Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Reading

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Reading Police Department is 610-655-6116.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your Reading crash report on the official website of the Reading Police Department: https://www.readingpa.gov/crash-reoprt. For other police reports, you may call the Records Office at 610-655-6054.

• Will the at-fault party pay out-of-pocket for your injuries in a Reading accident?

  If you are hesitating to file a personal injury claim after getting hurt in an accident in Reading because you worry that the at-fault party will have to pay for your injuries out of their own pockets, don’t be too quick to drop your own case. In most instances, it’s the insurance provider of the at-fault party that ends up paying any money awarded in a personal injury case.

• If your child got hurt in a car accident in Reading, can you file a lawsuit on their behalf?

  Yes. To proceed with the process, you, your child, and your attorney will have to go before a judge and state that everyone has given their consent to the amount of money your child is receiving. Now, if your child is still below 18 years of age at the time of the settlement, any money awarded will be directed into a trust for your child to cover various expenses, including those for medical treatment and education. Your child will only be able to access that trust upon turning 18 years old.

• Should you still see a doctor after getting involved in a car accident in Reading if you feel fine?

  If you get involved in a car accident in Reading, do not refuse treatment at the scene of the crash even if you feel fine. If medical care was not provided at the accident site, you should still see a medical provider within the next 24 or 48 hours. This is because many serious injuries do not manifest in the immediate moments after an accident due to adrenaline rush. You will also need a medical record as evidence to properly demonstrate the extent of your injuries when building your case.

• Can you change your lawyer midway through a personal injury case in Reading?

  Yes. It is possible for you to change the lawyer who is handling your personal injury case in Reading halfway through the case or at any time at all. This kind of scenario is actually more common than you think. However, the downside to this is that the attorney you wish to replace might put a lien on your case and seek compensation for the work they’ve put in for you.

• Until when can you file a personal injury lawsuit after getting hurt in an accident in Reading?

  The legal deadline or the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Reading is two years from the date when you sustained your injuries. Depending on the unique details of your case, this time window may be shortened or extended. This is why it is best to take legal action immediately, so you can preserve your right to obtain compensation. Once the statute of limitations expires, you might not be able to recover damages anymore.

• 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.