Were you injured in a car accident in Scranton, Pennsylvania? If so, McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (570) 209-7062 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
Our experienced Scranton car accident lawyers understand how devastating a crash can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC for Help After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA?
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we have nearly a century of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized, results-driven legal representation for car accident victims throughout Scranton, PA, and the surrounding areas.
We understand that no two cases are the same, which is why we take the time to listen to your story, investigate your accident thoroughly, and build a legal strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with insurance disputes, severe injuries, or long-term recovery challenges, our Scranton personal injury lawyers are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, mounting bills, and aggressive insurance companies. An experienced attorney understands the legal system, knows how to deal with insurers, and will fight to maximize your compensation.
Even seemingly minor accidents can become complicated, especially when injuries worsen over time or fault is disputed. Having a skilled car accident lawyer by your side gives you the best chance at receiving the compensation you truly deserve.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
The amount of money you can recover in a car accident case depends on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and who was at fault for the accident.
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that every aspect of your loss is accounted for and that you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball settlement from the insurance company. Your attorney will carefully evaluate your case, gather supporting evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to.
What Damages Are Available to Scranton Car Accident Victims?
Car accident victims in Scranton, PA, may be eligible to recover a variety of damages depending on the nature and severity of the crash.
These damages fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Each serves a different purpose in helping you recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to cover the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
These are typically supported by bills, receipts, and employment records, and may include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care
- Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work while recovering
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to earn a living in the future
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs for travel to medical appointments, assistive devices, or in-home care
These financial losses can add up quickly, and documenting them thoroughly is essential to maximizing your compensation in a car accident claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible, personal losses that don’t come with receipts but can significantly impact your quality of life.
They include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological effects
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities or hobbies you previously enjoyed
- Scarring and disfigurement: Long-term or permanent changes to your appearance
- Loss of consortium: The impact your injuries have on your relationship with your spouse or family
Though harder to quantify, these losses are just as real as financial ones and play a critical role in determining the full value of your personal injury claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case. They are intended to punish the at-fault party for egregious or reckless conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
These may be available in cases involving:
- Drunk driving (DUI)
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Gross negligence or intentional misconduct
An experienced Scranton car accident lawyer can help assess which types of damages apply to your case and fight to recover the full amount you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault for a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can still recover compensation in Pennsylvania even if you were partially at fault for a car accident, thanks to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule.
Under Pennsylvania law, as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you may still be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found to be 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 30%, meaning you would receive $70,000.
If you are more than 50% at fault, however, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
This rule makes it critical to work with an experienced lawyer who can gather evidence, challenge exaggerated claims of fault, and advocate to minimize your share of liability—all to protect your right to recover fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit for personal injuries or property damage resulting from the crash.
If the accident resulted in someone’s death, the family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Missing this deadline can have serious consequences.
If you try to file after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong your evidence is.
Because certain situations (like accidents involving government vehicles or minors) may have special rules or shorter deadlines, it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and ensures you don’t lose your right to compensation due to a procedural mistake.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict.
Typically, the contingency fee is a percentage of your total recovery, often around 33% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. This fee structure allows injured victims to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition to the attorney’s fee, there may be other case-related costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of obtaining medical records. These are usually advanced by the lawyer and reimbursed from your settlement or award.
If there’s no recovery, you owe nothing. This risk-free arrangement ensures that your lawyer is fully invested in fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
A lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine fault and gather evidence
- Handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers and bad-faith tactics
- Accurately calculate the value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning potential
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries
- Take your case to trial, if necessary, to pursue the justice you deserve
- Ensure deadlines are met and legal procedures are properly followed
- Provide peace of mind so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details
Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone—contact us today for a free consultation with a Scranton car accident attorney, and let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases do not go to trial. In fact, the majority are resolved through settlements with insurance companies before ever reaching a courtroom. That said, whether your case goes to trial depends on several factors.
Your case is more likely to go to trial if:
- The insurance company disputes who was at fault for the accident
- There is a disagreement over the value of your damages (e.g., medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering)
- The insurer acts in bad faith by delaying or denying a valid claim
- You have severe or permanent injuries, and the stakes for compensation are higher
Even after a lawsuit is filed, cases often settle during the discovery process or in mediation before trial. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively on your behalf and only recommend going to trial if it’s in your best interest to pursue a larger or more just award.
If a trial becomes necessary, your lawyer will be prepared to present a strong case and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Scranton, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident to local law enforcement and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. A police report can be a key piece of evidence in your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away.
- Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance information from all drivers involved.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else that might help support your version of events.
- Speak to Witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information and ask for a brief statement if possible.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid giving a detailed statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be polite, but do not admit blame at the scene or when talking to insurers. Fault should be determined based on evidence.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced Scranton personal injury attorney can guide you through the claims process, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps early can make a significant difference in the strength of your case and help you move forward with confidence.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
Our firm represents clients in a wide range of car accident cases. No matter how your accident occurred, we are prepared to investigate, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the most common types of car accident claims we handle:
Rear-End Collisions
These are some of the most frequent types of car accidents and often occur due to distracted driving or following too closely. Even at low speeds, rear-end crashes can result in whiplash, neck and back injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. We help clients prove fault, especially when the other driver tries to claim they weren’t responsible.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are often catastrophic and frequently result in serious injuries or fatalities. They usually occur when a driver crosses the center line, drives the wrong way, or attempts a dangerous pass. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations to establish fault and ensure that you are compensated for the full extent of your physical and emotional suffering.
Speeding Accidents
Excessive speed is a leading cause of crashes in Pennsylvania. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, making injuries more severe. We use accident reconstruction experts and crash data to demonstrate how speeding contributed to your injuries and why full compensation is warranted.
T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents
These accidents typically happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield. Side-impact crashes can crush doors and leave occupants with broken bones, internal injuries, or spinal cord damage. We work to collect intersection footage, witness testimony, and traffic data to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Being injured by a driver who leaves the scene adds another layer of frustration and hardship. Whether the at-fault driver is eventually identified or remains unknown, we can help you pursue a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage and explore all avenues to hold the responsible party accountable.
Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents
When a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, the consequences are often devastating. These cases may involve both civil liability and criminal charges. In addition to seeking compensation for your injuries, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the driver for their reckless conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting while driving, adjusting a GPS, or even eating behind the wheel can divert a driver’s attention and lead to serious accidents. Proving distraction can be difficult, but our team uses phone records, vehicle data, and witness statements to uncover evidence and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
Crashes involving delivery vans, rideshare vehicles, company cars, or trucks can be more complicated due to commercial insurance policies and multiple parties. We investigate driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and employer liability to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our legal team is committed to helping you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you’ve been hurt in any type of motor vehicle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Even low-speed collisions can result in serious physical harm. If you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s important to understand the types of injuries that may occur and seek medical attention right away, even if symptoms aren’t immediately obvious.
Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:
- Whiplash: A soft tissue injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck. It’s common in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic neck pain or stiffness.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows can range from mild concussions to severe TBIs with long-term cognitive effects.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, fractures, or spinal cord damage can cause lasting pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are often fractured in collisions. Some breaks may require surgery or extended rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, often without immediate symptoms. These injuries can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Facial Injuries: Impact with airbags, steering wheels, or shattered glass can cause cuts, bruises, dental injuries, or disfigurement.
- Knee, Shoulder, and Joint Injuries: Sudden twisting or impact can lead to torn ligaments, dislocations, or joint strain.
- Psychological Injuries: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after traumatic accidents and can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
No matter how minor your injuries may seem at first, getting a prompt medical evaluation is essential—not only for your health but also to support any potential legal claim.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in an instant, but they’re rarely without cause. In most cases, collisions are the result of driver error, negligence, or unsafe road conditions. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help you stay alert behind the wheel—and can also be critical when determining fault in a personal injury case.
Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technology can take a driver’s attention off the road and lead to serious crashes.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road or weather conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly raising the risk of an accident.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights are all examples of reckless behavior that puts everyone at risk.
- Fatigued Driving: Drowsy drivers may experience slowed reactions or even fall asleep at the wheel, causing serious or fatal accidents.
- Failure to Yield or Obey Traffic Signals: Ignoring right-of-way rules, stop signs, or traffic lights can easily lead to T-bone or head-on collisions.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or ice can create slick roads and reduce visibility, contributing to multi-vehicle accidents and loss of control.
- Vehicle Defects or Malfunctions: Brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues may lead to accidents, sometimes implicating a manufacturer in product liability claims.
- Inexperienced Drivers: New or untrained drivers may lack the skills to make safe decisions in high-pressure situations, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
Identifying the cause of a crash is a crucial step in proving liability and pursuing compensation. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, a Scranton car accident attorney can help investigate the cause and build a strong case on your behalf.
Scranton Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents remain a serious concern in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County. While Scranton itself is a smaller city compared to Pennsylvania’s major metropolitan areas, its proximity to major highways like I-81 and Route 6 means residents are not immune to traffic collisions and related injuries.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:
- In 2023, Pennsylvania reported over 110,000 traffic crashes, resulting in 1,209 fatalities and 66,546 injuries statewide.
- That averages to about 300 crashes per day, with nearly 182 people injured daily due to traffic incidents.
- The most common contributing factors included speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
Urban areas like Scranton see a high volume of intersection-related collisions, rear-end accidents, and pedestrian incidents, particularly during busy commuting hours and poor weather conditions.
While these numbers may seem routine, each statistic represents a person whose life was changed by a preventable event. Whether it’s a minor crash or a life-altering injury, having the right legal support can make a major difference in recovery and compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a Scranton car accident, understanding these statistics—and how your case fits into the broader picture—can help when evaluating your legal options.
Call Our Scranton Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Scranton, PA, you don’t have to face the insurance companies or legal process alone.
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we are committed to helping accident victims secure the full compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
With decades of combined experience and a proven track record of success, we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights. Contact our Scranton car accident lawyers today for a free consultation. There’s no risk and no fee unless we win your case. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
