changed your day-to-day life in any capacity, it can factor into your claim. Courts and insurance companies like to look at your daily life before and after the accident. They look at whether or not you were able to do the same things as before and whether or not your mobility has been restricted. Any change to your normal routine can help paint a better picture of your claim.
Lost Income or Limitations at Work
Another factor that can influence your Pittsburgh car accident case is lost income. Some accident victims are only out of work for a few days. Others may experience long-term limitations that alter the course of their careers. Depending on the circumstances, a car accident injury can play a factor in lost wages. This not only includes time spent away from work, but also your ability to earn a living.
Construction workers, for example, often perform physical labor on the job. An injury that limits you from lifting heavy items could dramatically impact your ability to do your job and, therefore, your ability to earn a living.
Who Was at Fault?
Pennsylvania operates under what is known as a modified comparative negligence rule. This can result in a fault being allocated between parties.
In a situation where one party is completely at fault, the claim likely holds more value. When there is a level of fault on both sides, that can reduce the value of your claim. Since fault is determined by who had the right-of-way, road conditions, driving behavior, and other factors, it is critical to understand what happened leading up to the crash and during the crash.
Pain and Suffering
When you suffer an injury in a car accident, there are factors that do not come with a receipt or a paycheck stub. Pain and suffering also play into your car accident claim.
You may feel that these are more difficult to prove. That does not make them any less significant. Part of what a judge or insurance company looks at is your injuries and how they affect you. This can include how your injuries feel as well as your emotional well-being. Things like pain, discomfort, and depression are all considered when determining these types of damages. Gathering evidence and telling the story can shed light on these kinds of injuries.
FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a person typically has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can mean that you will not be able to recover damages, no matter how strong your evidence. This is why it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible to account for any delays in the case.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident Case?
You do not necessarily have to go to court for a car accident case. Many personal injury claims brought after car accidents are settled through negotiation with insurance companies. Sometimes a fair settlement cannot be reached, and you may need to file a claim and go to trial. Every case is different and will take its own course.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
You might still have choices under your own insurance coverage if the at-fault driver is uninsured. These circumstances may be covered under the uninsured motorist coverage that many drivers in Pennsylvania have. When the responsible party does not have sufficient insurance, this kind of coverage is intended to fill the void.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Was a Passenger?
Yes, if you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you can usually make a claim. Passengers are seldom liable, so you may be able to make a claim against one or more drivers. It all depends on how the accident happened and who is found to be at fault.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer at SMT Legal
If you were injured in a car accident, compensation may be available to you to help cover the damages you suffered. Hire a car accident lawyer at SMT Legal right away. We understand car accident laws and can help you understand how they factor into your case. Contact us today for a consultation.
