Erie, PA Car Accident Lawyers
After a Car Accident, the Decisions You Make Early Can Shape Everything
A car accident happens in seconds.
What happens next—what you say, what you document, and who you trust—can affect your recovery for years.
Pennsylvania law gives you two years to file a claim under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. But waiting even a short time to get guidance can mean lost evidence, missed opportunities, and a weaker claim.
Pennsylvania also follows a modified comparative negligence rule (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102). If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover compensation. If you are less than 51% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
And then there is one of the most misunderstood issues in Pennsylvania car accident law:
Your ability to recover for pain and suffering may depend on whether you selected limited tort or full tort coverage under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705.
If you chose limited tort, your rights may be restricted unless your injuries meet a legal threshold—or an exception applies.
These rules are not minor details. They determine how your case is evaluated from day one.
You May Have a Car Accident Case If
You may have a claim if:
- You were rear-ended or hit by a distracted driver
- A driver was texting, impaired, or driving aggressively
- You selected full tort coverage and were injured by a negligent driver
- You selected limited tort but suffered a serious injury (such as broken bones, disfigurement, or permanent impairment)
- You were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver
- You were injured as a passenger in a vehicle
- You were struck as a pedestrian or cyclist
- A rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or commercial vehicle caused the crash
If you’re not sure where you fall, that’s normal.
The key is understanding your position before the insurance company defines it for you.
What Makes Our Firm Different in Erie
Most car accident claims are not decided in a courtroom.
They are decided in how they are built.
At Purchase, George & Murphey, we bring a perspective few firms can offer:
We know how insurance companies think—because we’ve represented them.
Eric Purchase spent years representing insurers like Erie Insurance and State Farm, training adjusters and evaluating claims from the defense side. He understands exactly how cases are analyzed—and where they are often undervalued.
Tim George, a former prosecutor and military lawyer, brings trial-focused experience and a deep understanding of how to prepare cases that hold up in court.
Craig Murphey has over 20 years of experience in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, which becomes critical in cases involving disputed policies or denied claims.
That combination allows us to approach cases differently—from investigation through resolution.
Results That Matter
Every case is unique. But results still tell a story.
Examples of outcomes include:
- Multi-million dollar recovery for a client seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision
- Six-figure settlement for a crash involving significant medical treatment and recovery time
- Substantial recovery in a disputed liability accident involving multiple vehicles
- Confidential settlement for a client with permanent injuries following a crash
Results do not guarantee outcomes. But they reflect preparation, strategy, and the ability to push cases forward when necessary.
Car Accidents in Pennsylvania: A Daily Reality
Car accidents are not isolated events. They happen every day across Pennsylvania—and throughout Erie County.
- 110,765 reportable crashes occurred in Pennsylvania in 2024, averaging more than 300 per day
- 66,950 people were injured, or roughly 183 injuries every day
- Erie County recorded 2,391 crashes and 36 fatal crashes in a single year
Certain local roads—including State Street, 26th Street, and East Lake Road—have been identified as higher-risk corridors for serious crashes.
Distracted driving continues to play a major role:
- More than 11,000 distracted driving crashes were reported statewide in a recent year
Pennsylvania has responded by strengthening enforcement:
- Handheld device use while driving is now prohibited under Paul Miller’s Law (effective 2025)
Even with these laws in place, accidents continue to happen—often because of preventable decisions.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
We represent clients in a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk and impaired driving crashes
- Rideshare accidents (Uber and Lyft)
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Weather-related crashes
- Highway and interstate accidents
These cases often require more than a police report.
They require investigation, reconstruction, and a clear understanding of what actually happened.
Why Investigation Matters More Than People Think
Police reports are important—but they are not always complete.
Our firm works with investigators, including former law enforcement professionals, to:
- Reconstruct how the crash occurred
- Identify all potentially responsible parties
- Analyze roadway conditions and vehicle damage
- Preserve critical evidence early
In many cases, what is missing from the initial report becomes central to proving liability.
What Compensation May Include
A car accident claim is not just about property damage.
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care needs
Pennsylvania does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, allowing compensation to reflect the real impact of an injury.
Understanding Limited Tort vs. Full Tort
Pennsylvania’s insurance system gives drivers a choice:
- Full Tort: Allows you to recover for pain and suffering without restriction
- Limited Tort: Restricts recovery for pain and suffering unless an exception applies
Exceptions to limited tort may include:
- Serious injury
- DUI involvement
- Being a pedestrian
- Being struck by an out-of-state driver
This distinction often becomes one of the most important issues in a car accident case—and one of the most misunderstood.
What to Expect After a Car Accident
If this is your first experience with a car accident claim, that’s normal.
You should expect:
- A clear explanation of your rights
- Honest guidance about your case
- Regular updates as things progress
- A legal team prepared to take your case to trial if necessary
Most cases resolve through settlement. But preparation is what drives those outcomes.
Talk to an Erie Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the most important step is getting clear information early.
Call (814) 402-8826 for a free consultation.
There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erie Car Accident Claims
Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident?
You can handle a claim yourself, but insurance companies are experienced at minimizing payouts. Having a lawyer helps level the playing field.
What if I don’t feel injured right away?
Some injuries take time to appear. Getting medical care early protects both your health and your claim.
What should I do after a crash?
Document everything, seek medical care, obtain the police report, and keep records of how the injury affects your life.
What if bad weather played a role?
Drivers are still required to adjust to conditions. Poor weather does not eliminate responsibility.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still recover through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1731.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
Not before having it reviewed. Early offers are often lower than what a case may be worth.
