FAQ Disclaimer
The material on these Web pages is meant for general information purposes only and is not meant to substitute for consulting with a personal injury attorney. Only a personal injury attorney can properly advise you of your rights.

Car Accident FAQ
I've been in a car accident. My car has damage. Who will pay to get it fixed? If you were at fault, you'll have to pay for the repairs out of your pocket -- or you can make a claim against your collision coverage, if you have any. You will also be responsible for your deductible. If, however, the "other guy" was at fault, you have a choice:

1. You can have your insurance company pay for the repairs under your collision coverage (if you bought that coverage). When your insurance company pays, they will make a claim against the other guy's company, get reimbursed, then pay you your deductible. That might take a long time; but because you have a contractual relationship with your insurance company, you can be assured that your car will be repaired quickly.

2. Alternatively, you can file a claim against the other guy's insurance company. But, depending upon the facts of your case, and who that company is, it may be very difficult to convince that insurance company to pay for your repairs. That's because the other guy's insurance company doesn't have a legal obligation to pay you anything until ordered to do so by a judge. However, I can often convince the other guy's insurance company to pay for your repairs and rental.

What is limited tort? Limited tort is a type of automobile insurance you can buy if you want to give up your right to make a claim for pain and suffering -- unless you have a "serious" injury. We have found that the amount of money you save by choosing limited tort is far less than the value you are giving up. 

My car has been damaged in a collision. How do I get a rental? If you bought rental coverage as part of your policy, it is always easiest to use it. Beware, however, that most insurance companies will only reimburse you up to $15 per day, while the cheapest rental

rate at most companies is $16.99 per day. When you rent a car, if you have collision coverage on the car being repaired, you should waive the collision coverage offered by the rental company. If the "other guy" was at fault, as a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, I can often convince his insurance company to pay for your rental. The fact that I have been representing victims of car crashes for more than 21 years and have established a reputation with the insurance industry as a "straight shooter" is a huge asset.

I was just in a car accident. Do I have to go to my HMO doctor? No. In Pennsylvania, people who are injured in car accidents must use their own automobile insurance to pay for medical bills, regardless of who was at fault. Therefore, you may go to any doctor you want, and you are not limited to the doctors on your HMO list. If you don't have an automobile insurance company, the State will provide one for you free of charge.

I was injured when my car was hit by someone who then left the scene. I never was able to identify the person. What can I do? First, get the necessary medical treatment. Second, call me now. If I represent you as your personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, I can get you money from your uninsured motorist coverage.

My car was hit by someone who did not have insurance. What should I do? First, get the necessary medical treatment. Second, call me now. as a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, I can get you money from your uninsured motorist coverage, even if you cannot identify the person who hit you.

I was a pedestrian and was hit by a car. What should I do? First, get the necessary medical treatment. Second, call me now. If I represent you, As your lawyer, I can get your medical bills paid and also get you money for your pain and suffering.

I was just injured. Who should I call? Who should I report the injury to? First, get the necessary medical treatment. Second, call me now. Do not call your insurance company. Remember, the insurance company's job is to pay out as little as they can.  It’s my job as an attorney to represent your best interests. Let me do what I do best and get you the money you deserve.

I am out of work because of my injury. The insurance company won't pay me. How will I make ends meet? In many personal injury situations, the defendant's insurance company has a great deal of leverage for the simple reason that they have the money and you, the victim, need it. Unfortunately, clients are occasionally forced to accept benefits from Medical Assistance or the Department of Public Welfare. I do everything possible to minimize the need to accept public funds -- but sometimes it is unavoidable.

I wasn't at fault in causing my injury. Will I still have to pay the legal fee? The law in Pennsylvania states that the person who hires a lawyer pays his or her own attorney fee. Consider it a cost of doing business. But please remember that as your personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia; my fee is always contingent on winning the case. If I don't get you money, you don't have to pay a fee.

I don't live near your office, and my car is being repaired. Will you represent me? Yes. My first meeting with every new client lasts at least an hour. If you can't come to my office, I will make arrangements to meet you at your house or at another convenient location.

Aside from automobile accidents, what kind of cases do you handle? My office is a personal injury office -- for any kind of personal injury. If you have been hurt, and your injury resulted from someone else's negligence or from a defective or dangerous product, call me.

Car Accident FAQ
Product Liability FAQ
Slip & Fall FAQ
General Personal Injury FAQ

The Law Office of Richard C. Senker handles the following types of cases: Personal Injury including Automobile Accidents, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Insurance Bad Faith, Nursing Home Abuse, Workers' Compensation, Airplane Accidents, Dog Bites, Drunk Driving Injuries, Large Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, School Bus Accidents, Slip and Fall Accidents.