Harrisburg Car Injury Attorneys: Your Guide to Legal Success

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Why a Harrisburg Car Injury Attorney is Essential After Your Accident

If you’ve recently been injured in a Harrisburg car accident, a Harrisburg car injury attorney can help you secure the compensation you need. Below are the immediate steps to take if you need help now:

  1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe spot and seek medical attention immediately.
  2. Report Accident: Notify the police and obtain the official accident report.
  3. Gather Evidence: Take photos, collect witness info, and document scene details.
  4. Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful what you say to insurance companies.
  5. Consult an Attorney: Quickly find a trusted Harrisburg car injury attorney to protect your rights.

After being in an automobile accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Navigating insurance claims and legal processes on your own can add unnecessary stress.

As one client, Ruthie Lupfer, shared:

“After being in an automobile accident, Scott Cooper came highly recommended to me. I found Scott and his team very kind and considerate.”

Your accident has already disrupted your life—having a compassionate and knowledgeable Harrisburg car injury attorney by your side can make a substantial difference in your recovery journey.

Infographic showing clear steps to take immediately following a car accident, including calling 911, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, reporting to insurance, and consulting a Harrisburg car injury attorney. - Harrisburg car injury attorney infographic

Harrisburg car injury attorney word list: – Auto accident lawyer near meCar crash legal advice

Understanding Car Accidents in Harrisburg

Car accidents are an unfortunate, yet frequent part of daily life in Harrisburg and throughout Dauphin County. According to the most recent data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Dauphin County sees thousands of reported traffic accidents every year. For example, in one recent year, 2,805 crashes were reported. Of these crashes, 26 were fatal, and another 1,173 left individuals seriously injured. To put that into perspective, that’s around 7 to 8 crashes happening each and every day—right here in our own neighborhoods.

Sadly, it’s not just a local issue. Pennsylvania faces ongoing traffic safety challenges statewide. According to PennDOT, there are about 340 traffic collisions across the state daily—that’s roughly 14 every hour. These crashes lead to about three fatalities and more than 220 injuries each day. Shockingly, one out of every 45 Pennsylvania residents experiences a reportable traffic crash each year.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re our friends, neighbors, and family members whose lives change in an instant. Understanding the scope of this issue highlights why having a reliable Harrisburg car injury attorney by your side after a crash is so important.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Harrisburg occur due to a variety of reasons—but some causes pop up again and again.

One major factor is distracted driving. With smartphones, GPS devices, and busy lifestyles, many drivers unknowingly put themselves and others in danger. Even simple actions like sending a quick text or adjusting the radio can drastically decrease a driver’s reaction time.

Another frequent culprit is speeding. Going too fast isn’t just about breaking the law—it reduces your ability to stop on time, steer turns safely, and avoid hazards. Plus, when a crash does happen, high speeds make injuries more severe.

Sadly, drunk driving remains a persistent problem. Despite awareness campaigns and tough penalties, about 34 alcohol-related accidents still happen each day in Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg’s changing seasons also play a role. Weather conditions like snow, ice, heavy rain, and fog create slippery roads and limited visibility. Even cautious drivers can find themselves in trouble when Mother Nature is involved.

Other common issues are reckless driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals, and driver fatigue, especially among commercial truck drivers or shift workers. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving—something many Harrisburg drivers might not realize.

Understanding what caused your accident is crucial for determining who was responsible and building a strong case for compensation. A trusted Harrisburg car injury attorney can investigate your crash, identify the responsible parties, and help you steer the confusing aftermath.

Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Insurance System

Pennsylvania uses an insurance system that blends aspects of both no-fault and fault-based approaches. Understanding this system can be tricky—but it’s essential after a car accident.

In our state, everyone involved in a crash first turns to their own insurance policy to cover medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or more commonly, “Medical Benefits Coverage.”

At minimum, Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry:

  • $5,000 in medical benefits coverage
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability coverage

However, these minimums often fall short, especially in serious crashes involving significant injuries. Many attorneys recommend opting for higher coverage amounts to better protect yourself.

Another unique aspect of Pennsylvania’s system is choosing between limited tort and full tort coverage.

With limited tort, your premiums tend to be lower, but you give up some rights. Specifically, you can’t sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries qualify as “serious” under the law. You can still recover medical expenses and lost wages, but emotional distress or pain and suffering claims become restricted.

With full tort, you keep the unrestricted ability to seek compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering, no matter your injury’s severity. This choice typically costs more but provides broader protection after an accident.

One client shared her experience after working with a Harrisburg car injury attorney:

“I didn’t understand the difference between limited and full tort until after my accident. My attorney explained that even with limited tort, there were exceptions allowing me to pursue compensation for my serious injuries. Without legal help, I would have accepted the insurance company’s initial low offer.”

The decision between limited and full tort coverage significantly impacts your options after an accident. The good news is that even if you chose limited tort, certain exceptions could still enable you to pursue compensation. A compassionate and knowledgeable Harrisburg car injury attorney from Metzger Wickersham can explain your policy clearly, helping you maximize your potential compensation.

For more about the claims process, you can visit our detailed guide on claims with a Harrisburg personal injury lawyer.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

Car accident scene with emergency responders - Harrisburg car injury attorney

The moments right after a car accident can be frightening and overwhelming. You might feel panicked, confused, or even unsure of your next steps. Taking a deep breath and following a few simple guidelines can help you stay safe and protect your rights down the road.

Here’s exactly what to do (and what not to do) immediately after a car accident in Harrisburg.

Ensuring Safety and Health

Your first priority after any accident should always be your safety and health. Move to safety if possible. If your car is blocking traffic or in a dangerous spot, carefully move it to the side of the road or a safe area nearby. Turn on your hazard lights right away to alert other drivers. If you can’t move your car safely, leave it where it is and find a secure place away from the traffic.

Next, call 911 immediately—even if the accident seems minor. Having the police document your accident helps your insurance claim and can be essential if you need legal help later. In Pennsylvania, you must report any accident that involves injuries, fatalities, or cars that can’t be driven safely.

Even if you think you’re completely fine, seek immediate medical attention. Many serious injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. What feels minor at the scene can actually be serious. Paramedics can check you quickly at the site, and you should always follow up with a doctor soon after—even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.

It’s also smart to carefully document your injuries as soon as possible. Take clear photos of any bruises, cuts, or swelling. Save all medical paperwork, including reports, prescriptions, and doctor’s instructions. It’s helpful to keep a journal noting the pain levels, symptoms, and daily struggles your injuries cause. Harrisburg car accident victims who track their injuries carefully typically have stronger claims and higher settlements.

Documenting the Scene

Once you’ve made sure you’re safe and the authorities are on the way, it’s important to start documenting what happened. Your phone camera is your best friend in this situation. Take plenty of photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture damages to vehicles, road conditions, weather conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries you or passengers have. These photos can be extremely valuable evidence later on.

Next, calmly exchange information with everyone involved. Be sure to get names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It’s also a good idea to look around for potential witnesses. Witness accounts can clarify exactly what happened, especially if there’s a dispute later. Politely ask for their names and contact information so your attorney can follow up if needed.

Before you leave, find out how and when you can get a copy of the police report. This official report will include valuable details—such as the police officer’s observations, descriptions of injuries, and whether any citations were issued. As explained on the Metzger Wickersham claims process page, solid documentation is the cornerstone of building a successful claim.

Notifying Insurance and Avoiding Pitfalls

After the accident, contact your insurance company promptly. Most policies require quick notification, and delaying could harm your claim. However, caution is key. When you speak to insurance reps, keep your comments factual and brief—simply share when and where the accident happened. Never admit fault, apologize, or speculate about causes. It’s natural to feel shaken up, but being careful with your words protects your case.

Be wary if the insurance company offers a fast settlement. Early offers usually seem tempting but are often much lower than what your case might truly be worth. This is because insurance companies hope you’ll accept before you clearly know the extent of your injuries and losses.

The safest way to handle these conversations is to refer insurance adjusters to your Harrisburg car injury attorney. Once you have an attorney on your side, they’ll handle all insurance communications and negotiations, making sure you get fair treatment. As explained on Metzger Wickersham’s insurance claims page, insurance companies prioritize their own interests, not yours. Having an experienced advocate on your side can make all the difference.

These initial steps after your car accident can make or break your case down the line. Taking the right approach from the very start can help you secure the fair compensation you deserve and move forward with confidence. If you’re unsure or overwhelmed, reaching out to the compassionate team at Metzger Wickersham can make everything easier.

When to Consult a Harrisburg Car Injury Attorney

Attorney consultation meeting - Harrisburg car injury attorney

After experiencing a car accident, one of your biggest questions might be, “Do I really need a Harrisburg car injury attorney?” While not every minor accident requires legal representation, there are specific situations where getting help from an attorney can significantly impact your recovery, both financially and emotionally.

Recognizing when it’s time to reach out for legal guidance is key. Let’s dive into how you can identify when talking to an attorney might be the right step for you.

Signs You Need a Harrisburg Car Injury Attorney

If your accident has left you with severe or long-term injuries, it’s strongly advised to speak with an attorney. Injuries involving surgeries, extended rehabilitation, permanent disability, or disfigurement often come with significant medical expenses. In fact, Pennsylvania accident data shows that victims with serious injuries who hire attorneys typically receive settlements that are about 3.5 times greater than those who handle claims on their own.

Another clear sign that you need help from an attorney is when there are disputes over who caused the accident. Insurance companies sometimes try to shift blame to reduce how much they have to pay. A Harrisburg car injury attorney from Metzger Wickersham can step in to thoroughly investigate the accident, use accident reconstruction professionals when needed, and strongly present your case for liability.

Have your injuries caused you to miss a lot of work, or are they affecting your ability to earn income in the future? If so, an attorney can help make sure your lost wages and reduced earning capacity are accurately calculated and fairly compensated.

Complex scenarios involving multiple parties—such as accidents with commercial trucks, rideshare services, or government-owned vehicles—can also make the claims process trickier than usual. Insurance policies overlap and determining who’s responsible can quickly become complicated. An experienced attorney knows exactly how to handle these cases to ensure no responsible party is overlooked.

Lastly, dealing with difficult insurance company tactics is another situation where legal help can make a big difference. Are you facing delays, being pressured into accepting lowball settlements, or having your legitimate claims outright denied? These tactics are red flags that it’s time to get professional help.

One Metzger Wickersham client shared her experience:

“After my accident, the insurance adjuster called me daily, asking for statements and offering a settlement before I even knew the extent of my injuries. Once I hired Metzger Wickersham, those calls stopped, and my attorney handled everything. The final settlement was more than four times the initial offer.”

Benefits of Hiring a Harrisburg Car Injury Attorney

If you’re still on the fence about hiring an attorney, understanding the benefits can help you see just how much value they add.

Car accident laws and insurance policies can be confusing. An attorney at Metzger Wickersham has the background knowledge and experience needed to clarify these complexities and guide you through every step of the process. They know exactly how to protect your rights and interests.

Another major benefit is knowing that your claim will be valued accurately. Many accident victims underestimate what their case is truly worth because they aren’t aware of all potential damages. Your attorney will factor in everything—from current and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even how injuries have changed your enjoyment of life.

Attorneys also have the resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation and preserve critical evidence. This can include everything from gathering surveillance footage and eyewitness statements to consulting with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists. Preserving this evidence early on can dramatically strengthen your case down the road.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially when adjusters are trained specifically to offer you the lowest possible settlement. Attorneys at Metzger Wickersham have the confidence and negotiating skills to push back against lowball offers and secure fair compensation.

Finally, having an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial can actually increase your settlement offer. Insurance companies often prefer to avoid court, and knowing your attorney is ready to file a lawsuit and go to trial can encourage them to offer a fair settlement sooner.

For victims dealing with complex injuries—like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and serious burns—these benefits are even greater. Such injuries require specific medical insight and careful planning to accurately account for future needs. As Metzger Wickersham outlines on their complex injury page, cases involving complicated medical issues truly benefit from the compassionate and dedicated support of a Harrisburg car injury attorney by your side.

If any of these scenarios feel familiar, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. You deserve compassionate, reliable support from a legal team who genuinely cares about your recovery.

How a Harrisburg Car Injury Attorney Can Assist You

When you’re hurt in a car accident, it feels like your entire world is flipped upside down. Medical appointments, insurance hassles, and financial worries quickly pile up, making the situation feel overwhelming. This is exactly when partnering with a compassionate and capable Harrisburg car injury attorney from Metzger Wickersham can help ease your burdens.

From the moment you first speak with us, our dedicated team gets to work investigating your case thoroughly. We start by closely examining exactly what happened—visiting the accident site, reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, and looking at evidence like vehicle damage or surveillance videos. If needed, our attorneys bring in respected accident reconstruction professionals who can clearly demonstrate exactly how the crash occurred.

Building a strong case means proving negligence: showing clearly that the other driver had a duty to drive safely, failed in that duty by driving carelessly, and directly caused the injuries and damages you’re experiencing. Your attorney will gather all the necessary documents and evidence to clearly establish these points and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Often, car accidents involve multiple responsible parties. Your Harrisburg car injury attorney will carefully review your case to identify all parties who bear responsibility. This might include other drivers involved, vehicle owners, employers (if someone was driving for work), vehicle manufacturers (in cases involving defects), or even government agencies if road conditions contributed to the crash. It’s crucial to make sure all potential sources of compensation are held accountable.

You have enough to handle during your recovery—so let your attorney manage all communications. Our team deals directly with insurance companies, defense attorneys, medical providers, and bill collectors on your behalf. This helps prevent you from accidentally saying something that could damage your claim and eliminates the stress of endless phone calls and paperwork.

Navigating the Legal Process

We understand the legal process can feel intimidating and confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries. That’s why your Harrisburg car injury attorney walks you through every step with clarity and warmth.

We’ll begin with a free initial consultation where you can share your story. We’ll review documents you’ve collected, clearly explain your legal options, and answer your questions in plain English.

Next, we’ll file insurance claims promptly and correctly, ensuring all required paperwork and deadlines are carefully handled. After evaluating all your damages and expenses, your attorney drafts a strong demand letter clearly stating the compensation you deserve. We’ll negotiate strategically with insurance companies, pushing back on low offers and standing firm to get you fair compensation.

In cases where insurance companies refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, our attorneys don’t hesitate to take legal action. A lawsuit will be filed within Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations, and we’ll guide you through the entire litigation process—from findy and depositions to court hearings and trial if necessary. Even after starting court proceedings, we’ll continue exploring opportunities for settlement to minimize stress and maximize compensation.

Additionally, if you have existing medical conditions worsened by the accident, our experienced attorneys ensure this is correctly documented and factored into your compensation. You can learn more about how we handle this on our existing conditions and claims page.

Calculating Your Compensation

One of the most important tasks your Harrisburg car injury attorney performs is carefully calculating the true value of your claim. Many accident victims underestimate their losses because they focus only on immediate medical bills. Our team takes a thorough approach, ensuring every financial, physical, and emotional hardship you’ve endured is accounted for.

We examine your economic damages, which include expenses like emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, medical equipment, and any future medical care you might require. We’ll also factor in lost wages from missed workdays, lost bonuses or raises, and your reduced ability to earn wages in the future. Property damage, like repairing or replacing your vehicle and renting a temporary car, will also be included.

In addition, your attorney will carefully evaluate your non-economic damages, which are harder to measure but equally important. These include your physical pain, emotional struggles, mental distress, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment in life. Even the impact of your injuries on close family relationships can be part of your claim.

In extreme cases involving reckless behavior, such as drunk driving, the court might award punitive damages to punish the responsible person.

Our attorneys use established methods to evaluate these losses, considering factors like the severity and long-term effects of your injuries. For catastrophic injuries, we consult with life care planners and economic analysts to ensure your future needs are properly understood and compensated.

Metzger Wickersham takes pride in providing personalized, dedicated representation to each client. You’re not a number here; you’re someone we’ve pledged to support every step of the way. If you’ve been injured in a Harrisburg car accident, trust your case to attorneys who truly care about securing justice for you.

Car accident settlement negotiation - Harrisburg car injury attorney

Choosing the Right Harrisburg Car Injury Attorney

Finding the right Harrisburg car injury attorney after your accident can feel overwhelming—like searching for a trustworthy friend during a tough time. It’s a decision that matters deeply. The attorney you choose will impact not only the results of your case, but also your peace of mind along the way.

Here’s what to look at when deciding who should stand by your side in this fight.

Evaluating Experience and Results

When reviewing potential attorneys, focus on choosing someone who has experience handling car accident and injury cases specifically. At Metzger Wickersham, our attorneys have spent years representing car accident victims throughout Pennsylvania. We’ve handled thousands of cases, so we understand the ins and outs of claims like yours.

Next, consider the attorney’s track record of success. While no lawyer can promise a certain outcome, a history of substantial settlements and verdicts can tell you a lot. At Metzger Wickersham, we’re proud to say we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. For example, our firm secured a $1.4 million settlement for a client seriously injured in a head-on collision, $1.2 million for a commercial vehicle crash victim, and $500,000 for a client who suffered fractures from a car accident.

It’s also important to find out if your attorney has trial experience. While most cases settle outside the courtroom, having a lawyer willing and able to go to trial can be a big advantage. Insurance companies tend to offer fairer settlements if they know your attorney isn’t afraid of stepping into court.

Another benefit can come from hiring someone with strong local knowledge. A Harrisburg car injury attorney who knows the local courts, judges, and insurance adjusters can often move strategically and comfortably through the process. Metzger Wickersham has deep roots in the Harrisburg community—we’ve been here for more than 135 years.

Don’t just take our word for it—client reviews and testimonials can give you important insight. Hearing from past clients about the attorney’s skill, communication style, and compassion can make deciding easier. One of our former clients, Jessica B., had this to say:

“I used Metzger Wickersham for a personal injury case. My attorney was great to work with and made the whole process smooth and painless.”

Finally, look for attorneys who have earned recognition from their peers and professional organizations. When people in the legal field respect an attorney, it often means they’re doing something right.

Understanding Legal Fees and Agreements

When it comes to talking fees, don’t be shy—make sure you clearly understand how your attorney charges before you move ahead. At Metzger Wickersham, like most reputable personal injury firms, we work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs, hourly charges, or hidden fees. Instead, your attorney is paid a percentage of your settlement or court verdict. If your case is unsuccessful, you typically won’t owe attorney fees at all. This arrangement makes quality legal help accessible to everyone and ensures your attorney only succeeds when you do.

Most personal injury firms, including ours, offer a free initial consultation. During this relaxed first meeting, you can get to know your attorney, ask questions, and discuss your options. Make sure to ask about your potential claim’s value, the attorney’s communication style, and their approach to your case. The initial consultation is your time to see if the attorney is a good fit for you.

Once you’ve decided to work together, make sure you have a clear written fee agreement. This document explains clearly how the contingency fee works, any additional expenses, and what your obligations might include if you change your mind or want to switch attorneys.

Throughout your case, you’ll want a lawyer who offers transparent communication. At Metzger Wickersham, we make sure you’re always updated and encourage you to reach out whenever you have questions or concerns. Another happy client, Matthew R., shared his experience this way:

“I was beyond pleased with the way my case was handled. Each time I either called or emailed the office, I had many questions and they were always answered promptly and thoroughly.”

At the end of the day, choosing your Harrisburg car injury attorney is about finding someone who makes you feel supported and comfortable. Your attorney should be someone you trust to guide you through this difficult and often emotional journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step and speak with a caring, experienced Harrisburg car injury attorney, contact Metzger Wickersham today for your free consultation. We’re here to listen, guide you, and help you move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harrisburg Car Injury Attorneys

How long does a car accident claim take in Harrisburg?

“How long will my case take?” is one of the first questions most accident victims ask. The honest answer is that it depends on your unique situation.

For straightforward cases with minor injuries and clear liability, you might see a resolution in just a few months. These simpler cases typically involve filing an insurance claim, providing basic documentation, and a round or two of negotiations before reaching a fair settlement.

When your injuries are more serious or there’s some disagreement about how the accident happened, expect a timeline of 6-12 months. During this period, you’ll complete your medical treatment (or reach maximum medical improvement), your Harrisburg car injury attorney will gather all your medical records and employment documentation, and then engage in more extensive negotiations with the insurance company. Sometimes these cases involve mediation—a structured negotiation with a neutral third party helping to facilitate an agreement.

Complex cases involving life-changing injuries, disputed fault, or multiple vehicles can stretch to 1-2 years or sometimes longer. These cases often require expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists or medical specialists, detailed investigations, and possibly a trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

At Metzger Wickersham, we understand waiting is difficult when you’re facing mounting bills. We work efficiently while never sacrificing thoroughness. Remember: rushing to settle before understanding your full medical situation and future needs often leads to inadequate compensation that leaves you paying out-of-pocket down the road.

Can I recover damages if I’m partially at fault?

The good news is yes—Pennsylvania law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident, thanks to the state’s “modified comparative negligence” rule.

Here’s how it works in real terms: Imagine you’re making a left turn when another driver speeding through an intersection hits you. During the investigation, it’s determined you should have yielded, but the other driver was going 20 mph over the speed limit. The insurance company might argue you’re 40% at fault while the other driver is 60% responsible.

If your total damages equal $100,000, your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault—meaning you could recover $60,000 (the original $100,000 minus 40%).

The critical threshold to remember is 51%. If you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, Pennsylvania law prevents you from recovering any compensation. This is why having a skilled Harrisburg car injury attorney is so important—even small shifts in fault percentages can mean thousands of dollars in your settlement.

A client named Michael experienced this firsthand: “The insurance company initially claimed I was 60% at fault for changing lanes. After my attorney gathered witness statements and analyzed the police report, they proved I was only 30% responsible. This completely changed my case from potentially receiving nothing to recovering a significant settlement.”

Your Harrisburg car injury attorney will work diligently to present evidence that minimizes your share of responsibility while highlighting the other party’s negligence—whether that’s through traffic camera footage, witness statements, expert testimony, or accident reconstruction.

What is negligence and how does it affect my case?

Negligence is the foundation of nearly every car accident claim, but many people don’t fully understand what it means in legal terms.

Simply put, negligence happens when someone fails to act with reasonable care and causes harm as a result. On the road, it means a driver didn’t exercise the caution that a reasonably careful person would under similar circumstances.

For your Harrisburg car injury attorney to build a successful case, they need to establish four essential elements:

First, duty of care—all drivers automatically have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. This is the easiest element to establish since everyone who gets behind the wheel takes on this duty.

Second, breach of duty—the other driver violated their responsibility through actions like texting while driving, running a red light, speeding, driving under the influence, or following too closely. This breach is what we commonly think of as the careless or reckless behavior that led to the crash.

Third, causation—this breach directly caused the accident and your injuries. Your attorney must connect the dots between the driver’s careless action and your harm. For example, if a driver was texting and rear-ended you at a stoplight, causing whiplash, the connection is clear. Causation becomes more complicated in multi-vehicle accidents or when pre-existing conditions are involved.

Fourth, damages—you suffered actual, compensable harm. This includes physical injuries, medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Without damages, there’s no case, regardless of how carelessly the other person drove.

Infographic explaining the four elements of negligence in car accident cases: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages - Harrisburg car injury attorney infographic

The strength of your negligence claim directly impacts your compensation. When fault is crystal clear—like when the other driver received a citation for running a stop sign—insurance companies are more likely to offer reasonable settlements faster. When negligence is disputed, your case requires more investigation and potentially litigation.

Sarah, a Metzger Wickersham client, shared: “I was worried because the other driver claimed I contributed to the accident by not using my turn signal. My attorney interviewed witnesses and found security camera footage from a nearby business that proved I had signaled properly. This evidence was crucial in establishing the other driver’s complete negligence.”

Your Harrisburg car injury attorney will build your negligence case by gathering police reports, obtaining witness statements, analyzing photos of the accident scene, reviewing medical records, and sometimes consulting specialists like accident reconstruction experts. This thorough approach ensures all elements of negligence are properly established, maximizing your chances of fair compensation.

Conclusion

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Harrisburg can feel like an overwhelming, stressful experience. But remember, you don’t need to tackle this challenging situation alone. When the unexpected happens, having a compassionate and knowledgeable Harrisburg car injury attorney on your side can make all the difference.

At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve been helping accident victims across Pennsylvania for over 135 years. Our dedicated team approach allows us to provide caring, supportive guidance while aggressively pursuing justice and the compensation you deserve.

Accidents can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. It’s natural to feel confused about what steps to take next. That’s why act quickly and seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.

Be sure to document everything related to your accident, including medical treatments, photos of the scene, police reports, and conversations with insurance representatives. Keep in mind—insurance companies aren’t typically looking out for your best interests. They’re looking out for their bottom line. So before accepting any settlement offer, get advice from an experienced Harrisburg car injury attorney.

Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an accident. Look for someone with a solid track record of results, clear communication, local court knowledge, and transparent contingency fee arrangements. At Metzger Wickersham, we take the time to explain every step of the process and ensure our clients never pay any upfront legal fees.

As one of our clients thoughtfully said,

“While we were in the process of finishing a seven-year existing case, an auto accident happened—they took on that case for my family too. They are very professional and care deeply about their clients.”

The path ahead after a car accident can seem uncertain, but you don’t have to travel it by yourself. At Metzger Wickersham, we handle all the complicated legal issues, evidence collection, negotiations, and, if necessary, trial preparation, so that you can focus on healing and recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Harrisburg, we warmly invite you to reach out for a free, no-pressure consultation. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help you understand exactly what steps to take next.

Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your health, finances, and future. Take action today and schedule your free consultation with a caring, client-focused Harrisburg car injury attorney at Metzger Wickersham. We’re here for you every step of the way.