Lehigh County Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident in Lehigh County, you have the right to seek payment for your medical bills, lost income, and the disruption this has caused in your life. Pennsylvania law provides a clear system for this, but the process can be demanding, filled with paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies. 
This is not a journey you have to take by yourself.
Our firm exists to manage this entire process for you. We take the burden of the legal and administrative tasks off your shoulders so you can put all your energy into your recovery. We start by listening to what happened and then provide a straightforward explanation of your options.
For a no-cost, no-obligation conversation about your case, call Leonard Hill – Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers at (215) 567-7600.
Key Takeaways for Lehigh County Car Accident Claims
- Pennsylvania has a two-year deadline to file a claim. If you fail to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation forever. This makes timely action important.
- Your own insurance choice impacts your claim. Pennsylvania’s “Choice No-Fault” system required you to select either “Full Tort” or “Limited Tort” coverage, a decision that affects your ability to sue for pain and suffering. We can determine which applies to your situation.
- Fault is not always all-or-nothing. You might still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash, as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your compensation would then be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Trust Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers?
When you call our office, the first thing we do is listen. We want to understand what happened, how your injuries have affected you, and what you are worried about. From that conversation, we build a clear plan and explain how we can help you move forward. There is no obligation to work with us at this stage; our only hope is that you leave feeling informed of your rights and better able to make a decision, whatever that may be.
If we choose to move forward with one another, you will have a direct line to our team from the moment you hire us. We handle the phone calls with adjusters, the legal filings, and the evidence gathering. Your job is to focus on getting better.
A Record of Standing Up for Clients
Founded in 1999, our firm was built to give injured people a voice against large institutions. We have a long, documented history of pushing insurance companies to provide fair compensation for our clients’ injuries and have recovered over $500 million for them.
Our founding attorney, Leonard Hill, earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Trial Advocacy. This is an advanced law degree that less than 1% of attorneys in the United States hold. It represents a specialized, high-level education in courtroom strategy and presentation—knowledge we apply to every case we prepare.
How We Work: The No-Fee Promise
We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Put simply, you pay us nothing upfront. We invest our own resources to build and pursue your claim. Our fee is a percentage of the financial recovery we secure for you, and we only get paid if we win your case.
How Is Compensation Determined in a Lehigh County Car Accident Claim?
The purpose of a personal injury claim is to provide money to cover the losses forced on you by the accident. In legal terms, this compensation is called “damages,” and it’s calculated based on what can be proven and documented.
Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs
These are the straightforward, billable expenses that piled up because of the crash. They typically include:
- Medical Bills: This covers everything from the ambulance ride and ER visit to future surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any required medical devices.
- Lost Wages: You are entitled to be reimbursed for the income you’ve lost while unable to work.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: If an injury permanently impacts your ability to earn a living, this compensation addresses that long-term financial harm.
- Property Damage: This pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and anything else damaged in the collision.
Non-Economic Damages: The Intangible Costs
Some of the worst harms from a car accident don’t come with a receipt. These damages are meant to compensate for the ways an injury changes your life.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress your injuries caused.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you can no longer participate in hobbies, family activities, or other parts of life you once valued, you may be compensated for that loss.
How Pennsylvania’s “Modified Comparative Fault” Rule Works
What if you were partly at fault? In Pennsylvania, you may still recover damages. The state follows a legal rule known as modified comparative fault. This law says that as long as you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident, you can pursue compensation from the other driver.
However, your final compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies conduct a thorough investigation, looking for any evidence to argue you were at fault. Our role is to keep them accountable and ensure no amount of blame is unjustly put on you.
Pennsylvania’s “Choice No-Fault” System Explained
Pennsylvania has a unique auto insurance system known as “Choice No-Fault.” When you purchased your auto insurance, you were required to make a choice between two options that directly affect your right to sue after an accident: “Limited Tort” and “Full Tort.” This selection is one of the most significant factors in any Pennsylvania car accident claim.
- Limited Tort: This is the less expensive insurance option. By choosing it, you restricted your right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages unless your injuries are considered “serious.” Pennsylvania law defines a serious injury as one resulting in “death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.” Proving this can become a point of contention with the insurance company.
- Full Tort: While this option carries a higher premium, it preserves your unrestricted right to sue the at-fault driver for all damages, including pain and suffering, no matter how severe your injuries are.
There are some exceptions where a person with a Limited Tort policy can still pursue a pain and suffering claim, such as if the at-fault driver was convicted of a DUI. Part of our job is to review your insurance policy and the specifics of your accident to determine which rules apply to you and to build the strongest possible case under those rules.
Where Do Car Accidents Happen Most in Lehigh County?
A car accident can happen anywhere, but some roads and intersections in Lehigh County consistently see more collisions due to high traffic volume and challenging designs. Recent data from the Pennsylvania State Police shows that Lehigh Valley roads saw 57 crashes investigated in just one holiday week.
Our experience handling local cases shows accidents are common in these locations:
- Interstate 78 (I-78): A primary corridor for commuters and commercial trucks, I-78 is a frequent site of serious rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes, especially where high speeds and heavy traffic mix near the Route 309 and Pennsylvania Turnpike interchanges.
- Route 22: The Lehigh Valley Thruway is notorious for congestion and sudden stops. Areas with frequent merges, like those around Fullerton Avenue and MacArthur Road, are well-known trouble spots.
- Route 309: This major route is lined with traffic lights, intersections, and business entrances, conditions that frequently lead to T-bone and left-turn accidents, particularly in South Whitehall and Upper Saucon townships.
- Tilghman Street and MacArthur Road (Whitehall): This heavily commercialized area contains one of the busiest and most hazardous intersections in the Lehigh Valley, with a high number of vehicles entering and exiting shopping centers.
We Handle All Types of Lehigh County Car Accident Cases
Our firm is dedicated to personal injury law, with deep experience in a wide range of car accident claims. While every collision is unique, many fit into common patterns.
Common Injuries We See
The forces in a car crash can produce a wide spectrum of injuries, and some may not show symptoms for days.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Pain from these injuries, affecting muscles and ligaments, sometimes flares up days or weeks after an accident.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from a “mild” concussion to severe injuries that alter cognitive function and personality.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis and requires a lifetime of costly medical care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: These common injuries often require surgery, casting, and extensive physical therapy to heal properly.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
You have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a car accident. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, according to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. If you miss this two-year window, you will almost certainly lose your right to pursue compensation forever.
What Happens After You Hire Our Firm?
Once you decide to work with us, we immediately begin a structured process designed to build your case and protect your rights. Here is what you can expect:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We don’t just rely on a police report. Our team launches a private investigation to gather all available evidence. This includes obtaining the official accident report, securing photos and videos from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and, if needed, hiring accident reconstruction experts to analyze what happened.
- Managing All Communications: From this point forward, you won’t have to speak with any insurance adjusters. We take over all communications. This protects you from saying something that could be misinterpreted and used to devalue your claim.
- Documenting Your Damages: We meticulously collect and organize every document related to your losses. This includes all medical records and bills, proof of lost income from your employer, and receipts for any other expenses. We work with your doctors to get a clear picture of your future medical needs and their associated costs.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Armed with evidence, we present a detailed demand package to the insurance company. This begins the negotiation process. Our reputation and preparation show the insurer we are ready for trial, a position that gives us leverage to pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): Most cases are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and present your case to a jury. We will guide you through every step of this process, ensuring you are prepared and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lehigh County Car Accidents
What if I feel fine now but pain develops later?
This is a common occurrence. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries, like whiplash or herniated discs, may not become fully apparent for days or even weeks. It is important to get a full medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurer is risky because it prevents you from seeking further compensation if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.
Will I have to go to court?
Probably not. The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will end up in a courtroom. This thorough preparation sends a clear message to the insurance company that we are serious, which typically leads to better settlement offers.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you might still recover compensation through your own policy, provided you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is an optional but valuable protection designed for this exact scenario. We can review your policy to see if you have it.
How long will my case take to resolve?
There is no single answer, as the timeline depends on the details of your case. A straightforward claim with clear fault might settle in several months. A more involved case with serious injuries or a dispute over responsibility could take a year or longer, especially if a lawsuit is necessary. Our goal is always to secure a fair result, not a fast one.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Rights
The feeling of uncertainty right now is normal, but you have options and more control than you may realize. The first step is getting clear, honest answers about your legal rights and the value of your claim.
You may think waiting is safer or that you can handle the insurance company yourself. But the claims process is filled with procedural hurdles and deadlines. A single mistake can jeopardize your ability to be fairly compensated.
Let our team manage the legal process so you can dedicate your energy to your health. The conversation is free, and there is no pressure to hire us. We are here to provide information and guidance.
Call us today to speak with our team. We are here to help. (215) 567-7600.
