How do I know if I have a valid car accident claim in Pennsylvania?

EMT pulling stretcher out

When driving down the road, whether to get to work or run errands, the last thing you expect is to be involved in a car accident. However, when another driver collides with your vehicle, it can leave you with serious damages for years to come. Though the injuries you’ve sustained leave you struggling, taking the time to connect with motor vehicle accident attorneys is something that you should prioritize. Failing to work with an attorney can leave you with an unfavorable outcome, even though you have a valid car accident claim. The following blog explores how to tell if your claim is valid and what you can expect after you file.

What must I prove for my car accident claim to be valid?

Generally, in order to prove that you have a valid claim for your car accident, a few things must be true. Generally, you’ll find that the most important thing you must demonstrate is that the other party was negligent. To show that the other party breached their duty of care, meaning they failed to exercise reasonable caution. For example, they may have been texting, causing them to run a red light and collide with your vehicle, or failed to yield even though you had the right of way. To prove they breached this care, you’ll want to collect evidence like photographs, videos, footage of the accident, witness statements, and police reports.

In addition to proving that a driver was negligent, you’ll also need to prove that any damages you suffered were a direct result of the driver’s actions. It is imperative to get medical treatment immediately following an accident, as this can not only help ensure that any injuries sustained are cared for and treated promptly but that your medical care is documented from the moment the collision occurs.

What happens after I submit evidence to the insurance?

Once you file your valid claim with the insurance, someone assigned to your case will review the evidence to determine how much your claim is worth. It is important to note that they will likely severely undervalue your claim, as the ultimate goal of the insurance is to save their company as much money as possible. As such, you should never accept the first offer from the insurance company for the damages you’ve suffered, unless explicitly advised to by your attorney.

It’s important to note that you can negotiate with the insurance company if you believe they are undervaluing your claim. However, if you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to take your case to court.

Regardless of whether or not you proceed to trial, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney from the moment you are involved in an accident due to the negligence of another person. At Friedman Schuman Layser , our team is here to fight for you from the moment you are hurt to the minute you receive your check. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.

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