When you’re involved in an accident on the road, the first bridge that must be crossed is the establishment of liability. Are you at fault, or is another party responsible for the damages that have occurred? You may only collect damages once this has been decided.
Establishing Liability
So, how exactly is liability determined? Essentially, fault in a car accident must be proven through evidence that a particular party was acting negligently. Exceeding the speed limit is one way in which a driver might demonstrate negligence. Texting while driving is another example. If it’s found that one driver violated a particular part of the relevant state’s vehicle code, they are likely to be considered at fault. In multi-vehicle accidents, multiple parties might each be held responsible to a certain extent.
Regardless of why a party is at fault, it’s imperative to contact your attorney immediately in order to develop an accurate and effective narrative concerning the accident.
Assessing Damages
The compensation that you’ll receive in the event of an accident depends on many factors, including fault/liability. In Pennsylvania, the state’s comparative negligence system dictates that if you’re at least 50% responsible for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If, however, the offending party or parties are found to be more responsible, you may go forward with the recovery process.
When it comes to actually assessing the damages, the job falls upon the shoulders of your insurance company. Though the amount of compensation you’ll be offered may not measure up to your idea of what you deserve, it can be difficult to dispute what your insurance company decides upon. Because of this, it might be worth visiting local automotive shops and receiving an estimate as to how much repairs will cost you. Collecting these estimates on paper makes it easier to see if the amount of compensation you’re offered is reasonable, and the estimates can also be presented to the insurance company for consideration. Regardless, be sure to contact an experienced accident attorney to ensure that you’re receiving fair treatment throughout the ordeal.
Explore Your Post-Accident Options
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Pennsylvania, make sure to get in touch with Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices immediately. No matter what sort of vehicle you drive, our skillful attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of the accident’s aftermath in order to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us by phone at (610) 867-2900, or visit one of our five PA locations to learn how we can help you.