Is My Car Accident Major or Minor?

Have you been involved in a car accident and are unsure of the extent of it? Is your accident considered minor or major, and is it worth filing a claim?

First, minor accidents and major accidents are commonly used terms in the media and public disclosure, however, these terms are not used by insurance companies or the law when categorizing accidents. Before filing a claim, always speak with a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia to help guide you through the process. 

Minor Accidents

Even though insurance companies do not use the terminology “minor accident”, you can still get a good idea on the extent of your accident by knowing what is considered minor.  

A minor accident usually means there is no major damage to your car and no injuries to those involved. These accidents are not considered serious, but there are times you may still want to file a claim. 

Major Accidents

Major accidents are the opposite of minor accidents and much more severe. They include damage to vehicles and also involve injuries to those involved that are permanent or long-lasting, including fatalities.  

Things to Keep in Mind

Injuries can take time to show up. This is why you should always be checked out right away by a medical professional, even if you do not think you suffered an injury. To file a successful claim, you will need to prove injuries, even if they show up weeks or months after. 

Small accident claims aren’t always worth filing. It really comes down to if you live in a fault or no-fault state. Pennsylvania is one of 12 states that have no-fault auto insurance laws.  

Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

Even though Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, residents have the option of choosing fault or no-fault laws when purchasing auto insurance. 

If you have no-fault insurance, you can file a lawsuit whenever there is an accident to help pay for medical bills and wages for any missed work. But you are not allowed to receive compensation for emotional distress such as pain and suffering. This is a less expensive option with lower premiums. 

If you have not chosen a no-fault plan, if you are involved in a claim, you could receive full compensation for pay wages and medical expenses from the party that was at fault for the accident. This is a more expensive option. 

 Working with Edelstein Law Firm

At Edelstein Law, we will aggressively work for you from the very beginning of your claim, following through until the very end. We are a well-recognized and respected law firm in the Philadelphia area that has significant experience representing those involved in car accidents. We can take a look at your insurance plan and assist you with any personal injury claims.