How Truck Accident Attorneys Determine Liability After a Crash
Determining liability after a truck accident is a complex process that requires the experience and knowledge of seasoned personal injury attorneys. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our truck accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley have decades of experience handling these types of cases. We have a proven record of success when it comes to helping clients find justice and compensation for their damages. Knowing how we determine liability after a crash can help you better understand the truck accident claims process and feel confident that your case is in capable hands.
Extensive Investigation
Unlike most car accidents involving only passenger vehicles, multiple parties may be liable after a crash involving a commercial truck. To determine what happened and identify potential parties that may be at fault, your truck accident lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation. Some common types of evidence that they gather include:
- Police reports
- Photographs of the scene, damage to vehicles, and victims’ injuries
- Data from onboard recording devices like the truck’s black box
- Driver logs
- Cell phone records
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- Repair, inspection, and maintenance records
- The driver’s training and employment records
- Witness statements
- Other evidence specific to the case
Physical evidence like skid marks, damage to guardrails or signposts, debris, weather and road conditions, and vehicle damage all play a part in putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Your personal injury lawyer may employ accident reconstructionists and trucking industry experts who know how to use this evidence to determine vehicle speeds, potential trajectories, and other factors involved in an accident. Their findings can provide valuable insight into liability and clarify complex technical issues that might be hard for laypersons to understand.
Truck accident lawyers also analyze data from the truck’s black box, cell phone records, photographs, video, repair and maintenance records, and driver logs to determine who is at fault for a crash. Witness statements and testimony can also provide valuable information that can help them pinpoint potentially liable parties.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations
Truck accident attorneys must be well-versed in the rules and regulations that govern the trucking industry. This includes those set forth by the set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state agencies. If a driver or trucking company fails to comply with regulations like hours of service (driving) limits or insufficient vehicle maintenance, they may both be liable for damages.
Although some drivers are employees of trucking companies, others are independent contractors, which can make it tricky to sort out who is liable. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced truck accident lawyer who knows how to determine the relationships between drivers and trucking companies so they can pursue compensation from the proper parties.
Trucking Company Policies and Procedures
Examining a trucking company’s policies, procedures, and practices can help an accident attorney determine whether adequate training was provided, safety protocols were enforced, cargo was properly loaded, and required maintenance and inspections were conducted. A driver’s personnel file can also offer insights into their performance and whether they were involved in previous accidents.
Maintenance, Repairs, and Mechanical Defects
In some cases, another company or mechanic may be responsible for maintenance, inspection, and truck repairs. Your truck accident attorney may review maintenance records, inspection reports, and repair documentation to determine whether the vehicle was properly maintained and serviced. If a mechanical failure or defect caused a collision, the designer, manufacturer, and distributor of the parts or vehicle could be liable for damages as well.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Side
There are many additional factors involved in determining liability in personal injury or wrongful death claims involving truck accidents. Not only do they have to identify liable parties, but they may have to determine the degree of fault attributable to each party as well. Factors such as negligence, recklessness, and other actions or inaction that may have contributed to a crash can have a significant impact when assigning degrees of fault to each party.
Your personal injury attorney handles all negotiations with insurers so you can focus on healing. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they may take your case to court and advocate for you in front of a judge and/or jury. Hiring one of the best truck accident attorneys in the Lehigh Valley who won’t back down until you get fair compensation can increase your chances of a successful claim.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Truck Accident Attorney
For more than 30 years, the attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad have helped personal injury clients in eastern Pennsylvania get the justice they deserve and the compensation they need. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, we can evaluate your case and advise you of the best path forward. To schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer in the Lehigh Valley, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Sometimes Deal with Biased Jurors
All human beings carry biases that can influence their perceptions and decisions in some situations. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our motorcycle accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley understand the factors that can contribute to juror bias in cases involving motorcyclists. We know how to present compelling arguments and evidence that break through these biases and help to ensure our clients get a fair trial.
Combating Stereotypes
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are sometimes seen as reckless outlaws or thrill-seekers who cause havoc on the road. These inaccurate perceptions are often due to stereotypical portrayals in films, TV, and other media. Motorcyclists are frequently associated with rebellion, danger, and wild behavior. These stereotypical portrayals can lead to jurors subconsciously assuming that a motorcyclist must have been engaging in risky or dangerous behavior when an accident occurred. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to use evidence and examples to counter these stereotypes that may influence a juror’s perceptions of whether a motorcyclist was at fault for a crash.
Riding a Motorcycle May Be Perceived as Inherently Risky
Jurors may perceive riding a motorcycle as riskier than other modes of transportation. This perception can lead to jurors assigning more blame to a motorcyclist when an accident occurs, regardless of the circumstances. Even when evidence indicates that a motorcyclist was not at fault, a juror may struggle to overcome their preconceived notions about the dangers of motorcycle riding. Some jurors may even believe that motorcyclists shouldn’t be on the road at all. This type of clouded thinking can influence their ability to deliver an impartial verdict.
Limited Understanding of the Dynamics of Motorcycle Accidents
Many people have limited knowledge when it comes to the mechanics and dynamics of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle crashes are very different than car accidents, which are more familiar to most jurors. Motorcycle accidents involve unique factors such as maneuverability, balance, and visibility issues. Jurors lacking knowledge or understanding in this area can struggle to grasp the complexities of motorcycle accidents. This can lead to misinterpretations of evidence and biased decision-making.
Personal Experience and Prejudice
Jurors’ personal experiences with motorcyclists can significantly influence their perceptions of these accidents. Those who have had negative encounters with motorcyclists, such as witnessing reckless driving or being involved in accidents themselves, may harbor subconscious prejudices against motorcyclists. These biases can cloud jurors’ judgment and affect their ability to objectively evaluate the evidence presented in court.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Car Accident Attorney
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we’re dedicated to helping personal injury victims in eastern PA put their lives back together after an accident. To schedule a consultation with one of the best car accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
How to Find the Right Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania
Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of incident, finding the right attorney can boost the chances of a successful outcome for your claim. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley handle all types of personal injury cases. For more than 35 years, we’ve helped clients recover the fair compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
Assess Your Needs
The right kind of legal representation can have a significant impact on the outcome on your case, so it’s important to look at the specifics of your situation before choosing an accident lawyer. For example, if you were hurt or you’ve lost a loved one who was a motorcyclist, you’ll want to find a motorcycle accident lawyer with a track record of success in handling these types of cases.
Victims hurt in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and collisions involving tractor-trailers often suffer catastrophic injuries that have a long-term impact on their quality of life. If you’ve sustained a serious injury such as amputation or a traumatic brain injury, it’s vital that your car accident attorney knows how to properly calculate and pursue damages such as future medical expenses, future wage loss, and pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer well-versed in handling cases involving catastrophic injury will know how to approach your case to give you the best chance of a winning outcome.
Ask Around
Although online reviews can provide valuable insights into an attorney’s reputation and level of client satisfaction, they are no substitute for personal recommendations. If you know someone who’s been in a similar situation, ask them if they would recommend the personal injury lawyer who handled their case. Were they satisfied with their experience and the outcome of the case? Friends, family, and coworkers can provide valuable information when it comes to finding the best accident attorneys in Pennsylvania.
Ask About Experience and Specialization
Once you’ve found a few accident lawyers that seem like a good fit, contact them and schedule a consultation. Some important questions to ask include:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Have you handled accident cases similar to mine?
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to handling accident cases?
- What is your success rate in recovering compensation for your clients?
- Do you have trial experience?
- Who will be working on my case?
- What’s the best way to get in touch with you?
- What is your fee structure?
Most personal injury attorneys and car accident lawyers work on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless they recover compensation for you. However, other expenses such as copies of medical records, expert witnesses, and court costs are often paid by the client, so make sure to inquire about any additional costs you may be responsible for paying.
Trust Yourself
Open communication and trust are cornerstones of the attorney-client relationship. An accident lawyer who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and provides clear explanations is critical. You may need to discuss very personal matters with your accident attorney, so make sure you choose someone you feel comfortable working with. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, cross them off your list.
Whether you need a pedestrian accident attorney, a bicycle accident lawyer, or an attorney with experience handling slip and fall cases, the best personal injury attorneys fight for your rights, keep you informed every step of the way, and provide tenacious legal representation you can trust.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Auto Accident Lawyer
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we’re dedicated to helping personal injury victims throughout eastern Pennsylvania get through challenging times. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, our accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley can help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages. We provide an honest assessment of your case and advise you on the best path forward. To schedule a consultation with a Lehigh Valley accident attorney, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help with an Enforcement Action in Pennsylvania?
Child support is intended to ensure children have access to necessities such as food, shelter, and education. However, failure to make child support payments in Pennsylvania is a common problem that affects thousands of children’s well-being. If your child’s co-parent is behind or refuses to pay child support, our Lehigh Valley family law attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad can help you take steps to enforce their financial obligations.
Understanding Child Support Enforcement in PA
In Pennsylvania, child support enforcement is a joint effort that involves the Department of Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) and the County Courts of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Section in each county. In addition to enforcing child support orders, the BCSE helps with establishing paternity, locating non-custodial parents, modification of child support orders, distributing child support payments, and interstate enforcement. Parents who fail to meet their child support obligations can face serious consequences, including criminal prosecution.
Child support orders are usually collected by the state through wage attachment and distributed to the receiver. Although some parents choose to come to their own agreements without involving the courts, child support attorneys do not recommend this, as the courts cannot enforce or collect support payments for these types of arrangements.
How a Family Law Attorney in the Lehigh Valley Can Help with Child Support Enforcement
If you need to enforce a child support order, a family law attorney in eastern Pennsylvania can help you file a petition for contempt with the Domestic Relations office in your county and represent your interests in court. The legal system can be overwhelming – having a child support lawyer by your side can provide peace of mind and make the process less stressful.
Unfortunately, a parent who is obligated to pay child support may try to hide income or assets. A child support attorney can investigate to uncover evidence that proves their ability to pay arrears. Enforcing child support orders can be challenging when a non-custodial parent lives in another state. A family law attorney can help you navigate the complexities of interstate child support enforcement and work to help you obtain the money you are owed.
Family law attorneys understand that these issues are contentious, and lack of financial support can be emotionally taxing as well. They provide the compassionate support you need and can assist you with other challenging issues, such as child custody disputes.
Methods of Child Support Enforcement in PA
The courts and Bureau of Child Support Enforcement may pursue the following remedies to enforce child support payments:
- Wage garnishment
- Withholding child support payments from unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and other sources of income
- Seizure of personal injury settlements or awards
- Liens against property, such as real estate
- Seizure of bank accounts
- Seizure of federal and state tax refunds
- Driver’s license suspension, including commercial licenses
- Suspension of professional and recreational licenses
- Passport denial or revocation
- Intercepting lottery winnings
- Reporting unpaid child support to credit reporting agencies
- Publishing the non-paying parent’s name in the newspaper as a delinquent parent
If a non-paying parent is found to be in contempt of court, a judge may impose fines and jail time. Under federal law, if a non-custodial parent owes more than $5,000 of child support for longer than a year for a child who lives in another state, they may face hefty fines and up to two years in prison.
If you’re a parent who’s having a problem making child support payments, a family law attorney can help you file a petition to modify an existing support order and represent you in court. Regardless of which position you may find yourself in, having an experienced child support lawyer by your side can ensure your rights and interests are protected.
Contact a Family Law Attorney in the Lehigh Valley
If you need assistance with custody, divorce, financial support, or other family law matters, the child support attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad are here for you. To schedule a consultation with a Lehigh Valley family law attorney, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900. We operate several locations for your convenience.
Should You Ever Accept a Settlement Without Talking to a Car Accident Attorney?
When you’re injured in a car accident, piles of medical bills and being unable to work can put you in a precarious financial position. It can be tempting to quickly accept a settlement offer from an insurance company, but it’s important to understand that this decision can have long-term consequences. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our car accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley understand that you may feel stressed and overwhelmed after a crash. We’re here to help and explain why it’s always a good idea to speak with a car accident attorney before you even talk to an insurance adjuster.
Understand Your Rights and Options
After a crash, it’s critical to have a clear understanding of your rights and options you may have for recovering compensation for damages. Without legal advice, you may not be aware of what you may be entitled to receive under the law. A Lehigh Valley car accident attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on the best path forward to recover damages such as medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages specific to your case.
Accurate Valuation of Your Claim
Insurance companies will always try to get away with offering the lowest settlement amounts possible. They may prey on your lack of knowledge about just how much your medical expenses and other losses could affect your financial situation in the future, and pressure you into accepting a settlement offer before you even realize the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
An experienced Lehigh Valley car accident lawyer understands the factors that must be considered to place an accurate value on your claim. Some of these factors include:
Medical expenses – Injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions often require extensive, long-term medical treatment. It’s easy to underestimate the future costs for ongoing medical care, nursing services, and rehabilitation, especially for catastrophic injuries like TBI.
Wage loss – If you’ve suffered an injury or disability that affects your ability to earn a living, you deserve to be compensated for future lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages – Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages can have a long-term impact on your quality of life.
Calculating future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering can involve complex formulas. Many different factors must be considered to get to a fair and accurate figure. The best car accident lawyers know how to gather all relevant information and may seek the input of financial and medical experts to determine how much you should receive for all the damages and losses you have suffered. You may be surprised to find that the first settlement offered by the insurance company is a fraction of what a personal injury lawyer determines your claim is worth.
You May Lose Your Right to Recover Additional Compensation if You Accept a Settlement
Accepting a settlement without consulting a car accident lawyer can have long-term consequences that may not be apparent right away. Symptoms of some injuries may not manifest until weeks or months after an accident. If you fail to get medical care, your claim for damages will likely be denied. In addition, accepting a settlement typically requires you to waive your right to pursue additional compensation in a car accident lawsuit, even if you incur more accident-related expenses.
Why You Should Talk to a Car Accident Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement
A car accident attorney can ensure your rights are protected, your claim is accurately valued, and fight to recover the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Your personal injury lawyer helps you navigate legal complexities throughout the process and handles all negotiations with insurers so you and your family can focus on healing and moving on with your lives. Hiring an experienced auto accident attorney can give you the support you need at a difficult time and offer the best chance of a fair settlement or award.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Car Accident Attorney
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we’re dedicated to helping personal injury victims in eastern PA put their lives back together after an accident. To schedule a consultation with one of the best car accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
How to Get Temporary Custody in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or another family member who cares about the well-being of a child, figuring out how to file for temporary custody in Pennsylvania can be overwhelming. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our child custody attorneys in the Lehigh Valley provide legal representation for all types of family law matters. We can guide you through the process of getting temporary custody and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Emergency Custody vs. Temporary Custody in PA
Emergency Custody
Emergency custody is utilized in situations where a child faces imminent harm or danger that requires immediate intervention by the court. In Pennsylvania, you must show the court that there are compelling reasons for taking immediate action to protect a child’s best interests. Some common grounds for seeking emergency custody include:
- Parental incapacity due to issues such as substance abuse, physical and mental health problems, or incarceration
- Physical, emotional, or sexual child abuse or neglect
- Domestic violence issues
- Other situations involving an immediate threat to a child’s well-being or safety, including unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or accidents
Temporary Custody
Also called interim custody in Pennsylvania, temporary custody is designed to provide stability for a child during divorce proceedings or while a custody case is pending. It is often granted during legal proceedings such as:
Divorce proceedings – A temporary custody order may be granted in cases where parents are going through a divorce. In this situation, the intention of a temporary custody order is to provide a stable living arrangement for a child until a final determination is made after a custody hearing.
Guardianship proceedings – A guardian may seek temporary custody during proceedings to modify or establish guardianship.
Custody disputes – If there is a dispute over child custody and the court needs time to review the case, a temporary custody order may be issued to provide stability for the child until a full hearing is conducted.
In any custody matter, the primary consideration of the court is the best interests of the child. A child custody lawyer can evaluate your circumstances, advise you on whether you have valid grounds to file for emergency or temporary custody and assist you throughout the process.
What Does a Temporary Custody Order Include?
Temporary custody orders usually address concerns such as whether sole or joint custody is in the best interest of the child. This typically includes physical custody and legal custody. Temporary custody orders also address issues such as parenting time, child visitation, financial support, and other matters specific to the situation.
Filing for Temporary Custody in PA
Depending on the circumstances, a temporary custody order may be requested as part of divorce proceedings or can be filed separately. If you and your spouse agree on temporary custody arrangements, your divorce attorney can draft an agreement to include in divorce filings.
Forms and processes for filing for temporary custody vary by county in Pennsylvania, so it’s critical to seek the counsel of a family law attorney familiar with local courts. There may be specific forms you need to fill out, and a petition for interim custody will likely need to be filed with the family court in the appropriate county. In this petition, you must provide detailed information about the child, the involved parties, and your reasons for seeking temporary custody. A child custody attorney can ensure that the court procedures are followed and all required documents are correctly submitted.
Typically, the court will schedule a hearing in which each party has an opportunity to present evidence, arguments, and testimony. The court considers various factors regarding what’s in the best interest of the child, such as the child’s age, each parent’s ability to offer a safe, stable environment, and the child’s relationship with each parent.
After the judge makes a decision, a temporary child custody order will be entered. The order will outline the terms and conditions of the arrangement, including visitation, child support obligations, and any other relevant matters. Temporary custody orders are usually valid for a specified period, after which they may need to be reviewed or renewed by the court.
How a Lehigh Valley Child Custody Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the process of obtaining temporary custody in Pennsylvania can be complex. Requirements and procedures differ depending on the circumstances and local family court practices. Your child custody attorney can help you stay informed about the status of your case and follow up as necessary to ensure that a temporary custody arrangement remains in place as needed.
If circumstances change or any issues regarding a temporary custody order arise, it may be necessary to seek further court intervention. Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you effectively navigate the process, ensure your rights and the child’s rights are protected, and work toward achieving the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
Contact a Family Law Attorney in the Lehigh Valley
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our family law team understands that issues associated with child custody, divorce, and financial support can be contentious. If you need assistance with getting temporary custody in Pennsylvania, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900 to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney. We offer several locations for your convenience.
Why Truck Accident Lawyers in PA Handle Extraordinarily Complex Cases
Being hurt or losing a loved one in a truck accident can be life changing. Although you may be entitled to compensation for damages after a crash, it’s important to understand that truck accident cases are more complex than those involving passenger vehicles. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our truck accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley understand how to identify all liable parties, prove fault, and fight to help injured victims recover the full amount of compensation they may be entitled to receive. We explain the ins and outs of truck accident cases and why they can be particularly complex.
Determining Liability
Unlike most car accidents, multiple parties may be liable after a crash involving a commercial truck. Professional relationships between drivers and trucking companies can be complicated, leading to each party attempting to place blame on the other. In some cases, the parts or vehicle manufacturer, maintenance provider, lading company, or other motorists involved in a crash may be liable as well. Identifying all potentially liable parties and establishing their degrees of fault can be challenging and requires the experience and knowledge of a seasoned commercial truck accident lawyer.
Battling Insurance Companies
Commercial truck policies usually have higher insurance coverage limits than passenger vehicles do. Because these policies have high limits, insurance companies work extra hard to deny claims and minimize payouts, which can leave injured victims and their families in a precarious financial situation. In addition, an injured party may have to navigate multiple truck accident claims with different insurers, which can be extremely challenging. A tenacious truck accident lawyer knows how to handle contentious negotiations with insurers and fights to help their clients recover the maximum amount of compensation they need and deserve.
Catastrophic Injuries
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means they often inflict serious damage when involved in a crash. Catastrophic injuries such as amputation, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injury can have long-term effects that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Injured victims may be unable to work and require lifelong medical care, which can be a significant financial burden. It’s critical to properly calculate the full extent of current and future damages, including medical expenses, long-term care, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other losses.
The extent of a victim’s catastrophic injuries and their physical, emotional, and financial impact must be proven to recover compensation for damages. A truck accident attorney must gather evidence such as medical records, x-rays and other diagnostic test results, and the testimony of health care providers and those close to the injured victim. The best truck accident attorneys in the Lehigh Valley know how to use this evidence and other facts of the case to properly calculate damages and demonstrate why an injured victim deserves a certain amount of compensation.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Gathering evidence in truck accident cases can be much more challenging than it is in passenger vehicle collisions. Trucking companies and their insurers often send representatives to the scene of the accident immediately, which gives them the opportunity to look for evidence that may absolve them of fault. Obtaining evidence such as driver logs, black box data, cell phone records, and maintenance records may require subpoenas if a trucking company or driver refuses to turn it over. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to secure this evidence and use it effectively in court.
Specialized Knowledge
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state laws. A truck accident attorney must be familiar with these regulations and understand how to apply them to issues like driver qualifications, driving time limits, maintenance requirements, and securing loads.
To establish liability, prove fault, and demonstrate the extent of damages, truck accident cases usually require testimony from expert witnesses such as medical professionals, financial professionals, accident reconstructionists, and engineers. Personal injury attorneys have access to these types of witnesses and are well-versed in the effective presentation of their testimony, which can mean the difference between winning or losing a truck accident lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
Contact a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer in the Lehigh Valley
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims and their families hold negligent parties accountable so they can move on with their lives after a crash. Our team includes some of the best truck accident attorneys in the Lehigh Valley. To schedule a consultation with an eastern Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney
After a motor vehicle collision, it can be challenging to know where to turn. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and you’re considering hiring an auto accident attorney in the Lehigh Valley, it’s important to find out about their experience and track record of success. A car accident lawyer at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad offers some tips about questions to ask and how to determine whether an attorney is a good fit for you.
Experience and Qualifications
When it comes to winning a car accident lawsuit, it’s critical for an attorney to have relevant experience. Some questions you may want to ask about an auto accident lawyer’s experience include:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Are you licensed to practice law in this state?
- How many years have you been handling auto accident claims?
- Do you specialize in car accident cases, or do you handle a wide range of legal matters?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- What were the outcomes of cases similar to mine?
- How often do you settle cases out of court?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- Have you received any awards in the field of personal injury law?
Case Assessment
It’s also important to have a car accident lawyer evaluate the viability of your case and advise you of possible pitfalls and outcomes.
- What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- What kind of compensation can I get?
- How much is my case worth?
- What legal strategies will you employ in my case?
- Can you explain the car accident lawsuit process, including timelines and potential outcomes?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- What information or documentation do you need from me?
Trial Experience
Although the majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court, you may have to file a car accident lawsuit and take your case to trial if a reasonable settlement can’t be negotiated. Some questions to ask about an auto accident attorney’s trial experience include:
- Are you willing to take my case to trial if necessary?
- How much experience do you have as a trial attorney?
- What is your history of success in winning verdicts at trial?
Availability and Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of an attorney-client relationship. Asking about a car accident attorney’s availability and the best way to contact them can help set realistic expectations on both sides. Some vital questions to ask include:
- Will you be handling my case, or will it be assigned to another car accident lawyer on your team?
- How often can I expect updates on my case?
- What’s the best way to get in touch with you?
- Who will be my main point of contact at your law firm?
- How quickly do you typically respond to questions, concerns, or update requests?
- How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?
Payment and Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless they recover compensation for you. However, there are other costs associated with legal representation, such as filing fees, medical records requests, and expert witnesses, so it’s important to know what costs you may incur to avoid surprises down the road. Some important questions to ask about fees and payment include:
- What are your fees, and how are they structured?
- Do I need to pay a retainer or any up-front costs?
- What additional costs or expenses should I expect throughout the legal process?
- Will I be billed for the time of expert witnesses?
- What costs will I be responsible for if my case is unsuccessful?
Asking Questions Can Help You Find the Best Auto Accident Attorney for You
If you’re unsure about when to hire an attorney after a car accident, sooner is always better than later. Memories fade and valuable evidence can be lost, so it’s important to take action as soon as you can. However, you don’t want to just hire the first personal injury attorney who pops up in an internet search. Asking these questions can help you assess whether your communication styles are compatible and enable you to find an experienced auto accident lawyer who works to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Auto Accident Lawyer
Our car accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad provide exceptional legal services to personal injury victims throughout eastern Pennsylvania. We care about you and your family and are committed to making things right for you. To schedule a consultation with one of the best car accident attorneys in the Lehigh Valley, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
How Car Accident Attorneys Seek Compensation for Pain and Suffering
The emotional and physical pain injured victims endure after a car accident can be life-altering. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, our car accident lawyers in the Lehigh Valley have decades of experience calculating and obtaining compensation for injured victims in eastern Pennsylvania. We understand that although no amount of money can change what happened, recovering pain and suffering damages can help give victims some sense of justice and hold negligent parties accountable.
What Are Pain and Suffering Damages?
Pain and suffering damages are non-economic damages intended to compensate a victim for the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury. Unlike economic damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering damages address the subjective, intangible aspects of the harm suffered by an injured party. Accurate calculation of pain and suffering damages requires the knowledge of an experienced car accident lawyer, as these damages are challenging to quantify in monetary terms.
What Is Considered Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering include the actual physical discomfort that someone has experienced due to injuries sustained in an accident. This includes both short-term and chronic pain. Another type of compensation that could be considered part of pain and suffering is emotional distress, which is the psychological impact an injury has on someone. Common conditions that may result in emotional distress damages include PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear, stress, and other mental or emotional conditions.
How Do Car Accident Attorneys Pursue Pain and Suffering Damages?
To recover pain and suffering damages in a car accident lawsuit, you must show how your injuries have impacted your daily life and physical and mental health. Some evidence that personal injury attorneys often use to demonstrate pain and suffering include:
- Medical records – A car accident lawyer will gather medical records that detail the extent and severity of a victim’s injuries. Medical records also provide evidence of all treatment the victim has received, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and psychotherapy.
- Expert testimony – A personal injury attorney also may consult with medical experts who discuss the long-term impact of a person’s injury and how it impacts their health and lifestyle.
- Pain journals – After an accident, keeping a daily journal that documents your physical pain, discomfort, and emotional upset is vital. This journal can be a crucial piece of evidence that demonstrates the short- and long-term effects of your injuries.
- Witness statements – Statements from those who observed your pain and suffering at the accident scene, treating medical professionals, and friends and family who’ve seen what you’ve been through during the recovery process can provide crucial evidence that backs up your car accident lawsuit or claim.
- Loss of enjoyment – A car accident attorney also may show evidence of how your injuries and pain and suffering have diminished your quality of life and compromised your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed. For example, if you were a marathon runner who became paralyzed in a tractor-trailer crash, your personal injury attorney can use this information to demonstrate loss of enjoyment.
- Psychological evaluations – When emotional distress is a significant component of pain and suffering damages, your auto accident lawyer may ask you to undergo a psychological evaluation to establish the impact the crash and your injuries have had on your mental health.
How to Protect Your Rights and Interests After a Car Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a collision, it’s vital to take certain steps that can help prove pain and suffering in a car accident lawsuit or claim. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow all treatment recommendations from health care providers. Keep a journal that documents your physical and mental condition daily. At the scene of the crash, take photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and write down or record everything you can remember about what happened. This also provides valuable evidence your car accident attorney may use later.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Regardless of whether you believe your injuries are serious or minor, it’s also essential to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your options for recovering compensation. Although you can pursue a claim on your own, having an attorney in your corner greatly increases your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation you need and deserve. A skilled car accident lawyer knows how to accurately calculate all the damages you may be entitled to receive. They will investigate your case, gather evidence, and tie it all together to demonstrate why you are entitled to pain and suffering and any other damages that might be relevant to your circumstances.
Schedule a Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer in the Lehigh Valley
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, we’re dedicated to helping make things right for injured victims and their families. Our team includes some of the best car accident attorneys in eastern Pennsylvania. To schedule a consultation today with a personal injury attorney in the Lehigh Valley, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.
How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Determine Fault After an Accident?
Whether you’re hurt in a car accident or a slip-and-fall incident, dealing with the aftermath can be daunting. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law offices, our personal injury lawyers have a track record of success helping clients in the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, wage loss, and pain and suffering. Knowing how we determine fault in these cases can help you understand the claims process and what to do to protect your rights after an accident.
Elements of Proving Liability in a Personal Injury Claim
When a motorist gets behind the wheel, they have a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. If they fail to do this and cause an accident, they could be considered negligent. To establish liability and demonstrate that they were negligent, you must show that:
- The negligent party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their breach of duty caused the accident
- You suffered damages and losses due to the accident
Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to gather relevant evidence and put it all together to show who was at fault for an accident. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that your own insurer pays for certain damages, no matter who was at fault for the crash. If your damages exceed your policy limits or involve catastrophic injuries, you also may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against any liable parties.
Types of Evidence that Help Determine Fault in Personal Injury Claims
Each case is unique, but some common types of evidence can be helpful when determining fault. Your personal injury attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence such as:
Police Reports
A police report usually contains information about what an officer observed at an accident scene. This could include road conditions, skid marks, damage to vehicles, and statements from witnesses and parties involved in the crash. This information provides valuable documentation that can help demonstrate fault and support a personal injury claim. After a crash, you should always call 911 or local police to ensure that the event is documented and that you receive the help you need.
Photographs
Photographs of damage to vehicles, your injuries, the scene, and anything else that may be relevant are often crucial when it comes to determining fault in a car accident. If possible, you should always take photos and video if you’re involved in a collision.
Surveillance Footage
Surveillance cameras seem to be everywhere these days and can show exactly how an accident occurred. Your personal injury attorney can request copies of the video from the agency or company responsible for the cameras and get a subpoena if necessary. Surveillance footage can be helpful in premises liability claims like slip-and-fall cases as well.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness statements can offer insight into who’s at fault for an accident. That’s why it’s important to get contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
Medical Records
If you’re involved in a car accident, you should always go to the emergency room or see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records provide valuable evidence of the severity of your injuries and may show how they could have occurred. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, symptoms of life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding don’t always appear right away, so it’s best to get checked out.
Traffic Laws
If any traffic laws were violated, a personal injury lawyer will investigate how that may have contributed to the crash when determining who is at fault for a motor vehicle accident.
Expert Testimony
Accident reconstructionists examine evidence and the scene to determine the probable speed and path of vehicles involved in a crash. Other evidence such as eyewitness accounts and medical records also can be important pieces of the puzzle to demonstrate what happened and who is liable for damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in the Lehigh Valley
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, the personal injury lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices are here for you. We’re dedicated to helping make things right for you and your family, and our team includes some of the best personal injury attorneys in eastern Pennsylvania. To schedule a consultation today with a car accident lawyer in the Lehigh Valley, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.