Ask Our Lawyers
Some of the most common questions we get asked are listed below, however If you believe you may have a case and want to discuss specific details with one of our injury lawyers, we provide a risk-free consultation that costs you nothing. Please reach out to us, even if you are unsure that you have a case.
What does a personal injury lawyer do?
A personal injury lawyer represents people who were hurt because of someone else’s negligence by handling the insurance process, gathering evidence, and pursuing financial recovery through our personal injury lawyer services.
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident so your rights are protected and the insurance company cannot take advantage of you, and you can begin a free consultation with Philly Injury Lawyer right away.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
There is no upfront cost to hire our firm because we work under the We Win or It’s Free® guarantee, which means you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your case.
What does the “We Win or It’s Free” guarantee mean?
The We Win or It’s Free® guarantee means you never owe legal fees unless our team wins your case and obtains a financial recovery for you.
I was injured and it wasn’t my fault. What can you do for me?
If another person or company caused your injury, we investigate the accident, gather records and witness statements, deal with the insurance company, and seek maximum compensation through our personal injury representation.
I don’t know if I have a claim — can you tell me?
Many people are unsure whether they have a case, so you can speak directly with an attorney in a free consultation and get a clear, honest assessment of your situation.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
You may have a valid claim if your injuries were caused by a careless driver, unsafe property condition, defective product, or other negligent act, which are all common situations in our personal injury cases.
What if I was partly at fault?
Pennsylvania uses comparative negligence rules, so you may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible, and proving fault and negligence is a key part of every negligence claim we handle.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, so waiting too long can completely bar your right to compensation.
What if my accident happened months ago?
You may still be within the legal time limit, and talking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible helps protect your claim before important deadlines expire.
What types of cases do you handle?
Our firm handles a wide range of accident and injury cases, including car accidents, truck crashes that need a truck accident lawyer, motorcycle crashes, bike and pedestrian accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, dog bites, work injuries, and serious wrongful death cases.
I was in a car accident and I have limited-tort insurance. Can you win my case?
Limited-tort insurance restricts some pain-and-suffering claims, but exceptions exist for serious injuries, disfigurement, and other situations, and our limited tort and limited tort exceptions experience helps us pursue full compensation whenever the law allows it.
What if my claim was rejected by the insurance company?
Insurance companies frequently deny claims even when injuries are legitimate, and we regularly challenge unfair denials as part of our insurance claims work for injured clients.
What should I do right after a car accident?
After a crash, call 911, get medical care, collect photos and witness information, and contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer before giving recorded statements to the insurance company.
I fell at a store and the manager refused to help me. Can I sue?
If you fell because of a dangerous condition that should have been fixed or warned about, you may have a premises liability claim similar to other slip-and-fall cases we handle against careless property owners.
I was hurt at work but don’t want to get in trouble for filing a claim. Am I protected?
Workers’ compensation law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report injuries, and many on-the-job accidents can also involve separate work injury or third-party negligence claims.
I tripped on my neighbor’s sidewalk. Can I sue without causing problems?
Trip-and-fall injuries on broken or icy walkways can be treated like other premises claims, and many are resolved through the homeowner’s insurance similar to other slip and fall cases rather than personal disputes.
What if I can’t work because of my injury?
If your injury keeps you off the job, your claim can include lost wages and reduced future earning capacity as part of a broader personal injury demand for damages.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical treatment, time off work, and impact on your life, and we evaluate these factors using tools similar to those discussed in our injury claim value resources.
What damages can I recover?
Depending on the case, you may recover payment for medical bills, future treatment, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses commonly included in personal injury claims.
Will I owe taxes on my settlement?
Most personal injury settlements that compensate for physical injuries are not taxable under federal or Pennsylvania law, so many personal injury recoveries are tax-free, though you should always confirm details with a tax professional.
How long will my case take?
The length of a case can range from a few months to more than a year depending on your medical recovery, the amount of insurance coverage, and whether a personal injury lawyer needs to file a lawsuit or go to trial to obtain fair compensation.
Will my case go to court?
Many claims settle through negotiation, but if the insurance company refuses to be fair, our trial-ready personal injury lawyers are prepared to take your case into litigation and present it to a jury.
Can I settle without going to court?
Yes, most cases are resolved through settlement discussions or mediation, and having an experienced injury lawyernegotiating on your behalf often leads to better offers without the stress of a trial.
What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?
Some injuries, especially neck, back, and head injuries common in car accidents, can take days to show symptoms, so you should still seek medical care and document your complaints as soon as possible.
What if I can’t afford medical treatment?
We frequently work with doctors and treatment providers who will treat injury victims while a personal injury claim is pending, and bills can often be repaid from the settlement instead of upfront.
Can I choose my own doctor?
In most non–workers’ compensation cases you are free to treat with your own physicians and specialists, and our injury lawyers can help you coordinate care and keep medical records organized for your claim.
What if my injury caused permanent disability?
Permanent injuries, scarring, or loss of function can greatly increase the value of a claim, and conditions such as serious permanent disfigurement are addressed in our permanent disfigurement resources and related serious-injury cases.
How do I choose the right lawyer?
You should look for experience, results, communication, and a no-fee-unless-you-win policy, all of which are part of the way Philly Injury Lawyer handles injury cases across Pennsylvania.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, you can speak directly with an attorney at no cost, and our team offers a free consultation to review your accident, answer questions, and outline your options.
How will I know what’s happening with my case?
Our legal team stays in touch by phone, email, and text, and you can always reach out to Philly Injury Lawyer with questions about your claim’s status or next steps.
What if I want to switch lawyers?
If you are not satisfied with your current attorney, you have the right to change counsel, and our personal injury lawyerscan review your file and take over the case without restarting the process.
What happens if I lose my case?
If your case is not successful, you generally do not owe an attorney fee under the We Win or It’s Free® policy, and you will not have to pay us out of pocket for our time.
Can minors file personal injury claims?
Children who are injured in accidents can bring claims through a parent or guardian, and our personal injury team often handles cases involving minors with special rules and protections.
How long after settlement will I get paid?
After a settlement is reached, it typically takes several weeks for the insurance company to issue payment, liens and medical bills to be resolved, and your injury lawyer to disburse your share of the funds.
How can I get the maximum compensation?
You can help maximize your recovery by getting prompt medical care, following your treatment plan, documenting lost wages, and working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how to build a strong case and negotiate aggressively.
If I felt fine after the accident but pain appeared days later, can I still file a claim?
Delayed pain is common after car accidents and other trauma, so you should see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and speak with an attorney before assuming it is too late.
What happens if the driver who hit me has no insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be protected by your own auto policy’s UM/UIM coverage, and a car accident lawyer can review your insurance and pursue every available source of recovery.
Can I file a claim if I was hurt on public property or by a city vehicle?
Claims involving city vehicles, buses, or public property follow special notice and timing rules, and many are handled using strategies similar to other motor vehicle accident and premises cases we pursue.
Will my case affect my job or my immigration status?
Most personal injury claims are civil matters between you and an insurer, and bringing a personal injury claim typically has no impact on your immigration status, while retaliation by an employer for reporting an injury can itself be unlawful.
Can I be compensated for emotional or psychological harm?
Serious accidents often cause anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and compensation for emotional distress is frequently included as part of the pain-and-suffering component in personal injury cases.
Should I speak to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?
You should avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases before talking to a personal injury lawyer because insurers may use your words against you to minimize or deny your claim.
If I get a settlement offer quickly, should I accept it?
Early settlement offers are often far below the true value of a claim, and you should always let an experienced injury attorney review the offer before you sign anything or give up your right to further compensation.
Rideshare crashes involve overlapping insurance policies and special rules, so working with a Philadelphia Uber and Lyft accident lawyer helps ensure all available coverage is pursued.
Who pays for expert witnesses or investigations?
In contingency-fee cases, our firm typically advances the cost of experts, investigators, and reports needed to prove your personal injury claim, and those expenses are reimbursed from the settlement or verdict.
What if I was injured by a drunk driver?
Crashes caused by impaired drivers can support strong claims for compensation, and our car accident lawyers know how to use DUI evidence and related records to build a powerful case on your behalf.
Can I recover compensation if I was injured while walking or biking?
Pedestrians and cyclists have the same right to safe roads as drivers, and we regularly represent people hurt in pedestrian accidents and other serious roadway crashes.
What if my injury was caused by a defective product?
Dangerous products can lead to claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, and these cases are pursued under the broader umbrella of personal injury and product-liability law.
What if I was injured on the job but someone other than my employer was responsible?
If a third party such as a driver, contractor, or property owner caused your injuries, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate work injury or negligence lawsuit against that party.
How do medical liens or unpaid bills affect my settlement?
Hospitals, health insurers, and government programs may assert liens against your recovery, and part of our job as injury lawyers is to negotiate those claims and maximize the amount you actually receive.
Photos, comments, or check-ins on social media can be taken out of context and used by the defense, so it is wise to stay off social media while your personal injury claim is pending.
What if I already hired another lawyer but want to change?
If you feel your case is not getting the attention it deserves, you can change attorneys, and our personal injury team can review your situation and handle the transfer of your file.
Can I file a claim if I was partly at fault but the property owner made things unsafe?
Even if you share some blame for a fall or other injury, you may still recover compensation when a careless property owner violates basic safety rules, as in many slip-and-fall and premises cases.
What if I was injured by a dog or animal attack?
Dog owners are responsible when their pets cause harm, and victims of bites and attacks can pursue compensation for medical care, scarring, and emotional trauma through our dog bite representation.
How long will it take to receive my settlement check?
Once a settlement is finalized and releases are signed, the insurance company typically issues payment within a few weeks, after which your lawyer pays any outstanding liens and sends you your share of the proceeds.
Why should I choose a local Philadelphia lawyer instead of a big national firm?
A local Philadelphia injury lawyer understands the courts, roads, medical providers, and insurance companies in this area, giving your case the home-field advantage that large national firms often lack.
