Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer
Every day, countless vehicles travel busy roadways like Roosevelt Boulevard, I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), and Broad Street in Philadelphia. These roads are vital for getting us from one place to another, but they are also common locations for car accidents. A single moment of distraction, speeding, or recklessness can change someone’s life forever. If you’ve been in a car accident in Philadelphia, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what comes next.
At The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyer is here to guide you through this challenging time. You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, so we can discuss how to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
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Why Choose The Levin Firm After a Car Accident in Philadelphia
For over 20 years, The Levin Firm has provided comprehensive legal support for car accident victims and their families in the Philadelphia area. You can count on our car accident lawyers to handle your case with compassion and care, and to fight back against the big insurance companies on your behalf.
Some of the reasons you should consider working with our law firm are:
Our Proven Case Results
Our firm has recovered millions for our clients through successful verdicts and settlements in a broad range of cases, including car accidents. Some of the significant results we’ve had in this area include $10.5 million for a victim injured in a collision with a delivery truck and $3 million for victims in a van rollover accident.
When you hire us to handle your case, we seek the maximum compensation available. We aren’t afraid to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
Our Awards and Recognitions
Over the years, our lawyers have received numerous awards and recognitions from legal organizations and fellow injury law firms. These awards and recognitions include:
- Attorney Gabriel Levin being named a Super Lawyer for 15 consecutive years
- Our lawyers being listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers
- Our firm having a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating for being top attorneys for car accidents
What Our Clients Say About Us
While we’re happy to tell you about all the ways working with our law office can benefit your car accident case, one of the best ways to learn what it’s actually like to work with a firm is to see what their past clients have to say about them.
We’re proud to say that our clients routinely have positive experiences with our firm and the work we do. Many of these clients leave us positive reviews and testimonials, including this one from Jen M.:
“Levin Law Firm was amazing to work with. Very knowledgeable and they made me feel comfortable and they were easy to talk to. I would highly recommend this firm.”
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help You Every Step of the Way
Our personal injury lawyers will handle your case from start to finish, so you only have to worry about recovering from your injuries. We’ll gather evidence to support your case, file your insurance claim, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and provide personalized legal advice throughout the process.
Meet Your Attorneys
The Levin Firm has a strong team of dedicated attorneys who are ready to take on your case and help you seek fair compensation:
- Attorney Gabriel Levin has tried hundreds of cases, including those involving car accidents with catastrophic injuries.
- Attorney James Stinsman brings his vast experience from working as a trial attorney for one of the city’s largest personal injury firms to the benefit of his clients.
- Attorney Ashley Oakey has experience working at an insurance defense firm, giving her an insider’s perspective on how defense attorneys approach cases.
- Associate Attorney AJ Garcia previously served as a liaison for the Federal Reentry Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and is dedicated to doing what’s best for his clients.
- Attorney Joseph J. LoRusso has been handling personal injury cases since 2000 and operates out of a satellite office in Orlando.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Philadelphia Car Accident?
Many accident victims make the mistake of accepting the initial settlement offer from the insurance company. These offers often come quickly after a crash, and the adjuster might sound friendly, telling you it’s the best solution to resolve your claim fast. While it might be tempting to take the money and move on, it’s important to pause and consult a lawyer first. Here’s why:
- Protecting Your Best Interests: Insurance companies aren’t motivated by your recovery—they’re focused on their bottom line. The first settlement offer is almost always far less than what you actually need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and ongoing pain and suffering. Unfortunately, once you accept an offer, you can’t go back and ask for more, even if you discover later you need additional treatments or have long-term limitations.
- Accurate Valuation of Your Case: It can be challenging to determine the true value of your claim on your own. A skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you understand what your claim is worth based on medical records, accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and more. By working with The Levin Firm, you gain an advocate who will negotiate relentlessly with insurance adjusters to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Before accepting any insurance offer, call The Levin Firm for a free consultation. We can evaluate your claim and ensure you’re making the best decision for your future. Remember, our goal is not just to settle fast but to settle right—making sure you’re taken care of now and in the years to come.
Laws Affecting Car Accidents in Philadelphia
Understanding the legal framework surrounding car accidents in Pennsylvania is crucial when filing a claim. Whether it’s navigating insurance policies, filing within strict legal deadlines, or overcoming obstacles like shared fault, having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Below, we’ll explain three important laws that could impact your case:
Pennsylvania’s “Choice” No-Fault Insurance and How It Works
Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that follows a “choice” no-fault insurance system. What does this mean? Essentially, drivers in Pennsylvania can choose between no-fault and traditional auto insurance when purchasing coverage.
- No-fault insurance allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company for medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who caused the accident. However, no-fault policies limit your ability to file a lawsuit unless you’ve suffered a “serious injury” (as defined by Pennsylvania law).
- Traditional fault insurance, on the other hand, places no such restrictions, and you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver without the “serious injury” requirement.
Determining which insurance policy applies in your case can be complex. That’s why working with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer is essential. The Levin Firm can walk you through the insurance claims process, ensuring you understand your rights and opportunities for compensation.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
Time is of the essence when filing a car accident claim in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the crash, or you risk losing your right to recover compensation altogether.
There are some exceptions—for example, if the accident involved a minor—but they are rare and require careful legal analysis. The Levin Firm ensures that no deadlines are missed, so your case proceeds efficiently and effectively.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and building a compelling claim on your behalf.
Pennsylvania’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
What happens if you share some of the blame for a car accident? Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
This rule often becomes a focal point in car accident claims, as insurance companies will aggressively argue that you contributed to the accident in an attempt to minimize or deny your compensation. Having a strong legal advocate on your side can help counter these tactics and ensure the full extent of liability is properly assigned.
Do I Have Grounds to File a Car Accident Case?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may be wondering if you have a valid case. Most car accident claims are built on the concept of negligence, which means another party failed to act with reasonable care, leading to the accident and your injuries. To have a successful car accident case, it’s not enough to simply prove the other driver was at fault—you must demonstrate four specific elements of negligence. Here’s how it works:
- Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. This duty of care exists to protect others on the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
- Breach of Duty: To prove negligence, you must show that the other driver breached their duty to act responsibly. Examples include speeding, texting while driving, driving under the influence, tailgating, or running a red light.
- Causation: Next, you need to connect the breach of duty to the accident itself. This means showing that the other driver’s reckless or careless actions directly caused the crash and the injuries you suffered.
- Damages: Lastly, you must demonstrate that the accident resulted in actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering. Without provable damages, there’s no basis for a personal injury claim.
At The Levin Firm, we know how to investigate and prove all four elements of negligence, ensuring your case has the best possible chance of success. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, call us for a free consultation—we’re here to provide answers and help you decide on your next steps.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Philadelphia Auto Accident?
Accidents aren’t always as simple as two drivers colliding. Determining who is at fault can be more complicated, and multiple parties may share liability. Here are some examples of who might be held accountable for a car accident in Philadelphia:
- The Other Driver
This is the most common scenario. If another driver was speeding, distracted, drunk, or otherwise acting negligently, they can be held responsible for your injuries and damages. - Employers of Commercial Drivers
If the at-fault driver was operating a company vehicle at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable under vicarious liability laws. Employers can also be at fault if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver. - Vehicle Manufacturers
Sometimes, a defective vehicle or faulty part—such as brake failure or a blown tire—causes an accident. In these cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product may be held accountable. - Government Entities
Poorly designed or maintained roads, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic lights can lead to crashes. If a government agency or contractor responsible for road safety failed to maintain safe conditions, they could be held liable for your accident. - A Bar or Tavern
Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law, establishments that served a drunk driver can be held legally liable for damages a drunk driver causes in an accident. It is illegal for a restaurant or bar in Pennsylvania to sell alcohol to someone who is “visibly intoxicated.” If the visibly intoxicated person gets into an accident on the way home, the restaurant or bar runs the risk of being liable to the drunk driver’s victims. - Third Parties
Other factors, like unsecured cargo, rideshare companies, or even mechanics who performed faulty repairs, may play a role in causing an accident.
Identifying all liable parties is critical to securing full compensation for your injuries. Our team at The Levin Firm conducts thorough investigations to uncover every potential source of liability, ensuring no one responsible is overlooked.
Compensation Available to Car Accident Victims in Philadelphia
Car accidents can lead to devastating financial, physical, and emotional hardships—but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. By filing a personal injury claim, you can pursue compensation for the various losses you’ve endured. Here are some of the recoverable damages in a Philadelphia car accident claim:
- Medical Expenses: From emergency room visits and surgeries to ongoing therapies and prescription medications, medical bills can quickly pile up. Compensation can cover both current and future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can recover lost wages from time missed at work. For long-term or disabling injuries, you may also seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Car repair or replacement costs are often included in accident claims, allowing you to restore or replace your damaged vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life due to injuries are considered noneconomic damages. While these losses don’t come with a price tag, they are very real and can be compensated.
Our legal team at The Levin Firm is here to value your claim accurately and fight for every dollar you deserve. We’ll work tirelessly to make sure all your damages are accounted for, whether they’re immediately apparent or long-term.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?
We understand that financial worries often deter car accident victims from seeking legal help. At The Levin Firm, we believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid attorney’s fees if we recover compensation in your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. This arrangement ensures that pursuing justice is risk-free for you. Our priority is to ease your burden, not add to it.
Philadelphia Slip & Fall Accident FAQ:
1. How long do I have to report a car accident in Pennsylvania?
While Pennsylvania law requires you to report certain accidents to the police immediately, your insurance company may also require prompt notification—sometimes within 24 hours. Delays in reporting can affect both your insurance claim and potential legal case.
2. What evidence should I gather at the scene of a car accident?
Important evidence includes photos or videos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and weather. Also collect driver information, witness statements, and police report details. This evidence can be critical in proving fault later.
3. Should I see a doctor if I don’t feel hurt after a car accident?
Yes. Some injuries—such as concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates documentation to support your claim.
4. Can I recover compensation if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Yes. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your own insurance policy can help pay for damages. An attorney can help you navigate these claims and maximize your recovery.
5. What if my accident involved a rideshare driver (Uber or Lyft)?
Rideshare accidents have unique insurance rules. Depending on whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app or transporting a passenger, different insurance policies may apply. These cases often involve multiple insurance carriers.
6. How long does it take to settle a Philadelphia car accident case?
Timelines vary depending on factors like case complexity, injury severity, and whether the case goes to trial. Some claims settle in months, while others can take over a year. Your attorney can give a better estimate after reviewing your case.
7. Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial.
8. What happens if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash?
If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment, their employer may also be liable under Pennsylvania’s vicarious liability laws. This could provide an additional source of compensation.
Contact Our Trusted Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Today
Recovering from a car accident is a long and difficult road—but you don’t have to travel it alone. At The Levin Firm, our experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys are proud to stand by your side, offering compassionate support and aggressive advocacy. Here’s how we can help:
- Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence to strengthen your case
- Provide personalized, one-on-one attention from start to finish
- Fight for maximum compensation, even if that means going to trial
Don’t wait another day to protect your rights. Call The Levin Firm today at (215) 825-5183 or through our online form for a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney. There’s no obligation—and no fee unless we win your case.