Car Accident Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Find Accident and Injury Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has its own set of rules that affect how injury claims play out. For example, the state uses a choice no-fault auto insurance system, meaning drivers pick between limited tort and full tort coverage when buying car insurance. That choice directly impacts your right to sue for pain and suffering after a car accident. Whether you're dealing with a truck collision, a workplace injury, a slip and fall, or the wrongful death of a family member, knowing Pennsylvania's specific laws gives you a real advantage.

Pennsylvania Injury Laws

The statute of limitations for most personal injury and accident claims in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the injury. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline, starting from the date of death. Miss that window and the court will almost certainly bar your case.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% threshold. If you are found 51% or more at fault for your own injury, you recover nothing. If your share of fault is 50% or less, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you receive $70,000.

Pennsylvania does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in most accident cases. However, punitive damages may be limited depending on the circumstances and the court's discretion.

When to Contact a Lawyer in Pennsylvania

• You suffered injuries in a car or truck accident and the insurance company is offering a low settlement or denying your claim.
• You were hurt on someone else's property due to unsafe conditions like ice, broken stairs, or poor lighting.
• You experienced a workplace injury and your workers' compensation claim has been disputed or delayed by your employer's insurer.
• A family member died because of another party's negligence and you need to file a wrongful death action before the two-year deadline passes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Injury Claims

How does Pennsylvania's limited tort vs. full tort choice affect my car accident claim?

If you selected limited tort on your auto policy, you generally cannot sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries qualify as "serious." Serious injuries include significant disfigurement, broken bones, or permanent impairment. Full tort policyholders face no such restriction and can pursue all available damages.

Can I file both a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Yes. If a third party — someone other than your employer — caused your workplace injury, you can collect workers' compensation benefits and also sue that third party. A common example is a delivery driver injured by another motorist while working. Your employer's insurer may seek reimbursement from any third-party settlement you receive.