After you have been seriously injured or a family member has been killed in a car accident, you need an experienced Lancaster car accident attorney who knows what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. The physical and emotional pain is challenging enough, let alone the confusion of filing an insurance claim.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact the experienced Lancaster car accident attorneys at Freeburn Law today. Freeburn Law has been protecting the rights of car accident victims in Pennsylvania since 1982. Call (717) 777-7777 to schedule a free, initial consultation with our legal team.
We have covered all these types of accidents, plus many more:
- Failure to stop
- Failure to yield
- Running a traffic light
- Speeding
- Defective brakes
- Road defects
If you have questions about your rights after a car wreck, speak to an attorney at Freeburn Law immediately. We have handled countless personal injury and wrongful death cases for people all over Pennsylvania. Learn more about what to do after an auto accident on our FAQ page.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Lancaster, PA
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. If you've been injured in a car accident in Lancaster, Freeburn Law is here to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jolted forward and backward, often due to rear-end collisions. This injury can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are common in car accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Depending on the severity of the impact, you may require surgery and an extended recovery period.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage. This type of injury often results from head trauma during the collision. Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior or cognitive function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis and/or other long-term disabilities. Even less severe injuries, like herniated discs, can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
Internal Injuries
Car accidents can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately visible, making it important to seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine after the accident.
Cuts and Lacerations
Broken glass, sharp metal, and other debris from the accident can cause cuts and lacerations. While some may heal with basic treatment, others may require stitches or even reconstructive surgery to prevent infection and scarring.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Lancaster, PA
Pennsylvania law enforces a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including car accidents, under 42 Pa. Consol. Stat. § 5524(2). This timeframe begins on the day of the accident, giving you two years to file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Take note that insurance companies may have their own time limits for reporting accidents and filing claims. Contacting your insurer immediately after the accident will help protect your rights and ensure all claims are handled properly.
To preserve your rights and stay within the statute of limitations, you need to consult with a Lancaster car accident attorney as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages. These can include:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you have lost due to your inability to work during your recovery period.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the accident has had on your relationship with your spouse or family members.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one has tragically died in a car accident, certain family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional trauma.
Who Is Liable in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Determining liability in a car accident is crucial for pursuing a personal injury claim. In Pennsylvania, liability is based on comparative negligence. This means that each party involved can be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on your degree of fault.
The following parties may be held liable in a car accident lawsuit:
- Negligent Drivers: If another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light, caused the accident, they can be held responsible.
- Vehicle Owners: If the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident negligently entrusted their vehicle to an incompetent or reckless driver, they may also be held liable.
- Government Entities: In certain cases, if a hazardous road condition or improper signage contributed to the accident, a government entity responsible for road maintenance may be held accountable.
In Pennsylvania in 2022, there were 1,179 traffic deaths. This is actually the second lowest total of fatal accidents in the state for the last 20 years. However, despite these improvements, statistics show that distracted driving and head-on crashes are at their highest in the last 10 years.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Lancaster, PA
Taking the appropriate steps after a car accident can protect your rights and strengthen your potential personal injury claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else injured in the accident, even if the injuries seem minor.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police to report the accident and request a copy of the accident report.
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence from the scene, including photographs, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim.
- Notify Insurance Companies: Report the accident to your insurance company, but be cautious when providing statements and avoid accepting fault without consulting an attorney.
- Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Lancaster, PA, like those at Freeburn Law, for expert legal advice. They will protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Lancaster or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out to Freeburn Law for experienced and caring legal help. Call us at (717) 777-7777 to schedule your free consultation with one of our skilled Lancaster car accident lawyers.
Contact Freeburn Law Today
If you've been injured in a car accident in Lancaster, it's crucial to seek legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Freeburn Law, we are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the legal process with ease. We handle everything from dealing with insurance companies to building a strong case on your behalf.
Don’t wait—time is of the essence in personal injury cases. Contact Freeburn Law today to schedule a free consultation and get the legal support you need.
Read Our Customer Testimonials:
“Bradley and Freeburn Law did more than just represent Lennie. “They made me feel part of a family,” Lennie said. “Once you put it in their hands, they do their best. You can rest assured that they are going to get all the answers necessary to provide the best result.” – Lancaster, PA
“Please accept my congratulations as well as my sincere thanks and gratitude for the fantastic work. I realize this was not an easy case, and from experience, I know that other attorneys would not have extended the effort and diligence that you did. Thanks again from all of us, for a job well done.” – Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County is in southern Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River. Lancaster, the county seat, is known for its red-brick Central Market building. North of the city, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum evokes a traditional German settlement. Southeast, in Amish farm country, the town of Strasburg is home to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s vintage trains. Farther south is riverside Susquehannock State Park.
Lancaster, PA Legal Resources:
Lancaster County District Codes – This site provides you with helpful information regarding your city codes and ordinances.
Lancaster County Law & Justice– Law & Justice provides information regarding Lancaster County’s legal resources, such as Public Defenders, District Attorney, Court of Administration, and more.
Lancaster County Bar Association– The Lancaster County Bar Association is a professional organization that is proud of the contribution its members have made in the community. They have been around since pre-Revolutionary times, all the way up until the present.
