Best Car Accident Lawyers in Harrisburg

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

  Individuals looking to reach the Harrisburg police station for non-emergency purposes can dial 717-255-3131.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

  You can obtain your police report in person by appearing at the window in 123 Walnut St, 2nd Level. If you're looking to receive the document via e-mail, send a request to records@harrisburgpa.gov. If you're aiming to obtain your report via e-mail or mail, note that authorities will inquire the following information:

  • Your name
  • How you would like your report returned
  • The report's incident number
  • Your contact information A crash report costs $15.

• Can an individual sue vehicle manufacturers for injuries caused by auto parts defects in Harrisburg?

  Yes. Older cars are more prone to defect-related crashes than newer vehicle models, often caused by parts like airbags, seat belts, and tires. The chances of these accidents happening in Harrisburg are significant, based on a 2022 report from the online marketplace LendingTree, showing that the average age of used cars that potential buyers prefer is 7.47 years. The city ranks fifth in LendingTree's list of metros where customers seek to purchase the oldest used cars.

• What roads in Harrisburg cause the most car accidents?

  Harrisburg motorists should exercise caution when driving on Interstate 83, as some drivers have been known to merge carelessly into traffic, potentially leading to dangerous situations. The streets of Cameron and Paxton also host car-related accidents as drivers interact with bicyclists and pedestrians in a stretch of road populated by restaurants and hotels.

• Who can be held liable for a Harrisburg car accident involving a driver that doesn't own the car?

  In Harrisburg—where 26% of households are non-family households—car owners may be held liable for damages in accidents that result in injuries if they allow an unlicensed or intoxicated person to drive their vehicle. Pennsylvania's "permissive use" laws impose a duty on car owners to exercise reasonable care when entrusting their vehicle to another person, especially a non-family member. However, if someone steals the car and causes an accident, the car owner would not be liable for the resulting damages.

• Can an individual sue government organizations like local municipalities and military units for injuries from car accidents in Harrisburg?

  Yes. According to the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, government organizations are granted sovereign immunity in lawsuits from private parties. An individual can sue for injuries sustained from a car accident in Harrisburg because the immunity does not extend in various circumstances, like:

  • when a person is injured by a vehicle possessed or operated by the government
  • when an individual is adversely affected by dangerous sidewalk conditions
  • when a resident is hurt by actions conducted by members of the Pennsylvania military

• Are there limits to the damages a Harrisburg car accident victim can receive in their case?

  In the past, Pennsylvania courts found that placing caps on the damages that an injured person can receive is illegal under the state's constitution. However, individuals looking to file lawsuits against the Commonwealth can recover damages not exceeding $250,000; this goes up to $500,000 if the claim is filed against local municipalities like Harrisburg, according to the 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8528.