Dauphin,York and Cumberland County Injury Accident Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have been injured in an Auto, Truck or Motorcycle accident?
First, make sure that everyone involved in the accident is immediately seen by medical professionals. Even if a person does not seem badly injured, it is still necessary to get checked out. If possible, get to an Emergency Room right after the accident. You or someone on your behalf, should get the information of everyone involved in the accident. You can even take information of witnesses on the scene. It is in your best interests to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident has occurred. When you have a legal advocate from Colgan Marzzacco on your side, you will be able to rest assured that your case will be handled smoothly.
Most importantly, never speak to or give a statement to an insurance company without first calling a personal injury lawyer at Colgan Marzzacco. Remember, anything you say now that seems innocent could hurt your case forever! If an insurance company tries to speak to you after an accident, politely decline an interview, get their contact information and call your personal injury lawyer immediately.
The other driver’s insurance company called me. Do I have to speak to them?
No! Politely decline to speak to them at all. Get a name and contact information and call The Law Offices of Colgan Marzzacco immediately. Remember, what you say to the insurance company can be used against you later!
How long will it take to settle my case?
By law, you have 2 years after an accident to file a lawsuit. Most cases settle though, without going to court, usually when you are finished treating for your injuries. Generally speaking, the more serious the injuries are, the longer the case takes to resolve.
Do I need a lawyer?
Technically speaking, no. However, to be sure your rights and future is protected, it is definitely in your best interests to discuss your case with an attorney who is skilled and experienced in the area of automobile, trucking and motorcycle personal injury law. Remember, the insurance companies involved want to save their money, they won't advocate or assist you. Without a Colgan Marzzacco lawyer by your side, who will protect you?
Will I have to go to court?
It depends on your case. If your attorney is unable to settle your claim with an insurance company, your attorney will file a complaint and move the case toward mediation, arbitration or a jury trial.
I just received emergency medical care at a hospital and was told I need to see a specialist in a few days. Who pays for these costs?
Under Pennsylvania law, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of your automobile insurance policy covers the initial medical expenses you incur after an auto accident. This coverage is “primary” by law, even if you have private health insurance. If you don’t own an insured vehicle, you may be covered by the PIP of a relative you live with who owns an insured vehicle. If you’re not covered by an auto policy, the other driver’s PIP will cover your initial medical expenses. In Pennsylvania, PIP coverage is mandatory and every driver must have at least $5,000.00 in coverage.
What if my medical costs exceed my PIP coverage?
If you have private or government-provided health insurance, it will pick up your medical costs once the applicable PIP coverage is exhausted. Ultimately, your lawyer will help you recover all of your medical expenses from the other driver’s insurance company when your case settles or you go to court.
My doctor said I cannot work for 6 weeks. How do I support my family?
Again, your lawyer will help you recover all of your wage-loss (past and future) from the other driver’s insurance company when your case settles. Until then, your “Loss of Earnings” coverage under your automobile policy will cover your lost wages. However, under Pennsylvania law, this coverage is optional and is limited.
Which kind of cases can you help me with?
The Dauphin, York and Cumberland County personal injury attorneys at Colgan Marzzacco can provide you with experienced legal counsel and representation in all of the following areas:
How much are your fees?
In any personal injury claim, our fees are based on a contingency--we only get paid a legal fee if we win your case. When we win your case, our legal fee is a percentage of the total settlement or verdict that gets paid by the other person's insurance company.
Is my case too small for The Law Offices of Colgan Marzzacco to handle?
Generally, no. At The Law Offices of Colgan Marzzacco, we’ve obtained recoveries as high as $2.15 million in a single case, but have also helped countless other clients with less serious injuries. If your case is big or small, you still matter to us!
Contact a York, Dauphin and Cumberland County Personal Injury Lawyer at Colgan Marzzacco today!