There are few things more frightening than car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may now need financial compensation to help you recover from your injuries. However, if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time, you may be wondering if you still qualify for compensation. Fortunately, our firm can shed some light on the matter. Please read on and reach out to our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys to learn more about how we can help you through the legal process going forward.
What are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents?
Car accidents are often extremely damaging, especially if someone is not wearing a seatbelt at the time the accident occurred. Some of the most frequently-sustained injuries in car accidents can include whiplash, broken bones, concussions, herniated discs, internal bleeding, and more.
Can I still sue for an injury even if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
Pennsylvania observes what is known as “contributory negligence” in a situation where both drivers acted negligently and therefore contributed to the accident, or at least the outcome of the accident. However, it should be noted that failure to wear a seatbelt generally will not count as contributory negligence under Pennsylvania law. The statute concerning seatbelts and contributory negligence, 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 4581(e), states “…nor shall failure to use a child passenger restraint system, child booster seat or safety seat belt system be considered as contributory negligence…”
Simply put, this means that whether you were wearing a seatbelt or not at the time of your accident should not affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. Therefore, with the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may recover the financial compensation you need to make a full recovery, even if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
How long will I have to sue a negligent motorist after a car accident in Pennsylvania?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years. This means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. If you wait any longer than the two-year mark, you will most likely be barred from suing. Do not let this happen. Our firm has helped individuals recover the compensation they deserve and need for years. Why not put our experience to work for you?
Contact our experienced Pennsylvania firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
