It’s Not Too Late: Injured in a Pennsylvania Accident a Year Ago?
If you were hurt in an accident 12 to 18 months ago and never called a lawyer, you are not out of options. In Pennsylvania, most injury claims can still be filed up to two years after the accident. That means many people in your position still have time, but not unlimited time.
At Joyce, Carmody & Moran, we hear from people every week who say the same thing: "I figured it was too late." Most of the time, it isn't. And getting started takes one phone call.
Life got in the way. That's normal.
There are plenty of good reasons people wait after an accident:
You were focused on healing. Doctor visits, physical therapy and pain management take up your days.
You had to keep working. Bills don't stop, and missing more time felt impossible.
You were taking care of family. Kids, parents and everyday responsibilities came first.
You thought it would get better. A sore back or stiff neck turned into months of treatment.
You were dealing with the insurance company yourself. And it has gone nowhere.
None of this hurts your case. Waiting is common. What matters now is what you do next.
The deadline you need to know about
Pennsylvania gives most injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. If you were hurt 12 to 18 months ago, you likely have somewhere between 6 and 12 months left. You can check your date with our injury deadline calculator.
That sounds like a lot of time. It goes faster than you think. Before a case can be filed, your attorney needs to:
Gather police reports, photos and witness statements
Collect your medical records and bills
Document lost wages and how the injury has changed your life
Deal with the insurance companies and negotiate
Some deadlines are shorter. If a city, county, state agency or public transit vehicle was involved, written notice may be required within six months of the accident. Every case is different, which is why it's worth a quick call to find out exactly where you stand.
We handle everything. You focus on your life.
You've already been busy. Hiring JCM shouldn't add to your to-do list. Once you call, our team takes it from there:
We get the records. Police reports, medical records and bills, we request and organize all of it.
We talk to the insurance companies. No more phone tag with adjusters trying to pay you as little as possible.
We build your case. We document your injuries, your treatment and what this accident has cost you.
We watch the deadlines. You won't have to track a single filing date.
We fight for a fair settlement. And if the insurance company won't be fair, we're ready to take your case to court.
From our offices in Pittston and Philadelphia, we've helped injured people across Pennsylvania get the compensation they deserve. Many of them waited a year or more before calling us.
All you need to do is call
You don't need to have your paperwork in order. You don't need to know what your case is worth. You just need to pick up the phone.
Your consultation is free, there's no obligation, and you won't owe us anything to find out where you stand. Curious what your case might be worth first? Try our free Pennsylvania Settlement Calculator. It takes a few minutes, and an attorney reviews every estimate before contacting you.
Call Joyce, Carmody & Moran today at 570-602-3560 or request your free consultation. It's not too late, but the clock is still running.
This post is for general information and is not legal advice. Deadlines depend on the facts of each case. Contact an attorney to discuss your situation.
