If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, don’t wait to get help.
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we have the experience you need to get back on your feet and get compensated for your injuries. You can reach us today at (570) 209-7062,
Car accidents can cause severe and even life-threatening injuries. No matter what injuries you suffered, you might be facing extensive medical bills and long recovery times.
Reach out to our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC for Help After a Car Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
McDonald & MacGregor, LLC is the firm you need if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Our team has over 90 years of experience that we are willing to put to work for you. In our time serving clients in Wilkes-Barre, PA, as well as throughout the state, we have recovered over $50 million in compensation for those injured in accidents.
We offer a free consultation with a Wilkes-Barre car accident attorney, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. We’ll listen to your story, investigate your case, and make sure liable parties are held accountable for your losses.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Even in a minor accident, having an attorney on your side can help the insurance company take you seriously, help you recover damages, and more. Here are some of the main ways having an attorney helps you:
- The playing field will be leveled: Insurance companies have teams of experienced legal professionals at their disposal. Having your own attorney ensures that the playing field is level and you don’t get taken advantage of.
- You’ll gain access to experts and professionals: A competent lawyer will know who to contact for help. From expert witnesses to reliable doctors, they’ll be able to send you in the right direction.
- You’ll have the best chance at recovering maximum compensation: By hiring an experienced lawyer, you increase your chances of securing the full compensation you deserve, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- You’ll have time to rest and recover: With a lawyer handling the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of navigating complex legal procedures or dealing with insurance companies.
To learn more about how a car accident lawyer can help you, reach out today.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
How much compensation you might be able to recover depends greatly on the circumstances of your particular case. Some factors that might influence how much money you receive include:
- The severity of your injuries
- How much your medical bills are
- How long your recovery will take
- The strength of your evidence
- The willingness of the other party to negotiate
- Any insurance limits or policies involved
The best way to know what your case might be worth is to discuss your situation with a lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases.
What Damages Are Available to Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Victims?
After a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, there are several types of damages you might be able to recover. The two most common are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for monetary losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
Non-economic costs are harder to quantify. They are designed to compensate for personal losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
In rare cases, you might also be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are typically only available in cases involving extreme recklessness or carelessness.
Your attorney will be able to discuss what damages you might be able to recover and help you quantify them.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault for a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence law. Under this rule, victims can still recover compensation if they are less than 51% responsible for their accident, but their recovery will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.
For example, someone assigned 30% of the fault for their accident would receive 70% of their total damages. Victims who are 51% or more at fault won’t be eligible to recover compensation at all. This rule means it is critical that you have an attorney on your side to protect you from allegations of fault.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
For most personal injury accidents, such as car accidents, in Pennsylvania, you’ll have two years from the accident or injury date to file your lawsuit. While this might seem like a long time, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible.
The time will pass faster than you think, and you don’t want to miss the chance to recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. Under this system, you won’t pay anything upfront. Your lawyer will advance all the costs associated with your case.
If your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for you, their fee will be a portion of your total recovery, usually between 33% and 40%. If your case doesn’t result in recovery, you’ll never owe anything. This system aligns your interests with those of your lawyer and makes legal help more accessible.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
There are many ways that having a lawyer on your side can be beneficial. Your lawyer can:
- Investigate your case
- Gather evidence to support your claims
- Communicate with opposing parties on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so there isn’t anything to lose in reaching out to a law firm for help.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial. However, this isn’t always the case. Some factors that might indicate whether or not your case goes to trial include:
- The severity of your injuries: If your injuries are serious or their long-term impact is still unknown, it might be harder to settle quickly, which could push the case toward trial.
- The extent of your medical bills: Larger medical expenses often lead to more complex negotiations, sometimes making trial more likely.
- How willing the defendant(s) are to negotiate: If the other party isn’t open to compromise, the case may have to be decided by a judge or jury.
- The strength of your evidence: Strong proof can encourage a settlement, while weaker evidence might mean a trial is needed to argue your side.
- Whether liability is contested: If there’s disagreement about who caused the accident, it often requires a trial to sort out responsibility.
- The skill of your lawyer: An experienced attorney can often negotiate better deals and avoid a trial, but sometimes a trial is the best option, regardless.
Whether or not your case goes to trial depends on many different factors. To know if your particular case is likely to see the courtroom, speak with your lawyer.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
There are several steps you should take after a car accident in Pennsylvania to make sure you protect your health and don’t lose your right to compensation. You should:
- Ensure immediate safety: Check yourself and others for injury. If needed, call for medical help right away.
- Stay at the scene: Never leave the scene of the accident. If it isn’t safe to stay where you are, you can move your vehicle to a safe location nearby.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the authorities. A police report is essential for documenting the incident.
- Get medical help: Seek medical help as soon as possible, even if your injuries are minor.
- Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of your injuries and the scene.
- Gather contact information: Get the names and contact information for anyone involved in the crash and any witnesses.
- Report the accident to your insurance company:
- Avoid admitting fault: Even if you believe you’re at fault, do not admit liability at the scene. You should always speak with an attorney before making any statements that could be used against you.
- Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer: An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company, gather evidence, and recover compensation.
The above tips and recommendations ensure that you take care of your health and your rights and give yourself the best chance at recovering money for your injuries and losses.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we handle all kinds of car accidents in Wilkes-Barre. We routinely help clients who have been involved in:
- Rear-end accidents: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another.
- Head-on collisions: This type of accident happens when two vehicles strike each other directly from the front.
- Side impact accidents: Also known as “side-swipes,” these occur when one vehicle strikes another on the side.
- T-bone accidents: In a T-bone collision, one vehicle crashes into the side of another, typically forming a “T” shape.
- Rollover accidents: These accidents occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof.
- Multiple vehicle collisions: Also known as pile-ups, these accidents involve several vehicles crashing into each other.
We also handle motorcycle, truck, and pedestrian accidents.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can be incredibly dangerous and lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
No matter what kinds of injuries you or your loved one experienced, we can help.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Wilkes-Barre happen for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Distracted driving: Driving while distracted by your phone, the radio, or anything that takes your attention away from the road can lead to devastating consequences.
- Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs your judgment, reaction time, or coordination can be incredibly dangerous.
- Drowsy driving: Driving while fatigued or sleepy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drowsiness slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can make driving hazardous.
- Poor road conditions: Roads that are damaged, poorly maintained, or lack proper signage can create dangerous driving situations.
A good attorney can investigate the causes of your accident and help you hold the right parties accountable.
Call Our Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we can help. McDonald & MacGregor, LLC has the experience and track record you need to get back on your feet and recover compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and more.
No matter what the circumstances of your accident were, who was involved, or what injuries you suffered, we are confident we can help. Call, contact us online, or stop by our office to schedule your free initial consultation with a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer.
