From property damage to life-altering injuries, a car accident can turn your life upside down. If you suffer damages following a car crash that is someone else’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
However, like other legal matters, it is important that you understand how the law works with regard to this type of lawsuit. Specifically, here are two statutes you need to understand when pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
Comparative negligence statute
According to Pennsylvania’s negligence laws, your contribution to the accident may not bar you from seeking damages as long as your liability is not greater than the defendant’s. This is known as modified comparative negligence. In other words, you cannot recover damages if your contribution to the accident was 51 percent or more. This underpins the importance of gathering as much evidence as you can following the crash.
Statute of limitations
A car accident can throw your life into chaos. However, it is important to understand that you cannot sue for damages at your convenience. If you intend to recover damages, you must act within the statute of limitations period. In this state, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. In other words, you have two years from the date of the crash to file your lawsuit or lose your right to do so forever.
Protecting your interests
No one looks forward to a car crash when they leave home. If you are involved in one, however, you deserve justice. Learning more about car accident laws can help you better protect your interests while taking legal action against the defendant.