Car Accident FAQ's

Pennsylvania Car Collision Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I've been hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania and I want to file a claim for my injuries. What's the first thing I should do?

A: There are a number of things you can do in the first few days and weeks after an accident to protect your right to compensation, such as: 1) write down as much as you can about the accident itself, your injuries and any other losses (such as wages) you've suffered as a result of the accident; 2) make notes of conversations that you have with people involved in the accident or the injury claim; 3) preserve evidence of who caused the accident and what damage was done by collecting physical evidence and taking photographs; 4) locate people who witnessed the accident and who might be able to help you prove your case; 5) notify anyone you think might be responsible for the accident of your intention to file a claim for your injuries, especially if a government agency or employee may be involved; and 6) contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to evaluate and pursue your claim.

Q: What do I do if the airbag in the car did not deploy?

A: If you believe that the airbag should have deployed and prevented your injuries, it is very important that you contact an attorney immediately or as soon as possible. Generally, whether or not an airbag should have deployed is determined by the data contained in a computer chip in the car. A technician retrieves the data from the chip and analyzes it. However, that data can be corrupted or degraded every time the car ignition is turned over after the accident. So, it is very important to contact a Pennsylvania Injury lawyer as soon as possible to determine if data retrieval is warranted.

Q: How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: Every state has certain time limits, called "statutes of limitations," which govern the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, your claims can be dismissed. Consequently, it is important to talk with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you receive or discover an injury.

Q: What do I do if I believe the car was defective and that defect caused the accident, but I need my car repaired.

A: Unfortunately, you have a tough decision. If you repair the car so that the defective parts are removed, fixed or destroyed and the manufacturer (not the garage or dealer) has not had the opportunity to examine the car, then you may be barred from prevailing in a lawsuit. If you want to bring a claim, it is likely that you will be without a car for some time until the manufacturer examines the car. You should contact a products liability attorney to assist you in this decision.

Q: What can I receive if my personal injury lawsuit is successful?

A: Usually, the person who is liable for an injury must compensate the injured person for: medical care and related expenses; income lost because of the accident; permanent physical disability or disfigurement; loss of family, social and educational experiences; emotional damages, such as stress, embarrassment, depression or strains on family relationships; and damaged property. Generally, the responsible driver's insurance company pays the claim. The successful party will be awarded "damages," which is money intended to restore you to the position you were in before your injury. This money is not considered income, and is not taxable as income by the federal government or the states.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, law firm of Carol Rosenbloom Associates, LLC represents families and individuals in personal injury, medical malpractice, disability insurance bad faith, and workers' compensation. We serve clients throughout Allegheny County, Butler County, Westmoreland County, Cambria County, Blair County, Indiana County, Somerset County, Beaver County, Fayette County, Greene County, and Armstrong County, and areas including Monroeville, Wexford, Cranberry Township, Butler, Greensburg, Ford City, Murrysville, New Kensington, Johnstown, Ebensburg, Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Indiana, Somerset, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Aliquippa, Uniontown, Connellsville, Waynesburg, and Kittanning, PA.