If you’ve ever driven through Lehigh Valley during a snow squall or during rush hour on Route 22, you know things can get dicey fast. One moment, you’re on your way to Wegmans or cruising down to Allentown for dinner, and the next—a crash, flashing lights, and a million questions spinning through your mind. What now? Who’s at fault? And how do you make sure you’re not left footing the bill?
As someone who’s grown up in the area and knows how unpredictable Pennsylvania roads can be (especially during pothole season), I wanted to share a bit of real-world advice on what to expect—and how to protect yourself—if you’re ever involved in an auto accident around here. And more importantly, how Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law can help when you need someone in your corner.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
First things first, safety. Make sure everyone is okay and call 911 if needed. Even if it seems minor—say a fender bender in a busy Bethlehem parking lot—it’s still worth getting the police involved. That official report can go a long way in backing up your version of events later.
Take photos, gather witness names if anyone saw it happen, and exchange insurance info. Don’t rely on memory alone; adrenaline does weird things to recall. If you’re physically able, jot down your thoughts on what happened as soon as you can. Trust me, even details you think you’ll never forget—like the fact that the other driver was looking at their phone—can get fuzzy over time.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Insurance System
Here’s where things can get a little confusing. Pennsylvania operates under a no-fault insurance system. That means your own insurance will typically cover medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. It sounds simple, but there’s a twist: your policy type matters—a lot.
Some folks have what’s called “limited tort” coverage, which, while cheaper, limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless the injury is considered severe. If you’ve got “full tort,” you retain broader rights to pursue a claim. The problem? Many people don’t even realize what kind of coverage they signed up for until it’s too late.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we regularly help clients in this exact situation—walking them through their coverage, helping them understand their rights, and making sure they’re not taken advantage of by an insurance company eager to close a claim fast.
Filing a Claim: What to Expect
Once you’ve reported the accident to your insurance company, they’ll start investigating. It’s important to be honest—but also cautious. The insurer’s goal isn’t always aligned with yours, especially when it comes to compensation. This is where it’s smart to have someone in your corner who understands how the system works in the Lehigh Valley—someone who knows the local courts, adjusters, and even the tricks some carriers like to pull.
Things can get especially tangled if more than one driver is at fault. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially to blame. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your total award would be reduced by that amount. If you’re more than 50% at fault, though, you may be out of luck entirely.
This is another area where having a local law firm like Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law can make a real difference. We help ensure that liability is assigned fairly, and that your side of the story is heard clearly and backed by evidence.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
I’ve seen it happen more than once: someone gets rear-ended on Tilghman Street, but they feel “mostly fine” and don’t see a doctor. Weeks later, the neck pain sets in, and suddenly they’re looking at physical therapy bills—and an uphill battle trying to prove the injury is connected.
Another common mistake? Posting about the accident on social media. Even a casual “thankful to be okay” post can be used against you to downplay your injuries. It sounds paranoid, I know, but it’s happened before. So keep things offline until everything is resolved.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we walk clients through these do’s and don’ts early on—so they don’t make an honest mistake that costs them later.
The Value of Local Support
Here’s the truth: no one wakes up thinking they’ll need an attorney that day. But when you’re staring down medical bills, car repairs, and a flood of calls from insurance reps, having someone local who truly gets it can make all the difference.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’re not some faceless office in another time zone. We live here. We drive the same roads. We’ve helped folks in Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville—and plenty of other corners of the Lehigh Valley—get through tough situations like these.
We believe in keeping it real and fighting for what’s fair. No confusing legal jargon, no pressure—just practical guidance, honest answers, and someone who actually listens.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you or someone you care about has been involved in an auto accident in the Lehigh Valley or Eastern Lehigh Valley, don’t try to figure it all out alone. Reach out to Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law for a consultation that’s focused on you—your situation, your needs, and your peace of mind.
You can learn more at www.snoverlaw.com. We’re here to help our neighbors in Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and beyond find a way forward—because your recovery deserves more than just guesswork. It deserves the right team in your corner.
