Your Guide to Finding a Car Accident Attorney in Harrisburg

Navigating the Aftermath of a Car Accident in Harrisburg

If you’ve been involved in an accident and need a harrisburg car accident attorney, here’s what you should know:

• Free consultation: Most Harrisburg attorneys offer free case evaluations
• No upfront fees: Many work on contingency (no fee unless you win)
• Two-year deadline: Pennsylvania has a 2-year statute of limitations
• No-fault state: Pennsylvania’s insurance system affects how claims proceed
• Local expertise: Attorneys familiar with Harrisburg courts can steer local legal systems

Each day in Pennsylvania, approximately 340 traffic collisions occur—that’s about 14 crashes every hour. In Dauphin County alone, which includes Harrisburg, there were over 3,000 motor vehicle accidents in 2024, with more than 1,200 resulting in injuries and dozens proving fatal.

When you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, missed work, and the physical pain of recovery, handling complex insurance claims becomes an additional burden you shouldn’t face alone.

A harrisburg car accident attorney can be your advocate during this challenging time, handling insurance negotiations while you focus on healing. Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system creates unique complications, as does the state’s comparative negligence rule, which can reduce your compensation if you’re found partially at fault.

“The insurance company is not on your side when it comes to obtaining fair compensation.”

Many accident victims who work with experienced attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who attempt to steer the process alone. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering—crucial support when rebuilding your life after an accident.

Don’t wait to seek legal help. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means that delayed action could forfeit your right to compensation entirely.

Understanding Car Accidents in Harrisburg: Statistics and Common Causes

Harrisburg’s busy streets tell a sobering story that goes beyond what meets the eye. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Dauphin County has seen over 3,000 motor vehicle accidents in recent years. That translates to roughly 8-9 crashes every single day in the Harrisburg area as we move through 2025.

Behind these numbers are real people—parents, children, friends, and neighbors whose lives changed in an instant. Understanding why these accidents happen not only helps you stay safer on the road but also highlights why having proper legal support matters so much after a collision.

When our team at Metzger Wickersham investigates accidents across Harrisburg, we consistently see certain patterns emerge. Distracted driving tops the list, with drivers taking their eyes off the road to check phones, adjust navigation systems, or even grab a quick bite. In our connected world, this split-second decision can lead to life-altering consequences.

Speeding remains a persistent danger on Harrisburg roads. Many drivers don’t realize that even going 10 mph over the limit dramatically reduces reaction time and extends stopping distance. We’ve handled countless cases where this extra speed turned what might have been a minor fender-bender into a serious collision.

Despite decades of awareness campaigns, drunk driving continues to plague Pennsylvania roadways. The statistics are alarming—approximately 34 accidents involve an impaired driver every single day across the state. These entirely preventable crashes often result in the most devastating injuries we see.

The temperamental Pennsylvania weather adds another layer of risk. Harrisburg experiences everything from summer downpours to winter ice storms, creating hazardous conditions that challenge even the most careful drivers. These weather-related accidents spike during seasonal transitions when drivers haven’t adjusted to changing road conditions.

Reckless driving behaviors like tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and running red lights put everyone at risk. We’ve represented many clients who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when another driver made a dangerous choice.

Often overlooked but equally dangerous are poor road conditions. Harrisburg’s infrastructure faces challenges like any urban area—potholes, construction zones, and malfunctioning traffic signals can all contribute to unexpected accidents.

After handling car accident cases for over 135 years, we’ve learned that even seemingly straightforward crashes often involve complex liability questions. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation statistics help us identify patterns, but each accident requires its own thorough investigation.

The Impact of Car Accidents on Victims

The moment of impact is just the beginning of what can become a long and challenging journey for accident victims.

The physical toll can range widely. Some clients come to us with visible injuries like broken bones or lacerations that heal with time. Others face more serious long-term conditions like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries that may require ongoing care. What concerns us most are the “hidden injuries” that don’t appear immediately—concussions or soft tissue damage that manifest days after the accident when insurance adjusters have already started pressuring for quick settlements.

“I felt fine at the scene, so I told the police I wasn’t hurt,” one client told us. “Three days later, I couldn’t get out of bed from the pain.” This common scenario underscores why immediate medical attention is crucial after any accident, regardless of how you feel in the moment.

The emotional aftermath often proves just as challenging as physical recovery. Many clients experience anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious collision. Some develop a fear of driving that impacts their ability to work or care for their families. These psychological effects deserve the same attention and compensation as physical injuries.

Perhaps the most immediately overwhelming aspect is the financial burden. According to the National Safety Council, treating severe car accident injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Medical bills arrive while you’re unable to work, creating a perfect storm of financial pressure.

One family we represented faced over $90,000 in immediate medical expenses after a collision on I-83, with projected future medical costs exceeding $250,000 for ongoing rehabilitation. Without proper legal representation, they would have received only a fraction of the compensation needed for recovery.

These impacts ripple through every aspect of life—from your ability to play with your children to your capacity to enjoy activities you once loved. This comprehensive understanding of how accidents affect real lives is why having a dedicated harrisburg car accident attorney makes such a difference. We fight for compensation that acknowledges all dimensions of your suffering, not just the injuries visible in medical records.

When we meet with new clients, we often hear the same thing: “I had no idea how much this accident would change my life.” Our job is to help you steer that change with the resources and support you need to rebuild.

Why You Need a Harrisburg Car Accident Attorney After a Collision

In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, you might wonder if hiring an attorney is really necessary. Many folks think they can handle insurance claims on their own, especially when the accident seems straightforward. But there’s a reason why experienced accident victims often say, “I wish I’d called an attorney sooner.”

Level the Playing Field with Insurance Companies

Here’s a reality check: insurance companies aren’t in business to give you fair compensation. They employ teams of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys whose job is to minimize payouts. When you’re lying in a hospital bed or struggling through physical therapy, you’re simply not equipped to counter their tactics.

Our team at Metzger Wickersham has seen it countless times – insurance companies offering quick settlements before the full extent of injuries is known. One recent client was offered $5,000 the day after her accident, only to find weeks later she needed spinal surgery that would cost over $80,000.

A harrisburg car accident attorney knows these tactics and can shield you from them when you’re most vulnerable.

Steer Pennsylvania’s Complex Insurance Laws

Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system creates a maze that most people struggle to steer. When you purchased your insurance, you chose either “limited tort” or “full tort” coverage:

• Limited tort restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering, primarily limiting your recovery to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages.
• Full tort preserves your right to pursue compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering.

Many accident victims don’t even remember which option they selected, let alone understand how it affects their claim. Our attorneys can explain your coverage and help you pursue every dollar available under your policy.

“Insurance policies are written to be confusing,” says one of our senior attorneys. “We’ve helped countless clients find exceptions and provisions in their policies that even their insurance agents didn’t explain to them.”

Proper Valuation of Your Claim

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is underestimating what their claim is truly worth. It’s easy to add up current medical bills, but what about:

• The physical therapy you’ll need next year
• The special equipment your home might require
• The promotion you missed while recovering
• The help you need with household tasks you can no longer perform

A harrisburg car accident attorney from Metzger Wickersham will conduct a thorough assessment of your damages to ensure nothing is overlooked. This often results in settlements significantly higher than initial insurance offers.

Evidence Collection and Preservation

Building a strong case is like assembling a puzzle where the pieces start disappearing within hours of the accident. Skid marks fade, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets erased.

Our team knows exactly what evidence to gather and how to preserve it properly. We’ll collect police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle damage documentation, and medical records while you focus on healing.

In a recent case involving an intersection collision in downtown Harrisburg, our quick action secured traffic camera footage that proved our client had the green light—evidence that would have been automatically deleted after 72 hours.

Meeting Legal Deadlines

Pennsylvania law gives you just two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline by even a day, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

Other deadlines apply to insurance claims and notice requirements. While you’re focused on doctor appointments and recovery, our attorneys ensure all deadlines are met.

Case Study: The Difference Legal Representation Makes

Sarah (name changed for privacy) came to us after initially trying to handle her claim independently. The insurance company had offered $15,000 for what seemed like a straightforward rear-end collision.

After our thorough investigation and documentation of her injuries—which included a herniated disc requiring surgery—we secured a settlement of $175,000, more than 11 times the initial offer.

This example illustrates why having a harrisburg car accident attorney from Metzger Wickersham can be crucial. With over 135 years of experience, we understand how to build compelling cases that insurance companies take seriously.

How a Harrisburg Car Accident Attorney Evaluates Your Case

When you meet with a harrisburg car accident attorney at Metzger Wickersham, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the strength of your case and potential compensation. This thorough process typically includes:

Accident Investigation: We analyze how the collision occurred, often working with accident reconstruction professionals to establish exactly what happened. In complex cases, we might use computer simulations or consult with engineering experts to understand crash dynamics.

Liability Determination: Pennsylvania follows comparative negligence rules, making it essential to establish clear liability. We gather evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence while defending against claims that you shared responsibility. This might involve examining cell phone records to prove distracted driving or obtaining maintenance records to identify vehicle defects.

Damage Assessment: We document all forms of harm you’ve suffered, from obvious costs like medical bills to less tangible losses like diminished quality of life. This comprehensive approach ensures nothing is overlooked in your compensation claim.

Medical Record Review: Our team works with medical professionals to understand your injuries fully and establish their connection to the accident. We can recognize when additional specialists should be consulted or when symptoms indicate injuries that haven’t yet been diagnosed.

Witness Statements: We interview witnesses while memories are fresh, documenting their observations about the accident. These statements often provide crucial details that support your version of events.

During this evaluation, we’ll give you an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and challenges. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe in transparency—we’ll never make promises we can’t keep or set unrealistic expectations about your potential recovery.

You can learn more about how we approach these cases by reading about an Auto Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg Explains Claim on our website.

The Legal Process for Car Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

When you’re recovering from a car accident, understanding the legal journey ahead can make a stressful time feel more manageable. While every case has its unique twists and turns, knowing the basic roadmap can help you steer with confidence.

Initial Steps After Hiring an Attorney

The moment you choose Metzger Wickersham as your harrisburg car accident attorney, we spring into action. Our first priority is protecting you. We immediately send representation letters to all insurance companies, which means you won’t have to worry about saying something that might accidentally hurt your case. Those insurance adjusters can be friendly—but remember, their job is to pay you as little as possible.

While you focus on healing, we start building your case. Our team collects police reports, tracks down witnesses before memories fade, and gathers your medical records to document your injuries. We also dive into your insurance policy details to understand exactly what coverage you have under Pennsylvania’s sometimes confusing no-fault system.

“The day after I hired Metzger Wickersham, I got three calls from the insurance company. I just said ‘talk to my attorney’ and finally got some peace,” one client recently told us.

Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Insurance System

Pennsylvania uses what’s called a “choice no-fault” insurance system, which sounds more complicated than it needs to be. Here’s what it means for you:

After an accident, you’ll first turn to your own insurance for certain expenses regardless of who caused the crash. These “first-party benefits” typically cover medical bills and sometimes lost wages up to your policy limits.

When you bought your insurance, you made an important choice that affects your rights now: you selected either “limited tort” or “full tort” coverage. With limited tort, you gave up some rights to sue for pain and suffering except in cases of “serious injury.” With full tort, you preserved your full right to seek compensation for all damages, including the human costs of pain and suffering.

This system can create real challenges for accident victims. We’ve seen many clients who didn’t understand their coverage limitations until after their accident. At Metzger Wickersham, we help you identify every possible source of compensation, working within your coverage to maximize your recovery.

Demand and Negotiation Phase

Timing matters in car accident cases. We wait until you’ve either fully recovered or reached what doctors call “maximum medical improvement” before taking our next big step. This ensures we understand the full extent of your injuries and long-term needs.

Once we have a clear picture of your damages, we prepare a comprehensive demand package. This document tells your story—detailing your injuries, treatment journey, expenses, lost income, and how the accident has affected your daily life. We present this demand to the insurance company, setting the stage for settlement negotiations.

This is where our 135+ years of experience really pays off. Our harrisburg car accident attorneys know how insurance companies think and what evidence persuades them to make fair offers. We negotiate firmly on your behalf, backing up our demands with solid evidence and strong legal arguments.

Many cases resolve during this phase without ever stepping foot in a courtroom. As one client shared, “I was amazed at how Metzger Wickersham turned a $25,000 initial offer into a $175,000 settlement just through skilled negotiation.”

Litigation Process (If Necessary)

Sometimes insurance companies refuse to be reasonable. When that happens, we don’t hesitate to file a lawsuit. This doesn’t necessarily mean your case will go to trial—in fact, most don’t—but it does show the insurance company we’re serious.

The litigation process follows several steps:

First, we file a formal complaint in the appropriate court, officially starting your lawsuit. Then comes the findy phase, where both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and recorded interviews called depositions.

As your case progresses, you might participate in mediation or settlement conferences, where a neutral third party helps facilitate discussions. These often lead to resolution without a trial.

If settlement still isn’t reached, we prepare thoroughly for trial. Our trial attorneys have decades of courtroom experience and know how to present your case effectively to a jury.

Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

Time limits are non-negotiable in car accident cases. In Pennsylvania, you generally have just two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline—the statute of limitations—is strict, with only a few narrow exceptions:

For minor victims (under 18 at the time of the accident), the two-year clock doesn’t start ticking until their 18th birthday.

In rare situations where an injury couldn’t reasonably be finded immediately, the “findy rule” might extend the deadline from when the injury was finded or should have been finded.

If the victim was mentally incapacitated, the statute might be “tolled” (paused) until capacity is restored.

We’ve seen heartbreaking situations where accident victims with valid claims waited too long to seek legal help and lost their rights forever. This is why contacting a harrisburg car accident attorney promptly is so important—we ensure all deadlines are met while you focus on recovery.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law

Pennsylvania follows what’s called “modified comparative negligence,” which can significantly impact your compensation. The rule works like this:

If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but determines you were 30% responsible for the crash, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000.

Insurance companies know this rule well, and they often try to shift blame to victims to reduce what they have to pay. We recently represented a client who was initially told he was 60% at fault for an intersection collision. After our investigation uncovered security camera footage from a nearby business, we proved he had the right of way, reducing his assigned fault to just 10%.

Our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham work diligently to counter these blame-shifting tactics with solid evidence and persuasive legal arguments that protect your right to fair compensation.

Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Harrisburg

The moments following a car accident can feel like a blur, but what you do during this critical time can make all the difference—both for your health and your potential compensation claim. If you’ve been involved in a collision in Harrisburg, taking these steps can protect you physically, legally, and financially.

1. Ensure Safety First

Your immediate priority should be safety. Pull over to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries. If you have emergency flares or warning triangles, set them up to alert other drivers. Remember—your wellbeing comes before anything else.

“The scene of an accident can be chaotic and dangerous,” says one of our attorneys at Metzger Wickersham. “We’ve seen secondary accidents happen when people don’t move to safety quickly enough.”

2. Call 911

Always call 911 after an accident, even if it seems minor. This does two important things: it ensures anyone who needs medical attention gets it quickly, and it creates an official police report—a crucial piece of evidence for your claim. In Pennsylvania, police reports often contain preliminary fault determinations that can significantly influence your case.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Don’t decline medical care because you “feel fine.” Many serious injuries—including whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away. The adrenaline rushing through your body after an accident can mask pain and other symptoms.

Beyond protecting your health, prompt medical attention creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident. Without this documentation, insurance companies may later argue that your injuries came from something else entirely.

4. Exchange Information

Collect comprehensive information from all drivers involved, including:

• Full names and contact details
• Insurance companies and policy numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• Vehicle makes, models, and years

Be polite but brief during these exchanges. Avoid discussing fault or making statements like “I’m sorry” that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility.

5. Document the Scene

Your smartphone is a powerful tool for preserving evidence. Take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles, capturing the overall accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries. These images can contradict false claims later and help accident reconstruction specialists understand exactly what happened.

6. Gather Witness Information

Independent witnesses can make or break your case, especially when the other driver disputes responsibility. If bystanders saw what happened, respectfully ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they observed. Many people are willing to help, but they may leave the scene quickly if not approached.

7. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require prompt notification of accidents. Report the basic facts, but be careful not to:

• Admit fault or assign blame
• Speculate about what happened
• Provide recorded statements without legal counsel
• Accept quick settlement offers

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts—even from your own insurance company. A harrisburg car accident attorney can handle these communications for you, protecting your interests.

8. Obtain a Copy of the Police Report

In Pennsylvania, you can request your crash report online through the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Report System. This official document contains vital information, including the officer’s observations and often a preliminary determination of fault. Review it carefully for accuracy—mistakes happen, and they can affect your claim.

9. Contact a Harrisburg Car Accident Attorney

Reaching out to Metzger Wickersham soon after your accident gives us the best opportunity to build a strong case. With our 135+ years of experience handling Pennsylvania car accident cases, we can guide you through the complex claims process while you focus on recovery.

“The earlier we get involved, the more evidence we can preserve,” explains our senior litigation attorney. “Skid marks fade, witnesses’ memories blur, and surveillance videos get overwritten—all potentially valuable evidence that disappears with time.”

Documenting Your Car Accident for Legal Purposes

Beyond the immediate aftermath, ongoing documentation strengthens your case and increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Medical Treatment Records serve as the backbone of your claim. Keep all bills and receipts, maintain a log of doctor visits, save prescription information, and request copies of all medical records related to your injuries. These documents establish both the nature of your injuries and their financial impact.

Financial Impact Documentation helps calculate your economic damages. Track all accident-related expenses, document lost wages with pay stubs and employment records, keep receipts for transportation to medical appointments, and record costs for any household services you’ve had to hire due to your injuries.

Pain and Recovery Journaling provides powerful evidence of non-economic damages. Document daily pain levels, note limitations on activities, record emotional effects, track sleep disruptions, and describe how your injuries affect your relationships and quality of life.

One memorable client came to us after a seemingly minor rear-end collision. The insurance company initially offered just $5,000, dismissing her ongoing neck pain as “just whiplash.” Her detailed pain journal, documenting months of suffering and limitations, helped us demonstrate the true impact of her injuries. We ultimately secured a $45,000 settlement—nine times the initial offer.

By following these steps and working with a harrisburg car accident attorney from Metzger Wickersham, you create a solid foundation for your claim while protecting your health and legal rights. We’re available 24/7 to help guide you through this challenging time, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks while you focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Types of Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims

Being injured in a car accident turns your world upside down in an instant. Beyond the physical pain, you’re suddenly faced with mounting medical bills and possibly unable to work. The good news is that Pennsylvania law allows you to seek various types of compensation to help make you whole again.

At Metzger Wickersham, our harrisburg car accident attorneys carefully assess every aspect of your situation to pursue all the compensation you deserve. Let’s break down what might be available to you:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the actual money that comes out of your pocket or that you lose because of your accident. These are the concrete, calculable costs that impact your financial stability.

Medical expenses often form the largest portion of economic damages. These include everything from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, and doctor appointments. But they don’t stop there—physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment like wheelchairs or crutches, and even future medical care related to your injuries all count too.

According to the National Safety Council, the economic cost of a disabling injury can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when long-term care is needed.

Lost income represents another significant category. This covers not just the wages you lose while recovering but also sick leave or vacation time you’re forced to use. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your career advancement, you may also claim compensation for diminished earning capacity.

“I couldn’t work for three months after my accident,” one of our clients told us. “Without the lost wages compensation Metzger Wickersham helped me secure, I don’t know how I would have kept my home.”

Property damage compensation helps repair or replace your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash. This might include your phone, laptop, glasses, or other belongings. You may also receive compensation for rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.

Other expenses that often get overlooked include transportation to medical appointments, necessary home modifications like wheelchair ramps, and the cost of hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform.

Non-Economic Damages

While economic damages address financial losses, non-economic damages compensate for the human experience of suffering and loss of quality of life. These damages acknowledge that money isn’t the only thing you lose after a serious accident.

Pain and suffering compensation recognizes the physical pain you endure—from the immediate trauma to potentially years of chronic discomfort. This suffering is real and deserves acknowledgment, even if it can’t be measured on a medical bill.

Emotional distress covers the psychological impact of your accident. Many car accident victims develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Some develop intense fear of driving or even riding in vehicles. These invisible wounds can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

Loss of enjoyment of life acknowledges that injuries can rob you of activities that once brought you joy. Whether you can no longer play with your children, participate in your favorite sports, or even enjoy simple pleasures like gardening or taking walks, these losses matter.

Loss of consortium compensates for the strain your injuries place on your relationships, particularly with your spouse. Injuries can affect intimacy, companionship, and the ability to participate in family life.

In rare cases involving extreme negligence—like a drunk driver with multiple previous offenses—punitive damages may be awarded. These aren’t meant to compensate you directly but rather to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter others from similar actions.

How Insurance Coverage Affects Your Compensation

Pennsylvania’s insurance system creates a unique landscape that directly impacts what compensation you can receive. Understanding these nuances is essential to maximizing your recovery.

Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry at least $5,000 in medical benefits coverage, which pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, this minimum amount is woefully inadequate for serious injuries—a single day in the hospital can easily exceed this amount.

When it comes to bodily injury liability, Pennsylvania’s minimum requirements of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident often fall short of covering real-world injuries. This becomes particularly problematic when you’re seriously hurt by a driver carrying only minimum coverage.

Property damage coverage minimums are similarly low at just $5,000. With the average new car costing over $50,000 in 2025, this minimum coverage barely makes a dent in replacement costs after a serious accident.

One of the most significant factors affecting your compensation is whether you chose “full tort” or “limited tort” coverage when purchasing your insurance:

Full tort coverage preserves your complete right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering. This option costs more in premiums but provides much broader protection.

Limited tort coverage offers lower premiums but restricts your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold—generally meaning death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.

“The difference between full tort and limited tort can mean tens of thousands of dollars in compensation,” explains one of our harrisburg car accident attorneys. “Many people choose limited tort to save a few dollars monthly, not realizing they’re potentially giving up significant rights.”

Perhaps the most important optional coverage is uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 10 percent of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured in 2025. Without this coverage, you could be left with little recourse if hit by an uninsured driver or someone whose coverage limits are too low to fully compensate you.

Our team at Metzger Wickersham doesn’t just look at the obvious insurance policies. We dig deeper to find every possible source of compensation, including umbrella policies, employer policies (if the accident happened during work), household policies that might provide coverage, and potential third-party liability claims.

What to Look for When Choosing a Harrisburg Car Accident Attorney

Finding the right harrisburg car accident attorney after a collision feels overwhelming when you’re already dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance hassles. But making this choice carefully can dramatically impact your recovery—both financially and emotionally.

Think of your attorney selection as one of the most important decisions in your post-accident journey. Here’s what truly matters when making this choice:

Experience with Car Accident Cases

Car accident cases have unique challenges that require specific knowledge and skills. Look for an attorney who handles these cases regularly—not occasionally.

At Metzger Wickersham, our 135+ years working with Pennsylvania car accident victims has given us deep insights into:

• The nuances of Pennsylvania’s complicated no-fault insurance system
• How Harrisburg and Dauphin County courts typically handle these cases
• The specific tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts
• The true value of different injury types based on hundreds of similar cases

We’ve seen virtually every type of car accident scenario, from seemingly simple rear-end collisions to complex multi-vehicle pileups. This experience helps us anticipate challenges before they arise.

Track Record of Success

While past results never guarantee future outcomes, they do reveal an attorney’s ability to deliver for their clients. When evaluating a potential harrisburg car accident attorney, don’t hesitate to ask about:

Their settlement history with cases similar to yours. What’s their average settlement for comparable injuries? Have they handled cases with your specific injury type?

Their willingness to go to trial. Some attorneys rarely set foot in a courtroom, which insurance companies know and use to their advantage when making settlement offers.

Recognition from legal peers. Has the legal community acknowledged their skills through awards or leadership positions?

At Metzger Wickersham, we’re proud of our history of successful outcomes, but we’re equally proud of how we achieve them—through thorough preparation, skilled negotiation, and a willingness to fight when necessary.

Resources and Team Approach

Effective car accident representation isn’t a solo effort—it requires a team with diverse skills and substantial resources.

When you work with Metzger Wickersham, you benefit from:

Our team of attorneys who collaborate on complex cases, bringing different perspectives and expertise

Dedicated investigators who gather evidence quickly, often visiting accident scenes before crucial evidence disappears

Relationships with medical experts who can explain complex injuries to insurance adjusters and juries

Administrative staff who ensure nothing falls through the cracks—from filing deadlines to medical record requests

This team approach means your case gets the comprehensive attention it deserves, rather than being just one file among hundreds on a single attorney’s desk.

Communication Style and Availability

Few things frustrate accident victims more than an attorney who doesn’t return calls or explain what’s happening with their case. During your initial consultation, pay attention to:

How comfortable you feel asking questions. A good attorney makes complex legal concepts understandable without talking down to you.

Whether they truly listen to your concerns or seem rushed to move on to the next client.

Their policy on returning calls and emails. Will you speak directly with your attorney or always with a staff member?

At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve built our reputation on being accessible when our clients need us—including evenings and weekends. We understand that questions don’t just arise during business hours, which is why we offer 24/7 availability. Your peace of mind matters to us.

Fee Structure

Most people worry about affording quality legal representation after an accident. Fortunately, car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

You pay nothing upfront to get started with your case.

Attorney fees come as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

If you don’t recover compensation, you don’t pay attorney fees.

At Metzger Wickersham, we’re completely transparent about our fee structure. During your free consultation, we’ll explain exactly what percentage we charge and what case expenses might be involved. We want you to feel comfortable with the financial arrangement before moving forward.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

What previous clients say about their experience provides valuable insight into what working with a particular attorney is really like. Look for patterns in reviews about:

How the attorney and staff treated them during a difficult time.

Whether the attorney was honest about the strengths and weaknesses of their case.

If the outcome met their expectations.

How the attorney handled challenges that arose during their case.

We’re grateful that our former clients frequently mention our compassion, responsiveness, and effectiveness in their testimonials. These consistent themes reflect our core values as a firm dedicated to client service.

Local Knowledge and Presence

There’s significant value in choosing a harrisburg car accident attorney with deep local roots. An attorney familiar with Harrisburg offers:

Knowledge of local traffic patterns and accident-prone areas that can strengthen your case.

Established relationships with local medical providers who understand legal documentation requirements.

Familiarity with local judges and their tendencies in car accident cases.

Convenience when in-person meetings are necessary.

With our office in Harrisburg and additional locations throughout Pennsylvania, we combine extensive local knowledge with the resources of a well-established firm.

Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation

Your initial consultation isn’t just for the attorney to evaluate your case—it’s your opportunity to evaluate them. Consider asking these questions to gauge whether they’re the right fit for you:

“What potential challenges do you see in my specific case?” Their answer reveals how carefully they’ve listened and their experience with similar situations.

“How would you approach the insurance company in my situation?” This shows their strategic thinking and negotiation style.

“Who will be handling the day-to-day aspects of my case?” Some firms hand cases to junior associates after the initial consultation.

“How often will I receive updates, and who will be my main contact person?” This establishes communication expectations from the start.

“What’s your approach to settlement versus going to trial?” Some attorneys push for quick settlements that might not fully compensate you.

At Metzger Wickersham, we encourage these questions because we believe informed clients make better partners in the legal process. Our First Meeting with Auto Accident Lawyer in Pottsville page provides more guidance on preparing for your consultation.

We recognize that choosing a harrisburg car accident attorney is a personal decision that goes beyond credentials and experience. It’s about finding someone you trust during one of life’s most challenging times. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation consultations—so you can make this important decision with confidence.

For more information about why legal representation matters after an accident, visit our 10 Reasons to Hire Auto Accident Lawyer in Williamsport page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Harrisburg

Over our 135+ years helping car accident victims in Pennsylvania, we’ve heard many of the same questions time and again. We understand that the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also dealing with injuries and vehicle repairs. Here are straightforward answers to questions our clients commonly ask:

How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take to Resolve?

“How long will this take?” is often one of the first questions clients ask us—and it’s completely understandable. When medical bills are piling up and you’re missing work, time matters.

The honest answer is that each case follows its own timeline. A relatively straightforward case with minor injuries might wrap up in 3-6 months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries typically take 6-12 months. Cases that require litigation can extend to 1-2 years or sometimes longer.

Several factors can affect your timeline:

The severity of your injuries plays a major role—cases can’t be properly valued until you’ve either fully recovered or reached what doctors call “maximum medical improvement,” where your long-term prognosis becomes clear.

Disputes over who caused the accident can add months to the process, as can situations involving multiple potentially responsible parties. Some insurance companies are known for their delay tactics, while others process claims more efficiently.

At Metzger Wickersham, we work diligently to move your case forward without unnecessary delays. At the same time, we won’t rush to settlement before we understand the full extent of your damages—that would only shortchange you in the long run.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?

Yes, you can—with some important limitations. Pennsylvania follows what’s called a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This legal principle allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident, as long as you weren’t primarily at fault.

Here’s how it works: If you’re found to be 50% or less responsible, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if your total damages are $100,000 but you’re determined to be 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000.

However, if you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any compensation at all. This is why establishing the correct allocation of fault is so crucial to your case.

Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to injured victims—it’s a common tactic to reduce their payout obligations. Our harrisburg car accident attorney team has extensive experience countering these arguments with solid evidence and legal reasoning to minimize your share of responsibility.

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

This situation is unfortunately common. According to insurance industry data, approximately 10% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured in 2025, and many more carry only the minimum required coverage, which is often insufficient for serious injuries.

If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you have several potential avenues for recovery:

Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can step in when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Similarly, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can supplement the at-fault driver’s inadequate policy limits. While these coverages are optional in Pennsylvania, they’re incredibly valuable protections that we strongly recommend to all drivers.

Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits (mandatory in Pennsylvania, minimum $5,000) will cover some medical expenses regardless of fault. After these benefits are exhausted, your health insurance may cover additional treatment, though they may seek reimbursement later through subrogation.

While it’s technically possible to file a lawsuit directly against an uninsured driver, this approach often results in uncollectible judgments if the driver lacks significant assets.

This scenario highlights why reviewing your own insurance coverage is so important. A harrisburg car accident attorney from our firm can help you understand your current protections and recommend appropriate coverage for the future.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

In nearly all cases, accepting the first offer is not in your best interest. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are typically calculated to minimize their payout, not to fully compensate you for your injuries.

These early offers often come before:

• You understand the full extent of your injuries
• Your doctors can provide a long-term prognosis
• All your medical expenses have been accounted for
• The impact on your ability to work has been determined
• The true value of your pain and suffering can be assessed

We recently helped a client who was initially offered $15,000 for what the insurance company called a “minor” neck injury. After proper medical evaluation revealed a herniated disc requiring surgery, and with our advocacy, the final settlement exceeded $120,000.

A harrisburg car accident attorney from our firm can evaluate any offers you receive and advise you on whether they truly reflect the value of your claim. We recommend waiting until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (or your long-term prognosis is clear) before seriously considering any settlement offers.

What If My Accident Was Caused by Poor Road Conditions?

When poor road conditions—like potholes, inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or improper road design—contribute to your accident, your claim may involve government entities responsible for road maintenance.

These cases come with special challenges:

• You typically have a much shorter window to provide notice of your claim—often just 6 months rather than the standard two-year statute of limitations
• Government entities enjoy certain protections under sovereign immunity laws, which may limit the damages you can recover
• Multiple parties might share responsibility, including state agencies, local municipalities, and private contractors

At Metzger Wickersham, we have experience navigating these complex cases. We can help identify all potentially liable parties and ensure all procedural requirements are met to preserve your claim. The key is acting quickly—these cases have strict deadlines that, if missed, can completely bar your recovery.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

This is perhaps the most common question we hear, and understandably so. While we can’t provide a precise figure without reviewing the specific details of your case, several factors influence the potential value:

The severity and permanence of your injuries play a major role—more serious injuries that require extensive treatment or result in permanent impairment typically warrant greater compensation.

Your total medical expenses, both those you’ve already incurred and those you’re likely to face in the future, form a significant part of your claim. Similarly, lost income and any reduction in your future earning capacity are important economic damages.

Your insurance choices matter too. If you selected “limited tort” coverage on your auto policy, your ability to recover for pain and suffering may be restricted unless your injuries meet certain thresholds. With “full tort” coverage, these limitations don’t apply.

During your free consultation with a harrisburg car accident attorney from our firm, we can provide a preliminary assessment based on these factors. As your case progresses and more information becomes available, we can offer increasingly precise estimates of your claim’s value.

What we can promise is this: at Metzger Wickersham, we’re committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available for your specific situation. We understand that fair compensation isn’t just about covering bills—it’s about providing the resources you need to rebuild your life after an accident.

Conclusion

When life takes an unexpected turn after a car accident in Harrisburg, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Between managing your recovery, watching medical bills pile up, and dealing with insurance adjusters who seem more concerned with their company’s bottom line than your wellbeing—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This is exactly when having a harrisburg car accident attorney becomes invaluable. At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve spent over 135 years standing beside Pennsylvania accident victims just like you. We’ve seen how proper legal guidance can transform what feels like an impossible situation into a manageable path forward.

Think about what matters most right now: healing from your injuries and rebuilding your life. That’s where your energy belongs—not in deciphering complex insurance policies or negotiating with adjusters trained to minimize your compensation.

Remember these crucial points as you move forward:

The clock is already ticking on your claim. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means that waiting too long could permanently forfeit your right to compensation. Many of our clients tell us they wish they’d called sooner, before evidence disappeared or witness memories faded.

Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system creates layers of complexity that most people never realize until they’re trying to steer a claim. What seemed like a money-saving choice when you selected “limited tort” coverage can significantly impact your ability to recover for pain and suffering.

Documentation matters tremendously. Those photos you took at the accident scene, the medical appointments you’ve kept, the work days you’ve missed—all of this creates the foundation for a strong claim. We help our clients understand exactly what to preserve and how to document their ongoing challenges.

When an insurance company makes that first settlement offer, it’s rarely their best. In fact, we’ve seen countless cases where our involvement helped clients secure settlements many times higher than what was initially offered. Insurance companies count on you not knowing the true value of your claim.

At Metzger Wickersham, we believe in a personal approach. Your case isn’t just another file number to us—it’s your life, your recovery, and your future. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to answer questions, provide updates, and offer reassurance during what can be a stressful process.

Our team handles everything from investigating your accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. We take this comprehensive approach so you can focus on what truly matters: getting better.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid when we secure compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests perfectly—we succeed when you succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance or to an insurance system designed to minimize payouts. Reach out to Metzger Wickersham today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us show you how our warm, dedicated team of harrisburg car accident attorneys can make a meaningful difference in your recovery journey.

The road ahead might seem uncertain now, but with the right legal partner, you can steer it with confidence. We’re here to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve, just as we’ve done for countless Pennsylvanians since 1888.