Personal Injury Lawyer Philadelphia

This local guide is for people hurt in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It walks you through what to do in the first day, where to get reports and care, which courts handle cases here, and how towing and fees work in the city. It is practical, plain-English information—not legal advice—and it links to official City, court, and state pages so you can act quickly.

First 24 Hours in Philadelphia

Safety & Medical

  • Emergencies: Call 911 for any injury, fire, or unsafe scene.
  • Non-emergency city help: Call 311 for non-urgent city services; for police station locations use Find a Police Station.
  • ER vs. Urgent Care: Go to the ER (not urgent care) for head, neck, or back injuries, chest pain, breathing trouble, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, broken bones, severe pain, or if a child was hurt. Philadelphia has multiple Level I trauma centers for serious injuries, including Penn Presbyterian, Jefferson, Temple, and Einstein; CHOP is Level I pediatric.
  • Tell providers everything that hurts—even “minor” symptoms. Ask for discharge instructions and keep copies.

Evidence Checklist

  • Photos or video: vehicles, plates, damage, intersections, signals, skid marks, debris, injuries, and weather/lighting.
  • Witnesses: names, phone numbers, and a brief note of what they saw.
  • Dashcam or store cameras: note nearby businesses, ATMs, and homes with doorbell cams.
  • Exchange info: driver name, phone, insurer, policy number, vehicle make/model/VIN if available.
  • Police incident/crash number (ask the officer) and the investigating agency.
  • Keep damaged items and receipts; don’t repair your car until it’s documented.

Reporting an Accident

  • When you must report in PA: If anyone is injured or killed, or a vehicle needs towing, you must notify police immediately (call 911). See 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746.
  • If police don’t respond: For reportable crashes (injury/death/tow), drivers must submit PennDOT’s driver report (Form AA-600) within 5 days. See PennDOT crash reporting guidance (includes AA-600 info).
  • Philadelphia Police info: The City outlines what to expect when crashes are reported to PPD: Vehicular accidents—things to know.

Where Cases Happen Here (Courts & Venues)

  • Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County — Trial Division (Civil): This is the main trial court for injury lawsuits in Philadelphia. Many cases with claimed damages up to $50,000 start in the Court’s Compulsory Arbitration program; parties can appeal for a new trial. Learn more at the First Judicial District’s Civil Trial Division pages and arbitration resources: Philadelphia Courts (FJD) and Civil Arbitration.
  • Philadelphia Municipal Court — Civil Division: Handles smaller civil claims (commonly up to $12,000 for money damages), including many property-damage-only crash claims. See Municipal Court Civil Division.
  • E-filing: The First Judicial District uses the FJD Electronic Filing System for civil matters: FJD eFiling. (Some appellate and other filings use statewide PACFile.)
  • Venue basics: Cases are typically filed where the crash happened or where a defendant resides/does business. Your lawyer will confirm the proper venue and program (e.g., arbitration vs. jury trial).

How to Get Your Police Report in Philadelphia

Hospitals & Clinics Near Philadelphia

Below are recognized hospitals frequently used after crashes. Call ahead for current ER status and visitor rules.

Trauma designations verified by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation.

High-Risk Areas & Local Crash Patterns

  • Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1): Long-recognized high-injury corridor; automated speed enforcement (ASE) has reduced speeding and crashes. See Vision Zero and PPA ASE reports.
  • Broad Street (SR 611): A priority corridor for ASE expansion due to persistent crash patterns.
  • Market Street & JFK/Ben Franklin Parkway couplet (Center City): High pedestrian activity and complex intersections.
  • Kensington & Allegheny Avenues (K&A area): Dense traffic, transit, and turning conflicts.
  • Frankford Avenue & Aramingo Avenue (River Wards): Multilane sections, shopping access, high turning volumes.
  • Lincoln Drive & Kelly Drive (Northwest): Curves, limited shoulders, and speed contribute to crash risk.
  • Castor & Cottman Avenues (Northeast): Busy retail corridors with frequent left turns.

Why it matters: The City’s High Injury Network pinpoints corridors where a small share of streets accounts for most serious crashes. The PennDOT PCIT dashboards show Philadelphia trends and let you map crashes by corridor/intersection. Winter weather also plays a role; PennDOT posts advisories and safety tips each season.

Deadlines You Should Know

  • Injury & property damage: In most Pennsylvania personal-injury and property-damage cases, you generally have two years to file suit. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524.
  • Wrongful death/survival: Typically two years from the date of death (related timelines can vary; see the statute above and speak to counsel).
  • Medical negligence: Generally a two-year limitations period that runs from when the injury was, or reasonably should have been, discovered; Pennsylvania’s prior seven-year repose for medical malpractice was struck down by the PA Supreme Court in Yanakos v. UPMC (2019).
  • Claims against government entities: Pennsylvania law requires notice within six months to local or Commonwealth agencies for many claims. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522.

Important: Many exceptions may change a deadline (minor children, discovery rules, out-of-state defendants, federal claims, contracts, etc.). Do not rely on a website for your filing date—talk to a licensed attorney about your specific facts.

Costs & Fees (How It Typically Works)

Most Philadelphia injury firms work on a contingency fee. That means the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the recovery. If there is no recovery, the attorney’s fee is typically not charged. Case costs (medical records, court filing fees, expert reports, deposition transcripts, investigators) are separate from the fee; firms either advance these costs and reimburse at the end, or bill them as they arise. Exact percentages and cost policies vary by firm and by case type. Ask for the fee agreement in writing and request regular cost statements so there are no surprises.

Towing & Vehicle Storage in Philadelphia

  • Find your towed car & fees: Use the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) resources: Booted & Towed Vehicles (includes fee table) and PPA homepage. The City also links to retrieval steps at Get your car back when it has been towed.
  • What to bring to the impound: Valid driver’s license, current registration, proof of insurance, and payment for all outstanding tickets/fees. PPA details the document checklist and payment information on its site.
  • “Live Stop” impounds: Vehicles impounded for registration/license/insurance violations require proof of compliance and payment of outstanding tickets; some matters go through the Municipal Court Traffic Division. See PPA’s Booted & Towed Vehicles and the City’s towing guidance.
  • Storage fees: PPA publishes current tow and daily storage rates on its site. Retrieve the vehicle as soon as possible to reduce storage costs.
  • Disputes: For boot/tow disputes or expedited hearings about ability to pay, the City directs motorists to the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication; see instructions linked from PPA’s FAQs.

Working With a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer

  • Communication: Most firms offer phone, email, and secure client portals for updates. Ask how often you’ll receive status calls (e.g., monthly) and who your day-to-day contact will be (case manager, paralegal, or attorney).
  • Access: Many Philadelphia firms offer bilingual staff (commonly Spanish) and interpreters on request. Home/hospital visits and virtual consults are common.
  • Medical coordination: Firms often help schedule appointments, obtain records/bills, and work with providers on liens so treatment can proceed while a claim is pending.
  • Local process: Expect early investigation (photos, witnesses, cameras), a demand package to the insurer once treatment stabilizes, and, if needed, a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas with possible Compulsory Arbitration (≤$50,000) before any jury trial.

FAQs

1) Do you offer free consultations? How soon can I speak with an attorney?
Many Philadelphia injury firms offer free, same-day consults by phone or video. After a crash, quick questions include preserving evidence, medical steps, and how to get a police report. If a firm can’t speak immediately, ask for an intake within 24 hours and confirm how to share photos, the crash number, and insurance details securely.

2) How do contingency fees and case costs usually work in Pennsylvania?
The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the recovery (contingency). If there’s no recovery, no fee is typically owed. Case expenses—records, court costs, experts—are separate. Some firms advance costs and recoup them from the settlement; others bill as they go. Read the fee agreement and ask how costs are handled if the case ends early or if an offer arrives before suit is filed.

3) How long do most cases take in Philadelphia and what affects the timeline?
Simple property-damage or minor-injury claims can resolve in a few months. Cases involving ongoing treatment, disputed liability, or serious injuries generally take longer—often 9–18 months—especially if suit is filed and the matter goes through Compulsory Arbitration or trial. Medical stability (reaching maximum improvement), expert scheduling, and court calendars are key drivers.

4) Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?
Not before you understand your rights. Give basic claim info, but consult a lawyer before any recorded statement—especially if you’re hurt. Statements can be used against you, and you may not yet know the full extent of injuries. Your own insurer may have cooperation duties—ask counsel how to comply without harming your claim.

5) What if I was partly at fault under Pennsylvania law?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re partly at fault, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault; if you’re more than 50% at fault, you typically can’t recover. Fault is a fact question based on evidence (police report, photos, witnesses, video). An attorney can assess how the facts and local jury instructions may apply.

6) How are medical bills handled during the case?
Auto policies in Pennsylvania include first-party medical benefits that may pay initial treatment. Health insurance, provider liens, or letters of protection can apply next. At settlement or verdict, liens are usually resolved from proceeds. Keep every bill and EOB; your lawyer will coordinate benefits and negotiate liens to maximize your net recovery.

7) Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most cases settle. If suit is filed in Philadelphia, many claims under $50,000 first go to Compulsory Arbitration—often a faster, lower-cost hearing before lawyers who act as arbitrators. Either side can appeal for a new trial in the Court of Common Pleas. Strong preparation and clear damages documentation increase settlement chances.

8) What should I bring to the first meeting?
Bring the crash report or number, photos/videos, witness contacts, medical records and bills, health/auto insurance cards, proof of time missed from work, repair estimates, and any prior communication with insurers. A simple timeline of your symptoms can help the attorney understand your medical course and next steps.

Printable Checklist — What To Do After an Accident in Philadelphia

  • Move to a safe place; call 911 for any injury or danger.
  • Get medical care promptly; tell providers every area that hurts.
  • Exchange information and photograph vehicles, plates, scene, and injuries.
  • Gather witness names and phone numbers.
  • Note nearby cameras (stores, homes, traffic cams).
  • Ask for the police report/case number; set a reminder to request the report.
  • Preserve evidence: keep damaged items; delay repairs until documented.
  • Notify your insurer; avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.
  • Track symptoms, missed work, and expenses in one place.
  • Consider a local attorney consult to confirm deadlines and options.

Local Links & Resources

Sources

  • Get a copy of a public safety report — City of Philadelphia Department of Records — Service page
  • Document recording & service fees (Police accident report fee) — City of Philadelphia — Fee schedule
  • Immediate notice of accident to police (when to report) — PA General Assembly — 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746
  • Two-year statute (injury, property) — PA General Assembly — 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524
  • Six-month notice for government claims — PA General Assembly — 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522
  • PPD: Vehicular accidents—things to know — City of Philadelphia — City blog
  • Philadelphia Courts eFiling (civil) — First Judicial District — FJD eFiling portal
  • Civil Arbitration (≤$50,000) — First Judicial District — Program overview
  • Vision Zero ASE Expansion Report — City of Philadelphia / OTIS — Report page and City release
  • Pennsylvania Crash Information Tool (PCIT) — PennDOT — Dashboard
  • PPA Booted & Towed Vehicles — Philadelphia Parking Authority — Impound info
  • Accredited trauma centers (Philadelphia listings) — Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation — PTSF list

General information only, not legal advice. Laws change and vary. Talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.