The Experience You Want, The Results You Need
Legal Professionals of Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C

Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The moments after a car accident are a blur. When you are seriously injured, you hardly have time to consider the legal aspects of your accident. But one misstep could jeopardize your claim to compensation from the other driver or drivers involved.

The attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., combine over 100 years of car accident experience to offer you well-rounded and reliable legal counsel. While we offer free initial consultations at our Pottsville office to answer all your specific questions in person, below are just some of the answers to the questions we hear most often. Send us an email or call toll-free at 800-858-1532 for more information.

What do I do after getting in a car accident?

Always seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel OK, symptoms of injury may develop later, and if you wait too long to seek treatment, the insurance companies will use this against you to limit how much money to offer you.

Additionally, be sure to call the police to the scene right away, take pictures of the scene and vehicles, and gather information from all parties involved as well as any witnesses. Do not rely on the police to collect all this important information.

Can I recover for my harm and losses if the car accident was partly my fault?

Pennsylvania has laws in place for comparative negligence, meaning that you are eligible to recover for your harms and losses as long as you have less fault than the other driver. After the accident, you may be assigned a percentage of fault. If the accident was over 51% your fault, you cannot recover. Any percentage below that, and you are eligible to recover for your harms and losses.

Part of our job as your attorney, in addition to maximizing your possible compensation, is to minimize your fault for the accident. We thoroughly investigate each accident to build a strong argument in your favor, proving that the other driver was to blame for your injuries.

Should I accept the insurance company’s offer?

While you may be tempted to accept the first offer from the other driver’s insurance company, this is never in your best interest. Insurance companies operate on a profit and are only interested in their own bottom line. The insurance companies will try to “sweet talk” you into accepting a quick offer and try to convince you that having a lawyer will only delay things.

While other law firms may work for both accident victims and insurance companies, we only work for victims. We have NEVER worked for insurance companies, and we NEVER will. This means we are not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies in the fight to secure you full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Who is liable for a truck accident?

There is no single answer that applies to all accidents. Depending on the cause of the accident, the driver or the company may be liable. For example, if the company forced the driver to work extended hours or failed to properly train the driver, they may be liable. Alternatively, if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the accident may be the driver’s fault.

Should I give the trucking company the statement they are asking for?

If the truck driver’s employer reaches out to you for a statement about the accident, do not speak to them without an attorney present. Saying the wrong thing to the wrong people can jeopardize your compensation. Let your lawyer speak on your behalf to avoid these costly mistakes.

Why do I need a personal injury attorney?

Insurance claims agents know how to fool people into accepting a smaller settlement than they deserve. Only with assistance from an experienced auto accident attorney can you be sure your rights are protected and you are receiving a fair outcome.

What if I can’t afford a car accident lawyer?

Our services are offered on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us a dime unless we secure you compensation in a settlement or jury verdict. There is no risk to get started, as initial consultations are free as well!

Now conveniently located in Wyomissing in Berks County.