Understanding Car Accident Settlements in Pennsylvania
Our Pittsburgh lawyers don’t settle for less than you deserve
The goal of any insurance company – even your own – is to pay injured accident victims as little as possible or, better yet, deny the claim in full. That's why you should never accept a car accident settlement from an insurance company without consulting an attorney first.
At Hal Waldman & Associates in Pittsburgh, PA, we place the highest value on the health and comfort of our clients. We always fight aggressively for your maximum compensation. If the insurance company doesn’t make you a fair settlement offer, our Western Pennsylvania car accident lawyers will prepare to take them to court. To avoid a lowball settlement, always consult an attorney and read on for more information about Pennsylvania car accident settlements.
What does a car accident settlement pay for?
After a car accident, financial compensation may be available for a wide variety of damages, including economic and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). Depending on the circumstances of your Pennsylvania car accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatments (surgery, physical therapy, and other long-term care)
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings (lost earning capacity)
- Property repairs or the replacement value
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.)
- Loss of companionship (also called loss of consortium)
- Funeral and burial costs
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Pittsburgh?
Car accident settlements can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the accident, injuries sustained, insurance coverage, and legal representation. Therefore, there is no fixed or specific average settlement amount. Some car accident claims settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while others result in recoveries of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some even conclude with million-dollar payouts.
The key is to consult an experienced Pittsburgh car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. This gives them the most time and opportunity to build the strongest case possible for maximum compensation.
What affects car accident settlement amounts in Pennsylvania?
A variety of factors determine the size of car accident settlements, but the primary ones are injury type and severity, fault, available assets, and your attorney’s insurance company negotiating skills.
- Injury type and severity. More severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements due to medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potential long-term effects, which increase car accident compensation.
- Fault. In Pennsylvania, a person may still be able to recover damages from a car accident if they are partially at fault. However, their awarded damages are reduced by their percentage of fault in the accident.
- Available assets. A party with substantial assets or comprehensive insurance may be able to provide more compensation. If the party does not have insurance or assets, then even if you win, you may be unable to obtain compensation. Our knowledgeable legal team can investigate all liable parties and discover the best avenue for compensation.
- Your attorney’s skill. Our attorneys know how to secure larger settlements by leveraging the law and evidence to advocate for our clients' rights.
Our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys don’t settle for less
Our lawyers are dedicated to getting injured Pennsylvania accident victims and their families all the compensation they are entitled to collect. Our case results include $800,000 for a woman hit by a drunk driver and $400,000 for a pedestrian hit by a co-worker.
If you have been injured in a crash, contact the experienced Pittsburgh car accident attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates for a free case evaluation. We’ll discuss your case, your rights, and the most effective course of action. And remember, if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay for our work. That’s because we work on a contingency fee basis. Our firm serves all of Western Pennsylvania. Contact us for a free case evaluation right now.
