Unexpected accidents are a fact of life. No matter how careful you are, you can be the victim of a serious incident that causes you to suffer an injury. Your injuries might have long-term or permanent consequences. You might be unable to work, threatening your family’s financial security.
When someone else’s negligence was a significant factor in the incident that caused your injury, you could hold them liable for compensation. Our Bethlehem personal injury lawyers can explain your legal options and help you negotiate appropriate financial compensation. Our legal team has successfully fought for clients injured in several types of accidents.
In a past case, we won $10 million on behalf of a motorist who suffered catastrophic injuries after an explosive highway crash caused by a truck driver. In another monumental case, we recovered $21.3 million against Greyhound Bus Company for multiple clients who were injured in a crash near the Lehigh Valley. Past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
There are numerous types of personal injury cases. A local attorney from our personal injury law firm can represent you if you suffered harm due to any of the following:
Vehicle accidents
Slips, trips, and falls
Dog bites and injuries associated with dog attacks
Defective products, including dangerous medications
Fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic materials
Medical malpractice
Negligence, or the failure to exercise reasonable care, is the cause of many accidents. We investigate the circumstances of a specific incident to identify acts or omissions that might constitute negligence. As long as you are no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can file a claim and recover compensation against the negligent parties.
Proving Negligence After an Accident in Bethlehem
When someone else’s carelessness or recklessness leads to your injuries, they may be considered negligent and legally liable for your damages. Our Bethlehem attorneys can prove negligence by showing:
The other party owed you a duty of reasonable care
They failed to uphold their obligation
The failure caused an accident
The accident resulted in you suffering harm
Your legal representative can collect evidence of negligence that might have contributed to your accident and pursue financial recovery on your behalf.
Seeking Compensation from the At-Fault Party
Depending on the circumstances, your compensation can cover your economic and non-economic losses. Common types of damages include:
Pain and suffering
Medical expenses, including rehabilitative care
Lost income and business opportunities
Property damage
Loss of life’s pleasures
Loss of consortium
In rare cases, a court might award punitive damages to punish the negligent party for especially egregious behavior. This can dramatically increase a recovery. In one case Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers won against Greyhound Bus Company, the jury awarded an additional $2 million in punitive damages.
Law Limits Time to Bring Injury Claims
Each state sets a timeframe for bringing lawsuits. 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated §5524 requires adults to file a lawsuit for personal injuries within two years of the accident date. Failing to bring your case within this time prevents you from seeking compensation for your injury in court.
While there are some rare exceptions to this deadline, it is always wise to consult with a seasoned injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Injury Cases We Handle in Bethlehem
Our lawyers represent people hurt in many kinds of accidents in Bethlehem and across the Lehigh Valley, including:
Bethlehem sits in the middle of the Lehigh Valley, where Route 22, I-78 and Route 412 carry heavy commuter traffic and a growing number of tractor-trailers serving the area’s warehouses and distribution centers. Busy local roads like Stefko Boulevard, Broad Street and the Hill-to-Hill Bridge see frequent rear-end, turning and pedestrian crashes, and events and casino traffic on the South Side add to the congestion.
After a crash in the city, the report is usually taken by the Bethlehem Police Department, or by the Pennsylvania State Police on the highways. Because Bethlehem is split between Northampton and Lehigh counties, a lawsuit is generally filed in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton or the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, depending on where the accident happened. Our lawyers handle cases in both counties, and we will come to you if you can’t get to us.
Pennsylvania Car Insurance After a Bethlehem Crash
Pennsylvania drivers choose either full tort or limited tort coverage. With full tort, you can recover for pain and suffering after any crash someone else caused. With limited tort, you usually can’t recover pain and suffering unless your injury is “serious” under the law, though there are important exceptions, such as when the at-fault driver was drunk or driving a car registered out of state. Limited tort doesn’t always end your case, so have a lawyer look at it before you give up.
Your own auto policy also pays first-party medical benefits no matter who caused the crash. Every Pennsylvania policy must include at least $5,000 in medical benefits, and many people carry more.
Bethlehem Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
In most cases, two years from the date of the accident. If a government agency or vehicle was involved, such as a LANta bus, a city vehicle or a dangerous condition on a public road, you generally must give written notice within six months. Don’t wait to call a lawyer.
What if I was partly at fault?
You can still recover as long as you were not more at fault than the people you are suing. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the fault. If you were found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
Be careful. The other driver’s insurer may ask for a recorded statement and use what you say to reduce your claim. You don’t have to give one, and it’s best to talk to a lawyer first.
Will my case go to court?
Most injury cases settle without a trial. If your case does go to court, it will usually be heard in Easton or Allentown, depending on the county, and we’ll prepare you and be with you at every step.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing up front. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee, so you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Pursue a Case with a Bethlehem Personal Injury Attorney
Recovering from severe injuries takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Working with a Bethlehem personal injury lawyer allows you to focus on getting better while your legal representative concentrates on getting you fair compensation. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to set up your initial case consultation.
