Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer

Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing Your Claim

As you’re dealing with your accident, there are several mistakes that you want to avoid in pursuit of your personal injury claim. Here are some things you need to be aware of:

Apologizing

One big mistake you want to avoid is apologizing for the accident at any level. You might feel bad about what happened to you and the other motorist.

However, you should never apologize. That can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. The only thing you’re obligated to share with the other motorist involved in the accident is your contact information.

Providing Inconsistent Statements

You want to make sure that any statement you make about what happened in the accident is consistent.

Beginning with your statement to the police, you just need to state the facts. That statement needs to be the same as you provide for any insurance adjuster. It is important that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Philadelphia to ensure that your statements are consistent.

Failing to Track Expenses

As you go through your medical treatment, you need to keep track of all your expenses. Those expenses include what you would assume, such as doctor visits, treatments, and physical therapy. You can also include things like special transportation to your doctor’s office and medical supplies like crutches or slings.

You also have to track your lost wages and all the damages related to your car. When it is time to work with Philadelphia injury attorneys to calculate your damages, you want an accurate number. That’s because you won’t be able to go back and ask for more funds after you reach a settlement.

How To Prove Liability in Injury Cases in Philadelphia?

At its core, personal injury law holds people or organizations accountable for the harm they cause to others. Cases often arise from incidents like car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, slips and falls, and product defects.

For a personal injury claim to be successful, you’ll typically need to prove the following elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant (those accused of causing harm) owed a duty to the plaintiff (you). This duty may vary depending on the relationship and circumstances. For example, the law states a driver has a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely to prevent harming others on the road.
2. Breach of Duty: You must show that the defendant breached that duty through negligence or reckless behavior. If a driver is speeding or texting while driving, they’re breaching their duty of care.
3. Causation: You’ll also need to prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the injury. In legal terms, this is known as “causation.” If a driver’s negligence causes a car accident, resulting in the plaintiff’s injuries, causation can be established.
4. Damages: Finally, you have to show that they suffered actual damages (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result of the injury. These damages can include things like medical bills, loss of income, emotional distress, and other losses.

Personal injury law is meant to protect victims who’ve suffered an injury or losses because of another’s negligence or wrongful conduct and allows them to seek compensation for their losses. It’s a broad field that encompasses a wide variety of injuries caused by the negligence or intentional acts of others.

What Are the Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, common types of personal injury cases include:

• • Birth Injuries
  • Brain Injuries
  • Car Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Child Injuries
  • Negligent Security Incidents
  • Dog Bites
  • Hotel Injuries
  • Internet Sex Crimes
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Nursing Home Abuse
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Slip and Fall Injuries
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Train Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Wrongful Death
  • Sexual Assault
  • Work Injuries
  • Mesothelioma

In essence, any incident that resulted in one individual suffering harm due to another’s negligence may qualify as a personal injury accident.

Pennsylvania law allows you to recover compensation for accident-related losses provided you’re able to prove that another party’s intentional act or recklessness harmed you.  Since the goal is to make you  “whole” again, receiving compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, may be possible.

If you want to better understand whether your injury incident qualifies you to receive compensation, get in touch with our law office to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia now.

Compensation for Personal Injuries

Compensation that’s awarded in a personal injury case is intended to help “make you whole” by covering:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills related to the injury. That includes any trip to an emergency room or urgent care, doctor examinations, hospitalization, treatment, prescription medications, supplies, special transportation, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Lost income due to missed work and any reduction in your earning capacity in the future, should your injury result in a long-term disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. This speaks directly about how the injuries from the accident have impacted your life.

Are you suffering from chronic pain that prevents you from sleeping or enjoying activities?

Are you dealing with mental anguish as a result of the incident?

• Property Damage: If your personal injury involved a car accident, then you should be compensated for the repair or replacement costs for your damaged vehicle. You should also be covered for rental car expenses while you’re waiting for repairs to be completed.

It is vital to carefully review all your current and future expenses. Your personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia will be able to ask you for information regarding expenses you might not be aware that you’re owed. You will only get one opportunity to ask for compensation.

Once you agree to that offer, you will sign a release agreement that prevents you from coming back and asking for more. Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan will make sure to get the numbers right.

Navigating the Emotional Challenges of a Personal Injury

A personal injury does more than cause physical challenges. It can also create emotional challenges that impact every aspect of your life. You’ll undoubtedly go through a range of emotions in the aftermath of your accident. You’ll be shocked that it happened. When you discover it could have been prevented, you’ll be understandably angry.

As you start to feel the financial strain, you’ll be frustrated and stressed. All of that trauma can leave you feeling hopeless and depressed. It’s a lot to process.

When you take the proactive steps of retaining the support of an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer, you’ll find a great sense of relief knowing that you have someone on your side who’s fighting to get you what you deserve.

Why Is It Important To Act Quickly After an Accident?

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident or incident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation altogether.

This is why it’s critical that you act quickly after an accident to preserve evidence, witness testimonies, and other crucial details that can help your case.