Harrisburg Car Accident Attorneys

Injured? Call Our Auto Accident Lawyers in Harrisburg Today!

A serious car accident can upend your life in an instant. From medical bills and lost wages to repair costs and emotional trauma, the consequences are often overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to enlist a legal team familiar with Harrisburg’s traffic patterns, local courts, and Pennsylvania-specific insurance laws. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we bring over a century of combined legal experience, advocating for drivers in central Pennsylvania—especially those navigating major roadways like I-81, I-83, and Route 322.

Call a Harrisburg car accident attorney now at (717) 775-7514 or contact us online to discuss how we can help you move forward. We offer completely free consultations.

Why Hire a Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer?

Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system (often referred to as limited vs. full tort) can be confusing. Add in the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters, mounting medical bills, and potential lawsuits, and you’ll see why professional guidance is indispensable. 

A Harrisburg car accident attorney can help you with the following:

• Explain Your Legal Rights
  Under Pennsylvania law, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524). Missing that deadline can bar you from recovering compensation.
• Investigate the Crash
  We collect key evidence—police reports, witness statements, dashcam or traffic camera footage, and more. This is especially important for multi-car collisions or construction-zone crashes.
• Handle All Communications
  Insurers often try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Let our Harrisburg car accident lawyers negotiate on your behalf to pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
• Negotiate or Litigate
  If we can’t secure a fair settlement, we’ll be ready to represent you in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas or other relevant local venues.

Pro Tip: Retaining legal counsel early ensures critical evidence is preserved—like skid marks near the crash site or video from nearby businesses—and helps you avoid making statements that could undermine your claim.

Critical Steps After a Car Accident in Harrisburg

Time is of the essence in the chaotic aftermath of a crash. 

Following the correct procedures can shape the outcome of your claim:

1. Get to a Safe Place

• Move your vehicle from the flow of traffic if possible. If you’re on a busy road near Front Street or Union Deposit Road, put on your hazard lights and remain in your vehicle if it’s unsafe outside.

2. Call 911

• For any injuries or major property damage, dial 911. Make sure that you provide clear location details (e.g., “collision at the intersection of Route 22 and Union Deposit Road”).

3. Stay at the Scene

• Wait for law enforcement unless you need immediate medical transport.
• Cooperate with officers compiling the accident report as it’s a key piece of evidence.

4. Seek Medical Attention

• Do not delay getting medical treatment, even if you do not think that you are severely hurt. Injuries like whiplash or concussion can manifest days later.
• Keep all medical records, test results, and bills for documentation.

5. Gather Evidence

• Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Collect contact info from other drivers and witnesses.
• Write down your recollection while it’s fresh—memory fades quickly.

6. Do Not Admit Fault

• Pennsylvania recognizes that multiple factors can contribute to a crash.
• Avoid apologizing or speculating about blame at the scene.

7. File an Insurance Claim

• Notify your insurer promptly. Document all calls and emails with adjusters.
• Avoid accepting any quick, lowball offers without legal advice.

8. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg

• A local attorney understands the Dauphin County Court system.
• We’ll coordinate everything from initial investigations to settlement talks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To maximize your chances of fair compensation, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Delaying Medical Treatment - Gaps in care can be used by insurers to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. Do not delay to get the medical care that you need.
• Failing to Call the Police - A formal accident report is often critical evidence.
• Speaking Freely to Insurance Adjusters - Insurers may twist offhand remarks against you to reduce or deny your claim. It's important to get legal representation early to protect yourself.
• Accepting the First Settlement Offer - Low initial offers often ignore future expenses, like ongoing physical therapy. Have any settlement offer reviewed by an attorney.
• Waiting Too Long to Seek Legal Counsel - Witnesses disappear, evidence gets lost, and the two-year statute of limitations can expire. You need a lawyer immediately to start acting on your behalf.

Keep a Record of Your Car Accident Damages

Accurate documentation is crucial for demonstrating the full scope of your losses. Make sure you keep a record of everything, including:

• Medical Bills: ER visits, medication, physical therapy, and specialist consultations.
• Lost Wages: Pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns if you missed work.
• Vehicle Repairs: Estimates, receipts, and any proof of diminished value.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: This can include everything from childcare costs, to transportation to doctor appointments, to assistive devices like crutches.

Every receipt or invoice paints a clearer picture of how the accident has impacted your life—both financially and emotionally. It's crucial to keep track of everything.

Types of Harrisburg Car Accident Cases We Handle

Since 1922, the car accident attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC have advocated for Pennsylvanians injured in various traffic collisions, including:

Common Injuries in Harrisburg Car Crashes

• Whiplash & Soft-Tissue Injuries: Often underdiagnosed, these can lead to chronic pain.
• Brain Injuries: Concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries requiring extensive care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Risk of partial or total paralysis, significant long-term healthcare costs.
• Fractures & Broken Bones: May necessitate surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
• Lacerations & Burns: Risk of infection, possible permanent scarring.

Whether you were rear-ended on N. 7th Street during rush hour or involved in a multi-car collision near I-83, our car accident law firm’s goal remains the same: to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Roadway Challenges for Harrisburg Drivers

As Pennsylvania’s capital city, Harrisburg sits at the crossroads of major highways—I-81, I-83, and US-322—creating significant commuter traffic and frequent construction detours. 

Below are some of the most common hazards motorists face:

Congestion

• Downtown & Capitol Complex
  Heavy traffic in Harrisburg, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, leads to stop-and-go conditions. Abrupt lane changes and sudden stops make rear-end collisions especially common.
• Peak Commuter Times
  Congestion typically spikes on weekdays (7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m.), so planning an alternate route or leaving earlier can help avoid backups.

Snow, Ice & Sleet

• Treacherous Conditions
  Pennsylvania winters bring slick roadways, reduced traction, and limited visibility—particularly dangerous on elevated ramps and bridges where ice can form faster.
• Higher Accident Risk
  Spin-outs and chain-reaction crashes occur more often in sub-freezing temperatures, especially on highways like I-83 and near the Susquehanna River.

Rain & Fog

• Visibility Issues
  Seasonal rainstorms and fog rolling off the river can create dense pockets of low visibility, heightening the risk of rear-end collisions and multi-car pileups.
• Reduced Stopping Distance
  Wet pavement increases braking distance, making it crucial to follow at a safe distance—particularly near hilly areas or on busy thoroughfares like I-81.

Construction Zones

• Lane Shifts & Merges
  Ongoing roadwork on I-83 and other key routes often results in narrowed lanes, shifting traffic patterns, and abrupt merges that surprise drivers.
• Lower Speed Limits
  Work zones typically post reduced speed limits, and fines can double. Paying close attention to signage can prevent severe crashes and legal complications.

Busy Intersections

• Bottlenecks
  Intersections like Union Deposit Road and Route 22 see large volumes of vehicles merging or turning, leading to congestion and frequent fender-benders.
• Driver Inattentiveness
  Focusing on phones or other distractions greatly increases the likelihood of accidents.

Planning your route in advance, monitoring local traffic reports, and driving defensively are all essential in this bustling metro area. Reducing distractions, slowing down in uncertain weather, and carefully navigating construction zones can significantly lower your risk of a collision in Harrisburg and statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I File an Auto Insurance Claim After an Accident?

Contact your insurance company promptly, providing all relevant details like location (e.g., near I-83 exit). Keep a record of every conversation and document all evidence, including photos. If your claim is lowballed or denied, consult a car accident attorney in Harrisburg to protect your rights.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Harrisburg?

• Distracted Driving: Texting and driving is prohibited statewide (primary offense for texting), and some local ordinances further restrict handheld phone use.
• Speeding & Aggressive Driving: A frequent issue on major arteries like I-83.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, snow, and ice can drastically reduce visibility.
• Road Construction & Congestion: Sudden merges and lane closures often contribute to collisions.

How Can a Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A lawyer can investigate crash details, handle communication with insurers, and fight for fair compensation. With knowledge of Dauphin County Court procedures, they can also represent you in court if the insurer won’t settle. Their expertise allows you to focus on healing rather than red tape.

Ask About Our No-Fee Guarantee!

Facing serious injuries should not burden you with additional financial worries about attorney fees. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we work on a contingency fee arrangement—often referred to as our “No-Fee Guarantee.” If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime. This ensures that anyone in Harrisburg, regardless of financial circumstances, can afford top-tier legal representation.

Call Now for a Free Consultation: (717) 775-7514

The aftermath of a car accident in Harrisburg can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is dedicated to helping injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians rebuild their lives. We tailor our legal strategies to each client’s unique situation—leveraging our local knowledge and legal experience to fight for the results you deserve.

Call us at (717) 775-7514 for your free consultation with a car crash lawyer!