Auto Accident Claims Process

If you or a loved one have been in a car accident in Pittsburgh, we know that it can be a confusing time. Not only are you dealing with the possibility of injuries and damages, but you now need to know how to get the compensation necessary for these expenses. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our qualified and experienced team wants to discuss the auto accident claims process for Pittsburgh and the rest of Pennsylvania. Let us get to work today so we can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

The statistics for Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh car accidents happen. For the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, there were 128,188 crashes. Out of those, there were:

• 1,137 total fatalities
• 80,612 total injuries

When we look at the numbers for Allegheny County, we can see that this area was responsible for nearly 10% of the total accidents in Pennsylvania for that year.

Do I need to report an accident in Pittsburgh?

Yes, in most cases. You need to file an accident report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days of the accident occurring if:

• The police did not respond and investigate when the crash occurred
• Anyone was injured or killed
• There was serious property damage

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state

Drivers in Pennsylvania have a choice to either:

• Have a traditional tort liability policy
• Have a no-fault insurance policy

If you have a no-fault policy, your insurance company is responsible for compensation for your economic damages regardless of who was at fault in the crash. Under a no-fault policy, you cannot file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver unless there was a “serious injury,” typically defined as the impairment of a bodily function or permanent disfigurement.

If you have a traditional tort policy, you have the option to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver to recover both economic and non-economic damages. However, you can also face a lawsuit if you are at-fault with this option.

Insurance minimums in Pennsylvania are:

• $15,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per person for third parties
• $30,000 personal injury protection (PIP) total per accident for third parties
• $5,000 property damage protection
• $5,000 no-fault personal injury protection

Investigation and settlement

Claims adjusters will investigate the incident and then offer a settlement through the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may have to file a lawsuit (if you have a traditional tort policy or there was a serious injury). A Pittsburgh car accident lawyer may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

What you can do to get compensation

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, you need to quickly figure out how the auto claims process is going to work. This is not something you deal with every day, and you may need to seek legal assistance. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are ready to step in and help you get through this. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will get to the bottom of the crash and work to secure the compensation you need, including:

• All of your medical expenses related to the crash
• Lost income and benefits if you cannot work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages against a negligent party

When you need a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer to help with the auto accident claims process, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 1-888-988-9467.