Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorneys who can navigate the state’s choice no-fault PIP system, the "limited tort" vs "full tort" election, and the 51% comparative fault bar. Whether your crash happened on I-76 through Philadelphia, on I-376 through Pittsburgh, or anywhere from Allentown to Erie, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Two years from the date of the crash for personal injury and property damage under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Claims against the Commonwealth or political subdivisions have notice and immunity rules under the Sovereign Immunity Act (42 Pa.C.S. § 8521) and Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (42 Pa.C.S. § 8541).

Pennsylvania requires every auto policy to include at least $5,000 in PIP medical coverage under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1711. When you bought your policy, you elected either "limited tort" or "full tort." Under limited tort, you can recover economic damages but pain and suffering only if you suffered a "serious injury" (death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement) under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705. Under full tort, all damages are recoverable.

You file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim against your own policy. Pennsylvania insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1731, but it can be rejected in writing.

No, and you usually shouldn’t. Anything you say can be used against you on the 51% bar and the limited-tort "serious injury" threshold. Refer the adjuster to your attorney or your own insurer.

It depends on medical bills, lost income, future treatment, vehicle damage, your tort election, and the strength of your liability evidence. Pennsylvania does not cap non-economic damages in standard auto cases, but limited-tort elections meaningfully restrict pain-and-suffering recovery.

The same statute of limitations and fault rules apply, but Pennsylvania’s urban interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike see heavy commercial truck traffic and chain-reaction collisions. Federal trucking regulations and multiple insurers add complexity.

Pennsylvania car accident attorneys typically work on contingency: no upfront cost, paid a percentage of the recovery if they win. Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40%. If there’s no recovery, you owe no attorney fee.

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania records over 100,000 crashes each year, with serious injuries concentrated on I-76 (the Schuylkill), I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76/I-276), and I-376 through Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault system (75 Pa.C.S. § 1701) requires every driver to elect either "limited tort" (cheaper premiums but restricted pain-and-suffering recovery) or "full tort" (higher premiums, unrestricted tort recovery). Pennsylvania uses modified comparative fault under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102 — a 51% bar.

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Our network includes Pennsylvania car accident attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Car Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

From the moment you connect with a Pennsylvania car accident attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Not understanding that "limited tort" election restricts pain-and-suffering recovery

Failing to invoke "serious injury" or limited-tort exceptions (e.g., DUI defendant) to preserve tort recovery

Allowing the 51% fault bar to wipe out a recovery without contesting fault percentages

Missing the notice and immunity rules under the Sovereign Immunity Act or Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel

Missing the 2-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524

Not understanding that "limited tort" election restricts pain-and-suffering recovery

Failing to invoke "serious injury" or limited-tort exceptions (e.g., DUI defendant) to preserve tort recovery

Allowing the 51% fault bar to wipe out a recovery without contesting fault percentages

Missing the notice and immunity rules under the Sovereign Immunity Act or Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel

Missing the 2-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524

Common Pennsylvania Car Accident Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Car accident attorneys in Pennsylvania work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Compensation Include?

Economic Damages

Medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs — no statutory cap. PIP offsets first $5,000 (or higher with elected limits) in medical bills.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment — fully recoverable under full tort. Under limited tort, recoverable only if you meet the "serious injury" threshold or an exception applies. No statutory cap when recoverable.

Punitive Damages

Available under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8371 for outrageous conduct (e.g., DUI). No statutory cap, but subject to constitutional due-process review.

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings. Pursued through the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage.

Wrongful Death

Recovery for pecuniary loss including services and companionship under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8301. Survival action under § 8302 allows pre-death pain and suffering.

PIP Benefits

First-party medical benefits of at least $5,000 (commonly $25,000+ with elected limits) regardless of fault under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1711.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania?

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Types of Car Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

Common Pennsylvania Car Accident Mistakes

How Much Do Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Compensation Include?

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