Norristown Car Accident Lawyer
All motorists have a duty of care to travel with responsibility and to follow all traffic laws. If someone causes an accident because of their failure to uphold this standard, they may be liable to pay damages to the injured party.
After a motor vehicle wreck, nothing can make life go back to the way things were, but a Norristown car accident lawyer could help if you or a loved one has suffered bodily harm due to a negligent driver. A personal injury attorney could help you understand your legal options for seeking recovery and advise you on a course of action.
State Insurance Law
Potential plaintiffs should note that state laws governing car insurance can have an impact on their claim recovery. The state’s “no-fault” system gives drivers a few options when they purchase auto insurance that may influence how they collect compensation for their losses in the event they are in a crash.
One option is a traditional policy. This policy parallels the legal system in the sense that an injured party can sue an at-fault driver for certain damages such as medical expenses and financial losses stemming from the accident. However, the state comparative fault doctrine may come into play depending on whether the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for the accident, which may lead to a smaller compensatory award.
The second option is a no-fault policy. This option mandates that a plaintiff collect medical expenses and financial losses from their own insurance company, regardless if they were partially to blame for their crash. However, the plaintiff cannot sue the at-fault driver or their insurer for pain and suffering or other non-pecuniary losses except in instances of extreme physical injury.
Therefore, the type of auto insurance a plaintiff selects may dictate which insurer they can file a claim through and whether or not they may file a lawsuit. An experienced Norristown car wreck attorney could review a claimant’s policy and explain their avenues for seeking recovery.
Recoverable Damages Available in Car Accident Lawsuits
If a plaintiff is eligible to bring a motor vehicle accident lawsuit, a greater variety of damages may be available than under an insurance claim. Additionally, a Norristown lawyer could review a claimant’s car accident lawsuit and determine the types of damages to which they may be entitled.
Economic Damages
A plaintiff can seek economic damages or out-of-pocket losses. These typically include past and future medical expenses. Future medical expenses are those reasonably certain to occur based on the injuries sustained in the crash.
Claimants also may be able to pursue lost earnings due to their inability to work. Future diminished earning capacity is another class of damages available when injuries are long-lasting or permanent. Additionally, a plaintiff may be entitled to claim car repair or replacement costs.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages can be more difficult to quantify as they try to place a monetary value on physical pain and emotional anguish. Even if bodily injury is minor, accompanying trauma and fear may trigger the right for a plaintiff to seek noneconomic damages.
Some categories of these less tangible damages include pain and suffering, disfigurement, humiliation and embarrassment, and loss of enjoyment of life. A judge or jury may consider how severe and long-lasting the plaintiff’s injuries are, whether the accident exacerbated a preexisting disability or condition, and how the crash altered the claimant’s outlook of the future.
Schedule a Consultation with a Norristown Car Accident Attorney
A car accident is at least an inconvenience and, at worst, a life-altering event for you and your family. Navigating policies and dealing with insurance companies may be the last thing on your mind.
An attorney could support you and your family through these difficulties and offer guidance as you seek compensation for your injuries and property damage. Reach out to a Norristown car accident lawyer today to get started on your claim.
