Involved In An Auto Accident?
It helps to have an experienced lawyer on your side if you need advice about your legal options following a severe car accident. For a free consultation about your claims, contact Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, to learn about your right to damages and for help with any problems that come up along the way.
We Know The Law
Timothy Shollenberger, Karl Januzzi and Adam Wolfe are known throughout Pennsylvania for their skill with car accident claims. Our attorneys have researched, written and lectured extensively on motor vehicle negligence issues.
And we don’t back down from the insurance companies. One of our clients who was injured in a car accident, was offered $55,000 to settle her case. While results can vary from case to case (please see disclaimer below), our firm achieved a $793,000 verdict for that client. We have handled hundreds upon hundreds of motor vehicle negligence cases – not stopping until our clients were compensated as fairly as possible.
Guidance On Legal And Practical Issues
Beyond our lawyers’ ability to advise and represent you on the legal aspects of your car accident claim, our law firm is committed as well to helping you with the practical difficulties and complications that can arise after a serious injury accident.
We can help make sure that your medical bills are paid, and assist with recovering lost income. If you’re having trouble getting a correct diagnosis or effective treatment, we can help with those problems as well.
Handling All Types Of Accident Claims
Our practice covers the full range of car crash scenarios, ranging from serious soft tissue trauma to severe brain or spinal injuries that can lead to extended or permanent disability. We work with victims of such accidents as the following:
- Accidents involving two or more private motorists
- Collisions with trucks or other commercial vehicles
- Motorcycle accidents
- Accidents caused by dangerous roads or improper highway maintenance
- Accident injuries suffered by out-of-state drivers or their passengers
- Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving or hit-and-run accidents
- Injuries suffered by professional drivers of all kinds
A number of our clients come from Harrisburg, Enola and other nearby central Pennsylvania communities, but we’ve achieved settlements and trial victories in car accident claims throughout the Commonwealth.
Frequently Asked Questions On Car Accidents
Experiencing a car accident and its aftermath can be overwhelming, especially with many unanswered questions. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding car accident cases in Pennsylvania.
What fees are associated with the initial case evaluation for a car accident case?
Our firm does not charge for initial consultations, and there is no obligation to hire us after that first meeting. If you decide to work with us, we will go over our payment structure with you so there are no surprises.
What does ‘no-fault’ auto insurance system mean in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a unique system for paying insurance claims after a car accident. Many states use an “at-fault” system, where the insurer for the driver who was primarily responsible for the crash is responsible for every injured party’s claims. In other states, the rule is “no-fault.” Regardless of who was at fault for the wreck, each injured party files a claim on their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, though they often can also pursue compensation from the at-fault driver if the cost of their injuries exceeds their PIP coverage.
Pennsylvania uses a modified form of the no-fault system called “choice no-fault.” Essentially, the law gives drivers the right to decide whether to buy at-fault or no-fault auto insurance coverage. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. At-fault coverage, also known as “limited tort” coverage, requires you to prove to your insurance company that the other driver was primarily responsible, but it generally is cheaper than no-fault or “full tort” collision insurance because it does not include PIP coverage.
What expenses can I get compensation for in Pennsylvania?
After an auto accident, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a car accident.
You may also be able to recover money for non-economic damages such as: pain and suffering; loss of life’s pleasures; scarring and disfigurement; and loss of consortium. In Pennsylvania, your right to obtain economic damages may be governed by a selection you made on your own insurance policy — “full tort” or “limited tort.” Our Managing Partner, Adam Wolfe, has written and lectured extensively on this issue and, most importantly for our client, is well versed on the exceptions that allow for your full right to bring a claim for non-economic damages.
Suppose I chose limited tort coverage. How do I proceed after an accident in Pennsylvania?
If you chose “Limited Tort,”: there may be one of a number of exceptions that apply based on the circumstances of the case. There is a possibility that you may actually be entitled to “Full Tort” recovery and talking with an experienced injury lawyer in a must.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Harrisburg?
Your health and safety, as well as that of everyone else in your car, is the top priority. Check yourself and your passengers for possible injuries. If possible, move out of traffic, but do not leave the scene. Call 911 and wait for police and emergency medical services to arrive. If you can, exchange contact information with the other driver and any third-party witnesses. Use your cellphone or camera to take pictures of the scene.
Even if you do not seem hurt initially and do not need emergency treatment, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries do not start showing symptoms until days after a car accident.
You Are Not Alone. We Will Fight For Your Rights.
To learn more about our approach to client service in auto accident cases, contact Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, for a free consultation.