How to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pittsburgh
If you get hurt in a serious car accident, you may need to file a lawsuit to receive fair financial compensation for your losses or damages. Before you begin your car accident lawsuit, contact an attorney in Pittsburgh for legal advice. You are embarking on a complicated legal journey; hiring a Pittsburgh injury lawyer can make this process much easier and more rewarding.
Get Medical Treatment
Your car accident case should start with getting medical care and treatment for your injuries. If you do not have proof that you were injured in the car accident in the form of medical records, an insurance company or courthouse may reject your claim. Get immediate medical treatment after any automobile accident. Ask for copies of your records and x-rays as evidence of your injuries.
Gather Records and Documentation
Collect as much information about your automobile accident as you can. This will serve as the foundation of your claim. Gather the following, if possible:
- A police accident report
- Eyewitness names and statements
- A description of the crash
- Photographs of the crash scene
- Any videos of the accident or scene
- Copies of your medical records
- Pictures of your injuries
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Rental car or other related receipts
Keep any letters, emails or communications sent to you by a car insurance company, as well. A lawyer can help you gather and subpoena additional evidence to build your case.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer
Before you proceed with the lawsuit filing process, consult with a Pittsburgh car accident attorney. A lawyer can analyze your claim and explain your legal options. Your lawyer can give you key advice and information, such as explaining your statute of limitations to file a lawsuit in Pittsburgh (two years, in most cases). Then, the attorney can take over complicated legal processes for you, including trying to negotiate a fair settlement before your case goes to court.
Submit an Insurance Claim
Most car accident cases in Pennsylvania do not go straight to lawsuits. They begin with insurance claims. Initiate a claim by contacting your own car insurance company, since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. If you have unlimited right-to-sue insurance or suffered serious injuries that meet the state’s tort threshold, however, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.
File a Lawsuit in Court
If you hire a lawyer, he or she can help you negotiate with an insurance company to reach a satisfactory settlement agreement. If the insurer is not cooperating, however, you may have no choice but to file a car accident lawsuit to pursue justice.
A lawyer can assist you with the complicated claims paperwork necessary to file a car accident lawsuit with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Your attorney can identify all of the at-fault parties, get their insurance and contact information, and submit your suit along with relevant evidence. Your lawyer can then represent you during all meetings, hearings and – if a settlement cannot be achieved prior – the car accident trial itself.
Every case is unique. Get legal advice about your particular situation as soon as possible to adequately protect your rights in the aftermath of a car accident in Pittsburgh. Call Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. at (800) 777-4081 for a free consultation.