If you were injured in a car accident in Montgomery County Pennsylvania, chances are you have questions.
The insurance company for the at-fault driver that hit you may try to low-ball an offer to you. The insurance company bases their settlement offers upon many factors.
The adjuster may tell you he or she is considering your injuries, the treatment you had, the extent of damage to your car, and the results of any diagnostic tests like Xrays or MRIs.
But, the adjuster also is typically looking at what their company's risk of exposure is. This means that they consider what risk they have for being exposed to a verdict or judgment in Court.
Not all Counties are the same. You can bet that the Insurance Company keeps their own statistics on jury verdicts, arbitration decisions and settlements in each of the Pennsylvania Counties.
It is generally believed that Philadelphia County is the most "plaintiff-friendly" County. Meaning, that they believe their highest risk of exposure is if the case is brought in Philadelphia.
Our firm's experience is that, as you go westward from Philadelphia, the Counties often become more conservative. So, Montgomery County is more conservative on damages verdicts/settlements than Philadelphia in the eyes of the insurance company. But, a more western county, such as Lancaster or Lebanon, is seen as more conservative than Montgomery.
Under Pennsylvania Law, your personal injury case, or car accident case, can be filed either in the county where the crash happened or the county where the at-fault driver lives. The insurance company won't tell you that they have a "reserve" set on your personal injury claim. They are required to set such a reserve under the Pennsylvania Insurance Regulations. A reserve is basically the "ultimate probable value" of a claim in the estimation of the insurer. The purpose of the reserve is that it is a way for the insurance commissioner to determine and confirm that the companies are sufficiently funded to pay claims. The insurance company internally sets a reserve on your case. They won't tell you what that amount is. But, factors include what county the case can be brought. You should understand that your case in Montgomery County is worth more or less than the same case in another county.
Also, keep in mind that if you are injured, and you need medical treatment, you should make sure that you promptly see your doctor. The insurance company will criticize your claim, or try to offer a lower value, if they feel that the are "gaps" in your medical treatment. When you see your doctor make sure you explain all of your symptoms and how the symptoms have been affecting your daily life.
Remember that when it comes to assessing their risk exposure, the insurance company will consider you as less of a risk if you do not have a lawyer.
It is important to consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer who is experienced in Montgomery County. At Wolpert Schreiber, we are experienced in handling personal injury cases and car accidents, including jury trials in Montgomery County, PA. We provide free consults. If you need help, call us today at (610) 792-3304. We are ready to answer your questions.
