State College Car Accident Lawyer

Serious Help After A Serious Car Crash

A serious car crash can change your life in a single afternoon. One moment you are driving through town or heading down the highway, and the next you are dealing with pain, a damaged vehicle, missed time from work, and calls from insurance adjusters. If you need a car accident attorney and you are unsure where to turn, you are not alone.

At Friday & Cox LLC, we represent people who have been hurt in crashes in and around State College and across western and central Pennsylvania. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law, and we are known for being willing to take cases to trial when that is what it takes. We work with you, not just for you, to pursue the medical care, wage replacement, and compensation you need so you can focus on healing.

Our consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs to get started. If you are feeling overwhelmed by medical bills and worried about your next paycheck, we are here to help you understand your options and to start working every angle of your case.

To request a free case review, call (412) 900-8250 or contact us online today.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws

Understanding Pennsylvania’s car accident laws is critical when pursuing a claim. Several key rules may affect your case:

Fault-Based Insurance System

Pennsylvania follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the damages suffered by others.

Limited vs. Full Tort Coverage

Pennsylvania drivers choose between limited tort and full tort insurance coverage.

• Full tort allows you to pursue compensation for pain and suffering.
• Limited tort restricts this right unless you suffer a “serious injury,” as defined by law.

Our State College car accident lawyer can review your policy and explain how it impacts your claim.

Comparative Negligence

Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.

Where Do Crashes Often Occur in State College?

State College sees a wide range of traffic accidents due to its mix of local residents, students, commuters, and visitors. Common crash locations include:

• Atherton Street (Route 322)
• College Avenue and Beaver Avenue
• North and South Allen Street intersections
• Near Penn State University campus
• Busy shopping and dining areas

High pedestrian traffic, distracted driving, and congested intersections all contribute to accident risks in these areas.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur for many reasons, but most are preventable. Some of the most common causes we see include:

• Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, phone calls)
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
• Tailgating
• Drowsy driving
• Poor weather or road conditions

Our legal team carefully examines police reports, witness statements, and crash evidence to determine exactly what caused your accident.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Even seemingly minor crashes can result in serious injuries. Common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Back and neck injuries
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Severe cuts, burns, and scarring

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention and legal advice as soon as possible is essential.

Recovering Compensation After a Crash

A skilled State College car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for all losses related to your accident, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a car accident, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

What to Do After a Car Accident in State College

If you are involved in a crash, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek immediate medical care
3. Document the scene with photos and videos
4. Obtain contact information from witnesses
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters
6. Contact a State College car accident lawyer as soon as possible

Car Accident Claim FAQs

How much is my car accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance coverage.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

Even “minor” accidents can lead to long-term injuries or disputes with insurance companies. Consulting a lawyer helps protect your interests.

How long does a car accident claim take?

Some claims settle in months, while others may take longer if litigation is required. Your attorney can provide a realistic timeline.

Will my case go to court?

Many car accident cases settle out of court, but Friday & Cox LLC prepares every case as if it will go to trial.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

You may still have options through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can explain your rights.

Why Injured Drivers Turn To Our Firm After A Crash

When you are choosing a car accident attorney State College residents can rely on, you need more than a name on a billboard. You need a team that combines real trial experience, strong results, and a people-first approach that respects what you are going through. That is the foundation we built Friday & Cox LLC on.

Together, our attorneys have over a century of experience handling serious injury claims. We have taken on complex cases involving catastrophic harm and secured significant verdicts and settlements worth millions of dollars. Our work has been recognized by respected organizations, including AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, listings in Super Lawyers, Pennsylvania’s Best of the Bar, and Philadelphia Top Attorneys. These honors reflect years of work on behalf of people whose lives were turned upside down by preventable accidents.

Our commitment to trial is a core part of who we are. Many firms resolve claims quickly to avoid the time and effort that come with litigation. We prepare each case as if it may be presented to a jury. Insurance companies and defense lawyers know this, and that knowledge can influence how seriously they take your claim and how they approach settlement negotiations.

At the same time, we understand that you are not just a case file. We focus on clear communication and empathy. Our team works to explain your options in straightforward language and to keep you updated so you are never left wondering what is happening with your claim. We also promise to return urgent inquiries at all hours, because we know questions do not only arise during business time.

To talk with our team about your car accident and learn how we can help, call (412) 900-8250.