York Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer after being involved in a car crash can be an important decision. Injuries from car accidents can be felt long after the wounds have healed and having an experienced attorney on your side can greatly impact how much compensation is recovered during litigation.

I was very pleased with the results and the process was very easy and not stressful… Thank you for everything.
_{– Client of Schmidt Kramer}

At Schmidt Kramer, our York auto accident lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of the Pennsylvania laws that are often involved in car accident cases and our firm has successfully handled many car accident lawsuits including a $950,000 award for the family of a 19 year old passenger that was fatally injured after the vehicle she was in left the roadway and struck a fixed object.

Our award winning lawyers have many years of experience and our founding partner Charles E. Schmidt, Jr. is a former panel chairman of the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court Disciplinary Committee and certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

There are no upfront fees if you decide to hire us and it’s free to talk to a lawyer at our firm about your claim, to help determine if you have a case.

Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

Auto accident victims that hire a lawyer generally recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not have legal representation.

In most instances, crash victims will also be contacted by the at-fault drivers’ insurance company. Depending on the incident and damages involved, the insurance company may push the victim into signing an agreement to settle the claim for much less than the true value of the case.

At Schmidt Kramer, we have handled many auto accident cases against insurance companies and the defense legal teams that represent them. We use that experience to help build our cases and ensure that we are well prepared for litigation.

Our lawyers also have a full support team to help obtain information that may be relevant and important to your case. From witness testimonies to Police accident reports and more, we have the resources and knowledge of how to build a strong argument for your maximum compensation amount.

Free Consultation. No Upfront Fees.

Recovering Compensation in a York Car Accident Case

Every case is different and determining the value of a claim can be difficult without knowing the details that are specific to each incident.

$500,000 – RECOVERY
For a passenger that was injured in a collision with two vehicles late at night.

However, we understand that accident victims may not be able to work due to their injury, while others may also have no transportation due to the damage their vehicle sustained in a collision. Understanding the value of a compensation claim is important and we welcome the opportunity to explore the details of your specific incident. We offer a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm to review the details that are available, and if we determine that you have a case, there are no upfront fees if you hire us.

Some of the provisions that may be included in the damages calculation of a lawsuit are:

Medical Expenses

You can pursue compensation to cover the cost of medical bills for the treatment of your injury. This includes bills for hospital visits, ambulance rides, surgery, medical testing, medical equipment, physical therapy or rehabilitation, doctor visits and prescription medications. 

Property Damage

Your York car accident lawyer can try to obtain compensation to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle or replace it if it was totaled.

Lost Wages

In an insurance claim, you can pursue 80 percent of your gross weekly income. If your weekly gross income is $500, you could pursue $400 in your insurance claim. You can try to recover the rest by filing a lawsuit.

Punitive Damages

The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Under state law, punitive damages may be awarded to you if the at-fault party’s conduct was malicious in intent. This form of compensation is not tied to any damage you suffered. This form of compensation might be awarded in a case involving a drunk driver.

Pain and Suffering

This refers to the physical and emotional pain you have suffered based on your age, type of injury and how the injury affects you. Pain and suffering damages can be difficult to calculate. Your attorney must gather a variety of evidence to establish the value of these damages, including medical records and your own personal account of the pain and suffering you are experiencing on a daily basis.

Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we help you recover compensation for your claim.

Determining Fault in a Car Crash

There are a number of parties that may be held legally responsible for your injuries from a car accident. If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages suffered.

Negligent parties that may be held liable include:

• Other drivers – The majority of car accidents are caused by driver error. Drivers are legally obligated to drive responsibly and avoid reckless behavior. Unfortunately, drivers are often negligent. Examples of driver negligence include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted or drowsy driving, speeding and violating traffic laws.
• Car manufacturing companies – Car manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure that motor vehicles are safe to drive. They must make sure that vehicles are not defective or prone to a malfunction which can result in a serious accident. Manufacturers can be held liable for a defective design, poorly used materials, improper assembly and failure to notify or issue a recall if a vehicle is found to be defective.
• Government agencies –  Government agencies are responsible for making sure the roadways are safe and free from hazards that may cause injury. They can be held liable for improperly maintained or inspected roadways which result in potholes, large cracks, poorly designed roads or improperly-timed turn signals.

Our dedicated attorneys have successfully handled various types of car accident cases. A car accident lawyer in York can help review your case to determine all parties who could potentially be held liable for your injuries. This will allow us to pursue the compensation you may be eligible to receive.

For a free legal consultation, call Schmidt Kramer at (717) 888-8888.

Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents

Under Pennsylvania Statutes Section 42-5524, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or property damage claim is two years from the date of the accident. After two years, you are unable to bring a lawsuit forward.

Two years is not that long, and it takes time a lot of time to gather evidence and build a strong case. This is why you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. A York car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf and be prepared to file a lawsuit if we are unable to obtain fair insurance compensation. If we take your case, we will help ensure a lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations runs out.

Contact our qualified car accident lawyers in York for a free initial consultation to discuss your case in depth and learn more about our services.

Our team is here for you. Call (717) 888-8888 today.

Filing a Car Crash Report in PA

After being involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you must take to act responsibly and comply with state law.

In Pennsylvania, you are required you file a driver’s accident report with the Department of Transportation within five days of the crash if the accident resulted in any deaths, injuries or vehicle damage and if it was not investigated by the police.

To properly file a car crash report, you must have the following from all parties involved:

• Names, addresses and phone numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Auto insurance policy numbers
• Names and contact information from any witnesses who were present

Other information to record at the time of the accident includes the make, model and body style of all vehicles involved, the license plate numbers, VIN numbers, and a short description of the damage. This can be written or photographed for your reference.

Take your time filling out the report to ensure it contains accurate information. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will verify all information provided including any insurance coverage. If you fail to report or falsely report information, you may have your license suspended.

The accident report will serve as an official record of what happened. If the report is completed by a police officer at the scene right after the crash occurs, it may contain his or her opinions about who is at fault. This can serve as powerful evidence as you pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

The York car accident attorneys at Schmidt Kramer have the legal knowledge and years of experience that can help you pursue fair compensation.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form to get started.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Car accidents can happen in many different situations as a result of negligent, reckless behavior, which could include speeding, tailgating, texting or aggressively driving.

Our car accident lawyers in York are prepared to take on cases involving:

Head-On Collisions

This occurs when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. These crashes are often fatal at high speed. This type of crash is often caused by drunk or distracted drivers traveling in the wrong direction.

Rear-End Crashes

If another driver behind you does not pay attention or maintain a safe distance, he or she could rear-end your car and cause significant injuries. Even at moderate speeds, whiplash or other neck and back injuries can occur.

Distracted Driving Accidents

When a driver takes his or her focus off the road for even one second, it can increase the chances of being involved in a serious accident. These crashes are also called distracted driving accidents and they are often caused by texting while driving, talking to other passengers, talking on the phone, reaching to grab something, using a navigation device or changing the settings on the car stereo. In 2017 alone, distracted driving accounted for more than 15,000 crashes and 58 deaths in Pennsylvania.

Side-Impact Collisions

Also known as T-bone collisions, a side-impact crash occurs when the side of car is impacted by the front or rear of another car or fixed object. The injuries from these types of crashes are often more severe than those caused by a front or rear-end collision because vehicles are not equipped to handle side impacts in the same way as front or rear impacts.

Parking Lot Accidents

When two cars hit each other, or a car hits a pedestrian in a parking lot, it can cause significant injuries and property damage. Even at minimal speeds, the size and weight of a vehicle can cause serious injuries that require costly medical treatment and hospitalization.

Drunk Driving Crashes

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause dangerous accidents that result in significant or life-threatening injuries. Impaired drivers are more prone to engage in reckless driving, which can include speeding, changing lanes without checking blind spots, violating traffic laws or making other dangerous maneuvers.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Leaving the scene of an accident after hitting another vehicle or pedestrian is not only illegal, but it can cause other serious complications when it comes to obtaining compensation. After this type of crash, it can be difficult to determine the identity of the at-fault driver. This makes it much more difficult to pursue fair compensation.

Rollover Crashes

This accident occurs when a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. These are often caused by sharp turns at high speed. Any vehicle can be involved in a rollover crash, but some vehicles have a higher risk of rolling over, such as sports utility vehicles. This is because these vehicles have a high center of gravity.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, an experienced York truck accident attorney can help you explore your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling (717) 888-8888.

Car Accident Injuries

You may experience a variety of health problems after a car accident, including:

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Do not ignore physical trauma or symptoms of trauma even if you think they are not a big deal. Minor symptoms could be signs of a severe injury that could become debilitating if it is left untreated.

Examples of debilitating long-term injuries caused by car crashes include:

Our experienced car accident lawyers in York understand how difficult it can be to manage the effects of short and long-term injuries as a result of a crash. This is why we are prepared to pursue compensation to help you recover financial and emotional losses and help you move on with your life.

Fill out our Free Case Evaluation form today.

Car Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that you must go through your own insurance company first to obtain compensation, even if you are not at fault for the car accident.

You have the option of choosing one of two types of car insurance policies: limited tort or full tort. Under a full tort insurance policy, you have the option to sue the at-fault party for economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and noneconomic damages (pain and suffering). Under limited tort, you cannot sue any at-fault party unless you suffered serious bodily injury which results in impairment or disfigurement.

Even though Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, you are still required by law to purchase liability insurance. The two coverages you are required to purchase include:

• Bodily injury liability –  All drivers must purchase $15,000 in coverage per person and $30,000 for each accident.
• Property damage liability – Drivers must have $5,000 in coverage per accident.

In addition to liability insurance, you have the option purchase other types of coverage, including:

• Collision – This type of coverage helps to pay for any accident-related damages to your car.
• Comprehensive – This coverage only pays for damages to your car that were not caused by a car accident. This can include natural disasters, vandalism, theft, falling objects, broken/shattered windshields, fires or expositions, or hitting an animal.
• Uninsured motorist – This type of coverage helps to pay medical expenses for any car accident with an uninsured driver. However, it does not include coverage for property damage.
• Underinsured motorist – This coverage only pays medical expenses up to the limit of your liability coverage. This is used when the other driver does not have enough coverage to pay for your damages. Contact our skilled York car accident attorneys for a free case evaluation to look over the legal options available to you.

Contact a York Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled York car accident attorney who understands what you are going through. We are committed to investigating and building a case that will help us pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled. We understand the life-changing effects a car accident can have on your health and other aspects of your life.

Schedule a risk-free, no obligation consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs or legal fees involved. We only get paid if we help you receive favorable compensation.

Schmidt Kramer. Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.