Can You Claim Compensation for Minor Accidents?

Whether you have experienced negligible injuries or minimal property damage, you may think that it is a waste of time to file a claim in a minor accident. However, if you can prove that another party’s negligence caused you harm and can detail the specific losses you sustained, you are eligible to file an insurance claim.

Given the complexity of Pennsylvania auto insurance law, it is in your best interest to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can assist you through the process. In this blog, we discuss forms of compensation you may be entitled to and where that compensation comes from.

Medical Expenses

Even a fender bender can result in physical injuries. Under Pennsylvania law, if you are involved in an accident that results in any injuries, you are required to call the police. Emergency personnel will likely be dispatched, and you will be transported to the hospital. Even an injury such as whiplash (which is generally considered minor) can be accompanied by significant medical costs. In addition to the price of the ambulance ride and evaluation by an emergency room physician, you may also incur expenses for treatments, prescriptions, and physical therapy.

In Pennsylvania accident claims, injured parties can recoup compensation for their medical expenses under personal injury protection (PIP). PIP applies regardless of fault. PIP is designed to ease the initial financial burden while you pursue further compensation. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning that victims of a motor vehicle crash can file claims directly with their insurance carrier. This is in contrast to fault states, which require injured parties to file claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance (known as “third-party claims”).

Lost Wages

If your accident causes you to miss time from work, then you may pursue lost wages. Even if you can continue working, you will likely need to ask for time off to attend any doctor’s appointments. A lost wages claim may be made under PIP as long as your wage loss benefits are covered under your policy. Pennsylvania PIP minimum coverage is $5,000, with a policy limit of $10,000. If your medical bills or lost wages exceed this threshold, then you are allowed to sue the at-fault driver personally.

Vehicle Damage

While bodily injury claims are filed with each driver’s respective auto insurer, property damage claims are typically filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that all motorists carry a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability coverage. Liability insurance claims may be filed under your own insurance for any accidents in which you are considered liable. If you are liable, you do have the option to file a collision coverage claim to pay for your vehicle repairs.

Fundamental Elements in Winning a Car Accident Case

Recovering for lost wages, medical bills, and vehicle repairs requires that you present convincing evidence to demonstrate the other driver’s liability. While a video may be the most compelling form of evidence, it is often unavailable due to the abrupt nature of a collision. Instead of video footage, a photographic depiction of vehicle debris, the final resting position of the vehicles involved, and nearby intersections or cross-streets can provide valuable information.

Witness testimony can also help to strengthen your case. A witness can relay what they saw or heard, as well as describe the general atmosphere at the scene of the crash. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know what questions to ask to gather vital information. If you want to recover every penny that you lost due to your car accident, your best option is to hire skilled representation.

Speak with Our Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a minor crash, do not attempt to pay for your expenses out of pocket. Even in a minor crash, insurance will cover your losses if appropriate steps are taken. Given what you have been through, the last thing you need to endure is financial ruin.

At Mette Law, we are committed to helping injured parties recover maximum damages, thereby providing them with access to the financial resources they deserve to facilitate a complete physical recovery. To learn more or schedule a consultation with our Harrisburg personal injury attorney, contact us online or call (717) 232-5000.