Pittsburgh
Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting bills, and an uncertain future.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims and fighting for the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation, you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Understanding Car Accident Claims

Most car accident claims are based on negligence. This means showing that another driver or party failed to use reasonable care and that their actions caused the accident and your injuries.

Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve more than one responsible party.

In addition to another driver, liability may involve an employer, a vehicle owner, a government entity responsible for roadway maintenance, or another party whose actions contributed to the collision.

Every accident is different, which is why determining liability begins with understanding how the crash occurred.

Seeking medical attention after an accident is important for both your health and your claim. Medical records can help document your injuries and the treatment you received.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident

Even collisions that appear minor can result in injuries that require medical treatment.

Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others may not develop symptoms until hours or days after the accident.

Common injuries associated with car accidents include:

  • Whiplash
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Burns and lacerations

Who Is Liable After a Pittsburgh Car Accident?

Pennsylvania follows a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. In many cases, the driver whose negligence caused the crash may be responsible for the damages that resulted.

Depending on the circumstances, liability may also extend to other individuals or organizations:

  • Negligent drivers: Drivers who cause accidents through careless or unlawful behavior may be held responsible for the injuries and damages that result.
  • Employers: If the at-fault driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the accident, an employer may also share responsibility in certain situations.
  • Government entities: In some cases, unsafe road conditions, missing traffic signs, or other roadway hazards may contribute to a collision. Claims involving government entities may be subject to different rules and deadlines.
  • Other parties: Vehicle manufacturers, repair shops, or other third parties may also be liable if defective equipment or negligent maintenance contributed to the accident.

Determining liability depends on the specific facts of each case and may require reviewing evidence from multiple sources.

What Are My Rights After a Car Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Pennsylvania law may allow you to pursue compensation. Understanding your rights early can help you make informed decisions throughout the claims process.

  • Your Insurance Policy May Affect Your Claim

    Pennsylvania drivers typically choose either full tort or limited tort coverage when purchasing auto insurance.

    Full tort generally preserves the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering. Limited tort may restrict that right unless your injuries meet certain legal requirements or an exception applies under Pennsylvania law. Reviewing your insurance policy can help determine how these rules apply to your situation.

  • Pennsylvania Has a Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit

    Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524, personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing the applicable deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation.

  • Comparative Negligence May Affect Your Recovery

    Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102. Depending on the circumstances, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, although your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

If you have questions about your legal options after a crash, scheduling a free case evaluation can help you better understand the next steps.

How We Handle Car Accident Claims

A car accident can leave you with questions about your injuries, medical treatment, insurance coverage, and the claims process. Our goal is to help you understand your legal options while handling the work involved in pursuing your claim.

  • Step 1: Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
    We begin by learning about the accident, reviewing the information available, and answering your questions. During your consultation, we explain your legal options and discuss the next steps based on your situation.
  • Step 2: Investigate the Accident
    A thorough investigation is an important part of building a car accident claim. Depending on the circumstances, this may include reviewing police reports, photographs, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, witness statements, and other available evidence.
  • Step 3: Review Insurance Coverage
    Pennsylvania’s insurance laws can affect the compensation available after a car accident. We review the applicable insurance policies, including tort elections and available uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage when appropriate, to identify potential sources of recovery.
  • Step 4: Gather Medical Records and Other Documentation
    Medical records, treatment history, employment information, and other documentation help establish how the accident affected your health, finances, and daily life. Gathering this information helps support your claim.
  • Step 5: Communicate With Insurance Companies
    Once you hire our firm, we communicate with insurance companies and other parties involved in the claim. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we manage the legal process.
  • Step 6: Pursue Compensation Through Settlement or Trial
    Many car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to pursue the claim through litigation when appropriate.

We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

A car accident can result in both immediate expenses and long-term financial challenges. If another party caused the collision, you may be able to seek compensation for the losses you have experienced.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

The value of a car accident claim depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the evidence supporting the claim.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Car accidents occur under many different circumstances, and each type of collision presents unique legal and insurance issues. Our firm represents individuals injured in a variety of motor vehicle accidents, including:

Distracted Driving Accidents

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Drunk Driving Accidents

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Highway Car Accidents

Car Accidents

Hit and Run

Truck Accidents

Lyft and Uber Accidents

Slip & Fall

Rental Car Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents

Road Rage Accidents

Birth Injury

Whiplash Injuries

Premises Liability

If your loved one’s death resulted from circumstances not listed above, you may still have legal options. Every case is unique, and a consultation can help determine whether a wrongful death claim may be available.

ABOUT
Why Choose Us For Car Accident Cases?

Choosing legal representation after a car accident is an important decision. You may be dealing with medical appointments, missed work, insurance questions, and uncertainty about what comes next.

Since 1981, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., has represented injury victims throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

We work closely with our clients, explain each stage of the legal process, and pursue compensation on their behalf while they focus on their recovery.

Our firm handles car accident claims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact us or call (412) 471-8500 to schedule a free case evaluation.

“Eve, Gary and everyone else were fantastic. They helped me through the entire process. I wouldn’t wish a work injury on anyone but if anyone needs representation, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky is the place to go.”

– J. S.

“The best firm in the city, and I'm not just saying that because of my name! Their level of legal knowledge here is unparalleled. Whether it's a personal injury or medical malpractice case, this firm is equipped to handle even the most complex matters. Their track record truly speaks for itself!”

– B. O.

“This Law Firm has a very unique way of handling your case. They strive to maximize your settlement, and I appreciate their hard work and professionalism.”

– T. B.

“Best law firm, ever! I cannot say enough great things about Jon Perkosky. He is very passionate about what he does, and is a fabulous attorney. He's the best! He will fight, and fight hard.”

– B. P.

“We would highly recommend John Perkosky. He worked very hard for us, as did all at the firm. Working with John, Mike, and Michelle was a pleasure.”

– G. M.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Car Accident Claims

Pennsylvania drivers generally choose either full tort or limited tort coverage when purchasing auto insurance. Full tort typically preserves the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, while limited tort may restrict that right unless certain legal requirements or exceptions apply. Your insurance policy will identify the coverage you selected.

In most cases, Pennsylvania law requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within two years of the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect the applicable deadline, so it is important to seek legal guidance promptly.

Pennsylvania requires most auto insurance policies to include first-party medical benefits, sometimes called PIP coverage, which can pay for medical treatment related to a car accident regardless of who was at fault. These benefits are typically the first source used to cover accident-related medical bills, and using them promptly can help avoid gaps in treatment that insurance companies may later use to dispute your claim. Your policy will show the amount of coverage you carry.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Depending on the circumstances, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, although any recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, you may be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. The availability of coverage depends on the terms of your policy and the circumstances of the accident.

Before providing a recorded statement, it is often helpful to understand your legal rights and the potential impact your statements may have on your claim. Speaking with an attorney first can help you make an informed decision.

We handle car accident claims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer a free case evaluation with no obligation.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Car Accident Attorneys Today

A serious car accident can leave you facing painful injuries, costly medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our attorneys are here to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (412) 471-8500 for a free case evaluation.