The Pennsylvania personal injury claims process follows a path that is more predictable than most people expect, and this page maps it from your first report to a settlement or verdict. At Leeson & Leeson Accident and Injury Attorneys, we have guided injured people through that process across the Lehigh Valley since 1969, and we gathered our most useful guides here so you always know what comes next.
Two rules shape nearly every claim, so we put them first. Most Pennsylvania injury cases must be filed within two years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, and the state uses a shared-fault rule at 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102 that reduces a recovery by your share of fault and bars it only if you are more than 50 percent to blame.
For car crash claims, one more choice matters. The limited tort and full tort election under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705 can affect whether you may seek pain and suffering, and it trips up drivers who never thought about it when they bought their policy.
We know the process can feel heavy while you are healing, and the bills keep coming. Our team handles injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no fees unless we win, and every injury consultation is free. When you are ready, you can start your free case evaluation or call one of the offices listed at the bottom of this page.
Why Injured Pennsylvanians Choose Leeson & Leeson
Clients stay with us because we treat the person first and explain each step in plain language. You will always know where your case stands and what happens next.
Over 50 years of combined experience across car, motorcycle, and truck accident claims
1,000+ clients served since the firm opened its doors in 1969
Offices in Bethlehem, Wilkes-Barre, and Camp Hill for eastern and central Pennsylvania
Attorney Joseph F. Leeson, III, personally involved in client matters
If you are weighing whether you have a case, we are glad to talk it through at no cost.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in Pennsylvania?
Most cases take several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the injuries and how the insurer responds. Our detailed look at your case timeline breaks down each phase, and our guide on how long car accident settlements take covers what to expect once negotiations begin.
Use these as a realistic guide, then ask us how the specifics of your injury change the picture.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONHow Does Fault and Compensation Work in a PA Claim?
Pennsylvania reduces your recovery in proportion to your share of the blame, which is why insurers often try to shift responsibility onto you. Our explainer on how shared fault affects your claim shows how the rule plays out, and our overview of pain and suffering damages explains the losses that go beyond medical bills.
Understanding these categories early helps you avoid settling for less than your claim is worth.
What Are the Deadlines and Common Myths to Watch For?
The biggest deadline is the two-year filing window, and missing it usually ends a claim for good. We keep two focused guides on Pennsylvania's statute of limitations, and our piece on common misconceptions about personal injury claims clears up the myths that lead people to wait too long or accept a low first offer.
If you are unsure how much time you have, the safest move is to ask before the clock runs out.
What Happens If My Case Goes to Court?
Most claims settle, but some need a courtroom to reach a fair result. Our article on what happens when a car accident case goes to trial walks through the stages so the process feels familiar rather than intimidating, and we prepare every case as if it could be tried.
That preparation is often what moves an insurer to offer a fair number in the first place.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONFAQs about the Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claims Process
Below are answers to questions clients ask us that are not already covered above.
How much is my personal injury claim worth?
Value depends on your medical costs, lost income, the lasting effect of your injuries, and the available insurance. We evaluate all of these together rather than guessing from a single figure.
Do I have to go to court to get compensation?
Usually not. Many claims resolve through negotiation, though we prepare each one for trial so the insurer has every reason to settle fairly.
What does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe no fees unless we win, and your first injury consultation is free.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Talk with an attorney before you sign anything. First offers are often lower than a claim is worth, and once you accept, you generally cannot ask for more later.
What should I do right after an injury?
Get medical care, keep your records and receipts, and avoid giving a recorded statement until you understand your rights. Those early steps protect both your health and your claim.
Talk With a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
You do not have to work through this process alone. Our team is ready to answer your questions, protect your rights, and fight for the full recovery you deserve.
Call the office nearest you for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7:
Reach out now, and let us get to work for you and your family.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION