Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvania car accident lawyers work on contingency fees, which typically range from one-third to two-fifths of your settlement. However, the exact percentage can vary based on the attorney's experience level and your case's complexity, such as whether it goes to trial.

Contingency fees are beneficial to injured individuals. A contingency agreement makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation, and your attorney will be motivated to fight hard for the best outcome. They only get paid when you get paid. In most cases, they will also advance case expenses like filing costs, expert witness fees, and medical record retrieval.

How to Hire a Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney

Don't make the mistake of choosing the first law firm you see on a billboard. Research can pay off significantly. Make sure to hire an attorney who has experience and a proven track record of successfully handling car accident claims similar to yours.

During your free consultation, ask questions about the lawyer's experience with cases like yours and results achieved for past clients. Don't forget to clarify whether they work on contingency. Trust your instincts, too. You may be working with your lawyer for months and will want someone who communicates clearly and shows empathy for your situation.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Pennsylvania?

No two car accident settlements are identical, as payouts depend on the extent of injuries and damages. However, settlement amounts vary widely based on the specific circumstances of each case. For catastrophic injuries, settlements can be substantially higher.

Your specific settlement will depend on several factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rules. Insurance companies know that unrepresented victims typically settle for far less than their cases are worth, which is why having experienced legal representation is crucial.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's legal system has specific requirements and deadlines that can significantly impact your car accident claim. Here's what you need to know:

• Statute of limitations: You generally have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
• Comparative negligence: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you're less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Minimum insurance requirements: Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage, plus $5,000 in first-party medical benefits.
• Choice of insurance coverage: Pennsylvania offers both "limited tort" (no-fault) and "full tort" options. Full tort coverage allows you to sue for pain and suffering in most cases.

How Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania car accident lawsuits follow a structured process. Once your attorney files the complaint, the defendant typically has 20-30 days to respond. This usually leads to a discovery phase where both sides exchange evidence and take depositions, which can take several months.

Most cases settle during this period, but if parties can't reach an agreement, the case will proceed to trial where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Throughout this process, your car accident lawyer handles the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

Types of Car Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania roads see various accident scenarios, each with unique legal considerations:

• Rear-end collisions: Common on congested highways like I-76 and I-95 around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
• Intersection accidents: T-bone crashes often involve contested liability and may require witness testimony or traffic camera footage.
• Head-on collisions: While less common, these accidents typically result in severe injuries or fatalities and substantial compensation claims.
• Impaired driving accidents: 342 people died in impaired driver crashes in 2024, and these cases may involve both criminal charges and civil lawsuits with potential punitive damages.
• Commercial truck accidents: These complex cases may involve multiple defendants and require attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations.
• Winter weather accidents: Pennsylvania's harsh winters create unique challenges with snow and ice-related crashes.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics

Understanding Pennsylvania's accident patterns can provide important context from official state data:

• Total crashes: 115,938 car crashes occurred in Pennsylvania in 2022
• Fatalities: 1,127 people lost their lives on Pennsylvania highways in 2024, the second lowest since record keeping began in 1928
• Intersection crashes: 321 fatalities occurred in intersection crashes in 2024, up from 301 in 2023

Pennsylvania No-Fault vs. Full Tort Insurance

Pennsylvania drivers must choose between limited tort (no-fault) and full tort coverage when purchasing auto insurance. This choice significantly impacts your ability to recover damages:

• Limited tort: Restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffer serious injuries
• Full tort: Preserves your right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity

Most attorneys recommend full tort coverage as it provides greater protection and recovery options after an accident.