Being involved in a car accident is often a traumatic event. You’re left to handle medical issues, psychological damage, and a totaled vehicle only to find out you’re being sued. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when you discover that there’s a lawsuit against you, especially if you believe that the accident wasn’t your fault. Understanding the process, timelines, and laws surrounding PA car accidents can help you navigate the complexities of a lawsuit against you.
Determining Fault in Pennsylvania Car Accidents
If you’re being sued following a car accident, matters can be complicated if you also sustained injuries. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws allow you to seek compensation, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Under comparative negligence, as long as you were found to be less than 51% at fault, you may seek compensation for your damages; however, the amount of compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you had in causing the accident.
Your attorney’s job is to prove in court that you weren’t over 51% at fault for the accident. Remember: just because you’re being sued doesn’t mean that you will automatically lose the case. A Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can submit evidence on your behalf that may prove that you weren’t negligent in causing the accident.
Timelines in Pennsylvania Car Accident Cases
You may feel panicked or unsure when a civil lawsuit is filed against you for a car accident, which is completely normal. It’s important, though, to pay close attention to different timelines when it comes to your car accident case.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations provides a due date for a person to file a claim against you for a car accident. Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for car accident damages is two years. These rules ensure that any damages can be proven to be related to the accident. You may find that someone may sue you right before the two-year mark.
Responding to the Lawsuit
Under Pennsylvania law, you have 20 days to respond to a car accident lawsuit against you. That’s not a lot of time, which is why it’s so important to start talking to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet the deadlines for responding. You also have the option to not respond at all, in which case the court may file a default judgment. That means that you won’t have the opportunity to defend yourself, and you may end up paying out of pocket for some damages.
Court
The legal process for car accident lawsuits is different on a case-by-case basis. While some cases are fairly straightforward, others may require a more in-depth approach. The timeline for car accident lawsuits can range from a few weeks up to several months or years. Most cases go through several stages starting with your response, followed by discovery, the trial, and appeals.
Contacting an Attorney After a Car Accident in PA
You should contact a knowledgeable Pennsylvania car accident as soon as you receive notice of the lawsuit against you. Contact the Jason Javie Law Office today to discuss your case and learn more about how our law team can assist you.