Car accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. After a car accident in Philadelphia, you may wonder how to recover damages and hold the at-fault driver accountable.

At Oakes Firm, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers provide comprehensive legal representation to injured victims. We are committed to helping injured individuals navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for their losses.

After a car accident in Philadelphia, call (267) 310-0656 for your free case evaluation.

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Why You Need a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can lead to expensive medical treatments, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. While insurance companies often claim to help accident victims, their priority is to reduce payouts and protect their profits.

Hiring a Philadelphia car accident attorney ensures that:

You understand your legal rights and the compensation available to you.
They properly gather and document all evidence to strengthen your claim.
You don’t accept a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your full damages.
You have experienced negotiators handling communications with insurers.
You prepare for litigation if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Without a lawyer, accident victims risk receiving far less than they deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s dense traffic, aggressive drivers, and unpredictable weather conditions contribute to thousands of car accidents each year. While some crashes result from unavoidable circumstances, negligent or reckless driving causes many.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia:

Distracted Driving – Texting, using GPS, or talking on the phone while driving.
Speeding and Reckless Driving – Exceeding speed limits, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes.
Drunk Driving – Impaired drivers cause severe and often fatal accidents.
Failure to Yield – Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and failing to yield to pedestrians.
Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, construction zones, and missing road signs contribute to crashes.
Weather-Related Accidents – Rain, snow, and ice increase the risk of multi-car pileups.

Identifying the cause of the accident can prove liability and secure compensation.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Car accidents vary in severity, with some resulting in minor injuries while others lead to long-term disabilities or fatalities. At Oakes Firm, we handle a wide range of car accident cases in Philadelphia, including:

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end crash often occurs when a driver tailgates or fails to pay attention. Even at low speeds, these accidents can cause whiplash, neck injuries, and back pain.

T-Bone Accidents (Side-Impact Collisions)

T-bone accidents frequently happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light. These crashes can result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection on the side of a vehicle.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous and often occur due to wrong-way driving or impairment. These accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord damage.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Philadelphia’s highways, such as I-76 and I-95, see frequent multi-car accidents. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, requiring detailed investigations and detailed analysis.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, you still have legal options. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or identify the driver through traffic camera footage.

After any type of car accident in Philadelphia, we are ready to fight for your financial recovery.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Philadelphia

Taking the right steps after a car accident can protect both your health and legal rights.

After a crash:

Check for Injuries – Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Call 911 – A police report provides crucial documentation of the accident.
Gather Evidence – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
Get Contact Information – Exchange insurance details with the other driver and collect witness statements.
Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid apologizing or discussing fault with the other driver.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer – Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, consult a Philadelphia car accident attorney.

Delaying legal action can weaken your case, so it’s crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible.

Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in Philadelphia

After a car accident, you may recover financial compensation for:

Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering – Emotional distress, trauma, and long-term physical pain.
Property Damage – Costs of vehicle repairs or replacement.
Wrongful Death – Compensation for families who lost a loved one in a fatal crash.

Every case is different, and an attorney can help determine the full value of your claim.

How Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Insurance System Affects Your Claim

Pennsylvania follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that your own insurance provider covers medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it.

However, you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if:

Your injuries exceed Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold.
You selected full tort insurance coverage, which allows you to sue for pain and suffering.
The other driver was grossly negligent, such as in cases of drunk driving.

Consult an attorney to maximize compensation under Pennsylvania’s complicated no-fault laws.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, car accident victims have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and may jeopardize your claim.

Exceptions to this rule may apply in cases involving:

Minors injured in accidents (the statute of limitations may be extended).
Government vehicles, where the deadline to file may be shorter.

Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible ensures that your legal rights are fully protected.

How Pennsylvania’s Car Accident Laws Affect Your Claim

Understanding Pennsylvania’s car accident laws is crucial when pursuing compensation after a crash. Pennsylvania follows a unique hybrid insurance system, meaning drivers must choose between limited tort and full tort coverage when purchasing insurance.

Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Insurance:

Limited Tort Coverage – Restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffer a serious injury, such as a permanent disability or disfigurement.
Full Tort Coverage – Allows you to sue the at-fault driver for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity.

If you selected limited tort coverage, an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help determine if you qualify for an exception to sue for pain and suffering.

What Happens If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

Even though Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, some uninsured or underinsured drivers still get behind the wheel. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you still have options to recover compensation.

Ways to Recover Compensation in an Uninsured Driver Accident

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage – If you have UM coverage, your own insurance will cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage – If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, UIM can help cover the difference.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit – If the uninsured driver has personal assets, you may be able to recover damages by suing them directly.

An attorney can review your insurance policy and legal options to determine the best course of action.

How to Determine Fault and Liability in a Pennsylvania Car Accident

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that:

You can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
Your compensation will decrease based on your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies often try to assign more blame to accident victims to reduce their payout. An attorney can challenge these claims and work to minimize your percentage of fault.

Proving fault and liability requires strong evidence, such as:

Police reports
Traffic camera footage
Eyewitness statements
Accident reconstruction expert testimony

An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can build a compelling case to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions.

Some injuries may not appear immediately after the crash, making it crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Caused by sudden jolts of force, leading to stiffness and chronic pain.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Concussions and severe head trauma can cause long-term cognitive issues.
Spinal Cord Injuries – May lead to paralysis, nerve damage, or mobility issues.
Broken Bones and Fractures – Impact-related injuries requiring surgeries or long-term rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, muscle tears, and internal bruising.

Seeking medical care immediately ensures that your injuries are properly documented, strengthening your personal injury claim.

How Insurance Companies Try to Reduce Payouts

Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart—their primary goal is to protect their profits by paying out as little as possible.

Common tactics they use include:

Delaying claim processing to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement.
Denying liability by shifting blame onto you.
Offering a quick, lowball settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
Questioning the severity of your injuries to avoid paying medical expenses.

Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an experienced car accident attorney first. A lawyer can negotiate with insurers and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?

Every case is different, and the timeline for a car accident settlement depends on:

The severity of your injuries – More serious injuries require extensive medical treatment, which can delay settlement negotiations.
Insurance company negotiations – Some insurers delay claims or offer lowball settlements, requiring lengthy negotiations.
Whether your case goes to trial – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary, extending the timeline.

On average, car accident settlements take anywhere from a few months to over a year. An experienced lawyer can speed up the process while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

If an insurance company denies your claim, don’t panic—you still have legal options to pursue compensation.

Request a written explanation – Insurers must provide a reason for the denial.
Review your policy – Ensure that your claim falls within your coverage.
File an appeal – Many insurance companies have an appeals process for denied claims.
Gather additional evidence – Medical records, police reports, and witness statements can strengthen your case.
Contact a car accident lawyer – An attorney can challenge the denial and take legal action if necessary.

Many insurance denials can be overturned with the right legal representation.

What to Expect During a Car Accident Lawsuit

If your case goes to court, it’s important to know what to expect throughout the legal process.

Steps in a Car Accident Lawsuit

Investigation and Evidence Collection – Gathering police reports, medical records, and expert testimony.
Filing a Lawsuit – If negotiations fail, a lawsuit is filed against the at-fault party.
Discovery Phase – Both sides exchange information and evidence.
Settlement Negotiations – Many cases settle before trial through mediation or arbitration.
Trial (If Necessary) – If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial before a judge or jury.

Most car accident cases settle before reaching trial, but an experienced trial attorney prepares you for every outcome.

Why Choose Oakes Firm for Your Car Accident Case?

At Oakes Firm, we are dedicated to helping Philadelphia car accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Our team provides:

Personalized legal strategies tailored to your case.
Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to maximize settlements.
Trial-ready representation if your case goes to court.
No upfront fees – We only get paid if we win your case.

We fight for injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

Call a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Philadelphia, don’t face the legal process alone. At Oakes Firm, we are committed to helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and financial losses.

Call (267) 310-0656 today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.