(275+)Philly Car Wreck Lawyer Near You in PA
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but their effects can last a lifetime. If you have been hurt in a crash in Philadelphia, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. The good news is you don’t have to face this challenge alone. An experienced car accident lawyer near you can be your guide and advocate during this difficult time.
At Gibbons & Crichton, our car accident attorneys near you in Philadelphia have been fighting for injured Philadelphians for decades. We understand the pain, stress, and uncertainty a serious wreck can cause. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. If you were hurt in a crash, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top Philadelphia car accident attorney.
What to Know About Car Accidents in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s crowded streets and busy highways see their share of crashes. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were over 10,000 car accidents in Philadelphia County in 2022 alone. These wrecks killed 76 people and injured over 5,000 more.
Behind these grim statistics are real people whose lives were turned upside down. Victims often face an overwhelming combination of physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Medical bills pile up just as income is lost from missing work. The insurance company may try to minimize the claim or even deny it outright.
This is where having a skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney can make all the difference. Your lawyer can stand up to the insurance company, gather evidence to build your case, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Types of Car Accidents
Car crashes can happen in many ways, but some types are more common than others. At Gibbons & Crichton, some of the most frequent kinds of accident cases we handle include:
- Rear-end collisions: These often occur when one driver is following too closely or not paying attention. They’re the most common type of crash and frequently result in whiplash injuries.
- T-bone or side-impact crashes: These happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at an intersection. The impact can cause severe injuries, especially on the struck side of the vehicle.
- Head-on collisions: While less common, head-on crashes tend to be the most deadly, especially at high speeds. They often involve a driver veering into oncoming traffic.
- Sideswipe accidents: These occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact, often when one drifts out of its lane. While often minor, they can cause a driver to lose control.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Sometimes an initial collision starts a chain reaction, especially if there are slick roads or low visibility. The multiple impacts can cause devastating damage.
- Single-vehicle accidents: Not every crash involves another car. Sometimes, drivers lose control due to factors like sharp curves, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle defects.
No matter what type of accident you were in, if someone else’s negligence caused you harm, you deserve accountability and compensation. A Philadelphia car wreck lawyer near you can help you understand your legal options.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?
Car accidents can happen anywhere, from a neighborhood side street to a major highway. But there are certain locations and situations where wrecks are more likely, such as:
- Intersections: The crossing of traffic lanes and the need to yield the right of way create many opportunities for collisions, especially if a driver is distracted or reckless.
- Busy highways: High-speed, high-volume roads like I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway see a lot of crashes, particularly during rush hour. Accidents at high speeds tend to be very severe.
- Construction zones: Work zones create unfamiliar traffic patterns and obstacles. Impatient drivers may make risky maneuvers to get through more quickly.
- Parking lots: Fender benders are common in the close quarters of parking lots and garages as cars pull in and out of tight spaces and pedestrians cross through.
An experienced auto accident lawyer near you in Philadelphia will know how to investigate your crash site and gather evidence to show what happened and who was at fault.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
The violent forces involved in a car wreck can damage virtually any part of the body. But there are certain injury patterns we see frequently in our clients at Gibbons & Crichton:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Even a seemingly minor rear-end collision can cause the head to snap back and forth, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. This whiplash injury can cause severe pain and limit mobility.
- Back injuries: The impact of a crash can cause damage to the spine, discs, and surrounding nerves and muscles. Victims may suffer herniated discs, fractures, and other painful back problems.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Hitting the head or the rapid acceleration of a collision can injure the brain, even without direct impact. TBIs can range from concussions to life-altering damage.
- Broken bones: The blunt force of a wreck can fracture virtually any bone, with arm, leg, rib, and facial fractures being common. These painful injuries often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be excruciating and limit function. Tears and sprains often occur in the knees, shoulders, wrists, and ankles.
- Psychological trauma: Not all crash injuries are physical. Many victims suffer mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias. This is a very real form of harm.
The road to recovery after a car accident injury can be long and challenging. You may face extensive medical treatment, time off work, and a difficult adjustment to a new reality. A car wreck lawyer near you in Philadelphia, PA, can help you get the resources you need to put your life back together.
Understanding the Car Accident Liability Laws in Pennsylvania
If you were hurt in a crash in Philadelphia, your case is governed by Pennsylvania law (even if you are from another state). That matters because the liability rules in the Commonwealth are unique. Pennsylvania applies a mixed system of car accident liability. The law lets drivers choose between “limited tort” and “full tort” insurance coverage. Limited tort restricts the right to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless the injury qualifies as serious under the statute. Full tort preserves the right to pursue full damages regardless of severity. Your choice at the time of purchasing coverage has a direct impact on your rights after a crash.
There are cases in which multiple parties will share liability for the same crash in Philadelphia. The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102. You can recover compensation only if you are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Your award is reduced in proportion to your share of fault. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Liability is determined by evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Every collision requires a thorough investigation.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Bad Crash
Were you hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Philadelphia? You have the right to seek justice and compensation. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyer is standing by, ready to help. Do not let any insurance company pressure you into settling your case for less. We are by your side every step of the way. Along with other damages, you will be able to get compensation for:
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical care and other damages;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Lost wages and reduced earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- The wrongful death of a family member.
Why Trust Our Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle crash is not easy. You may be left with serious injuries, immense pain and suffering, stacks of medical bills, and a lot of questions about what comes next. You do not have to take on the personal injury claims process alone. Pennsylvania’s car accident liability rules are complex. You cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. At Gibbons & Crichton, we are well-versed in the law and the claims process. With more than $100 million recovered for victims and their families, we get case results. You can review our client testimonials and reach out to us directly with any specific questions or concerns about your case. Your initial consultation with our award-winning Philadelphia car accident attorney is always free, confidential, and without any additional obligations. We are always proactive. Along with other things, our Philadelphia car accident attorney is prepared to:
- Listen to your story and answer legal questions;
- Investigate your crash in Philadelphia, gathering key evidence.
- Handle any settlement negotiations with insurers; and
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize your recovery.
Car Accident Claims in Philadelphia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to see a doctor after a car crash in Philadelphia?
Yes. You should always get professional medical attention after a motor vehicle collision if you have suffered an injury. There are no exceptions. You may be more badly hurt than you initially think. Further, without medical records, you cannot bring a car accident injury claim for monetary damages.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Philadelphia?
The deadline is two years in most cases. The reason is that the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the crash. Timing matters. Missing this deadline bars your right to recover compensation. The sooner you speak to a Philadelphia car accident attorney after a crash, the better. You do not want to fall behind the insurance company in the claims process.
How does Pennsylvania’s limited tort option affect my case?
It depends. If you have limited tort coverage, your right to recover non-economic damages is restricted. You can only claim pain and suffering if your injury qualifies as serious under the statute. On the other hand, full tort coverage preserves broader rights regardless of injury severity.
What role does the Philadelphia Municipal Court play in car accident cases?
It depends on the severity of your crash. Philadelphia Municipal Court hears civil claims under a set monetary threshold. However, larger claims (more serious injuries). Must be filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Your attorney will decide the correct venue based on the value of your damages.
Are uninsured drivers a major issue in Philadelphia?
Yes. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania has a significant number of uninsured and underinsured drivers. If you are hit by one, your recovery may depend on your UM/UIM coverage and/or your ability to hold a negligent third party liable for the crash. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against your own insurer.
You Can Always Afford a Top-Rated Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney
The last thing you need to worry about after a serious car wreck in Philadelphia is another bill that needs to be paid. With Gibbons & Crichton, you can always afford the best Philadelphia car accident lawyer. We represent victims and families on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee unless we win your case. You never pay anything up front or out of pocket. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. Your initial consultation with our Philadelphia car accident lawyer is free and confidential.
Get Help from a Philly Car Accident Attorney Near You
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, don’t wait to get legal advice. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But crucial evidence can disappear long before then.
The auto accident attorneys at Gibbons & Crichton are ready to put our decades of experience to work for you.
We offer free consultations, and you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. You have nothing to lose by speaking to our caring, knowledgeable legal team.
We know you’re going through one of the most difficult times of your life. Let us handle the legal stresses so you can focus on getting better. Contact us today to get started on the road to recovery. With an office in Philadelphia, we handle car accident claims across Southeastern Pennsylvania, including in 19102, 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19111, 19112, 19114, and many more.
