Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyers

Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyers

Experienced attorneys fighting for victims of Allegheny County car crashes

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Drivers have the right to expect that other drivers will follow the Pennsylvania traffic laws. They have the right to expect other drivers will use caution when traffic conditions become dangerous. But anyone who’s spent time on I-376 trying to get through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel – or had to jam the brakes because someone made a “Pittsburgh Left” onto Chestnut or East Carson – knows that “caution” is a term to be used lightly. 

The Pittsburgh car accident lawyers at Carmody and Ging, Attorneys at Law, have a combined 60 years of experience fighting for personal injury victims. We work with investigators, the police, accident reconstruction professionals, and car product experts to show that the irresponsible defendants caused your injuries or the death of a loved one. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers work with your doctors to fully assess your injuries and the medical help you’ll need. We’ll fight to get you the recovery you deserve.

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What would you like to know?

How common are car accidents in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reports that in 2020, there were more than 104,000 reported traffic crashes; 1,129 people died, and 61,248 people were injured. These numbers are on the low side given that many people stayed home during the pandemic. Based on Pennsylvania population data for 2019, the odds of being involved in a traffic accident in 2020 were 1 in 57. 

What types of car accident cases do your Pittsburgh lawyers handle?

At Carmody and Ging, our seasoned Pittsburgh car accident lawyers handle all types of car accidents. We promptly investigate the accident site and review the police reports. We thoroughly question everyone involved. In some cases, we employ experts such as accident reconstruction and car part experts. 

Our lawyers represent victims of:

  • Broadside (T-bone) crashes
  • Single-vehicle accidents
  • Multi-vehicle accidents

What are the common causes of car accidents in Pittsburgh?

Our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers represent victims of serious injury and help families whose loved one died in a car accident. We are skilled at showing that drivers caused your injuries or a fatality due to their negligence, which can include:

  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving while distracted such as texting while driving
  • Driving while fatigued or drowsy
  • Speeding (on roads and through tunnels)
  • Aggressive driving (like tailgating)
  • Reckless driving
  • Failing to follow the rules of the road
  • Blowing through red lights, stop signs, and other signals
  • Driving too quickly over bridges in poor weather conditions

We review every action every driver took before and at the time of the accident.

What injuries do Pittsburgh car accident victims suffer?

In the “best” case scenario, a car crash will leave you with minor injuries which heal quickly. But based on the 2020 accident numbers, more than half of all wrecks will lead to injuries and/or fatalities. At Carmody and Ging, our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers handle all types of injuries, including:

  • Internal organ damage
  • Hearing and vision loss
  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Ligament, tissue, nerve, and muscle damage
  • All other types of serious injuries

What are the requirements for filing a negligence claim in Pittsburgh?

Pennsylvania is a no fault-state. To recover damages, the victim must either have full tort coverage on his/her own vehicle or the injuries must qualify as “serious” injuries. Essentially, this means if you’re injured in a car accident in Pittsburgh, the type of claim you have depends on the type of liability insurance you have and the severity of your injury. We are skilled at showing that victims do meet the “serious” injury threshold if they only have limited tort coverage.

Pennsylvania has two requirements for filing a full tort car accident claim:

  • The injured victim must be covered by a full tort policy. In Pennsylvania, car owners can purchase either limited tort or full tort coverage. If they buy full tort coverage, the owner can file a full tort claim – for all their medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If they buy limited tort coverage, they are only entitled to payment of their medical bills and lost income – if they can show the other driver was negligent. In addition, you can claim that your own insurance company pay “first party benefits” for medical bills up to the policy limits. 

Our lawyers will explain who, besides the owner of the car (such as a spouse or child) may be covered if the owner of the car has full tort coverage. Generally, all household members are entitled to the same type of coverage (limited or full) as the owner of the vehicle can claim.

  • The injured victim must have a “serious” injury or must have died because of the car accident. A serious injury generally includes any injury that causes a loss of bodily function (for example, an amputation of a knee or arm) or causes scarring and disfigurement. The definition of “serious” depends on the terms of the policy and Pennsylvania law. If you have a serious injury, we can file for pain and suffering in addition to your other damages. If a loved one died in the car accident, we can file a wrongful death claim.

Generally, if your car is damaged by another driver, you can seek compensation for the cost to repair or replace your car – whether you have limited tort or full tort coverage.

Minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does require that all drivers have the following minimum liability coverage:

  • $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
  • $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
  • $5,000 for damage to property of another person

Who may be liable for your Pittsburgh car accident?

At Carmody and Ging, our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers hold everyone responsible for your injuries (or the death of a loved one accountable). We file claims against the following:

  • The negligent driver
  • The owners of the vehicle if different than the driver such as parents who give their teenager permission to use a vehicle and then the teen is negligent
  • An employer
  • The manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of defective auto parts such as tires, airbags, and windshield wipers that malfunction
  • A bar, restaurant, state store, or other seller of alcohol who sells to a visibly intoxicated person
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or other state agencies/entities if they failed to properly design or maintain the road where the accident happened.

Our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers often file complaints against multiple defendants.

What damages can I claim for my injuries? 

If you were injured in a car accident in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Western PA, you can make a claim for damages. Those damages may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering (both physical and mental)
  • Loss of companionship with your spouse
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Property losses
  • Funeral and burial expenses (if applicable)

At Carmody and Ging, we work with your doctors, rehabilitation team, and other health care providers such as psychologists to verify your injuries and show what medical care you will need for the years to come.

How much time do I have to file my Pittsburgh car accident claim?

The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Pennsylvania is generally two years. Some shorter time frames may apply. For example, state agencies/entities must be notified within six months from the accident date. Accidents do need to be reported to the police promptly.

Don’t delay. We need to investigate your claim immediately. We need to speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh. We want to be sure you’re seeing the doctors you need to see. While we do settle many car accident claims, we always prepare our cases to try before a jury. We can talk about the best options for your needs during you free consultation. 

Personal Injury

Do you have a car accident lawyer near me?

Carmody and Ging’s office is located at 801 Vinial Street in Pittsburgh, on the 3rd floor of the Deutschtown Center building. Our office is directly across the street from Penn Brewery, and parking outside is available. You can also reach us by bus – the Troy Hill Road bus stop is close by. If you’re too injured to travel, our lawyers do make alternative arrangements, such as conducting a video conference or meeting you at your home or at a health care facility. 

Our lawyers have the experience and resources to take on the big insurance companies. We’ll fight to obtain all the compensation you need and deserve.

Speak with a seasoned Pittsburgh car accident lawyer today

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At Carmody and Ging, we understand how scary any car accident is. You worry about your health, your family, and your career. Our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys don’t just talk the talk. We are respected by former clients, insurance adjusters, and defense lawyers for our dedication to our clients, our experience in court, and our record of strong impressive settlements and verdicts. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer, please call 412.281.2929 or complete our contact form. Our roots are in Pittsburgh. Proudly fighting for car accident victims in Western Pennsylvania.

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