Average Car Accident Settlement in Pennsylvania

Facing the aftermath of a car accident caused by the carelessness of another driver can leave you feeling overwhelmed. High medical bills, car repairs, and lost work hours can strain your finances and leave you worried about your financial future. You are likely wondering what the average car accident settlement is in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Prevalence

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publishes an annual Crash Facts & Statistics booklet that reports on crash prevalence throughout the state. In 2024, there were a total of 110,765 reported crashes throughout Pennsylvania. Of those crashes:

• 1,060 resulted in a fatality
• 1,127 total fatalities
• 48,795 resulted in injuries
• 66,931 total injuries
• 60,911 resulted in property damage only

There were several different crash types commonly reported. Crashes were either at an angle, while backing up, or head-on collisions. Angled crashes resulted in the most fatalities at 247, compared with backing up at one and head-on collisions at 126. Crashes involving a fixed object resulted in the most fatalities at 384, but crashes involving a non-motorist also caused a disproportionate number of fatalities at 188.

Factors leading to a car accident can affect how much compensation is awarded. When a driver acts recklessly or fails to act in a way that could have prevented the accident, they could face punitive damages. The leading causes of accidents from driver errors include:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Improper turning
• Careless or illegal passing
• Proceeding without clearance
• Distracted driving
• Driving while drowsy
• Tailgating

Types of Car Accident Compensation

Car accidents result in many expenses that can disrupt your finances at a time when it may be difficult to work. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine what compensation you are entitled to and help you negotiate a fair settlement.

Your first source of compensation should be your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through your car insurance company. In addition, you could be entitled to additional compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance company or your own, including:

• Property replacement or repair. The at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance should cover the cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident.
• Medical expenses. Your PIP benefits are designed to cover most of your medical expenses, but you may require additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage. Pennsylvania requires minimum BIL coverage for all drivers.
• Emotional damages. You have the right to seek damages for pain and suffering and other emotional distress caused by the accident. However, your ability to file a claim for pain and suffering is limited by the type of tort coverage in your insurance policy.
• Lost wages. Your PIP coverage offers some compensation for lost wages, but you may require additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance.
• Punitive damages. In rare cases, when the at-fault driver’s actions are especially reckless, a judge may award punitive damages as a punishment for the at-fault driver.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can cause serious injuries and expensive car repairs. You deserve fair compensation following an accident, but insurance companies don’t always offer reasonable settlement amounts. You may need to hire a car accident lawyer to ensure your case is handled fairly. The legal team at Santini Personal Injury & Car Accident Law believes everyone deserves fair compensation after a car accident and has the experience to fight for your interests.

FAQs

Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault Car Accident State?

Pennsylvania is considered a no-fault car accident state, but residents have the choice to purchase limited or full tort coverage insurance, which affects what compensation you can file a claim for after a car accident. Limited tort coverage allows you to file a claim for economic damages, but you are not allowed to seek non-economic damages unless your injuries are considered serious. Full tort coverage allows you to seek compensation for all economic and non-economic damages.

How Can I Tell If a Car Accident Settlement Offer Is Fair?

A fair car accident settlement offer should cover economic damages related to the accident and offer compensation for non-economic damages suffered. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine what would be a fair amount. The offer should be transparent and include an itemized breakdown of the expenses being compensated. When a company is working in good faith, it should be open to negotiations and adjust the amount based on the available evidence of expenses sustained.

What Are Some Signs My Settlement Offer is a Lowball?

The first offer is often a lowball amount that may be enticing but doesn’t take into consideration actual expenses. Offers made with an expiration date or without a thorough breakdown of everything included in the total amount are more likely to be lowball offers. When an offer is made too quickly, it likely does not take into consideration ongoing medical expenses that can occur with serious injuries or those that require long-term care.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?

The length of time it takes to settle a car accident claim in Pennsylvania varies with the circumstances of the claim. Simple claims can often be handled quickly, while more complex claims take longer. Injuries often delay settlements until long-term needs are clear. Agreeing on a settlement amount through negotiations is often quicker than filing a claim in court, but it may be necessary to file a claim if liability has been disputed or negotiations have been unsuccessful.

Is Pennsylvania a Contributory or Comparative Negligence State?

Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state. Under modified comparative negligence, your compensation received is reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. Pennsylvania follows a 51% fault rule for determining damages. You must be less than 51% at fault to receive compensation after a car accident. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your maximum settlement amount is only 80% of any awarded compensation.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer

Facing the challenge of recovering after a car accident can be daunting when you have little support. A car accident attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery. Contact Santini Personal Injury & Car Accident Law today to schedule your initial consultation.

About The Author

Frank Santini

Frank Santini, Esq., is a highly accomplished personal injury attorney and the founder of The Frank Santini Law Firm, specializing in personal injury law. A summa cum laude graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Frank is licensed in Florida and New Jersey and has earned recognition as a Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and high ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. Education: Graduated cum laude from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA Graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University College of Law Professional Associations: Member of The Florida Bar and the New Jersey Bar. Experience: Founder of The Frank Santini Law Firm, representing personal injury clients with dedication and expertise.

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