How much time will it take for me to recover damages in my Pennsylvania car accident case?

Personal injury occurs when a person or entity harms or injures another person. Automobile accidents are a common type of personal injury cases. The at-fault party may have caused the car accident because of a wrongful act that was negligent or intentional. The collision victim may have physical injuries and property damage that result in medical expenses and repair or replacement costs. To recover the damages incurred in the motor vehicle accident, the victim may file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.  

The claimant or injured party who files the lawsuit may seek economic (ex. medical expenses, lost wages, repair or replacement bills) and non-economic damages (ex. pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment, or disfigurement). Damages are awarded as monetary compensation to the injured party for the injuries and other harms incurred because of a legal wrong. Once the parties agree to a settlement amount for damages or a verdict in a trial awards damages, then the claimant or injured party in the lawsuit will recover damage in a car accident case. The amount of time it takes for the injured party to receive the compensation depends on how long it takes to reach a settlement or verdict. Distribution of the money to the injured party may occur soon after the settlement or judgment or take several months if other factors cause a delay. Factors that may cause delays include filing for an appeal, death of a party to a claim or lawsuit, or divorce of a party.

Other Car Accident FAQs: