How to Handle a Personal Injury Claim in Pennsylvania

The period after a serious accident can involve medical treatment, missed work, insurance calls and financial pressure. Preserving evidence and avoiding premature decisions can make it easier to evaluate a Pennsylvania personal injury claim accurately.

Get Appropriate Medical Care

Seek appropriate medical attention and accurately describe your symptoms and accident history. Follow reasonable treatment recommendations. Gaps in treatment can create questions about causation or the extent of an injury, although legitimate reasons for a gap—such as access, cost or medical advice—may also matter.

Preserve Evidence and Records

Keep photographs, witness information, medical records, bills, wage-loss information, insurance correspondence and other documents related to the accident. Evidence can disappear over time, so early preservation is important.

Be Careful with Insurance Requests

An insurer may request a recorded statement, medical authorization, employment records or other information. The obligations differ depending on whether the request comes from your own insurer or another party’s liability carrier and on the applicable policy. Do not sign a broad release or authorization without understanding its scope.

Do Not Settle Before the Claim Can Be Evaluated

An early settlement can arrive before the extent of an injury, future treatment, lost earning capacity, liens or available insurance coverage is known. A signed release can end rights against the released parties. Evaluate the medical prognosis, economic losses, noneconomic damages, liability and coverage before accepting a final settlement.

Do Not Ignore Filing Deadlines

Pennsylvania generally applies a two-year limitations period to many negligence-based personal injury actions, but exceptions, different claims and special notice requirements can change the deadline. Claims involving governmental entities can present additional requirements. Prompt legal review is safer than calculating a deadline from a general article. For an overview of the rules and common exceptions, see Pennsylvania Personal Injury Statute of Limitations.

Practical Personal Injury Checklist

• Obtain necessary medical care.
• Report the incident to the appropriate person, business, employer or police agency when required.
• Preserve photographs, video and physical evidence.
• Keep a file containing bills, records and insurance communications.
• Avoid public social-media posts about the accident, injuries or claim.
• Review insurance policies and available coverage.
• Do not sign a final release until you understand its effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give the other insurance company a recorded statement?

Not every request from another party’s liability insurer creates the same obligation. Your own insurance policy may impose cooperation requirements. The source of the request, policy language and circumstances should be reviewed.

What if the insurance company denies or undervalues my claim?

A denial or low offer does not necessarily determine the claim’s legal value. Liability evidence, medical causation, damages and insurance coverage should be evaluated before deciding how to respond.

What damages can be recovered?

Depending on the case, recoverable damages can include medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering and other legally compensable losses.

Talk with a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney

Learn more about ZwickLaw’s personal injury representation, read what to do after a Pennsylvania car accident, or learn about Matthew R. Zwick. Call (814) 371-6400 or email Matt to request a consultation.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Deadlines, insurance obligations and available claims depend on the facts and applicable law.