Harrisburg Car Accident Attorneys

Injured? Call Our Auto Accident Lawyers in Harrisburg Today!

For those injured in an automobile accident, finding a car accident lawyer in Harrisburg is critical. However, hiring the right attorney at a firm with a solid reputation can be a challenge. You want someone who will represent your interests, and you don’t want to add even more complications to an already stressful situation. You need genuine guidance and support from an experienced car accident attorney in Harrisburg.

Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC knows how to handle auto crash cases effectively, and we are well-versed in all aspects of personal injury law, bringing more than 100 years of experience to your case. No résumé speaks as loudly as a successful track record. Our clients have routinely received significant compensation for their suffering and injuries, which has allowed our firm to cultivate a well-deserved reputation of trust. We are confident in our ability to seek the compensation to which you are entitled.

Call a car accident attorney in Harrisburg now at (717) 775-7514 or contact us online.

Critical Steps After a Car Accident in Harrisburg

The steps you take in the moments, hours, days, and weeks after an auto accident can tremendously impact your health and your ability to secure fair compensation. You also have legal obligations to consider. Depending on the situation, taking the following steps after a crash can be helpful.

Get to a Safe Place  
Immediately after the accident, ensure you are out of harm’s way. If the accident is minor and your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you pull over next to traffic, remain in your vehicle if it is safe.

Get Help  
Call 911 to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage or if the crash is interfering with traffic. Request medical assistance for anyone injured and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Providing accurate information to the dispatcher is crucial for timely assistance.

Stay at the Scene   
It is important to remain at the scene until authorities arrive and gather the necessary information. Leaving the scene prematurely can result in legal consequences, including criminal hit and run charges. The only exception may be if you are seriously injured and are taken from the scene in an ambulance.

Seek Medical Attention   
Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. This is true with physical trauma such as whiplash, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. See a doctor and ensure your injuries are documented and treated early, which can also help with future insurance or legal claims.

Sometimes, symptoms of injuries manifest days or even weeks after the accident. It's essential to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your health continually. Keeping detailed medical records and doctor’s notes can significantly support your claim by proving the extent and progression of your injuries over time.

Gather Evidence  
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and gather contact information from any witnesses. The information you gather now could prove useful to your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Consider creating a detailed written account of the accident while the events are still fresh in your mind. This personal account can serve as a vital document in reconstructing the circumstances leading up to the accident. Subsequently, it may help in resolving disputes with insurance adjusters or during settlement negotiations.

Do Not Admit Fault   
Be careful with your words and avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with the authorities. Remember, even if you think you were partially or wholly to blame, other factors could have contributed to the crash.

Understanding and stating only the objective facts surrounding the incident ensures you are not inadvertently held responsible due to misinterpretation. Maintaining a factual stance protects your interests while allowing your attorney to analyze all variables that might have impacted the accident.

File an Insurance Claim   
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Promptly filing a claim is essential for a smooth resolution. Do not accept a settlement, however, without talking to an attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing, delaying, and denying valid claims.

Document all interactions with your insurance company, including the dates, times, and names of the representatives you speak with. A comprehensive record can help challenge discrepancies or unjust claim denials, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg   
Consulting with an attorney is the only way to protect your legal rights and interests. A skilled car accident attorney in Harrisburg can assist you by navigating complex legal processes, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. Our team understands the local legal landscape and has a nuanced approach to handling car accident cases in Harrisburg. By leveraging our extensive experience, we aim to provide strategic advice tailored to your specific situation, advocating for your interests at every step.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer After a Harrisburg Car Crash?

You’ve already gone through the trauma of an auto accident. Why compound that negative experience by choosing a car accident lawyer in Harrisburg with no real, practical knowledge of these kinds of cases? If you place yourself in the hands of an inexperienced attorney, you may not receive a just settlement. How will you pay your medical costs or recoup your lost wages without that money?

Working with knowledgeable lawyers underscores the importance of having a trusted advisor to facilitate and guide you through legal intricacies. Their familiarity with settlement protocols, local court practices, and insurance strategies often play a critical role in maximizing compensation while minimizing stress and effort on your part.

An experienced auto accident lawyer can help in many ways by:

• Advising you of your legal rights and options
• Investigating the accident
• Determining the fair value of your claim
• Handling all communication with the insurance company and authorities
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Taking your claim to court, if necessary

Choosing the wrong auto accident lawyer is like throwing your money out the window. Your chances of securing a fair settlement after a serious crash are severely limited if you do not have a competent attorney. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we believe drivers or passengers injured in a Harrisburg car crash are entitled to compensation. We offer free legal consultations, and you don't pay unless you win!

Keep a Record of Your Car Accident Damages

When you are in an auto accident in Harrisburg, documenting your financial damages is imperative. Keep track of all costs incurred as a result of the crash. These expenses generally include but are not limited to medical bills, payroll stubs, income tax returns, and any other applicable expenses. Also, keep track of all expenses paid by your health insurance or by any other insurance policy that applies to the accident.

Beyond just medical and immediate expenses, consider logging all incidental costs, like transportation to doctor's appointments, costs for in-home care, or any expenses associated with emotional distress or therapy. This comprehensive record helps paint a full picture of the impact the accident has had on your life.

Carefully tracking every loss and expense will provide evidence to support your car accident claim, giving you a better opportunity at a fair (and complete) settlement or award.

Pennsylvania Auto Accident Statistics

In 2022, in the state of Pennsylvania, there were...

• 115,938 traffic accidents
• 67,029 traffic accident injuries
• 1,179 traffic accident fatalities
• 3,369 motorcycle accidents, 213 of which were fatal
• On average, 3 people died every day, and 184 were injured in some form of vehicular incident
• On average, 34 accidents a day involved a drunk driver

These numbers are stark reminders of the ongoing risks associated with driving in Pennsylvania. With such frequent occurrences, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and remain vigilant. 

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Harrisburg

Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has fought for Pennsylvanians injured through no fault of their own. We have handled every type of auto accident claim inside and outside the courtroom, doing everything in our power to secure the type of compensation that helps our clients rebuild their lives. 

We can help after any type of traffic collision, including:

Ask About Our No-Fee Guarantee!

You should not have to be concerned about out-of-pocket charges for legal representation. You have more than enough to concern yourself with in terms of medical bills and lost wages. Our Harrisburg car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. It’s our pledge of good faith. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Call us at (717) 775-7514 for your free consultation with a car crash lawyer in Harrisburg!

Roadway Challenges for Harrisburg Drivers

Driving in Harrisburg presents unique challenges. The convergence of major highways such as I-81 and I-83, combined with dense urban traffic, increases the potential for accidents. Congestion, especially during rush hours, can lead to increased instances of rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions. Additionally, construction zones common on major routes pose further risks, as changing traffic patterns can lead to confusion.

Weather also plays a significant role, with icy conditions in winter months increasing the likelihood of skidding and loss-of-control accidents. Local drivers must also be wary of higher-risk areas like the intersection of Route 22 and Union Deposit Road, known for frequent traffic bottlenecks. Awareness of these factors can help drivers better prepare and anticipate potential hazards. 

Road Safety Tips in Harrisburg

Staying safe on Harrisburg roads requires more than just following general road rules. One key tip is planning your route in advance to avoid high-traffic areas during peak times. Checking local traffic reports can save time and reduce stress. Also, because of the variable weather conditions, ensure your vehicle is prepared for sudden changes such as rain or ice by maintaining proper tire tread and wiper functionality.

Whether you are commuting or visiting, familiarity with routes is crucial. For newcomers or less frequented routes, using navigation tools that provide real-time updates will help avoid last-minute lane changes that can lead to accidents. Practicing defensive driving, especially around larger vehicles like trucks on interstate highways, can significantly reduce the risk of collision. These practical steps are essential to maintain road safety in Harrisburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Harrisburg?

If you are involved in a car accident in Harrisburg, the priority is ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved. First, move to a safe location to avoid further injury. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. It’s vital to maintain a calm demeanor and collect as much information as possible by taking photos of the scene and exchanging contact details with the other parties involved. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always wise to report it to the police. They can document the incident with a formal report, which may be beneficial if future legal proceedings occur.

How Do I File an Auto Insurance Claim After an Accident?

To file an auto insurance claim after an accident, you should first notify your insurance company as promptly as possible. Provide them with all relevant information about the incident, such as your location, the time it occurred, and details of the accident. Include photographic evidence and any witness statements if available. Be clear and precise to avoid complications. Keep a record of all communication with the insurance company. If the claim is denied or seems unfairly low, consulting with an attorney experienced in auto accidents in Harrisburg may help you address these challenges more effectively.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Harrisburg?

In Harrisburg, several factors contribute to the high incidence of car accidents. Distracted driving remains a top cause, with drivers often seen using their phones or engaging in other activities while behind the wheel. Speed—especially in densely populated areas—also leads to severe impacts. The complex intersections and frequent construction zones in Harrisburg can cause confusion and inattentiveness. Moreover, weather conditions such as rain, fog, and snow make visibility poor and roads slick, increasing the risk of accidents.

How Can a Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Engaging a Harrisburg car accident lawyer offers numerous benefits. They provide detailed legal advice tailored to your situation, ensuring you understand your rights and options. A lawyer will meticulously investigate the accident to gather evidence, including any security footage from nearby establishments, which can be pivotal in supporting your claim. Their negotiation skills with insurance companies aim to secure a fair settlement and, if necessary, prepare for litigation to fight for your entitled compensation. Legal representation often means less stress, as your attorney handles the complexities, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Are There Local Laws Unique to Harrisburg I Should Know About?

While driving in Harrisburg, it’s important to be aware of Pennsylvania state laws that impact motorists. Pennsylvania follows a no-fault system for car insurance, meaning your insurance company pays for your expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Additionally, using a handheld electronic device while driving is prohibited and can result in fines. Harrisburg also encourages the use of seat belts as a primary law—increased enforcement occurs during Click It or Ticket campaigns, aimed at boosting public safety. Understanding these rules helps drivers navigate legal requirements and mitigate penalties effectively.