Negligent drivers cause car crashes in Pennsylvania every day by speeding, texting while driving, running red lights, or failing to yield. These careless actions can lead to devastating injuries and financial losses for victims. Under Pennsylvania law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages. Failing to meet this deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation for damages.
The experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyers at Leeson & Leeson will take swift action to protect your claim. Our team investigates the crash, gathers vital evidence, negotiates with the insurance company, and files a timely lawsuit on your behalf—ensuring your rights are fully preserved under Pennsylvania law.
Key Takeaways: PA Car Accidents and Injuries
- Negligent Drivers Cause Crashes: Many car accidents in Pennsylvania are caused by speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or other careless behavior, often resulting in serious physical and emotional injuries.
- Common Injuries: Victims frequently suffer whiplash, fractures, back and spinal injuries, head trauma, and soft tissue damage, along with mental health impacts such as anxiety, PTSD, and emotional distress.
- Statute of Limitations: Pennsylvania law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
- Recoverable Damages: You may pursue economic damages like medical bills, lost income, and property repair costs, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. PIP coverage pays medical expenses but does not limit other damages if you have full tort coverage or suffered a serious injury.
- Evidence Matters: Police reports, photographs, medical records, and witness statements are critical to proving fault and the full extent of your injuries.
- How Our Lawyers Can Help You: The Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Leeson & Leeson investigate your crash, gather evidence, handle all insurance communications, and file a timely lawsuit if necessary, fighting for you while you focus on recovery.
Why Should Our Car Accident Injury Lawyers Represent You?
When you suffer an injury in a car accident, having skilled legal representation can make a critical difference in your recovery and compensation.
At Leeson & Leeson, our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, giving us the knowledge and skills to navigate complicated legal and insurance challenges.
Our team has represented more than 500 clients, helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses. We understand that every case is unique, and we provide personalized attention at every stage. We address your needs and concerns from the initial consultation through the resolution of your claim.
Whether negotiating a fair settlement or advocating vigorously at trial, our attorneys are prepared to fight for the maximum recovery you deserve. Filing a timely lawsuit is essential under Pennsylvania law, and our team can help meet deadlines while building a strong case on your behalf.
With Leeson & Leeson on your side, you gain dedicated advocates committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through the entire legal process.
You can see our most recent client testimonials and case results on this site.
How Much is My Pennsylvania Car Accident Injury Case Worth?
The value of your Pennsylvania car accident case depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and the financial and emotional toll the crash has taken on your life. Severe or permanent injuries can lead to higher compensation than minor or short-term conditions.
Evidence such as medical records, lost earnings documentation, and testimony about pain and suffering all play a major role in determining case value.
How PIP Coverage Affects Compensation
Because Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, the amount you can recover from the at-fault driver depends on whether you selected limited tort or full tort coverage when purchasing your policy. Full tort allows you to pursue pain and suffering damages, while limited tort restricts such recovery unless your injuries are considered serious under Pennsylvania law.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
In Pennsylvania, accident victims may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, property repair costs, and other measurable financial losses.
- Non-economic damages cover harder-to-quantify losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
In rare cases, punitive damages may apply if the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially malicious or willful.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Pennsylvania Car Accident Cases?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. Generally, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This same two-year period applies if you seek compensation for property damage to your vehicle. If you fail to file within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your claim might have been.
Important Exceptions to the Deadline
Several exceptions can extend or pause (or toll) the statute of limitations.
For example, if the injured person was under 18 years old at the time of the accident, the two-year clock does not begin until their eighteenth birthday.
Similarly, if the at-fault driver leaves Pennsylvania after the crash and before the lawsuit is filed, the clock may be paused until they return. In cases involving a government entity, such as a city or state vehicle, special notice requirements apply—you must typically file a formal claim within six months of the accident before pursuing a lawsuit.
How to Successfully Prove a Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania
To successfully prove a car accident case in Pennsylvania, you must demonstrate that the other driver acted negligently and that their actions directly caused your injuries and losses.
Negligence occurs when a driver fails to use reasonable care, such as speeding, texting behind the wheel, ignoring traffic signals, or driving under the influence. You must also show that the accident led to specific damages, including medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, or pain and suffering. Establishing these elements with clear and convincing evidence is essential to achieving a fair settlement or verdict.
The Most Helpful Types of Evidence
High-quality evidence is the foundation of a strong car accident case. Police reports provide official documentation of the crash, including statements from the involved drivers and witnesses.
Photographs and videos taken at the scene can capture crucial details like vehicle positions, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries. Medical records serve as powerful proof of the nature and extent of your injuries, as well as their direct connection to the accident.
Eyewitness statements and testimony—particularly from accident reconstruction professionals—can help clarify how and why the collision occurred.
Working closely with our experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyers can help confirm that this evidence is properly gathered, preserved, and presented, giving you the strongest possible case.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Pennsylvania Car Crashes?
Car accidents in Pennsylvania can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. The most common physical injuries often result from the force of impact when vehicles collide.
Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries, caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck. Victims also commonly suffer fractures in the pelvis, arms, ribs, or legs – especially in high-speed or side-impact crashes.
Head and brain injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can occur even when the victim’s head does not strike a surface directly. Back and spinal cord injuries may cause long-term pain, limited mobility, or paralysis in severe cases.
Additionally, soft tissue injuries—such as sprains, strains, and deep bruising—can lead to chronic discomfort and mobility issues.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Beyond physical harm, many Pennsylvania car accident victims experience significant emotional and mental trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, especially after severe crashes involving serious injury or death. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety when driving or hearing loud noises.
Depression and emotional distress often develop as victims cope with pain, financial strain, or changes to their daily lives. Some individuals may also suffer sleep disturbances and social withdrawal.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Pennsylvania Car Crash Case
The experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyers at Leeson & Leeson understand how difficult it can be to face insurance companies after a serious crash. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or shift blame to protect their profits, leaving victims with less than they deserve.
The legal team at Leeson & Leeson fights back by gathering powerful evidence, such as police reports, medical documentation, witness statements, and accident reconstruction findings, to prove the other driver’s fault and the full extent of your losses.
We handle all communications with the insurance company to prevent adjusters from using your words against you or pressuring you into accepting a low settlement. Leeson & Leeson’s attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to challenge unfair settlement offers.
If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, Leeson & Leeson will not hesitate to file a timely lawsuit on your behalf within Pennsylvania’s strict statute of limitations. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
With Leeson & Leeson on your side, you have dedicated advocates who will fight to protect your rights and pursue the maximum recovery you deserve after a Pennsylvania car accident.
The Most Important Steps to Take After a Car Crash in Pennsylvania
If you are involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania, taking the right steps afterward can make a major difference in your recovery and your legal claim. First, obtain a copy of the police report, as it will include essential details about how the crash occurred and who caused it.
Next, seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations from your doctors. Completing your full course of treatment not only protects your health but also provides documentation that connects your injuries to the accident.
Do not speak directly with the insurance company before consulting our lawyers. Insurers often try to get victims to say things that can harm their claim or accept quick, low settlements.
Finally, contact our experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyers right away. Our team can guide you through every step of the claims process, handle all communication with insurers, and fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Car Accident Cases
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
How does PIP coverage affect my claim?
Pennsylvania’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical bills and certain other losses regardless of fault. However, your ability to recover additional damages depends on whether you have limited tort or full tort coverage and whether you suffered a serious injury.
What damages can I recover after a car accident?
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In rare cases, punitive damages may apply.
What evidence helps prove my case?
Key evidence includes police reports, photos or videos of the crash, medical records, and witness statements.
How can our attorneys help?
The skilled PA car accident lawyers at Leeson & Leeson can investigate your crash, gather evidence, handle insurance negotiations, and file a timely lawsuit on your behalf. Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your healing.
Talk with an Experienced PA Car Accident Attorney Today
If you want to understand the PA car accident injury claim statute of limitations, Leeson & Leeson is here for you. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in PA, please call us at (610) 691-3320 or contact us online.
