Winter is here in Philadelphia and the next few weeks or months will bring snow, ice, sleet, and other weather conditions that will make the roads much more dangerous. It is during this time of year that car accidents naturally increase, especially now as the roads are becoming congested once again, compared with at the beginning of the pandemic. If you have been hurt in an auto accident, it is critical to know some of the most important deadlines that will affect your case. Below, our Philadelphia car accident lawyer explains what these are.
Immediate Deadlines
Although not deadlines set out in the law, there are some actions you should take immediately following a crash. One of these is to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying medical treatment will provide the insurance companies you will have to deal with an opportunity to deny or reduce your claim. The insurer will argue that because you delayed treatment or did not receive treatment, you could not have sustained serious injuries that require financial compensation.
Another important action to take immediately following an accident is to speak to a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and give you the best chance of recovering the full damages you deserve.
Reporting to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
If police did not visit the accident scene, or they did not conduct an investigation, you must file a Driver’s Accident Report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). You must file this report within five days of the crash, or you are at risk of the Department suspending your driver’s license.
Medical and Physical Therapy Appointments
It is also of critical importance that you keep and attend any medical or physical therapy appointments, and that you follow through with all recommended treatment. If you do not, the insurance company will once again argue that your injuries are not significant, or that you were not injured, and deny you the full damages you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations
Perhaps the most important deadline after a car accident is the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file your claim, and the law is quite strict. In Philadelphia, as throughout the rest of the state, you have only two years from the date of your crash to file your claim. If you do not file within that time, you will most likely lose your right to file a claim, meaning you will not receive any compensation at all.
Our Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia Will File Your Claim on Time
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Philadelphia car accident lawyer will advise you of all the most important deadlines in your case, and file your claim in a timely manner so you claim the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at (215) 486-0123 or fill out our online form to request a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.