READING CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Most people don’t expect a normal drive through Reading to end with an ambulance ride, a damaged vehicle, or weeks of medical appointments. Yet that’s the reality many crash victims face. Along with physical injuries, there are questions about missed work, mounting bills, and what comes next.
At Cordisco & Saile, we take on the legal and insurance challenges so you can focus on your health, your family, and what comes next. Our attorneys have fought for injured Pennsylvanians for over three decades, recovering more than $100 million for clients across the state.
If you were injured in a Reading car accident, we’re here to help. Because People Come First, we will shoulder the legal burden while you focus on rebuilding your routine.
Table of Contents
- How Our Reading Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Crash
- What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
- Common Car Crash Injuries
- Pennsylvania Laws That Can Affect Your Reading Car Accident Claim
- How Do You Determine Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Case?
- How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims
- Will My Reading Car Accident Case Settle or Go to Trial?
- Speak With a Reading Car Accident Lawyer Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Car Accident Cases
How Our Reading Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Crash
After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, lost income, and legal paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. A lawyer’s job is not just to file paperwork. They investigate what happened, gather evidence before it disappears, deal with insurance adjusters, and make sure the true cost of an injury is reflected in the claim.
At Cordisco & Saile, we help by:
- Investigating the cause of the crash
- Gathering evidence and documenting your damages
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court when necessary
Why Injured Pennsylvanians Turn to Cordisco & Saile
For more than 30 years, Cordisco & Saile has helped injured Pennsylvanians seek justice, recovering more than $100 million for clients along the way. Our nationally recognized attorneys are backed by over 400 five-star reviews and have extensive experience taking on insurance companies that try to pay less than a claim is worth.
Just as important, we never lose sight of the fact that every case involves a real person whose life has been disrupted by an injury. Before anything else, we listen. We take the time to understand what our clients are facing, answer their questions, and explain their options. It’s a simple philosophy, but it’s one that guides everything we do: People Come First.
Our team includes Michael L. Saile Jr., Steve J. DeBonis, and Caterina Saile, attorneys who have dedicated their careers to helping injury victims throughout Pennsylvania.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney Steven DeBonis was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
“With the guidance and professionalism of Cordisco & Saile, we were able to reclaim many of our losses both mentally and physically after our auto accident. And a special thanks to Steve DeBonis, Esq.and Jocelyn for providing us with the assurance and understanding that we needed to pursue and finalize our case.”
“I very much appreciate all the support and compassion that I got from Mike and Maria. I had my accident over 3 years ago and was going through very hard times physically and mentally and every time I heard Maria’s voice over the phone, I felt immediately better. Thank you for being my support!”
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
The value of a car accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the losses you’ve experienced. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Some losses are straightforward, such as medical bills and missed paychecks. Others, including future care and the long-term effects of an injury, can be harder to measure. Our goal is to account for all of them before a claim is resolved.
Our team has recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for injured Pennsylvanians:
- $1,377,000 settlement for a Bucks County car accident victim
- $1,300,000 settlement for a Pennsylvania woman who suffered lasting brain injuries after a rear-end crash
- $792,500 settlement for a woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a rear-end collision
Common Car Crash Injuries
Some injuries heal within weeks. Other accident injuries can affect a person’s mobility, ability to work, or quality of life for years. Some of the most common injuries our Reading car accident attorneys see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
- Cuts, burns, and disfigurement
Recovery doesn’t always end when you leave the hospital. Follow-up appointments, physical therapy, transportation challenges, and missed income can continue for months. In many cases, family members take on new responsibilities while helping an injured loved one recover.
A serious injury can create challenges that extend beyond medical treatment. Our goal is to help clients address the financial consequences of an accident so they can focus on their recovery.
Pennsylvania Laws That Can Affect Your Reading Car Accident Claim
Pennsylvania has several laws that can influence what happens after a car accident and how your claim is handled. These include:
- Medical coverage rules: Pennsylvania uses a no-fault insurance system, which means certain medical expenses may be covered by your own insurance regardless of who caused the accident.
- Insurance coverage: Drivers can choose between limited tort and full tort coverage, which may affect their ability to recover damages for pain and suffering.
- Pennsylvania statute of limitations: In most cases, accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Shared fault rules: Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your share of responsibility.
We help accident victims throughout Reading and Berks County understand how these laws may affect their right to compensation and the value of their claim.
How Do You Determine Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Case?
Determining fault after a car accident involves examining police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, crash scene evidence, traffic camera footage, and other available evidence. Insurers and attorneys use this information to identify who acted negligently and whether multiple parties share responsibility.
According to Berks County crash data, there were 4,747 reported crashes in 2024, including 209 fatal or serious crashes. Speeding was one of the leading contributing factors, accounting for 1,099 crashes throughout the county.
Common causes of Reading car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims
Many people are surprised by how quickly an insurance adjuster contacts them after a crash. While adjusters may appear sympathetic, their goal is often to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible.
Common tactics include:
- Requesting recorded statements
- Questioning the severity of injuries
- Blaming pre-existing conditions
- Delaying the claims process
- Offering an early settlement
Early settlement offers are usually much lower than the true value of a claim. Offered early to try to get you to settle, these offers usually do not account for future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, or the long-term effects of a serious injury. Once a settlement is accepted, you typically cannot seek additional compensation.
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, a Reading personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Whether you received treatment at Reading Hospital or another Berks County medical facility, our attorneys can help you navigate the process, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and pursue the compensation your recovery may require.
Will Your Car Accident Case Settle or Go to Trial?
Every case is different, but most car accident cases do not go to trial because trials are expensive. Typically, the parties exchange evidence, evaluate the strength of the claim, and negotiate to reach a settlement. However, our goal is always to advocate for any settlement offer to reflect the true value of your injuries and damages, rather than the insurance company’s preferred number.
Early settlement proposals are often lower than a claim’s true value, especially when the full extent of an injury is not yet known. Accepting a settlement too soon can leave victims responsible for future medical expenses and other losses. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial may become necessary.
Pennsylvania insurance companies know that our attorneys mean business. We don’t focus on a quick settlement for our clients. We prepare every case thoroughly from day one. Our diligent preparation often puts us in a stronger position to negotiate a resolution to your case that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Speak With a Reading Car Accident Lawyer Today
For more than 30 years, Cordisco & Saile has fought for injured Pennsylvanians. We understand the local roads, insurance challenges, and state laws that can impact the claims of our clients across Reading and Berks County.
If you were injured in a crash, the decisions you make in the days and weeks afterward can affect both your case and your financial future. You only get one opportunity to bring a claim arising from your injuries. We take that responsibility seriously, making it a priority to keep clients informed, answer their questions, and remove as much stress from the process as we can while pursuing fair compensation on their behalf.
If you need an experienced Reading car accident lawyer, we’re ready to help. Call 215-642-2335 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Car Accident Cases
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
Not every accident requires a lawyer, but injuries are not always immediately apparent. Speaking with the Pennsylvania Injury Pros can help you understand whether a settlement offer reflects the full impact of your injuries before you make any decisions.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation. Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your share of responsibility.
How Much Is My Reading Car Accident Case Worth?
Every case is different. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term effects of the accident can all affect the value of your claim.
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