Plum
Car Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. Let Us Pursue Damages on Your Behalf After a Car Accident in Plum, PA
2. Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case in Plum, PA
3. Pennsylvania Law Limits How Long You Have to Take Legal Action for a Plum, PA Car Accident
4. What Steps Should I Take Following a Plum Car Accident?
5. How Does Auto Insurance Affect My Plum Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit?
6. Anyone Can Get Into a Car Accident in Plum Borough, PA

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you suffered injuries in a Plum, PA car accident, Berger and Green can help you recover compensation. Our Plum personal injury lawyers can help you identify the at-fault party in your wreck and explain your options for taking legal action to hold them liable. Pennsylvania car insurance and accident recovery rules are complex, but we can navigate this process for you.

Call our office today to get started. Our Plum car accident lawyers are standing by to review your car accident case for free. Let our team fight for the compensation you deserve.

Let Us Pursue Damages on Your Behalf After a Car Accident in Plum, PA

At Berger and Green, our injury lawyers know how to build a solid case and pursue the compensation our clients need to cover the expenses and losses they experienced because of a car accident. Our Pennsylvania-based firm has more than 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims.

When we take on a car accident or another personal injury case for you and your family, you can expect us to:

• Protect your right to pursue compensation, if possible, based on the facts of your case
• Manage all communication with the at-fault party, their insurer, and their attorney
• Answer any questions you have
• Help you understand how Pennsylvania car insurance law applies in your case
• Investigate your accident and analyze all available evidence
• Build a solid case to support the pursuit of damages in a settlement or lawsuit
• Document your accident-related expenses and losses

Once we complete our investigation and have a case ready to present, our Plum, PA car accident lawyers can take legal action against the at-fault driver. We will aggressively pursue the payout you deserve based on the evidence we collected. In some cases, we may be able to reach an out-of-court settlement during this process, getting you the compensation you deserve without taking your case to court.

Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case in Plum, PA

Our goal is always to recover the payout our clients need and deserve to cover their accident-related expenses and losses, known as damages. As a part of our investigation into your case, we collect evidence to show your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. This serves as the basis for calculating your recoverable damages. 

After our investigation, we can give you a better idea of the possible fair value of your case. Some common types of damages recoverable in a car accident case include:

• Ambulance transportation
• Medical care costs, now and in the future
• Prescription medications, hardware, and devices
• Ongoing care costs
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Lost wages and benefits
• Diminished earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident or injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You may hear references to economic and noneconomic damages when discussing your losses. Economic damages refer to losses with a direct financial value, like medical bills and lost wages. Noneconomic damages are the emotional, mental, and societal impacts of your injuries. They are no less important than financial losses, but they require knowledge and resources to evaluate.

Wrongful Death Damages

When a family member passes away because of the injuries they sustained in a motor vehicle accident, the immediate family not only suffers immense emotional pain but also has many expenses related to the accident. 

If you lost a loved one in a Plum, PA, car accident, you may be eligible to recover damages through a wrongful death action. Call us today for a free case review.

Pennsylvania Law Limits How Long You Have to Take Legal Action for a Plum, PA Car Accident

Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 puts a time limit on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident. Per Pennsylvania’s car accident statute of limitations, you only have two years from the date of an accident to take legal action. However, there may be factors at play that change this deadline. We encourage you not to count on having that long.

Call us as soon as possible after your accident so we can go to work building a case and pursuing the compensation you deserve. If we wait too long, key evidence could disappear, or you could lose the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

What Steps Should I Take Following a Plum Car Accident?

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by everything that follows an auto accident. There are a lot of tasks to do, and it’s easy to miss key requirements and steps. Our Plum car accident lawyers can make sure you don’t miss anything and handle your claim from start to finish. Here are just some of the steps this process entails:

• Immediate steps after an accident: After a car accident, seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to law enforcement. Documenting the scene, including taking photos and gathering witness contacts, can also strengthen your case later. Contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help you protect your rights and avoid common mistakes that could impact your claim.
• Initial consultation with a lawyer: In your first meeting with Berger and Green lawyer, we will review the details of your accident, examine your insurance coverage, and discuss potential legal strategies for your case. This consultation helps you understand the claims process and what to expect moving forward. We can discuss payment and our affordable contingency fee arrangement. 
• Investigation and evidence collection: To build a strong case, your Plum car accident attorney will gather key evidence, such as police reports from the Plum Borough Police Department, medical records, and witness statements. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to establish liability and accurately assess the full extent of your damages.
• Insurance claim filing: Your lawyer will guide you through filing a claim with the insurance company, ensuring all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time. They will communicate with the insurer on your behalf, advocating for fair treatment and protecting you from potential lowball offers or unfair practices.
• Settlement negotiations: Berger and Green’s team will negotiate with the insurance company to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Many cases settle during this stage, and your Plum auto accident lawyer will work to secure a settlement that fully addresses your financial and personal needs.
• Filing a lawsuit (if needed): If settlement negotiations don’t yield fair compensation, we may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court. This step involves legal filings, the discovery process, and potential depositions, all of which your lawyer will handle to build a solid case for trial if needed.
• Resolution (settlement or trial): Your lawyer will work to achieve a resolution, whether through a final settlement or, if necessary, by representing you in court to secure the compensation you deserve. Berger and Green will aim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses resulting from the accident.

How Does Auto Insurance Affect My Plum Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit?

In Pennsylvania, the car insurance system operates under a “choice no-fault” policy, which gives drivers the option to choose between limited tort and full tort insurance coverage. 

Understanding what this means and how it impacts you as a car accident victim is crucial, especially if you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and other losses due to an accident. At Berger and Green, we’re here to guide you through these complexities and help you get the compensation you need to recover.

What Is Pennsylvania’s Choice No-Fault Insurance System?

Pennsylvania’s no-fault system gives drivers two primary options:

1. Limited Tort Coverage: This option typically costs less in premiums but restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering except in severe cases, such as those involving serious injury or death.
2. Full Tort Coverage: Although more expensive, full tort allows you to pursue a broader range of compensation from the at-fault party, including for pain and suffering, without restrictions.

If you have limited tort coverage, you may face restrictions on the damages you can recover for non-economic losses, which often include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-financial impacts. However, exceptions exist for cases where serious injury is involved. In contrast, with full tort, you have the right to pursue comprehensive damages, making it easier to seek full compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.

What Kind of Coverage May Help With My Plum Accident Losses?

In Pennsylvania, there are several auto insurance coverage options that may be available to help you with your losses:

• Limited or Full Tort Coverage: As already stated, you must choose one of these options when choosing an auto coverage plan. Full tort is the default coverage option, and you must opt-in for limited tort coverage.
• Medical Benefits (PIP): Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry a minimum of $5,000 in medical benefits coverage. This coverage is part of the no-fault system and will pay for your medical bills, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, it does not cover lost wages or non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
• Bodily Injury Liability: If you are at fault in an accident, bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other damages for injuries sustained by others. Pennsylvania requires minimum coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. This coverage is particularly important if you were not at fault because you may claim against the other driver’s bodily injury liability.
• Property Damage Liability: This coverage, also required by law, covers damage to property. Drivers must carry at least $5,000 in coverage. This policy will allow you to seek compensation for car and other property repairs.
• Income Loss: This is an optional policy, but it can help drivers recover lost wages after an accident.
• Funeral Benefits: This is another policy not required by state law, but drivers can add this to their insurance claim to pay for funeral costs in the event of their death or the death of a loved one in an auto accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This coverage can be invaluable if the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance or is uninsured. This can be especially helpful if the driver flees the scene of the accident. If this happened to you, our Plum hit and run accident lawyer can help you deal with this complex scenario.
• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: These cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle, whether it’s due to an accident, vandalism, or weather damage.

At Berger and Green, we understand the nuances of Pennsylvania’s car insurance system and how it can affect your recovery after an accident. If you’re dealing with injuries and losses due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. Let us help you understand your rights, navigate the insurance process, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Why Do My Insurance Choices Matter?

As a car accident victim, these choices could directly impact your case. Understanding how your policy affects your rights is essential, especially when insurance companies aim to limit their liability. A car accident lawyer from Berger and Green can evaluate your case, navigate your insurance coverage, and help determine the best path forward for damages. 

We will thoroughly review your policy to determine what forms of compensation you’re entitled to pursue. This includes checking for additional coverage options that may address losses beyond the basic liability or limited tort.

Anyone Can Get Into a Car Accident in Plum Borough, PA

Accidents in Plum, PA, are often caused by a range of factors that make certain busy roads particularly dangerous. Heavily trafficked roads like Saltsburg Road, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Coxcomb Hill Road, and New Texas Road see frequent accidents due to congestion, high speeds, and complex intersections.

When an accident occurs, several parties may bear liability. For example, another driver might be at fault for reckless or impaired driving. In other cases, a government agency or contractor may be responsible if road maintenance issues, like potholes or missing signage, contributed to the crash. Additionally, if a commercial vehicle is involved, the trucking company could share liability, particularly if driver fatigue or vehicle maintenance was a factor. 

These various factors can create different challenges when seeking financial compensation, so let our Plum car accident lawyers handle these and all other kinds of auto crashes on your behalf.

Talk to Our Plum, PA, Car Accident Attorneys Today About Seeking Damages

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Plum, PA, car accident, the Berger and Green team can help. A Plum car accident lawyer is standing by to take your call today. Let us evaluate your case, explain your legal options for pursuing compensation, and handle the entire process for you. You can worry about healing from your injuries while we take legal action on your behalf.

Call our Pittsburgh office today to discuss your accident with a member of our car accident team serving Plum, PA. We offer complimentary consultations and will handle your case on a contingency fee basis.