Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Pennsylvania?
Seek medical attention first, even for minor injuries, as symptoms may appear later. Document the scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and report the accident to police. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we recommend contacting an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters to protect your rights.How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in PA?
Pennsylvania law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we advise consulting an attorney early to preserve evidence and build a strong case.What factors affect the value of my injury settlement?
Settlement value depends on medical expenses, lost wages, injury severity, long-term impact, and fault determination. Insurance policy limits and quality of evidence also play critical roles. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we thoroughly investigate each factor to maximize the compensation you deserve.When should I hire a lawyer for a car accident?
Contact an attorney immediately if you have serious injuries, disputed fault, or inadequate insurance offers. Early legal representation protects your rights during critical conversations with insurers. Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC offers free consultations for all auto accidents to help you understand your options.What's considered premises liability in a slip and fall case?
Premises liability means property owners are responsible when unsafe conditions like wet floors, poor lighting, or broken walkways cause injuries. You must prove the owner knew or should have known about the hazard. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we gather evidence to establish liability in both commercial and residential accident cases.Can I sue if my insurance claim was denied?
Yes, you can challenge denied or underpaid claims, especially if the insurer acted in bad faith. Review your policy terms and gather documentation supporting your claim. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we handle insurance disputes through negotiation and litigation when necessary to secure rightful compensation.What's the difference between a settlement and going to trial?
A settlement resolves your case through negotiation, offering faster resolution and less uncertainty. Trials involve presenting evidence before a judge or jury, which can yield higher awards but takes longer. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we prepare every case for trial while pursuing the best settlement possible.How does fault affect my personal injury case in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, reducing your compensation by your percentage of fault. If you're more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we conduct thorough investigations to establish the other party's liability and protect your recovery.What compensation can I recover in a wrongful death claim?
Families can recover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income and support, and loss of companionship. Pennsylvania law limits who can file wrongful death claims, typically spouses, children, or parents. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we provide compassionate representation while pursuing justice and financial security for grieving families.Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers a settlement?
Yes, initial offers are often far lower than your claim's true value. Insurers aim to minimize payouts before you understand the full extent of injuries and expenses. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, our 13 years of experience help clients evaluate offers and negotiate for maximum compensation.What evidence strengthens a slip and fall injury claim?
Photos of the hazard, witness statements, incident reports, and medical records documenting your injuries are critical. Proof that the property owner knew about the dangerous condition strengthens your case. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we provide comprehensive evidence and documentation support for premises liability claims.Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you're less than 51% responsible under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence law. Your compensation will be reduced by your fault percentage. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, LLC, we fight to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery in shared-liability cases.What's the first thing I should do after a car accident in Pennsylvania?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as symptoms can appear days later. Document the scene with photos, exchange information with all parties, and report the accident to police. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, we recommend contacting an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters to protect your claim.How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in PA?
Pennsylvania's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of injury to file most personal injury claims. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and witness testimony while details remain fresh.What actually counts as premises liability in a slip and fall case?
Premises liability applies when a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. This includes wet floors, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or uneven walkways in both commercial and residential settings. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, we gather evidence like maintenance records and surveillance footage to prove negligence.Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you're less than 51% at fault, though your compensation reduces by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you're 20% at fault in a $100,000 claim, you'd receive $80,000.What damages can I recover in a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful death claims can recover funeral and burial expenses, lost income and financial support, loss of companionship, and medical bills incurred before death. Pennsylvania law allows surviving spouses, children, or parents to file these claims. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, we handle these sensitive cases with compassion while pursuing full justice for families.Why do insurance companies deny valid injury claims?
Insurers often deny claims to protect profits by questioning liability, disputing injury severity, citing policy exclusions, or claiming late reporting. They may also use recorded statements against you or undervalue damages. Working with an attorney experienced in bad faith insurance practices helps challenge unfair denials and secure rightful compensation.How does fault get determined in Pennsylvania car accidents?
Fault is established through police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction, and physical evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage. Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry tort or limited tort insurance, which affects your ability to sue. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, we conduct thorough liability investigations to build strong cases.What's the biggest mistake people make after an injury accident?
Accepting an early settlement offer from insurance companies before understanding the full extent of injuries and expenses. Many injuries worsen over time, and quick settlements prevent future claims for ongoing treatment or lost wages. Always consult an attorney before signing any release or settlement agreement.Do I really need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Even minor accidents can result in delayed injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage that appear days or weeks later. Insurance companies often minimize claims without legal representation, especially when medical bills accumulate over time. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, we offer free consultations for all auto accidents to evaluate your case.How is pain and suffering calculated in injury cases?
Pain and suffering compensation considers injury severity, treatment duration, impact on daily life, emotional distress, and permanent disability. Pennsylvania uses the multiplier method, multiplying actual damages by a factor of 1.5 to 5 based on case severity. Detailed medical documentation and expert testimony strengthen these claims significantly.What evidence do I need to prove a slip and fall claim?
You need photos of the hazard and surrounding area, witness contact information, incident reports filed with the property owner, medical records documenting injuries, and proof the owner knew about the dangerous condition. Clothing and shoes worn during the fall should also be preserved as evidence.Can virtual consultations work for serious injury cases in Pennsylvania?
Yes, virtual consultations allow attorneys to review documents, discuss your case details, and provide initial legal guidance from anywhere in Pennsylvania. At Alpha Omega Law Firm, we offer statewide virtual appointments alongside in-person meetings in Chadds Ford, making experienced representation accessible regardless of your location or mobility after an injury.
