Car crashes cause life-altering injuries, fatalities, and severe property damage every year in Pennsylvania. Often, these accidents are the result of one person’s negligent actions. If you believe another person is responsible for your accident injuries, you may have the right to pursue a legal claim against them.
The laws governing vehicle collision cases are complicated, so it is best to work with a seasoned injury attorney if you plan to take legal action. Jon Ostroff, Founding Partner at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, has successfully handled thousands of car accident claims.
For example, in a past case, Jon recovered over $2.8 million for a Franklin woman and her daughter that were injured in a crash on I-79. Jon and his team also won over $20 million for a group of clients that were injured in a bus and truck crash on I-80. Our Franklin car accident lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to after a wreck.
Jon has been helping clients from Venango and Crawford Counties, including Franklin, Cambridge Springs and Meadville, for over 30 years. In 1992, Jon obtained a verdict in a case before Judge Breen for $425,000 after a week-long trial. Jon is proud of his track record helping Franklin folks and others from across the snowbelt and NW PA since that verdict in 1992.
Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Claim
Pennsylvania’s car insurance system imposes a few restrictions on auto accident victims. All vehicle collision claims must begin with recovery for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket costs through your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who is at fault.
However, PIP coverage may not be enough to make up for all the economic and non-economic harm you suffered. In this case, you may pursue a claim against an at-fault party’s car insurance policy to recover additional compensation.
Full Tort and Limited Tort Insurance
All motorists in Franklin must choose between purchasing “full tort” and “limited tort” car insurance. If you have full tort coverage, you may seek financial recovery for the economic and non-economic harm you suffered.
If you have limited tort, you may only be able to pursue non-economic damages under certain circumstances, such as if you sustained a “serious” injury. A car wreck attorney can explain your recovery options further in your initial consultation.
Additional Laws Governing Injury Cases in Franklin
When you file a vehicle collision claim, you must prove the defendant(s) are primarily responsible for the accident and prevail against any accusations that you are partially negligent. 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §7102 allows courts to reduce the value of your damages award based on your percentage of fault for an accident. Additionally, you may be barred from recovering compensation altogether if the court deems you 51% or more to blame for a car or truck crash.
It is also important to take legal action as soon as possible after a collision. According to 42 PA Con. Stat. §5524, you have a maximum of two years after sustaining an injury to file a lawsuit. This is a small amount of time to build a comprehensive car wreck case, so it is critical to speak with a local lawyer right away.
Get in Touch with a Franklin Car Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a high-speed motor vehicle collision is always chaotic and confusing, especially if those involved suffer a serious injury. Making sense of your legal rights and effectively enforcing them after a wreck will have a much greater chance of success with help from a legal professional who has experience with cases like yours.
A Franklin car accident lawyer from Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can provide the guidance you need to successfully recover compensation. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about what we can do for you.
