Auto accidents can change your life in an instant, and dealing with the aftermath of a wreck is exhausting. From getting medical care and sorting out car rentals, repairs, and calls to insurance companies to coping with time missed from work and the lasting emotional effects of a traumatic event, it's often nearly impossible to handle everything yourself especially if you're dealing with a severe injury.
That's where an experienced auto accident attorney can help. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC located in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Attorney Kelly Adams will help you collect evidence and medical records to build a strong case, handle all negotiations with your insurance company, and fight for the maximum compensation you're entitled to after a car accident. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are often caused by various factors such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or poor weather conditions. Regardless of the cause, auto accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. Some of the common types of auto accidents include:
Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another and are often caused by tailgating or sudden stops. These accidents can result in significant whiplash injuries.
Head-on collisions: These accidents happen when two vehicles collide front to front. They are often the most severe, leading to serious injuries or fatalities, usually occurring due to wrong-way driving or loss of control.
Side-impact collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur when the side of a vehicle is impacted by the front or rear end of another vehicle. They are common at intersections and can cause severe injuries.
Sideswipe accidents: These happen when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact. They often occur during lane changes and can lead to loss of control and subsequent crashes.
Single-vehicle accidents: This involves only one vehicle, which could crash due to losing control, hitting an object, or running off the road. Adverse weather conditions, speeding, and distracted driving are common causes.
Hit-and-run accidents: In these accidents, one party leaves the scene without exchanging information or providing aid. Hit-and-run accidents can complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings.
If you've been involved in a car accident, reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through filing a claim to receive proper compensation for any injuries or damages incurred.
Hurt in an Auto Accident?
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is often a traumatic experience, but knowing the steps to take afterward a collision can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. If you've been involved or injured in a car accident, you should follow these essential steps:
Ensure safety: Immediately check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away.
Call the police: No matter how minor the accident may seem, report it to the police and obtain an official police report for insurance claims and legal matters. In Pennsylvania, you are required to call the police if someone is injured, if the vehicle needs to be towed, or if you were involved in a hit-and-run.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be valuable during claims and legal proceedings.
Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy numbers. If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it's important to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all necessary information and any relevant documentation, but be careful not to admit fault as this could impact your claim.
Consult an attorney: Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal aspects of your accident and advocate for your rights. An attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Following these steps can help protect your interests and make sure you receive the proper compensation. If you've been involved in a car accident, contact Attorney Kelly Adams today for a free consultation and knowledgeable legal advice.
Understanding Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws
In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to follow strict traffic laws and regulations to ensure the safety of all road users. All drivers need to understand these laws as violations can result in fines, points on your license, and even license suspension. Some important Pennsylvania car accident laws to keep in mind include the following.
Statute of Limitations
In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the day of the accident to file a claim. However, there are exceptions, which can apply if the injury was not discovered on the same day as the accident or if the injured party was a minor.
It is not always apparent whether a lawsuit will be necessary, so it is critical to have an experienced auto accident lawyer review your case as soon as possible.
No-Fault Insurance
Pennsylvania drivers are given two choices when buying car insurance: limited tort and full tort. Many people choose limited tort because it is less expensive, but most auto accident attorneys recommend paying for full tort. Limited tort coverage may prevent you from being fully compensated after a car accident.
Limited tort insurance works under a “no-fault” system. This means that no matter who is at fault for the car accident, you will file a claim with your own insurance provider. Limited tort insurance will pay for your medical bills and lost wages up to your policy’s limit, but it will not provide compensation for pain and suffering and does not always allow you to seek compensation from the other driver, even if they were entirely at fault.
On the other hand, full tort insurance does not follow a no-fault system. If you are involved in an auto accident, and the other driver was at fault, you can file a lawsuit against them to receive compensation. This compensation includes medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
The amount you can recover is not restricted to an amount based on policy limits and allows you to recover total compensation for your losses. If you have a limited tort policy, you can still file a claim for compensation from the at-fault party if any of the following exceptions apply to your accident or injury:
Your accident was caused by a driver who was drunk or under the influence
The at-fault vehicle was not registered in Pennsylvania
The at-fault driver intended to injure himself or another person
The accident caused you to become disfigured or disabled
You were a pedestrian who was struck by a car
You were a passenger in a commercial vehicle, like a bus or taxi
You were on a motorcycle
Your insurance company did not give you proper notice of your options for full or limited tort insurance.
Regardless of the type of policy you have, Attorney Kelly Adams can make sure you are compensated to the fullest extent possible. She will thoroughly review your case, check for exceptions, and take the time to understand the impact and lasting effects of the accident.
How Can My Firm Help?
If you've been involved in an auto accident, Attorney Kelly Adams is here to guide you through every step to make sure you receive the support and compensation you deserve. She offers a unique boutique experience when it comes to legal representation, which means she will advocate on your behalf and stand with you from your initial consultation to the final settlement.
Attorney Kelley Adams understands the emotional and physical toll of an auto accident, and she strives to offer compassionate support throughout the legal process that is paired with an extensive understanding of Pennsylvania's car accident laws and regulations.
Whether you have been injured in an accident or are seeking compensation for property damage, you can rely on Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC to fight for you.
Auto Accidents Lawyer in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Auto accidents are unfortunately common occurrences that can have severe consequences. However, understanding Pennsylvania's car accident laws and seeking experienced legal counsel can help protect your rights and advocate for fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, reach out to Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC. Located in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Attorney Kelly Adams will fight to maximize the compensation you are entitled to. Contact her firm today to schedule a free consultation.