Kocsis Law Office PC Kocsis Law Office PC 2026-05-28T18:50:56Z https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1605395/2022/06/cropped-ClientName-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[Complications that can arise when hit by an out-of-state driver]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254474 2026-05-28T18:50:56Z 2026-05-28T18:50:30Z Their insurance can be inadequate State minimum insurance requirements vary wildly across the country, and many states require far less coverage than Pennsylvania. When an out-of-state driver carries only their home state's minimum coverage, your serious injuries may far exceed their policy limits, leaving you with a significant coverage gap. This problem extends to rental cars too. Tourists often decline additional coverage, relying on minimum required liability coverage, which often isn't enough to cover serious injury claims. They might also assume their credit card protection is sufficient. However, credit card benefits often cover damage to the rental car, but may not provide liability coverage for injuries to others.

They might already be halfway home

Unlike local drivers, out-of-state motorists typically leave Pennsylvania shortly after the accident occurs. This creates several practical problems and may require additional steps:
  • Serving legal papers across state lines requires additional procedural steps
  • The out-of-state driver may be harder to reach once they return home
  • Locating them for depositions becomes more difficult and expensive
  • Enforcing any judgment requires navigating interstate legal mechanisms
Even when their insurance company handles the claim, you're often dealing with adjusters and procedures from another state.

Verification can take longer

Investigating an out-of-state driver's background takes more time and effort. Their driving record, license status, and violation history exist in another state's DMV system. Some drivers with suspended or revoked licenses in their home state continue driving during out-of-state trips, gambling they won't get caught far from home. Contact verification can get tricky, too. Out-of-state drivers often provide hotel addresses or temporary contact information at the accident scene. Once they return home, tracking them down for follow-up becomes challenging. This complicates everything from witness statements to settlement negotiations. These interstate complications don't prevent you from recovering compensation after a car crash, but they can present unique challenges. Working with an attorney experienced in these claims can reduce delays and complications so you can focus on moving forward.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[What to do after a hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254468 2026-04-28T06:23:57Z 2026-04-28T06:23:57Z A hit-and-run can leave you injured, in panic and unsure of your next move. What you do in the minutes and days after the crash may affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.

Your first steps at the scene

Stay where you are and call 911. Pennsylvania law (75 Pa. C.S. § 3742) requires all drivers involved in an injury accident to remain at the scene. Do not chase the fleeing driver. Pursuing them is dangerous and may shift legal focus away from the original crash. While you wait for the police, document everything you can. Note the other vehicle's color, make, model and any partial plate numbers. The following details can strengthen both a police investigation and an insurance claim:
  • Vehicle description: Color, make, model and visible damage
  • Direction of travel: Which way the driver fled
  • Witnesses: Names and contact information for anyone nearby
  • Camera locations: Nearby traffic or business security cameras
Even small details can help officers identify the driver later.

Legal and insurance steps to take

Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Prompt documentation links your condition directly to the crash. Report the accident to your insurance company quickly. Many policies require notice within a specific timeframe. Pennsylvania's no-fault system means your own PIP benefits typically cover initial medical costs. If the driver is never found, uninsured motorist coverage may help with additional losses. Avoid giving recorded statements to your insurer without first understanding your policy. Adjusters may use your words to limit what you receive.

Common mistakes that can hurt your claim

Small missteps after a crash can weaken your position. These errors come up often in hit-and-run cases:
  • Admitting fault: Any apology can be interpreted as an admission. Let investigators determine responsibility.
  • Delaying treatment: Gaps in care make it harder to link injuries to the crash.
  • Posting on social media: Insurers may review your activity and misinterpret it.
Once you make these errors, they are difficult to undo.

Speak with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney

Hit-and-run cases involve overlapping insurance rules, deadlines and evidence challenges. Attorneys can review your coverage, assess fault and help you understand your options. Speaking with a lawyer may clarify how Pennsylvania's no-fault rules apply to your specific situation.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[5 mistakes to avoid after a serious PA car accident]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254440 2026-03-29T09:37:08Z 2026-03-29T09:37:08Z What you do after a serious crash can shape your recovery. Early missteps may affect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation.

Not calling the police

You should report the accident right away. A police report creates an objective record and may support your claim. Pennsylvania law (75 Pa. C.S. § 3742) requires you to stop and remain at the scene when injuries occur. Missing this step may raise questions during a claim review.

Admitting fault too soon

You may feel pressure to apologize. That statement can be interpreted as a fault. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may decrease if you share fault. You may not recover damages if your fault exceeds 50%. It is safer to exchange information and let investigators assess responsibility.

Delaying medical care

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Insurance reviewers often look for consistent treatment. Delays can weaken the link between the crash and your injuries. Follow-up care and documentation may support your claim.

Posting on social media

You should avoid sharing details about the crash online. Insurers may review your posts during a claim. Even simple updates can be misinterpreted. This may affect how your injuries or activities are viewed.

Accepting quick settlements or giving statements

You may receive an early offer from an insurance company. That amount may not reflect long-term costs. Be cautious with recorded statements. Adjusters may use your words to limit payouts. Waiting until you understand your injuries may help you evaluate your options.

Why these mistakes matter

Claims often depend on evidence and timing. Reports, medical records and statements all shape how fault is assigned. Under shared-fault rules, small errors may reduce your recovery or limit your claim entirely.

When it may help to speak with an attorney

You may face complex decisions after a serious accident. An attorney can review evidence, explain how fault rules apply and help you understand claim value. Careful guidance may help you avoid missteps and better evaluate your next steps.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[Understanding fault after a Pennsylvania car accident]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254441 2026-02-24T08:57:50Z 2026-02-24T08:57:50Z Legal standards governing fault allocation in Pennsylvania accidents Pennsylvania follows a shared-fault rule called modified comparative negligence. A reviewer may assign each driver a percentage of fault. If that percentage rises, the financial side of a claim may shrink. If a fact finder assigns you more than 50% fault, you may face a bar on recovery in a lawsuit. Your auto policy choice may also matter. Your declarations page may list limited tort or full tort. Limited tort may limit claims for pain and suffering unless an exception applies. Full tort may allow a wider range of damages discussions. These rules may shape the way an adjuster frames liability.

Evidentiary factors shaping fault analysis after a crash

The information you preserve after a crash may influence fault analysis during a claim review. Evidence that may carry weight includes:
  • Photos showing vehicle position, damage and lane markings
  • Names and contact details from witnesses or responding officers
  • The police report number and identifying information
  • Medical records that align with your reported symptoms and timeline
Together, these materials may help clarify the sequence of events while reviewers assess responsibility.

Points to review after a fault determination

Before you respond to an insurance decision, review the assigned fault percentage and the facts used to support it. Compare the explanation with the available evidence and note any gaps or unclear points. Pennsylvania generally allows about two years from the date of the accident to file a Pennsylvania auto accident injury claim or lawsuit, so timing may influence your choices as you review next steps. If parts of the evaluation seem unclear, you may consider requesting written clarification so you understand the reasoning behind the fault assessment before making further decisions.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[How Does a Contingency-Fee Arrangement Work?]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254045 2024-09-17T23:04:26Z 2024-09-17T13:19:23Z

What is a contingency fee agreement?

Contingency fee agreements between personal injury lawyers and their clients make pursuing injury claims accessible to everyone. In sum, payment of a legal fee is contingent upon a successful monetary recovery. Kocsis Law Office PC represents its injury clients on a contingency basis, which means there is no legal fee unless you win a settlement or court judgment in your injury case.

How Does a Contingency-Fee Arrangement Work?

Most cases begin with a free initial consultation. In this meeting, a client has a chance to tell his or her story. Attorney Kocsis or his staff will listen and take notes. During this meeting, the client will learn more about his or her legal options. For example, do you have a case? An experienced car accident attorney should explain the elements of a personal injury claim and decide whether the claim is valid according to the law. If so, the client will have the option to sign a contingency fee agreement and begin the legal process of attempting to collect compensation from the negligent party.

Why Offer Contingency Fee Services?

Contingency fee legal services offer a variety of benefits. First, they allow every victim of negligence the opportunity to pursue a claim for damages incurred by another person. Under these arrangements, a person is only responsible for paying an attorney if he or she wins the case, and then the payment comes directly out of the winnings. If you have been injured in a car accident or sustained a personal injury due to another’s negligence, contact Wes at Kocsis Law Office PC for a FREE injury consultation. Call Kocsis Law Office PC at 570-888-7709 or send an email to kocsislawoffice@stny.rr.com to schedule your FREE consultation. Home and hospital visits are available if you are injured. Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Athens, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, Canton, Bradford County, Sullivan County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[Pedestrians are Entitled to Full Tort Damages]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254041 2024-08-14T11:01:58Z 2024-08-14T11:01:14Z You made the decision to purchase limited tort car insurance (see my July 2024 Blog post entitled “What is Limited Tort?”). You understood that your right to recover monetary damages might be limited if you were involved in a car accident. However, what if you weren’t even in a car at the time of your accident? You were a pedestrian, and you were injured when a motor vehicle struck you when you were walking in a parking lot, crossing the street, or riding a bicycle. Are you bound by your limited tort insurance if you were a pedestrian at the time of the accident? In Pennsylvania, Limited Tort restrictions do not apply to pedestrians. Even if you would be covered by limited tort insurance if you were in a car accident, you are entitled to full tort damages if you are hurt as a pedestrian in an accident. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that limited tort restrictions do not apply to pedestrians. Therefore, if you were injured as a pedestrian, then you may have the right to not only recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses, but also non-economic expenses such as compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering. If you have been injured in a car accident or sustained a personal injury due to another’s negligence, contact Wes at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] for a FREE injury consultation. Call [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-5"] or send an email to kocsislawoffice@stny.rr.com to schedule your FREE consultation. Home and hospital visits are available if you are injured. Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Athens, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, Canton, Bradford County, Sullivan County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[What is Limited Tort?]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254037 2024-07-10T05:32:13Z 2024-07-10T05:30:59Z If you have Limited Tort, you have given up your right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, embarrassment, and other “non-economic damages.” Because most people are unfamiliar with automobile insurance terms, they don’t really understand what Limited Tort means and they choose it because it saves some money on their insurance premiums. Fortunately there are some exceptions to Limited Tort.

Exceptions to Limited Tort

Even if have Limited Tort, you may still have full tort rights under the following circumstances:
  • If you suffer a “serious injury”, which is defined as death, serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of a bodily function.
  • The at-fault driver is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, to driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
  • The at-fault driver is driving a vehicle that is registered in another state.
  • You are injured in a commercial vehicle such as a taxicab or bus.
  • You are hit as a pedestrian.
  • The at-fault driver is not insured
If you have been injured in a car accident or sustained a personal injury due to another’s negligence, contact Wes at Kocsis Law Office PC for a FREE injury consultation.  Call Kocsis Law Office PC at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-5"] or send an email to kocsislawoffice@stny.rr.com to schedule your FREE consultation.  Home and hospital visits are available if you are injured. Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Athens, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, Canton, Bradford County, Sullivan County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[Are injury insurance settlements taxable?]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254033 2025-02-26T07:43:11Z 2024-05-14T05:38:26Z Personal Injury settlements are usually tax-free. Generally speaking, your settlement will be tax-free if it is: 1. Compensation for physical injuries or physical sickness, and 2. Resulting from a tort (car accident, slip and fall accident, etc) Injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress from auto accidents is ordinarily tax-free. Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, punitive damages are not exempt and sometimes even a confidentiality clause in a personal injury settlement can be deemed to be taxable. It is always wise to speak with your tax professional to know for sure whether your Personal Injury settlement is subject to income tax. It is also wise to have a personal injury attorney help you with your injury claim and the settlement process to be sure specific language is included in an addendum to the release. If you have been injured in a car accident or sustained a personal injury due to another’s negligence, contact Wes at Kocsis Law Office PC for a FREE injury consultation. Call Kocsis Law Office PC at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-5"] or send an email to kocsislawoffice@stny.rr.com to schedule your FREE consultation. Home and hospital visits are available if you are injured. Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Athens, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, Canton, Bradford County, Sullivan County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[Can you get compensated for your injuries after a hit and run accident?]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254029 2024-04-17T14:39:22Z 2024-04-12T07:13:00Z Yes. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run incident in Pennsylvania, you have the right to get financial and medical compensation even if the responsible driver is never found. You should take the following steps to receive the help you need.

1. Contact the police

Like with any accident, it is crucial to call 911 immediately. Reporting the incident to the police creates an official record and increases the chances of locating the responsible driver. Tell the police details about the incident and a description of the fleeing vehicle. This will help law enforcement in their investigation.

2. Collect evidence

Unless you need immediate medical attention, gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. This includes taking pictures of the damages, injuries, and the location. Eyewitness accounts also provide valuable information.

3. Seek medical attention

Seek medical attention. This will be covered by your own no-fault auto insurance coverage. Getting a medical evaluation not only ensures your well-being but also documents the injuries for your injury claim.

4. Contact your insurance company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. This will initiate the claims process and help you understand your coverage options.

5. Contact a lawyer

Contact Wes at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] for a FREE injury consultation to see if you can get compensation from your hit-and-run accident. He can help make a “phantom vehicle” claim on your Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits. He is an experienced, local personal injury attorney serving Bradford County PA and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run car accident or sustained a personal injury due to another’s negligence, contact Wes at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] for a FREE injury consultation. Call [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-5"] or send an email to kocsislawoffice@stny.rr.com to schedule your FREE consultation. Home and hospital visits are available if you are injured. Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Athens, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, Canton, Bradford County, Sullivan County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York.]]> On Behalf of Kocsis Law Office PC <![CDATA[Can I be compensated for my auto accident injuries if I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt?]]> https://www.kocsislawoffice.com/?p=254008 2024-03-13T04:25:13Z 2024-03-13T04:23:49Z Yes, you can be compensated for your auto accident injuries even if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt. Pennsylvania's seatbelt law is found at 75 Pa. C.S.A. Section 4581 of the Vehicle Code. It makes seatbelt use in the Commonwealth mandatory HOWEVER it precludes evidence of a violation of the seatbelt requirement in any civil action, including your personal injury case. Specifically, subsection (e) of the Vehicle Code provides, “In no event shall a violation or alleged violation of this subchapter be used as evidence in a trial of any civil action; nor shall any jury in a civil action be instructed that any conduct did constitute or could be interpreted by them to constitute a violation of this subchapter…”. Of course, this law does not preclude the injured driver to testify that he or she had their seatbelt on. If you have been injured in a car accident or sustained a personal injury due to another’s negligence, contact Wes at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] for a FREE injury consultation. Call [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] at 570-888-7709 or send an email to kocsislawoffice@stny.rr.com to schedule your FREE consultation. Home and hospital visits are available if you are injured. Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Athens, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, Canton, Bradford County, Sullivan County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Tier of New York.]]>