If you were hurt in a car accident in Philadelphia, you deserve a legal team that will fight for every dollar you are owed. At Wapner Newman, we have spent over 40 years standing up for injured people across Philadelphia, and we are ready to stand up for you.
Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for clients dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income after a crash. Whether your accident happened on I-76, Roosevelt Boulevard, or a neighborhood street in South Philly, we know what it takes to build a strong case and hold the at-fault party accountable.
You should not have to shoulder the financial burden of someone else's mistake. When you call us, you will speak with a real person who cares about what you are going through and who will explain your options in plain language. And if you cannot make it to our office on JFK Boulevard, we will come to you or arrange to pick you up. Your recovery comes first.
Why Clients Choose Wapner Newman for Your Philadelphia Car Accident Case?
Choosing the right car accident attorney in Philadelphia matters. The firm you hire can make the difference between a lowball insurance offer and the full compensation you actually need. Here is why so many injured people across Philadelphia trust Wapner Newman:
- Proven track record. We have secured multimillion-dollar results for our clients, including a $16 million recovery for a pedestrian struck by an impaired driver and a $2.4 million verdict in a fatal three-car collision.
- We handle everything. From collecting evidence and dealing with insurance adjusters to preparing your case for trial, our team manages every detail so you can focus on healing.
- You will always know what is happening. We keep you informed at every stage of your case and explain the legal process in terms that make sense.
- Accessible and compassionate. We treat our clients like family. If you cannot come to our office, we will come to you or arrange transportation.
- No upfront cost. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
When your health and financial future are on the line, you want a team with the experience, resources, and determination to go the distance for you. Contact us today to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
How a Car Accident Can Affect Your Life
A car crash does more than damage your vehicle. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can follow you for months or even years. Many of our clients come to us dealing with challenges like:
- Chronic pain from back, neck, or soft tissue injuries
- Surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages because they cannot return to work
- Anxiety or fear about driving again
- Strain on family relationships and daily routines
These are real consequences that deserve real compensation. Pennsylvania law allows injured people to seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers work to make sure nothing is overlooked when calculating what you are owed.
Do You Have a Car Accident Case?
Not every fender bender leads to a lawsuit, but many crashes involve clear negligence by another driver. You may have a case if your accident involved any of the following:
- A distracted driver who was texting, eating, or looking at a phone
- A driver who ran a red light or stop sign
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Tailgating or aggressive lane changes
- A driver who failed to yield the right of way
If another person's careless behavior caused your crash, you have a right to seek compensation. Even if you are partially at fault, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover damages as long as your share of fault is less than 51 percent.
Our team will review the facts of your accident at no cost to you and give you an honest assessment of your claim.
Who May Be Liable for Your Car Accident
Figuring out who is responsible for a crash is not always straightforward. In many Philadelphia car accident cases, liability may extend beyond the other driver. Potentially responsible parties can include:
- The other driver. This is the most common scenario, where a driver's negligence directly caused the collision.
- An employer. If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, such as making deliveries or driving a company vehicle, the employer may share liability.
- A rideshare company. Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers raise unique insurance questions. Our team has experience handling rideshare accident claims and knows how to pursue the right coverage.
- The City of Philadelphia or PennDOT. Poorly maintained roads, broken traffic signals, or dangerous intersections can contribute to crashes. Government agencies responsible for road safety may be held accountable under certain circumstances.
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer. Defective brakes, tires, or airbags can cause or worsen an accident. When a product defect plays a role, the manufacturer may be liable.
Identifying every responsible party is important because it can increase the total compensation available to you. Our Philadelphia car accident attorneys investigate every angle to make sure no stone is left unturned.
Evidence Used to Prove a Car Accident Case
Strong evidence is what separates a successful car accident claim from one that falls short. Our legal team works to gather and preserve the proof needed to show what happened and who was at fault. Key evidence in a Philadelphia car accident case often includes:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and video from the crash scene, including dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records and bills documenting your injuries and treatment
- Cell phone records that may prove the other driver was distracted
- Accident reconstruction analysis for more complex crashes
- Pay stubs or employment records showing lost income
The sooner you reach out to a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, the easier it is to collect this evidence before it disappears. Traffic camera footage can be overwritten, witnesses can forget details, and physical evidence at the scene can be cleaned up quickly.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Car Accident Claim
After a crash, it is natural to feel unsure about what to do. Unfortunately, some common missteps can weaken your case or reduce the amount you recover. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company. Adjusters may sound friendly, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
- Posting about your accident on social media. Insurance companies routinely check social media for posts they can take out of context. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering could be used to argue your injuries are not serious.
- Waiting too long to see a doctor. Gaps in medical treatment give insurers an opening to claim your injuries are not related to the crash.
- Accepting the first settlement offer. Early offers from insurance companies are almost always far below what your claim is actually worth.
- Missing the filing deadline. Under Pennsylvania's statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a car accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
If you have already made one of these mistakes, do not panic. Our team can still evaluate your case and advise you on the best path forward.
What the Legal Process Looks Like
Many people have never dealt with a legal claim before, and the unknown can feel stressful. Here is a general overview of how a Philadelphia car accident case typically moves forward:
- Free consultation. We sit down with you, review the details of your accident, and explain whether you have a viable claim.
- Investigation. Our team gathers evidence, obtains records, and consults with medical professionals or accident reconstruction analysts as needed.
- Filing your claim. We submit a demand to the at-fault party's insurance company with documentation supporting your damages.
- Negotiation. Most car accident cases in Philadelphia settle without going to trial. We negotiate aggressively to secure the highest possible amount.
- Trial, if necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case before a jury. Insurance companies know we are willing to go to court, and that reputation works in your favor.
Throughout the entire process, you will have direct access to your legal team. We answer your calls, respond to your questions, and keep you updated so you are never left wondering what is happening with your case.
Why Philadelphia Roads Are Especially Dangerous
Anyone who drives in Philadelphia knows that the roads here present unique challenges. Between the tight streets of Center City, the heavy congestion along the Schuylkill Expressway, and the notoriously fast-moving traffic on Roosevelt Boulevard, accidents happen every day. According to PennDOT crash data, Philadelphia consistently ranks among the highest counties in Pennsylvania for traffic collisions.
Construction zones along I-95, double-parked cars in neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties, and pedestrian-heavy corridors near Temple University and the Italian Market all add to the risk. When another driver fails to pay attention in these conditions, the results can be devastating.
Our car accident lawyers in Philadelphia understand the local roads, the local courts, and the tactics that insurance companies use in this city. That local knowledge makes a real difference when building your case.
Results We Have Achieved for Clients
Our record speaks for itself. While every case is different, here are just a few examples of the results our firm has secured:
- $16 million for a pedestrian struck by an impaired driver
- $2.4 million verdict in a fatal three-car accident
- $750,00 in a motor vehicle accident
These results reflect our commitment to fighting for every client with everything we have. Whether your case involves a minor intersection collision or a catastrophic highway crash, we bring the same level of dedication and preparation.
FAQs for Philadelphia Car Accident Claims
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people injured in car accidents in Philadelphia.
How much does it cost to hire a Philadelphia car accident lawyer?
At Wapner Newman, there is no upfront cost. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we recover money for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline, so it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but not everyone does. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident claims settle through negotiation without ever reaching a courtroom. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, our attorneys are fully prepared to present your case at trial.
Can I still recover money if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Pennsylvania's comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you share some blame for the crash, as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me after my accident?
You are not required to speak with the other driver's insurance company, and doing so could harm your claim. You can refer any calls or correspondence directly to your attorney.
Talk to Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today
You did not ask for this accident, and you should not have to face the consequences alone. If you or someone you love was injured in a car crash in Philadelphia, the team at Wapner Newman is ready to listen, answer your questions, and start building your case right away.
The consultation is free, and there is no obligation. If getting to our office is difficult because of your injuries, we will come to you or arrange a ride. Call us today to take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.