Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh

FAQs

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

  You can reach the local police station in Pittsburgh by dialing 311 or 412-255-2621 for non-emergency inquiries.

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

  To acquire a copy of the police report related to your case, you may visit the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Central Records and Reporting Unit (CRRU) during their operating hours of 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. The CRRU is located at 660 First Avenue, 3rd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. All police reports are priced at $15, and payment must be made through check or money order.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Pittsburgh?

  In Pennsylvania, individuals have a two-year window to file a lawsuit in civil court for personal injury or wrongful death cases, beginning from the date of the injury or death, according to PA C.S.A. § 5524. It is important to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, or the court will not consider the case. You may file your claim by contacting a personal injury attorney in Pittsburgh.

• What types of compensation can you receive in a personal injury settlement in Pittsburgh?

  If you've been injured in Pittsburgh, a personal injury lawyer can assist you in pursuing compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The amount of damages awarded will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries. The economic damages that could be recovered include medical expenses, lost income, and reduced earning capacity, while non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and wrongful death damages.

• Can you sue for a personal injury in Pittsburgh if the accident was partially my fault?

  Yes, you can still sue for personal injury in Pittsburgh, even if the accident was partially your fault. Pennsylvania follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which allows plaintiffs to recover damages as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. Therefore, if you are found to be more at fault than the defendant, you will not be able to recover any damages.

• In the event that the other driver involved in my Pittsburgh car accident is uninsured, can I still receive compensation for damages?

  If the other driver involved in a car accident in Pittsburgh is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. If you have tort insurance, whether limited or full, you can file a claim with your own insurance provider. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can also turn to your own insurer for compensation. Another option you have to recover damages is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

• How can I determine if hiring a personal injury lawyer is necessary for my case in Pittsburgh?

  To determine if hiring a personal injury lawyer is necessary for your case in Pittsburgh, consider the complexity of the legal system and the potential consequences of not having legal representation. Hiring a lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Without legal expertise, you may miss important deadlines, risk having your Social Security or Workers' Compensation benefits denied or stopped, and fall victim to insurance companies' settlement policies.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.