Finding Legal Help After Your Harrisburg Car Crash
If you need a
car accident lawyer Harrisburg right now, here’s what you should know:
- Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies
- You have 2 years to file a lawsuit (Pennsylvania statute of limitations)
- Free consultations are standard with most Harrisburg car accident attorneys
- No upfront fees – most work on contingency (no win, no fee)
- Reach out to Metzger Wickersham right away for immediate assistance
Car accidents happen every day in Harrisburg. According to PennDOT data, Dauphin County saw 2,805 motor vehicle accidents in 2022 alone, with 1,173 resulting in injuries and 26 in fatalities. That’s more than seven crashes per day right in our area.
When you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance headaches after a crash, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Pennsylvania’s complicated insurance laws – including no-fault coverage, full vs. limited tort options, and comparative negligence rules – make professional guidance crucial.
In Harrisburg, car accident victims who hire legal representation typically recover more compensation than those who handle claims themselves. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts, while you’re trying to recover from injuries and emotional trauma.
Harrisburg attorneys familiar with local courts, insurance practices, and medical providers can help level the playing field. They gather evidence, handle communications with insurers, calculate the true value of your damages, and fight for fair compensation.
Remember: Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less responsible for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Don’t delay seeking help – important evidence can disappear quickly, and statements you make to insurance companies might damage your claim.
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First Steps After a Harrisburg Car Accident
Those first moments after metal meets metal on Harrisburg’s roads can feel like a blur. Your heart’s racing, adrenaline’s pumping, and suddenly you’re faced with a situation nobody plans for. What you do next matters—not just for your immediate safety, but for protecting your rights down the road.
First thing’s first: get somewhere safe. If your car still runs and it’s creating a traffic hazard, carefully move to the shoulder or nearby parking lot. Turn on those hazard lights so other drivers can see you, especially if it’s getting dark or visibility is poor.
Next, call 911. Even if nobody seems hurt, having police document what happened creates an official record that becomes invaluable later. While waiting for them to arrive, exchange information with the other driver—their name, contact details, insurance info, and license plate number.
“Many clients tell me they felt fine right after their accident, only to wake up the next day barely able to move,” shares one of our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham. That’s why seeking medical attention is critical, even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries—particularly soft tissue damage, concussions, or internal trauma—might not show symptoms immediately.
One crucial tip: be mindful of what you say. A simple “I’m sorry” at the scene might seem like basic human kindness, but insurance companies can twist those words into an admission of fault later on.
Vital Evidence to Gather on Day 1
Your smartphone might just be your most powerful tool after an accident. Here’s why: the evidence you collect in those first hours can dramatically impact your case’s outcome.
Photos of vehicle damage tell a story that words often can’t. Capture multiple angles showing how badly each car was affected.
Road conditions matter too—was it raining? Were there skid marks? Was there a stop sign partially hidden by overgrown branches? Document it all.
Witness statements can be game-changers. That person who pulled over to help might have seen something crucial that you missed in the chaos. Get their contact information before they disappear into Harrisburg traffic forever.
Look around for
security cameras at nearby businesses or traffic cameras at intersections. This footage doesn’t stick around forever, so noting their existence quickly helps your
car accident lawyer Harrisburg request it before it’s gone.
Top 7 Evidence Items to Collect After a Crash:
1.
Photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles
2.
Scene photos showing road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
3.
Witness contact information and brief statements
4.
Video footage locations (traffic/security cameras)
5.
Photos of your injuries (and continued documentation during recovery)
6.
Electronic data from dash cams or vehicle “black boxes”
7.
Personal notes about what happened while memory is fresh
“Evidence has a shelf life,” as we often tell clients. “Skid marks wash away, vehicles get repaired, witnesses move on, and memories fade. What you document on day one can make all the difference months later when your case goes to negotiation.”
Getting the Police Report & Your Rights
Pennsylvania law takes car accidents seriously. Under Vehicle Code Section 3751, if someone’s hurt or vehicles are damaged, you’re legally required to report it to police. This isn’t just following the law—it’s protecting your interests.
The responding officer’s report becomes a cornerstone document in your case. It includes their professional assessment of the scene, statements from everyone involved, often a diagram showing how the crash happened, and sometimes their determination of who might be at fault.
For accidents investigated by Pennsylvania State Police, you can request your report online through the PSP Crash Reports System. If Harrisburg city police responded instead, you’ll need to contact the Harrisburg Bureau of Police Records Division. Either way, expect to wait 5-10 business days for the report to be ready, and budget $15-22 for the fee.
Your
car accident lawyer Harrisburg will use this report as a foundation for building your case, but remember—police reports aren’t the final word. They’re a starting point. Sometimes they contain errors or miss important details that an experienced attorney will identify and address.
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve helped countless Harrisburg residents steer these critical first steps after an accident. The evidence you gather and the actions you take in those first 24 hours often shape everything that follows in your case.
Why and When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg
After a crash, you might wonder if hiring a lawyer is really necessary. The truth is, consulting with a
car accident lawyer Harrisburg can make a tremendous difference in both your recovery process and the compensation you receive.
Time is truly of the essence after an accident. Insurance companies typically reach out within 24-48 hours of a crash—not because they’re eager to help, but because they hope to secure statements or settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries or legal rights.
“We often see clients who inadvertently damaged their cases by speaking with insurance adjusters before calling us,” shares one of our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham. “Those early conversations can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation.”
Evidence disappears quickly after accidents. Skid marks fade, vehicles get repaired, and surveillance footage might be deleted within days. A Harrisburg attorney can immediately send preservation letters to secure this crucial evidence before it vanishes forever.
Many people worry about the cost of legal representation, but at Metzger Wickersham, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is completely free, allowing you to understand your options without financial pressure.
Local knowledge makes a real difference in car accident cases. Our attorneys are familiar with Dauphin County courts, Harrisburg medical facilities, and the tendencies of local insurance companies—insights that can prove invaluable to your case.
For more comprehensive information about how claims work, check out our detailed guide on how an
Auto Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg Explains the Claim Process.
How a car accident lawyer Harrisburg protects your claim
A
car accident lawyer Harrisburg becomes your advocate and shield throughout the entire claims process, protecting your interests when you’re most vulnerable.
We start with a thorough investigation that goes far beyond what police reports contain. Our team analyzes accident scenes, interviews witnesses while memories are fresh, inspects vehicles before repairs eliminate critical evidence, and when necessary, works with accident reconstruction professionals to establish exactly what happened.
Your medical records tell an important story about your injuries, but they need proper interpretation. We carefully review these documents to establish clear causation between the crash and your injuries, working with trusted medical professionals who can testify about your condition and future needs.
Behind the scenes, we’re building your case by consulting with relevant experts. For serious injuries, this might include life care planners who calculate the lifetime costs of your care, economic experts who determine lost earning potential, or vocational rehabilitation specialists who assess how your injuries affect your ability to work.
When it comes to negotiation, experience matters tremendously. Insurance adjusters negotiate claims daily—but so do we. We calculate the true value of your claim, present compelling evidence packages, counter lowball offers with documented justification, and handle all communications to prevent statements that could damage your case.
If fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re fully prepared for litigation. From filing court documents within required deadlines to representing you at depositions and hearings, our team manages every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on healing.
At Metzger Wickersham, our dedicated team approach means multiple professionals work on your case—not just a single attorney. With over 135 years of protecting Harrisburg accident victims, we’ve developed systems and strategies that consistently deliver results for our clients.
Statute of limitations—and why a car accident lawyer Harrisburg keeps you on track
Pennsylvania law (42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524) gives you just two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline—known as the statute of limitations—is absolutely critical.
Two years might seem like plenty of time, but the reality is quite different. Consider that:
Your medical treatment often continues for months or even years after a serious accident. You want to understand the full extent of your injuries before settling your claim, but waiting too long can jeopardize your legal rights.
Insurance negotiations rarely move quickly. In fact, insurance companies sometimes deliberately drag out discussions, hoping you’ll miss filing deadlines or accept a lower offer out of frustration or financial pressure.
Building a strong case takes time. Gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and preparing documentation isn’t something that happens overnight.
Some injuries reveal their full impact gradually. What seems like a minor back pain initially might develop into a condition requiring surgery months later.
“Missing the statute of limitations is absolutely devastating,” explains a Metzger Wickersham attorney. “No matter how strong your case, how serious your injuries, or how clear the other driver’s fault—if you miss that deadline, your claim is typically barred forever.”
There are limited exceptions that may “toll” (pause) the statute of limitations. These include cases involving minors (where the clock starts when they turn 18), situations where the injury wasn’t findable immediately, or cases where the defendant leaves the state or conceals their identity.
Beyond the main statute of limitations, other crucial deadlines exist that a
car accident lawyer Harrisburg will help you steer:
Government claims typically require notice within just 6 months. If your accident involved a government vehicle or occurred due to poor road maintenance, these shorter deadlines apply.
Your own insurance policy likely contains notification requirements—sometimes as short as 30 days for certain types of claims.
Underinsured or uninsured motorist claims have specific deadlines outlined in your policy that must be strictly followed.
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve been helping Harrisburg residents steer these complex timelines for generations. We understand exactly what needs to happen and when, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Proving Liability & Understanding Pennsylvania Laws
After a car accident in Harrisburg, proving who was at fault isn’t just about pointing fingers—it’s about building a solid legal case. To recover compensation, you’ll need to establish four fundamental elements that your
car accident lawyer Harrisburg will help you demonstrate:
The driver owed you a duty of care (which all drivers have on the road), they breached that duty (perhaps by texting while driving), their actions directly caused the crash, and you suffered actual injuries or damages as a result.
Evidence makes or breaks your case. Your attorney will gather traffic citations issued at the scene, which can be powerful proof of the other driver’s negligence. They might subpoena cell phone records that reveal the other driver was distracted at the crucial moment. Witness statements often provide the unbiased perspective judges and juries find compelling.
“The story of what happened is often told by the vehicles themselves,” explains one of our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham. “Damage patterns can reveal who hit whom, at what angle, and sometimes even at what speed.”
When available, video footage from surveillance cameras or dashcams can be game-changing evidence. In more complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability, we bring in accident reconstruction specialists who can scientifically analyze what happened.
According to
PennDOT crash facts, Pennsylvania drivers most frequently crash due to distraction, excessive speed, improper turns, alcohol impairment, and fatigue. Understanding these common factors helps us investigate your case thoroughly and identify all potential negligence.
Fault Rules You Must Know
Pennsylvania’s “modified comparative negligence” rule can dramatically affect your compensation. This rule, found in statute 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102, works like a percentage system of responsibility.
You can recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less responsible for what happened. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but if you cross that 51% threshold, you cannot recover anything at all. This makes determining accurate fault percentages absolutely crucial to your case.
Insurance companies know this rule well—and often try to push more blame onto you to reduce what they have to pay. They might claim you were speeding slightly or that you could have avoided the accident if you’d been more attentive.
Here’s how fault percentages affect real compensation:
| Your Fault % |
Effect on Your Compensation |
| 0% |
Receive 100% of damages |
| 10% |
Receive 90% of damages |
| 25% |
Receive 75% of damages |
| 50% |
Receive 50% of damages |
| 51% or more |
No compensation allowed |
For a practical example, if your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages total $100,000, but you’re found 20% at fault, you’d recover $80,000 instead of the full amount.
The burden of proving the other driver’s fault falls primarily on you as the person making the claim. This is where having a dedicated
car accident lawyer Harrisburg becomes invaluable—they understand how to build a compelling case that maximizes the other driver’s responsibility while protecting you from unfair blame.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Coverage
Pennsylvania’s auto insurance system includes a choice that many drivers make without fully understanding the consequences: full tort versus limited tort coverage.
When you choose full tort coverage, you preserve your complete legal rights to seek compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering. Yes, your premiums will be somewhat higher, but you maintain full access to the legal system if you’re injured.
Limited tort coverage, on the other hand, restricts your right to recover for pain and suffering in exchange for lower premiums. You can still recover economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, but the human cost of your suffering—which is often the largest component of serious injury cases—is off the table in most situations.
“I’ve sat across from too many clients who saved maybe $10 a month with limited tort, only to lose out on $50,000 in compensation after a serious accident,” says one of our Harrisburg attorneys. “That moment of realization is heartbreaking.”
Fortunately, there are exceptions to limited tort restrictions. You can still pursue pain and suffering damages with limited tort if you suffer what the law defines as a “serious injury” (death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement). Other exceptions apply if the at-fault driver was intoxicated, driving an out-of-state vehicle, or uninsured, or if you were a pedestrian, cyclist, or in a commercial vehicle.
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage: $5,000 for medical benefits, $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $5,000 for property damage liability. These minimums are rarely enough to cover serious injuries.
Your
car accident lawyer Harrisburg will help identify all possible insurance coverages—including your own underinsured motorist coverage—to ensure you receive maximum compensation. For more detailed guidance on navigating insurance options, check out our
Car Accident Legal Advice resource.
Damages, Insurance, and Uninsured Drivers
When you’re recovering from a car accident in Harrisburg, understanding the types of compensation you might receive can feel overwhelming. Let me break it down for you in simple terms.
Your compensation typically falls into three main categories. First, there are
economic damages – these are the financial losses you can count in dollars and cents. Think medical bills (both current and future ones), wages you’ve lost while recovering, property damage to your vehicle, rehabilitation costs, and even expenses like transportation to doctor appointments. Some folks also need home modifications for accessibility or in-home care after serious accidents.
Then there are
non-economic damages – these are the harder-to-quantify impacts on your life. The physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve endured. The activities you can no longer enjoy. The strain on your marriage or relationships. Permanent scars or disabilities that affect how you feel about yourself or how others perceive you.
In rare cases involving truly shocking behavior,
punitive damages might be available. These come into play when someone was extremely reckless – like driving while heavily intoxicated or street racing. They’re designed not just to compensate you but to send a message that such behavior won’t be tolerated.
Pennsylvania’s insurance system adds another layer of complexity because it’s a “no-fault” state. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. But when injuries are serious or exceed your PIP limits, a
car accident lawyer Harrisburg can help you step outside this system to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
Calculating What Your Case May Be Worth
“How much is my case worth?” It’s often the first question clients ask, and understandably so. The answer depends on several key factors.
We look at all your medical expenses – from the ambulance ride and emergency care to surgeries, physical therapy, and any treatment you’ll need in the future. We examine your lost income during recovery and any reduction in what you’ll be able to earn going forward. We consider your property damage and all the ways your injuries have changed your daily life.
The numbers can be sobering. According to National Safety Council data, the average economic cost of a disabling injury in a motor vehicle crash exceeds $100,000. When you factor in quality of life impacts, that figure can balloon to over $1.2 million for serious injuries.
At Metzger Wickersham, we work with medical professionals and economic experts to calculate the true value of your claim. We don’t just look at today’s bills – we consider the lifetime impact of your injuries.
“I see people accept quick settlement offers all the time before they understand the full extent of their injuries,” one of our attorneys recently told me. “Once you sign that release, there’s no going back for more compensation if your condition gets worse. That’s why having someone in your corner who understands the long game is so important.”
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
That friendly insurance adjuster calling you after your accident? Their job isn’t to be your friend – it’s to save their company money. They undergo extensive training on how to minimize payouts, and they’re very good at what they do.
They might ask for a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something they can use to reduce your claim. They often offer quick settlements before you know how serious your injuries are. Some will deliberately delay your claim, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept less. Others might misrepresent what your policy covers or suggest you don’t need a lawyer (which should tell you something right there!).
When that adjuster calls, remember: you aren’t required to give a recorded statement. You have every right to say, “I’d like to speak with my attorney first.” Initial settlement offers are almost always lower than what your case is truly worth. And everything you say can – and likely will – be used to chip away at your compensation.
A
car accident lawyer Harrisburg can shield you from these tactics by handling all communications with the insurance companies. This protects your rights while giving you space to focus on what matters most – your recovery.
For more insights on navigating complex claims, take a look at our guide on
Truck Accident Lawyer Harrisburg.
What If the Other Driver Has No Coverage?
It happens more often than you might think – about 9.6% of Pennsylvania drivers were uninsured in 2022. When you’re hit by someone with no insurance (or not enough insurance), you’re not necessarily out of luck.
Your first line of defense is
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage on your own policy. This optional coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Similarly,
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage helps when the other driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your damages.
Pennsylvania also allows something called “stacking” – if you have multiple vehicles on your policy, you can combine or “stack” your UM/UIM limits to increase your total coverage. For example, if you have two cars each with $100,000 in UIM coverage, you could potentially access up to $200,000 in protection.
Your health insurance may cover your medical expenses too, though they’ll likely want reimbursement from any settlement you receive. In some cases, you can pursue the at-fault driver’s personal assets, though this path is often difficult and unproductive.
Most UM/UIM claims are resolved through arbitration rather than court trials, and they come with specific procedures and deadlines outlined in your insurance policy.
“Adding robust UM/UIM coverage to your policy is one of the smartest moves you can make,” one of our attorneys recently shared. “It’s relatively affordable to increase these limits, and it protects you and your family from drivers who haven’t taken financial responsibility seriously.”
At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve guided countless clients through the maze of UM/UIM claims. We understand the specific requirements of different policies and how to maximize your recovery when you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Frequently Asked Questions about car accident lawyer harrisburg
What should I do immediately after a crash?
First things first—your safety matters most. After impact, take a deep breath and check if you and your passengers are okay. If possible, move to a safe spot away from traffic. Even if everyone seems fine, call 911 right away. It’s always better to have police document what happened, and medical help might be needed even if injuries aren’t obvious yet.
While waiting for help to arrive, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be polite but careful with your words—a simple “I’m sorry” could be interpreted as admitting fault later on.
Your smartphone can be incredibly helpful in these moments. Take plenty of photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses around, politely ask for their contact information—their perspective might prove invaluable later.
When police arrive, stick to the facts about what happened. Don’t speculate or admit fault, just explain what you observed. Make sure to get the officer’s name and information about how to obtain the accident report.
Even if you feel perfectly fine, see a doctor within 24 hours. Some injuries—especially neck, back, and head injuries—might not show symptoms immediately but could worsen without proper care. This medical visit also creates an official record connecting your injuries to the accident.
Before you call your insurance company to report the accident, consider reaching out to a
car accident lawyer Harrisburg for guidance. They can help you understand what information to share and what might be used against you later.
Can I recover damages if I’m partially at fault?
Absolutely! Pennsylvania has what’s called a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less responsible for what happened. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re not completely out of luck just because you played some role in the accident.
Here’s how it works in real life: Let’s say you were changing radio stations and slightly drifted in your lane when another driver who was speeding hit you. If your total damages are $100,000, and you’re found to be 20% at fault while the speeding driver is 80% responsible, you would still receive $80,000.
However—and this is important—if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation at all. This “51% rule” makes establishing the correct fault percentages extremely important.
Insurance companies know this rule well and often try to push more blame onto you to reduce what they have to pay. A
car accident lawyer Harrisburg from Metzger Wickersham can help gather evidence that shows the other driver’s greater responsibility while minimizing your percentage of fault.
How long does a typical Harrisburg car accident case take?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each case follows its own timeline based on several important factors.
Your injuries play a major role in determining how long your case will take. For your attorney to properly value your claim, your medical condition needs to be stable enough that doctors can predict your future needs. Rushing this process before understanding the full extent of your injuries could mean accepting far less than you deserve.
Cases with clear liability (where it’s obvious who was at fault) generally move faster than those where fault is disputed. When insurance companies fight about who caused the accident, more investigation time is needed, often including accident reconstruction experts and additional witness statements.
Some insurance companies are simply more reasonable than others. While some insurers value fair resolution, others have reputations for delaying claims or making lowball offers that force negotiations to drag on.
If your case needs to go to court, Dauphin County’s court schedule will affect your timeline. Even after filing a lawsuit, most cases still settle before reaching trial, but court deadlines help move the process forward.
“We understand waiting is difficult, especially when medical bills are piling up,” shares a Metzger Wickersham attorney. “We work to move your case along as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the compensation you deserve.”
For a general idea: straightforward cases with minor injuries might resolve in 3-6 months. Cases with more significant injuries typically take 6-12 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take 1-2 years, especially if they go to trial.
Throughout your case, our team will keep you informed about where things stand and what to expect next. We believe in transparent communication so you’re never left wondering what’s happening with your claim.
Conclusion
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Harrisburg can feel like trying to find your way through a maze while injured and stressed. But here’s the good news – you don’t have to figure it out alone. With over 135 years of helping Pennsylvania accident victims, Metzger Wickersham has guided countless people through this exact situation.
What makes our approach different is that when you work with us, you’re not just getting one attorney – you’re getting an entire team of professionals dedicated to your case. We understand that accidents don’t conveniently happen during business hours, which is why we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
We proudly serve all Harrisburg neighborhoods and surrounding communities, from Allison Hill to Uptown, Downtown to Midtown, and everywhere in between. Our offices are conveniently located, but if your injuries make travel difficult, we can come to you.
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crash, keep these crucial points in mind:
Time is truly of the essence after an accident – evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and legal deadlines approach faster than you might think. Pennsylvania’s insurance system has unique complexities that can trip up even the most careful person. Those quick settlement offers from insurance companies rarely account for the full scope of your losses, especially future needs.
And perhaps most reassuringly, working with a
car accident lawyer Harrisburg doesn’t require upfront money – we only get paid when we win your case.
The choices you make in those first days and weeks after your accident can dramatically shape your recovery journey – physically, emotionally, and financially. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through each step and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
We’ve seen how proper legal representation can transform a difficult situation into one where our clients can truly move forward with their lives. The insurance process doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to settle for less than you deserve just because the system is complicated.
Contact Metzger Wickersham today for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your situation. We’ll listen carefully, explain your options in plain English (not legal jargon), and help you determine the best path forward – all at no cost to you.
For more detailed information about how the claims process works, visit our guide on
Auto Accident Claims.
