Car accidents in Philadelphia happen fast, but the legal and insurance process that follows can drag on for months. With over 7,000 crashes in the city each year and dangerous roads like Roosevelt Boulevard, these cases are common, but that doesn’t make them simple.
Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly, looking for statements they can use to reduce or deny your claim. Pennsylvania’s limited tort rules can eliminate your right to pain and suffering compensation if you don’t know how to prove a serious injury. What you do now matters.
The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin has recovered $100 million for injured clients, including a $2.3 million car accident settlement. You pay nothing unless we win.
- $100+ million recovered for injured clients across documented cases
- 30+ years fighting for car accident victims in Philadelphia and surrounding counties
- $2.3 million in a single car accident settlement
- 5 office locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
- 4.5 star rating from 348+ verified Google reviews
- Fluent in English, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Italian
- Super Lawyers 2021-2026 (six consecutive years)
- Avvo Superb Rating 9.7/10
You can call 215-799-9990 or request a free case review online.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Philadelphia
Your actions after a crash determine your recovery and the strength of your legal claim. Read our detailed guide on the 5 steps to take immediately after a Philadelphia car accident.
- Call 911 and get a police report – The official report is your most credible proof of fault.
- Seek medical care the same day – Get evaluated even if you feel fine. Go to Temple, Penn Presbyterian, Jefferson, or Einstein (Level 1 trauma centers). Learn what medical records matter.
- Document the scene – Photograph vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and the other driver’s info.
- Exchange information but do not admit fault – Do not apologize or discuss fault.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the claim but decline recorded statements. Read what to do if the adjuster calls.
- Save all medical records and bills – Keep receipts for medication, therapy, and transportation.
- Call an auto accident lawyer immediately – The sooner we’re involved, the sooner we secure evidence.
Read our guide on the 7 mistakes that can destroy a Philadelphia car accident claim.
Why Hire a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer?
Insurance companies do not pay fair settlements to people without a lawyer. They train adjusters to minimize every claim, delay payments, and use your own words against you. An experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney changes everything:
- We stop insurance adjusters from contacting you directly. You focus on healing while we handle the pressure tactics.
- We preserve evidence before it disappears. Surveillance footage gets deleted and witnesses forget. We send preservation letters immediately.
- We document your injuries for maximum value. We guide you through medical documentation so adjusters cannot minimize your claim.
- We take cases to trial when insurers refuse fair offers. Greg Prosmushkin is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and eight federal courts.
Verified Case Results
| Amount | Case Type | Description |
| $2.3 million | Car Accident | Serious injuries from a car crash in Northeast Philadelphia |
| $3.3 million | Wrongful Death | Family of motorcyclist killed by a school bus in Philadelphia |
| $1.25 million | Work Injury / Truck Accident | Driver injured on the job by improperly loaded cargo |
| $1 million | Motorcycle Wrongful Death | Family of motorcyclist killed by tractor-trailer in Bucks County |
Whether you are dealing with a soft tissue injury the adjuster wants to dismiss or a life-altering fracture, we fight for the full value of your claim.
Request Your Free Case Review or Call 215-799-9990.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Philadelphia Car Accident
Insurance companies look for reasons to deny or reduce your claim. Avoid these mistakes:
- Waiting to see a doctor – Get evaluated the same day. Gaps give insurers ammunition to deny your claim.
- Giving a recorded statement – Decline until you speak with an attorney. You are not legally required to give one.
- Posting on social media – Adjusters monitor Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Post nothing until your case is resolved.
- Accepting the first offer – First offers are designed to close claims cheaply. Never sign without attorney review.
- Missing medical appointments – Gaps in treatment are used to argue you are not hurt.
- Apologizing at the scene – “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Waiting to hire an attorney – Evidence disappears and witnesses forget.
Is the insurance company already calling you? Let us handle the adjusters while you focus on healing.
Get Your Free Case Review or Call 215-799-9990.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Philadelphia Car Accident?
Three types of damages are available. Read our detailed guide on what damages can a lawyer recover after a Philadelphia car crash.
Economic damages – Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, transportation costs, home modifications.
Non-economic damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disfigurement. Pennsylvania places no cap on these damages. Your tort election determines what you can recover.
Punitive damages – Reserved for reckless or intentional conduct like drunk driving with prior record or street racing.
Medical liens – Healthcare providers can recover a portion of your settlement. We negotiate liens down to increase what you take home.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Philadelphia
Rear-End Accidents
Our rear-end accident lawyers handle fault disputes where insurers argue sudden stops or comparative negligence.
Drunk Driver Accidents
Drunk driver accidents may include dram shop liability against bars that overserved.
Side-Impact and T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact crashes cause severe injuries due to minimal protection. Our brain injury lawyers handle these cases.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes cause spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.
Electric Vehicle Accidents
Electric vehicle accidents involving battery fires and software failures raise unique liability questions. Product defect claims may apply.
Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Accidents
When the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy becomes your main compensation source.
Commercial Vehicle and Rideshare Crashes
Crashes involving Amazon, Uber, Lyft, and taxi cabs require knowledge of layered insurance structures.
SEPTA and Government Vehicle Crashes
SEPTA or city vehicle crashes require six-month notice. Our government accident lawyers handle these.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents account for two-thirds of Philadelphia traffic fatalities.
Motorcycle Accidents
Our motorcycle accident lawyers recovered $3.3 million for a family after a fatal school bus collision.
Other Accident Types
Head-on collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, parking lot accidents, and weather-related crashes.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney?
Nothing upfront. Our representation is entirely contingency-based. We advance all investigation and litigation costs. If we do not recover compensation for you, you owe nothing.
- $0 upfront costs – We advance all litigation expenses
- No fee unless we win – Our payment comes from your recovery
- Free case review – Get an honest assessment of your situation
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Philadelphia Car Accident?
Pennsylvania law allows you to pursue compensation from any party whose negligence contributed to your crash:
- The at-fault driver – Their liability insurance is the first source of recovery.
- The vehicle owner – If the driver was using someone else’s vehicle, the owner may be liable.
- Employers – Liable for commercial vehicles and employees driving for work (Amazon, FedEx, SEPTA, Uber/Lyft).
- Government entities – The City or PennDOT may be liable for dangerous road conditions (six-month notice required).
- Bars and restaurants – Under Pennsylvania’s dram shop law, establishments that overserve can be liable.
- Manufacturers – Defective tires, brakes, or airbags create liability. Our defective product lawyers investigate these claims.
Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Injuries often appear hours or days after a crash. We handle:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Lasting cognitive issues, qualifies as serious injury
- Spinal cord and disc injuries – Our catastrophic injury and back injury lawyers handle these
- Neck injuries and whiplash – Common in rear-end collisions, often disputed
- Fractures – Meet the serious injury threshold under Pennsylvania law
- Internal injuries – Organ damage may not be immediately apparent
- Burn injuries – Permanent disfigurement from fires or explosions
- Seat belt injuries – Sternum fractures, abdominal trauma
- Amputation injuries – Catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime compensation
- PTSD and psychological trauma – Recoverable damages in Pennsylvania
- Wrongful death – We recovered $3.3M and $1M for families
Dealing with a serious injury? Start Your Free Consultation or Call 215-799-9990.
Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
Key rules that govern every car accident claim in Philadelphia:
- Statute of limitations – Two years to file a lawsuit (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524). For SEPTA or city vehicles, six months to file Notice of Intent. Our government accident lawyers handle these.
- Limited tort vs. full tort – Full tort gives unrestricted right to sue for pain and suffering. Limited tort restricts that right and can reduce compensation by 75%. Learn what happens if you didn’t choose full tort.
- Serious injury threshold – Death, permanent disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. Fractures, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries typically qualify. Learn what qualifies as a serious injury.
- PIP coverage – Pennsylvania requires $5,000 minimum. Pays your medical bills regardless of fault. After PIP runs out, your tort election determines recovery.
- 51% rule – You can recover if 50% or less at fault (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102). Recovery reduced by your fault percentage. At 51%+ fault, you are barred.
Confused by these rules? Our team protects your claim and identifies recovery options.
Schedule Your Free Case Review or Call 215-799-9990.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia
These are the causes we investigate most frequently:
- Distracted driving – Over 25,000 Pennsylvania crashes annually. Paul Miller’s Law (June 2025) bans all hand-held device use. Phone records prove fault.
- Drunk driving – 270 Philadelphia crashes involved impaired drivers in 2025. Our drunk driving accident lawyers pursue these cases aggressively.
- Speeding – The largest contributing cause of Pennsylvania crashes. Deaths from aggressive driving are up 31% since 2020.
- Rear-end collisions – 22,465 in Pennsylvania in 2022. The trailing driver is presumed at fault. Our rear-end accident lawyers handle disputed claims.
- Failure to yield / red-light running – Produces T-bone and side-impact collisions where protection is weakest.
- Hit-and-run – Your own uninsured motorist coverage becomes your main compensation source.
How a Philadelphia Auto Accident Case Works
Here’s how your case moves from intake to resolution:
- Investigation – We secure photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and evidence before it disappears. Learn how to document your accident for maximum recovery.
- Insurance communication – We handle all adjuster contact so you focus on healing. This is why insurers deny 40% of Philadelphia claims.
- Medical documentation – Consistent treatment matters. Read about what medical records matter.
- Demand and negotiation – Once treatment is complete, we prepare a detailed demand covering every loss.
- Litigation and trial – Our willingness to file suit is why insurers respond. Greg Prosmushkin is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and eight federal courts. Learn whether to settle or go to court.
If your prior attorney has undervalued your case, we accept transfers.
Philadelphia Car Accident Statistics
Philadelphia roads rank among the most dangerous in the country for motor vehicle accidents.
2025 Philadelphia County Crash Data: – 7,000 total crashes reported – 96 traffic fatalities (down 28% from 133 in 2024) – 270 crashes involved impaired drivers – Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists account for nearly two-thirds of fatalities despite representing less than 10% of crashes
Pennsylvania Statewide (2025): – 1,047 traffic deaths (lowest on record since 1928) – 109,515 total reportable crashes – 258 fatalities in impaired driver crashes – Driver behavior was the primary factor in 83% of all crashes
The improvement follows years of unusually high crash rates. Between 2020 and 2024, Philadelphia’s fatal crashes ran roughly 50% above the pre-pandemic average. Children continue to be struck at alarming rates, with an average of four children per week hit by vehicles during that period.
Source: PennDOT 2025 Traffic Fatality Report, Axios Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Most Dangerous Roads
The High Injury Network (12% of streets) accounts for 80% of severe injuries and traffic deaths:
- Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1) – Deadliest road in Pennsylvania. 90,000 vehicles daily, 13% of Philadelphia traffic fatalities.
- I-95, I-676, Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) – High-speed merge conflicts, tractor-trailers, and construction zones.
- Broad Street (PA-611) and Frankford Avenue – High-pedestrian corridors with automated speed enforcement.
- Street Road, Bristol Pike, US-13 – Consistent cases for our Bucks County car accident lawyers.
Source: Philadelphia Vision Zero Action Plan 2030
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Car Accidents
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Philadelphia?
Settlement values depend on injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and tort coverage. Our Philadelphia settlements range from $50,000 (soft tissue) to $2.3 million (serious injury, Northeast Philadelphia). Cases involving traumatic brain injuries or wrongful death typically settle higher. A free consultation lets us review your specific case value.
How Do I Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer Near Me in Philadelphia?
Look for documented verdicts and settlements, real Google reviews, and trial experience in Philadelphia County courts. Our office at 9637 Bustleton Avenue has served car accident victims for over 30 years.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Philadelphia?
Two years from your crash date (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524). For SEPTA, city vehicle, or PennDOT crashes, you must file a Notice of Intent within six months. Do not wait; evidence disappears.
I Have Limited Tort Insurance. Can I Still Sue for Pain and Suffering in Philadelphia?
Yes, if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold (75 Pa.C.S. § 1702): death, permanent disfigurement, or serious impairment. Fractures, surgical herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries typically qualify. We review your policy and medical records to determine eligibility.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident on Roosevelt Boulevard?
Call 911, get a police report, and seek immediate medical care at Temple or Jefferson Einstein (Level 1 trauma centers). Document the scene before traffic resumes. Decline recorded statements. Roosevelt Boulevard’s speed camera program may have footage, but it must be preserved quickly.
What If the Other Driver in My Philadelphia Accident Has No Insurance?
Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes your main source of compensation. These claims are adversarial since you are suing your own insurer. You need experienced representation.
How Long Does a Philadelphia Car Accident Case Take to Settle?
Most cases settle within 6 to 18 months. Timeline factors: medical treatment duration, liability disputes, number of parties, and whether insurers make fair offers. Government claims (SEPTA, City of Philadelphia) often take longer.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for My Philadelphia Car Accident?
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102) allows recovery if you were 50% or less at fault. Recovery is reduced by your fault percentage. Do not accept an adjuster’s fault determination without attorney review.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer After My Philadelphia Crash?
No. First offers are designed to close claims cheaply before you know your full injuries. Read our guide on what to do when the adjuster calls.
What If I Was Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver in Philadelphia?
Uber and Lyft carry $1 million policies on active trips. Coverage depends on driver status at impact. Our rideshare accident lawyers navigate these layered policies.
Can I Sue SEPTA If a Bus Hit Me in Philadelphia?
Yes, but you must file a Notice of Intent to Sue within six months under Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act. Our SEPTA accident lawyers handle these time-sensitive claims.
What If My Philadelphia Car Accident Was Caused by a Pothole or Road Defect?
You may have a claim against the City of Philadelphia or PennDOT. These government property accident claims require a Notice of Intent within six months and have different damage caps.
I Already Gave a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company. Did I Ruin My Case?
Not necessarily. Independent evidence like medical records and accident reconstruction can often overcome problematic statements. Contact us for a strategy assessment.
For more questions, see our personal injury FAQ or read our personal injury guide.
Speak With a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you have been hurt in a car accident, the decisions made in the early days of your claim matter. Insurance companies document their cases from the moment of impact. The sooner you have representation, the stronger your position.
The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin has represented car accident victims across Pennsylvania since 1995. Our team serves clients in English, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Italian. Whatever language you speak, you deserve to explain your situation fully and be understood completely.
We Serve Clients Throughout the Philadelphia Region:
Philadelphia Neighborhoods: Center City, University City, North Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown, Manayunk, Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, Frankford, Olney, Logan, Nicetown, Brewerytown, Fairmount, Spring Garden
Surrounding Counties: – Bucks County – Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Levittown, Doylestown – Montgomery County – Lansdale, Norristown, King of Prussia, Conshohocken, Abington – Delaware County – Chester, Media, Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Springfield
Ready to Fight for Your Recovery?
- $0 Upfront Costs – We advance all litigation expenses
- 24/7 Support – Available day or night
- Free Case Review – Get an honest assessment of your situation
Call 215-799-9990 now. No fee unless we win.
Request Your Free Insurance Review
Visit our Philadelphia office: 9637 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115