Areas Served
Motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate reality for drivers in New Alexandria and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re commuting along Route 22 or traveling local roads like Route 981, a serious crash can happen without warning. If you find yourself involved in one of these accidents, you’ll likely need help recovering compensation for your injuries, especially when you’re facing significant medical bills or lost wages. Filing a claim on your own and hoping for fair compensation is risky. The best way to protect your financial future is to work with a seasoned and skilled motor vehicle accident lawyer.
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our experienced legal team has over 30 years of experience helping injured individuals in Westmoreland County and throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania. We understand the medical, emotional, and financial difficulties accident victims face, and we are passionate about helping people overcome these challenges. If you or a loved one needs help recovering compensation after you were injured in a motor vehicle crash caused by someone else, call us today at 724-837-0160 or contact us online for a free consultation with a traffic accident attorney serving New Alexandria, PA.
Understanding the Claims Process
If you’ve been driving for a while, you probably understand the basic theory of how car accident claims work. When a driver causes a crash in New Alexandria, you inform both insurance companies and file a claim through the at-fault driver’s policy. In Pennsylvania, you have the option of choosing limited tort or full tort coverage when you purchase insurance for your vehicle. The type you buy will determine when you can file suit against the other party for your injuries.
With limited tort coverage, you file a claim for your medical expenses with your own insurer first. Then, if your injuries result in serious impairment of a bodily function, permanent and serious disfigurement, or someone’s death, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer. With a full tort policy, you can pursue the other party for compensation for your losses.
Whether you file a claim with your insurer or the insurance company of the at-fault party, auto insurance companies are for-profit businesses focused on their bottom line. They increase profits by keeping accident payouts as low as possible. The other driver’s insurance company will likely try to ask you leading questions during the claims process. The insurance adjuster carefully crafts their questions to make you admit partial or total fault for the crash, which reduces the amount the insurance company must pay.
If you receive a quick settlement offer for the New Alexandria crash, you can be nearly certain it is for less than your claim is worth. Experienced car accident attorneys have the necessary skills to handle these negotiations and secure the maximum compensation available in your case.
Types of Compensation Available
Motor vehicle accident compensation can help cover a wide range of costs related to your crash. If you have full tort coverage or meet the serious injury exceptions and pursue compensation from the at-fault party, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical treatment and hospital bills
- Physical therapy sessions
- Medical equipment and devices
- Personal care assistance
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of ability to enjoy life
- Changes in personal relationships
The amount of compensation typically depends on how severe your injuries are and their long-term effects. Injuries that will heal quickly usually result in lower compensation than those causing permanent disability or disfigurement, or those requiring lifelong care.
Proving Responsibility
To recover compensation from the other driver after a New Alexandria motor vehicle accident, your lawyer must first prove they were at fault. Your legal team will investigate the crash thoroughly and gather evidence such as:
- Police accident reports
- Statements from witnesses
- Available camera footage
- Expert accident analysis
- Medical testing results
- Driver phone records
The method of proving fault depends on how the crash occurred. For instance, if a drunk driver caused your crash by crossing the center line on Route 22, your lawyer can use blood alcohol testing results as evidence. If someone hit you because they were distracted by their phone near the intersection of Route 981, your attorney might request their cell phone records to prove they were texting.
It is also worth noting that Pennsylvania follows a 51 percent comparative negligence rule. This principle matters in situations where both drivers might share some fault for the crash. As long as your lawyer can demonstrate that you were less than 51 percent responsible, you can still receive compensation. Your percentage of fault will affect the size of your award, so your attorney will do everything possible to prove that the other driver was entirely or overwhelmingly at fault.
Time Limits for Filing Your Case
The most effective way to protect your rights after a New Alexandria motor vehicle accident is to contact a lawyer right away. Early legal representation helps prevent insurance companies from using tactics that could hurt your case.
A lawyer also helps preserve crucial evidence for your case. For example, they can ensure vital evidence like blood test results or surveillance footage doesn’t get lost or destroyed.
Furthermore, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations sets a two-year time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. While not every claim ends with a lawsuit, it’s essential to keep this deadline in mind in case filing becomes necessary.
Why Choose Stine & Associates, P.C.?
For over three decades, Stine & Associates, P.C., has successfully helped injured clients in New Alexandria and nearby communities recover the compensation they need. Attorney Cindy Stine holds membership in numerous professional organizations, including:
- Westmoreland County Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Association for Justice
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
Our client testimonials show the meaningful difference our firm makes in our clients’ lives. When you need a skilled motor vehicle accident attorney with proven experience and dedication to success, Stine & Associates, P.C., is here to fight for your future.
Contact a New Alexandria Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
The legal team at Stine & Associates, P.C., understands what is at stake after a motor vehicle collision turns your life upside-down. Our legal team is ready to review your case and explain your options for recovering compensation.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a payment if we win your case. Contact Stine & Associates, P.C., today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney serving New Alexandria.
Driving Directions to Stine & Associates, P.C.
Our office in downtown Greensburg is just a short drive from New Alexandria, but we are ready to welcome you no matter where you are coming from. Here is how you can find us if you are traveling by car:
From the North:
- Take US 119S toward Greensburg
- Bear left onto Otterman St
- Turn left onto Maple Ave
- Turn left onto E. Pittsburgh
- The destination will be on the right
From the South:
- Take US-119 N toward Greensburg
- Continue onto N. Main St
- Turn right onto E. Pittsburgh St
- The destination will be on the right
From the East:
- Take US-30W toward Greensburg
- Exit onto Rt 119/Rt 30
- Turn left onto S. Main St
- Turn right onto E. Pittsburgh St
- The destination will be on the right
From the West:
- Take US-30 E toward Greensburg
- Turn left onto W. Pittsburgh St/Lincoln Hwy
- Continue onto E Pittsburgh Street
- The destination will be on the right