Car Accident Lawyer Pittsburgh

A car accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress. If you’ve been involved in a crash in Pittsburgh, you need an experienced car accident lawyer to fight for your rights. Porta-Clark & Ward are dedicated to helping accident victims recover compensation for their losses. Call (412) 921-7350 today for a free consultation and let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.

What to Do After a Car Accident

A car accident can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do next is important. The choices you make in the moments after the crash can affect your health, safety, and any potential legal claims. If you are involved in a car accident in Pittsburgh, taking the right steps can protect your rights and help you recover physically and financially.

Check for Injuries and Call for Help

Your health and safety should always come first. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain, so take a moment to assess how you are feeling. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can provide medical assistance and transport injured individuals to the hospital if necessary.

If your injuries prevent you from moving safely, stay where you are and wait for help. Do not attempt to push through pain or discomfort, as doing so could make things worse.

Move to a Safe Location if Possible

If the accident is minor and your vehicle is blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If your car is not drivable or the crash is severe, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until emergency responders arrive.

Leaving your car in a dangerous spot could put you at risk for another accident. However, if remaining in the vehicle poses a danger, such as if there is a fire or leaking fuel, exit the car carefully and move to a safe distance.

Call the Police and File a Report

In Pennsylvania, you are required to report an accident to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant vehicle damage. Even if the crash seems minor, calling the police is a smart decision. An officer can document the scene, gather witness statements, and create an official accident report.

Having a police report can be useful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation for injuries. Be sure to request a copy of the report for your records.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver

After checking for injuries and notifying authorities, exchange the following details with the other driver:

Name and contact information
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Insurance company and policy number
Make, model, and color of the vehicle

Be polite, but avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts and let the insurance companies and legal professionals determine fault.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, document the accident by taking pictures and videos. Capture different angles of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If there are skid marks or debris, include them in your photos.

Speak with witnesses who saw the crash and ask for their contact information. Their statements may help support your version of events if there is a dispute over liability.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured right away, seeing a doctor is a smart move. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. A medical professional can diagnose hidden injuries and begin treatment before complications arise.

Having medical records can also strengthen your case if you decide to file a claim. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident if there is a delay in treatment. Seeking prompt medical care can prevent these disputes.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies require timely reporting, and delays could impact your ability to receive compensation. Provide accurate details about the crash, but avoid making recorded statements or accepting blame.

Insurance adjusters may ask for additional information, such as photos or the police report. Cooperate with their investigation, but be cautious when speaking with them. If you are unsure about what to say, consider consulting a lawyer before providing detailed statements.

Keep Track of Expenses and Lost Wages

After an accident, financial losses can add up quickly. Keep records of medical bills, vehicle repairs, and any other expenses related to the crash. If your injuries prevent you from working, document lost wages as well.

These records can help you calculate the total cost of the accident and ensure that you receive fair compensation. If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, detailed documentation will support your case.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were injured in the accident, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial. An attorney can explain your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than victims deserve. Having legal representation can level the playing field and ensure you are not pressured into accepting an unfair offer. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so it does not cost anything to explore your legal options.

Understand Pennsylvania’s Car Accident Laws

Pennsylvania follows a choice no-fault insurance system, which means drivers can choose between limited tort and full tort coverage when purchasing insurance.

Limited tort: Restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a certain threshold, such as permanent disfigurement or serious impairment.
Full tort: Allows you to pursue compensation for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity.

Pennsylvania also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover damages.

Understanding these laws can help you make informed decisions about your case.

Watch for Signs of Delayed Injuries

Some injuries do not appear immediately after a crash. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, back pain, or numbness could indicate underlying injuries that require medical attention. If you experience any new symptoms in the days following the accident, see a doctor right away.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications and make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and treatment can be helpful if you need to file a claim.

Be Cautious on Social Media

After an accident, avoid posting about the crash or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your accounts for information they can use to challenge your claim. Even a seemingly harmless post or photo could be taken out of context.

It’s best to keep details about the accident private and discuss your case only with your attorney and trusted individuals.

How Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying Car Accident Claims

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be frustrating. While they may seem helpful at first, their main goal is to protect their bottom line. Insurance companies use a variety of tactics to minimize or deny claims, leaving injured victims with less compensation than they deserve.

If you were hurt in a car crash in Pittsburgh, knowing how insurers operate can help you prepare for their strategies. Understanding these tactics can also make it easier to challenge unfair claim denials and fight for the compensation you need.

Delaying the Claims Process

One of the most common tactics insurance companies use is dragging out the claims process. They may take weeks or months to respond, hoping that claimants will get frustrated and settle for a lower amount. Some adjusters even ignore emails or fail to return phone calls, making it difficult to move forward with a claim.

Delays can also put financial pressure on victims. Medical bills add up, lost wages make it hard to stay afloat, and repair costs can create extra stress. Insurers know that some people will accept a quick but unfairly low settlement just to get relief.

If an insurance company is slow to process your claim, keeping records of all communications can be useful. Writing down when you called, who you spoke with, and what was discussed can help keep them accountable. If the delays become excessive, speaking with an attorney may be necessary.

Offering a Low Settlement Early On

Some insurance adjusters try to settle claims quickly, but for far less than the case is worth. They may make an offer before you fully understand your injuries, hoping you will accept it without question.

Injuries from a car accident can take time to show their full impact. Some conditions, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be obvious right away. If you accept a low settlement too soon, you may be left with unpaid medical bills and ongoing treatment costs.

Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s important to fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages. Consulting with a lawyer can help ensure that you don’t accept an offer that won’t cover your needs.

Blaming the Victim for the Crash

Another common tactic is shifting blame onto the injured party. Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover anything.

Insurance adjusters may try to use your statements against you. Even saying something as simple as “I didn’t see the other car” can be twisted into an admission of fault. They may also look for inconsistencies in your story to weaken your case.

This is why it’s important to be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives. Stick to the facts, avoid speculation, and never admit fault. Let the evidence speak for itself.

Disputing Medical Treatment

Insurance companies often challenge medical expenses to avoid paying the full amount. They may claim that certain treatments were unnecessary or that your injuries are not as severe as reported. Some adjusters even argue that your injuries existed before the crash.

To counter this, keeping detailed medical records is essential. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations, attend all appointments, and document your recovery. Any missed treatments or delays in care can give the insurer a reason to question your claim.

If an insurance company refuses to cover your medical expenses, a personal injury attorney can push back against their unfair tactics.

Using Your Own Words Against You

Many claimants don’t realize that anything they say to an insurance adjuster can be used against them. Adjusters often ask leading questions, hoping that you will say something that weakens your case.

For example, they may ask how you are feeling, and if you respond with “I’m doing okay,” they might argue that you are not seriously injured. Even casual remarks can be misinterpreted to downplay your claim.

Some insurance companies ask claimants to give recorded statements. While this may seem like a standard part of the process, it is often used as a tool to find contradictions in your story. It is usually best to decline a recorded statement and let an attorney handle communication with the insurer.

Arguing That the Accident Did Not Cause Your Injuries

If an insurance company cannot deny liability outright, they may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash. They might claim that your pain is due to a pre-existing condition or that the accident was too minor to cause significant harm.

They often rely on medical records, surveillance footage, or even social media posts to support their argument. If you post photos or updates online suggesting that you are feeling fine, they may use that against you.

To protect your claim, avoid discussing your accident on social media and follow all medical advice. Having clear documentation linking your injuries to the crash will make it harder for insurers to deny your claim.

Claiming That Certain Damages Are Not Covered

Even if an insurance company accepts liability, they may try to limit the types of damages they are willing to cover. They might argue that pain and suffering should not be included or that lost wages are not fully compensable.

Understanding your insurance policy is key. If you have full tort coverage, you have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering. If you selected limited tort, you may face restrictions unless your injuries meet the serious injury threshold.

A personal injury lawyer can review your policy and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law.

Saying That You Waited Too Long to File a Claim

Insurance companies sometimes argue that a delay in filing a claim means the injuries must not have been serious. While it is always best to report an accident promptly, a slight delay does not mean you are not entitled to compensation.

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you file within this timeframe, the insurer cannot deny your claim solely because of a delay. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and build a strong case.

How to Protect Yourself from Unfair Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts. The good news is that you do not have to handle the process alone. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Report the accident promptly but avoid discussing fault.
Keep all records related to the crash, including medical bills, repair estimates, and lost wages.
Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters and avoid giving recorded statements.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and document your recovery.
Do not accept an early settlement without reviewing the full impact of your injuries.
Consider consulting a personal injury attorney before signing any agreements.

Insurance companies are in business to make money, and denying or minimizing claims is part of their strategy. They use various tactics, from delaying claims to disputing injuries, all in an effort to pay as little as possible.

If you have been in a car accident in Pittsburgh, being aware of these tactics can help you avoid common pitfalls. Staying informed, documenting everything, and seeking legal guidance when necessary can improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Let a Car Accident Attorney Fight for You

A car accident can leave you overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face it alone. Porta-Clark & Ward are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims in Pittsburgh. Our experienced car accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (412) 921-7350 today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.