Scranton Car Accident FAQ

Were you recently hurt in a car crash in Scranton, PA? If someone else caused the collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, our respected trial lawyers bring more than 93 years of combined experience to every case. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for crash victims and their families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. If you need legal help, contact us today at (570) 209-7062 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Scranton car accident attorney.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about car accident claims in Scranton and throughout Pennsylvania. 

Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor to Help Me After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA?

Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor to Help Me After a Car Accident in Scranton, PA?

After a serious collision in Scranton, Pennsylvania, you shouldn’t have to fight with insurance companies or navigate complex legal procedures to get the money you deserve. You deserve an experienced Scranton personal injury lawyer who can cut through the red tape and help you maximize your compensation award.  

When you choose McDonald & MacGregor, you’ll get a team with:

  • A track record that includes millions of dollars recovered 
  • Nearly a century of combined experience in car accident cases
  • Recognition from The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Trial Lawyers,” Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers

Our attorneys are known throughout Pennsylvania for handling complex, high-value injury and wrongful death cases. We understand the high stakes involved after a crash, and we fight tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Call our law office for a free consultation with a Scranton car accident attorney.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

The majority of car accidents are caused by driver negligence, meaning they could have been prevented. 

Common causes of collisions in Scranton and across Pennsylvania include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk or drug-impaired driving
  • Speeding and aggressive driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Tailgating and following too closely
  • Unsafe lane changes or turns
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving

Local factors also contribute to accidents. Scranton’s icy winter weather, frequent construction zones, steep hills, and winding rural roads often make driving conditions hazardous.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. 

These can include:

  • Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and future medical care
  • The income you lost while recovering from your injuries
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering and emotional distress
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Our firm works with financial and medical experts to fully calculate your losses, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting an undervalued settlement. We will fight to recover every dollar you deserve.

What If I’m Partially at Fault for My Car Accident in Scranton, PA?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were partially responsible for the crash, as long as you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you are found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and protect your right to full compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law typically gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a loved one was killed in a crash, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.

Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation. Because there may be exceptions based on the specifics of your case, it’s crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. 

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Scranton?

The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact both your health and your legal case. 

Here’s what to do:

  • Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance.
  • Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved.
  • Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.
  • Collect witness statements and contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident.
  • Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
  • Notify your insurance company, but do not provide a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer.

Finally, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you on your rights, handle all communication with insurers, and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.

Contact Our Scranton Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Scranton, don’t wait to get the help you need. At McDonald & MacGregor, we have built our reputation on fighting for the rights of accident victims across Northeastern Pennsylvania. With 93 years of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, we know how to take on powerful insurance companies and win.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Scranton car accident attorney. We’re here to listen, to fight for you, and to help you move forward.