Norristown Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are common in Norristown, ranging in severity from minor rear-end collisions to serious multi-car rollovers. If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you can claim compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages — in certain circumstances. Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system can be difficult to navigate, and it can be difficult to achieve maximum recovery alone.
Rosenbaum & Associates can represent your claim. Over the past 25 years, we have helped thousands of car accident victims, and we know how to navigate the Pennsylvania claims system to fight for your maximum possible compensation. If you or a close family member have suffered injuries in an auto accident, our Norristown car accident attorneys can help. Contact our firm for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- We understand money can be scarce after a car accident, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You only pay legal fees if we secure a settlement in your claim.
- Our attorneys have represented thousands of Pennsylvania residents in their injury claims, securing millions of dollars in settlements along the way.
- We believe transparency is important to any personal injury claim. Our firm will always inform you of case updates, answer any questions, and let you know what to expect next
Your Legal Options After a Pennsylvania Car Accident
Most states follow a fault-based insurance system, which requires negligent drivers to pay for the damages they cause. Pennsylvania’s no-fault system requires each individual driver to pay for his or her own damages following a collision, regardless of fault. State insurance laws require you to purchase coverage to pay for certain damages, such as medical expenses.
You have three main options to seek compensation:
- Filing a claim with your own insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit in Pennsylvania civil court
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, if you meet serious injury threshold
Your options may differ depending on if you have limited tort or full tort insurance coverage; under the full tort system, you may recover other damages, even if you do not meet the serious injury threshold. Your car accident lawyer will advise you on which pathway is right for you.
Should I Speak to an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
After your accident, an insurance adjuster may reach out to you and ask for a statement. He or she may say that if you provide a statement or accept an early settlement offer, you will receive the money you need to recover faster. While this may be tempting, it is important to wait to speak to your Norristown car accident attorney before accepting any offers or speaking to insurance representatives.
The truth is that insurance companies are not always on the side of the victims. It is in the best interest of adjusters to protect the company’s bottom line by saving costs as much as possible. This means that the offer you accept is likely lower than one if you filed a claim or a lawsuit, and may not be sufficient to compensate your damages. If you give a premature statement, the company can use what you say against you if you discover new information later on. All of these factors can make it difficult to seek full compensation.
Your attorney from Rosenbaum & Associates will advocate for your highest possible payout from these companies. We can evaluate your claim, calculate an estimated settlement, and assess any offers you receive. Before talking to an adjuster, contact your lawyer first.
Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Recover More Damages?
Research shows that victims who hire car accident attorneys secure higher settlements or verdicts than those who represent themselves. In fact, the amount of damages they recover is often three and half times higher. Insurance companies are businesses looking to make a profit and minimize the compensation they pay out on claims. If you handle your claim alone, the insurance adjuster will know that you do not intend to file a lawsuit. Without the threat of trial, they may try to take advantage of you by placing the blame on you or pressuring you into accepting an unfairly low settlement offer.
A car accident attorney will be able to shield you in these situations and will make sure you do not settle for less than you deserve. With their extensive experience and access to resources, they will be able to evaluate and accurately assess your case’s value. This will involve calculating your future medical expenses, future lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and punitive damages if applicable. As a result, you will know how much your case is worth and make sure your compensation reflects the total extent of your damages.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, it can be a high-stress situation but will be easier to navigate if you can remain calm. Here’s what to do next:
Call 9-1-1
If anyone is injured, call 911 and ask for medical assistance. If not, notify local law enforcement. When police officers arrive on the scene, they will create an accident report that contains critical facts on the crash and what they believe happened. This report carries a lot of weight with an insurance company when they are determining fault. Be sure to ask the officer how to get a copy of it.
Collect Evidence
If you can, stay at the scene and take photos or videos of the following:
- The positions of all vehicles involved
- Damage to the cars and any surrounding property
- A far away shot of the scene
- Skid marks and any other markings on the road
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Any hazards, such as potholes or uneven lanes
- Your injuries
These types of evidence taken at the scene can provide proof of fault and the damage you are stating occurred. Ask every party involved for their insurance and contact information. Check if there are any witnesses, then ask if they would be willing to take a recorded statement or write down what they saw happen.
Seek Medical Treatment
See a doctor as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, you may have delayed symptoms, and you need medical documentation linking injuries and potential injuries to the crash.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You can call your insurance company to report the accident, but wait to speak to the at-fault party’s insurer until you consult a lawyer. Insurance adjusters can seem friendly, but they will look for any way to devalue or deny your claim.
Speak To a Car Accident Lawyer
Obtaining the compensation you need to recover can be difficult on your own. A car accident lawyer will deal with the insurance companies for you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Rosenbaum and Associates Today
Car accidents can be devastating, and navigating Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system can be a challenge without a Norristown personal injury lawyer on your side. The Norristown PA car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum & Associates have handled thousands of car accident cases, and our experience and skills can help you achieve maximum possible compensation.
Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation. During your appointment, your Norristown car accident lawyer will determine your case’s viability, inform you of your next steps, and answer any questions you may have.