When a Routine Drive Becomes a Legal Battle
Let’s face it—no one plans for a car accident. One second you’re merging onto Route 22 or headed through a tricky intersection in Bethlehem, and the next, your whole world gets flipped upside down. Sirens, tow trucks, stiff necks, and a mountain of paperwork. It’s overwhelming. And unfortunately, a lot of folks in the Lehigh Valley don’t realize how much they’re entitled to recover—or what simple mistakes can cost them big time.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve helped countless clients in Allentown, Bethlehem, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, Rittersville, and across the Lehigh Valley fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident. If you’ve recently been involved in a crash, here’s a guide to understanding the laws and strategies that can help you maximize your settlement—and avoid leaving money on the table.
1. Know the Type of Insurance You Chose (It Matters!)
Pennsylvania uses a no-fault insurance system, but it also gives drivers a choice: limited tort or full tort coverage.
- Limited tort means you generally can’t sue for pain and suffering unless your injury meets certain thresholds (like permanent disfigurement or serious impairment).
- Full tort allows you to pursue full compensation—including pain and emotional distress—regardless of how “serious” the injury appears on paper.
A lot of drivers don’t even remember which one they picked. Take a look at your policy. If you have limited tort, don’t panic—there are exceptions, and with the help of an experienced legal team like Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, many clients have still successfully recovered compensation.
2. Don’t Settle Too Fast
One of the biggest traps victims fall into? Quick settlements. Insurance companies often reach out within days, waving a check in your face. When you’re staring at hospital bills, missed work, and a totaled car, that money feels like a lifeline. But be careful—it’s almost always a lowball offer.
What you might not know yet is the full extent of your injuries. Some conditions (like whiplash, concussions, or herniated discs) take weeks to show up. Once you accept that early offer, you can’t go back for more.
The smarter strategy? Get a full medical evaluation. Document everything. And then consult with someone like Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, who understands how to assess the long-term value of your claim before signing anything away.
3. Collect Evidence Like You’re Building a Case (Because You Are)
Even if you’re not the “legal type,” treat the aftermath of your accident like an investigation:
- Take photos of the crash scene, damage, skid marks, and road conditions
- Get contact info for any witnesses—even if they just saw part of it
- Keep a pain journal to document how your injuries are affecting your daily life
- Save every medical bill, appointment reminder, and prescription receipt
If your case ends up in settlement negotiations or even court, details win cases. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we help clients organize their evidence so nothing gets overlooked or dismissed.
4. Understand Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania
Here’s something many people don’t realize: even if the accident was partially your fault, you might still be entitled to compensation.
Pennsylvania uses a system called modified comparative negligence. If you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—your compensation is just reduced by your percentage of fault.
So if you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you’d still be able to recover $80,000. Not bad, right? But proving the other party’s share of the blame is critical—and that’s where the experience of Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law can really pay off.
5. Don’t Rely on the Insurance Company to “Do the Right Thing”
Look, I hate to say it, but insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying out fair settlements. They’re in the business of protecting their bottom line. That’s especially true when you’re dealing with large national carriers who see your case as just another claim number.
Local adjusters might be polite—they might even be your neighbor—but their job is to minimize your payout.
That’s why at Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we push back. We know the tactics they use, and we’re not afraid to challenge unfair settlements. We advocate fiercely for our clients—because your future shouldn’t be shortchanged by someone else’s bad driving or a profit-driven system.
6. Lean on Local Legal Support
The Lehigh Valley is unique. We’ve got highways with outdated designs, tough winter driving conditions, and overlapping jurisdictions between Allentown, Bethlehem, and surrounding boroughs. Having someone local—someone who understands the courts, the adjusters, and even the law enforcement reports—can make a world of difference.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve helped clients from Bethlehem, Allentown, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, Rittersville, and throughout the Eastern Lehigh Valley navigate car accident claims with confidence. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a life-changing collision, we treat every case with the focus and respect it deserves.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t try to figure it out on your own—and definitely don’t let the insurance company call the shots.
Visit www.snoverlaw.com to learn how Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law can help you build a strong case, fight for maximum compensation, and move forward with peace of mind. We proudly serve clients throughout the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and we’re here when you need someone to step in and make sure you’re treated fairly.
