Top 5 Things Your Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer Wants You to Know

Car accidents are stressful, overwhelming, and often life-changing. In the blink of an eye, your day (and your future) can shift dramatically. From medical bills to lost wages, property damage, and emotional trauma, the aftermath can feel like too much to manage alone.

That’s why having the right legal support matters.

At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we’ve represented countless car accident victims in Philadelphia. And after decades of experience, we’ve noticed a few things every injured person should know, but often doesn’t. If you’ve recently been in a crash, here are the top 5 things your Philadelphia auto accident lawyer wants you to know.

1. What You Say (and Don’t Say) After a Crash Matters

It’s human nature to want to explain what happened after an accident, but be careful. The things you say at the scene or to an insurance company can be used against you later, even if you didn’t mean to admit fault.

Avoid saying things like:

• “I’m sorry.”
• “I didn’t see the other car.”
• “It was my fault.”

Even innocent statements can be twisted to imply responsibility. Stick to the facts, call the police, and exchange insurance info. If you’re asked to make a statement to an insurance adjuster, don’t do it without first speaking to a lawyer.

2. You Might Be Entitled to More Compensation Than You Think

Most accident victims underestimate what their case is worth. You might be thinking about your immediate medical bills, but what about:

• Future medical care?
• Missed work or reduced earning capacity?
• Emotional trauma or PTSD?
• Pain and suffering?
• Long-term rehab or surgeries?

A skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyer will look at the full picture. Our job is to make sure every dollar of your short-term and long-term losses is accounted for. Don’t settle for less just because an insurance company offers a quick payout.

3. Pennsylvania’s Insurance Laws Are Complicated, But We Know How to Navigate Them

Pennsylvania follows a “choice no-fault” insurance system, which adds a layer of complexity to accident claims. When you buy car insurance in PA, you choose between limited tort and full tort coverage.

Limited Tort means:

• You can only recover money for economic damages (medical bills, lost wages).
• You can’t sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet certain serious injury thresholds.

Full Tort means:

• You have the unrestricted right to sue the at-fault driver for both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

We help you understand what kind of coverage applies to your case and what legal strategies make the most sense for your situation.

4. Evidence Disappears Fast: The Sooner You Call a Lawyer, the Better

Accident scenes get cleaned up. Surveillance footage gets erased. Witnesses forget details. And vehicles are repaired or destroyed before they can be inspected.

That’s why time is crucial. 

When you call us early, we can:

• Collect police reports
• Get photos and video evidence
• Speak with eyewitnesses
• Preserve black box data (in cases involving commercial vehicles)
• Work with accident reconstruction experts

The stronger your evidence, the stronger your claim. And the faster we get to work, the more likely we are to preserve what you’ll need to win.

5. Insurance Companies Are Not On Your Side, But We Are

Let’s be honest: Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, even when you’ve been seriously hurt. That’s why adjusters are trained to:

• Delay your claim
• Downplay your injuries
• Offer lowball settlements
• Push you to sign away your rights

When you work with us, we handle the conversations with the insurer. You don’t have to worry about being tricked, intimidated, or pressured. We’ll negotiate aggressively and, if needed, take your case to court to get the compensation you truly deserve.

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Pay Us Unless We Win

If you’re worried about legal fees, you’re not alone, but here’s the good news:

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

There’s absolutely no risk to calling us, and no reason to face this alone.

Common Types of Auto Accidents We Handle in Philadelphia

No two accidents are the same, but we commonly represent victims of:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on crashes
• Distracted driving accidents
• Drunk or drugged driving accidents
• Rollover accidents
• T-bone or intersection crashes
• Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists
• Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents
• Commercial vehicle or truck collisions

Whether you were hit while stopped at a light or seriously injured on the highway, we’re here to help.

How We Help You After a Crash

When you call us, here’s what you can expect:

• A free consultation to evaluate your case
• Clear guidance on what to do next
• Thorough investigation and evidence collection
• Aggressive negotiation with the insurance company
• Courtroom-ready representation if a trial becomes necessary
• Compassionate, human support every step of the way

You are not just a case to us. At our firm, we are committed to serving the Philadelphia community. We help you navigate your case with compassion and understanding, with a common goal: helping your family recover after an accident.  

Contact a Trusted Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer Today

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Philadelphia, get the legal support you deserve from attorneys who know how to fight and win.

If you need a personal injury lawyer to advocate for you, call us to receive a free consultation at 888-208-1810. We’ll evaluate your injury claim and let you know how we can help.

Let’s get you on the path to healing, physically, emotionally, and financially.