No one ever expects to need a car accident lawyer. And yet, time after time, injured car accident victims come to realize that getting fairly compensated after a serious accident – even by a big insurance company – is not easy or straightforward. That is why the Norristown car accident lawyers at Silver & Silver exist. We know how hard it is for innocent car crash victims to get help paying for their medical bills and car damages. It shouldn’t have to be this way, yet it is.
Who is Responsible for Paying for Medical Bills and Damages After a Norristown Car Accident?
As a responsible driver, you know you must have car insurance in the event of an accident. And that’s what you’ve done. You trust that your insurance will protect you if you’re ever involved in an accident. You also hope that an at-fault driver (or their insurance company) will be responsible for paying for your injuries and other bills should the unforeseen happen. But in Pennsylvania, it’s a little more complicated than that.
How are You Limited in Holding an At-Fault Driver Responsible?
First, the nature of Pennsylvania insurance laws – and your policy – determines who pays for your injuries and other damages.
As a “choice” no-fault state, you were given the option of a full-tort or limited tort policy when you purchased your car insurance policy. While the limited tort – or no-fault – policy is less expensive, it also limits your options for compensation when you’re involved in an accident. After an accident, you will file a claim with your own insurance company, but only in limited cases can you hold an at-fault driver liable for some of your costs.
With a full-tort policy, you have more ability to hold the other driver liable for your damages. Full-tort coverage will allow you to sue an at-fault driver for your economic costs as well as your non-economic costs, such as pain and suffering. While this seems like a small distinction, compensation for non-economic damages is often the most valuable part of a car accident claim, especially after a severe car accident.
Thank Goodness You Have Insurance, Right?
Yes, when you’re involved in an accident, your insurance policy is a critical safety net, ensuring that you are covered for any injuries and other damages in the event of an accident. But this is only up to the limits of your policy. What happens if you’re involved in a serious accident, and your costs far exceed the limits of your policy?
Further complicating this scenario is the nature of the insurance industry in the United States today. Insurance companies are large, profitable corporations that must keep their costs as low as possible to satisfy their shareholders. Part of the way they keep costs down is by offering settlements that may not be as comprehensive as their policyholders deserve.
Who loses in this scenario? You do.
Why Hire a Norristown Car Accident Lawyer?
Can you trust an insurance company that is looking for any way to cut costs to offer you a fair settlement? Most accident victims accept an insurance company’s first settlement without question, but it’s only when it runs out that they realize it is insufficient. And that’s too late.
As an accident victim, unless you’re familiar with the medical, insurance, or legal industry, chances are that you will have no idea what your claim is worth and what you’re entitled to in the way of financial compensation. Even if you are, you will need time to heal and recover. The last thing you’re prepared to do is fight with insurance companies to get a fair settlement.
At Silver & Silver, our experienced Norristown car accident lawyers have seen it time and again. With over 40 years in practice, we understand the nuances of car accident law and the insurance industry and work diligently to ensure we recover the compensation our clients truly deserve.
The Benefits of Having an Experienced Norristown Car Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, as an injured victim, you are at the mercy of insurance adjusters who are accountable to their employer’s profits, not your best interests. And that can have grave consequences for how much you will see in the way of compensation.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, you want someone actively protecting your interests, not trying to find ways to whittle away at your benefits. A car accident lawyer’s priority is your best possible outcome, not the insurance company’s.
At Silver & Silver, our team of Norristown accident attorneys will:
- Deal with the insurance company on your behalf
- Thoroughly investigate the accident and interview witnesses to understand causation and fault
- Gather evidence in support of your accident claim
- Evaluate the damages to determine the full value of your claim
- Negotiate with the associated insurance companies to ensure that your settlement is fair and comprehensive
- If a fair settlement isn’t possible, take the matter to court to sue the at-fault driver or associated insurance companies to maximize your compensation
Although most car accident cases are settled out of court, a fair car accident settlement typically requires a significant amount of negotiation. Furthermore, proving fault and liability is very difficult – if not impossible – without skilled legal representation.
At Silver & Silver, our car accident lawyers are talented negotiators who understand what is a fair settlement and what is not. With the aid of our accomplished Norristown car accident lawyers, you avoid serious financial loss after a car accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t try to navigate it on your own. Call us at (610) 658-1900 or through our website contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Office of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.