Car Accident Attorney in Bethlehem, PA

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After a car accident, the legal and financial decisions that follow can quickly become overwhelming. Insurance companies often move fast, and injured individuals are left trying to protect their rights while focusing on recovery. Working with a car accident lawyer in Bethlehem, PA, at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC can provide clarity during an otherwise uncertain time.

Our firm brings more than 100 years of combined experience representing injured Pennsylvanians, with an approach rooted in careful case evaluation, strategic negotiation, and personal attention. We take the time to understand how an accident has affected each client’s health, work, and future, and we advocate for fair treatment throughout the claims process. To learn how our Bethlehem personal injury attorneys may be able to help, contact our firm for a free consultation today.

Bethlehem Car Accident Attorney

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Meet Our Attorneys

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Lawrence Kalikhman, Esquire

Lawrence Kalikhman, Esquire is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Temple University.  Mr. Kalikhman received his Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers University School of Law.  He has experience in Personal Injury Litigation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Mr. Kalikhman is admitted to practice before state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey.  He is a member of the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Bucks County Bar Associations, as well as the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.

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Eric Rayz, Esquire

Arkady “Eric” Rayz, Esquire is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Temple University.  As an undergraduate, Mr. Rayz was a recipient of the H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell Scholarship and Temple University President’s Scholar Award.  Mr. Rayz obtained his Juris Doctorate from the James E. Beasley School of Law of Temple University, where he was a staff member and editor of the Temple International and Comparative Law Journal. 

Mr. Rayz has broad experience in handling matters in federal and state courts and is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New York.  He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Bar Associations.

What Makes Car Accident Claims Challenging

In an area like Bethlehem, where local roads intersect with major highways and commuter traffic from surrounding Lehigh Valley communities, determining fault for a crash can become especially complex. Insurance companies may dispute fault, question the seriousness of injuries, or argue that symptoms are related to pre-existing conditions rather than the crash. 

Evidence such as surveillance footage, vehicle damage, or witness statements can disappear quickly, making it harder to prove what happened. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, adding another layer of difficulty. 

These challenges can delay resolution or reduce the value of a claim if they are not addressed carefully and early in the process by someone with experience handling these types of cases.

Why Choose Our Firm for a Bethlehem Car Accident Case

Choosing the right legal representation after a car accident can make a meaningful difference in how a claim is handled and how supported an injured person feels throughout the process. Our award-winning lawyers focus exclusively on helping people injured through negligence. Our focus rests entirely on you.

Clients work directly with attorneys who take the time to understand their injuries, concerns, and goals. We do not treat cases as numbers or push quick resolutions that may not reflect the full impact of an accident.

When you work with us, you get:

  • A strong track record of tens of millions of dollars recovered for injured individuals
  • Experienced negotiators who are prepared to litigate when insurance companies refuse to be reasonable
  • Experience handling complex injury claims involving disputed fault or serious injuries
  • Clear communication and guidance at every stage of the process
  • A commitment to standing up to insurance companies and protecting our clients’ interests
  • 24/7 availability, so help is always accessible

Our approach is straightforward, attentive, and focused on advocacy, because we take every injury personally.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident?

Our team can seek compensation for your:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment
  • Lost wages from missed time at work and, in some cases, reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, which accounts for physical pain and ongoing discomfort
  • Emotional distress, such as anxiety, sleep disruption, or loss of enjoyment of daily activities
  • Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
  • Long-term or permanent limitations caused by serious injuries

Insurance companies often focus on minimizing payouts, not on the full scope of an injury. Careful documentation and a clear presentation of damages are critical. The Bethlehem car accident attorneys at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC help injured individuals understand what may be recoverable and how compensation is evaluated, so they can make informed decisions about their claim.

Can I Hold the Other Driver Liable?

Yes, you can hold the other driver liable if their actions caused your accident. However, depending on your insurance coverage, you may need to first establish that your injuries meet or surpass the serious injury threshold under 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1702. Our attorneys can help you understand your options.

You Have a Limited Time to Take Action After a Car Accident

In Pennsylvania, personal injury cases are generally subject to time limits, but the exact deadline to sue after a crash may depend on several factors, including the type of accident and the parties involved. Waiting too long to take action can make it more difficult to preserve rights or move a claim forward. Injured parties generally have two years to take action, but that could differ based on specific circumstances.

Beyond formal deadlines, delays can also create practical challenges. Evidence may become harder to obtain, witnesses’ memories can fade, and important records may be lost or unavailable over time. Insurance companies may also raise timing issues when evaluating or disputing a claim.

Because these time-related issues can be complex, early guidance can be helpful. We assist injured individuals by explaining how timing may affect their options and by taking steps to protect their interests while the details of the case are still fresh. Acting sooner rather than later can help ensure that important opportunities are not missed, without rushing decisions or making assumptions about the outcome.

Get Trusted Guidance After a Car Accident in Bethlehem, PA

Crashes on busy corridors like Route 22, Route 378, or I-78 can lead to serious injuries and complicated insurance claims. Unanswered questions about fault, difficult insurance adjusters, and uncertainty about future costs can create added stress during an already difficult time. Understanding how Pennsylvania law applies to a specific situation—and how insurers may respond—can help injured individuals make informed decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. 

The car accident lawyers in Bethlehem, PA at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC focus on providing steady guidance, careful advocacy, and personalized attention throughout the claims process. We approach each case with the goal of protecting our clients’ interests while helping them understand their options and next steps. For those who were injured in a car accident and want experienced, thoughtful representation, schedule your free consultation today.

FAQs

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

In many situations, working with a lawyer can be beneficial, especially when injuries are involved, fault is disputed, or insurance companies challenge the value of a claim. Car accident cases often involve more than just vehicle damage or a few medical bills. 

Medical treatment, lost income, and long-term effects can be difficult to assess without experience handling similar claims. We help injured individuals understand their options, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance carriers that may attempt to minimize payouts. While not every accident requires legal representation, having guidance can be particularly valuable when injuries are serious or the claims process becomes complicated.

It’s also important to note that our team takes cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees. You only pay for our time if we recover compensation for you.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, safety and medical care should be the first priorities. Seeking prompt medical attention is important, even if symptoms seem minor at first. When possible, documenting the scene, exchanging information, and reporting the accident to the Bethlehem Police Department can also be helpful. It is generally best to be cautious when speaking with insurance companies, as early statements may later be used to dispute a claim. Keeping records of medical treatment, expenses, and time missed from work can also matter. Taking these steps may help protect your interests while you focus on recovery.

How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

There is no standard settlement amount for car accident cases. Compensation can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical costs, time missed from work, and whether the injuries have long-term effects. Insurance coverage limits and disputes over fault may also affect the value of a claim. Minor injury cases may resolve for relatively modest amounts, while claims involving serious or permanent injuries can be significantly higher. We help clients understand how compensation is evaluated based on the specific facts of their situation, rather than relying on averages or assumptions.

What Laws May Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Pennsylvania car accident claims are shaped by several state-specific laws that can influence how compensation is pursued and what damages may be available.

  • One of the most important is Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault insurance system, which requires certain injured drivers and passengers to first seek medical coverage through their own auto insurance, regardless of who caused the crash. This structure can limit early claims, but does not necessarily prevent injured parties from pursuing additional compensation in all situations.
  • Another key factor is the choice between limited tort and full tort coverage. This election, made when purchasing auto insurance, may affect whether an injured person can seek compensation for pain and suffering. Understanding how this choice applies to a specific accident often requires careful review of the policy and the nature of the injuries.
  • Pennsylvania also follows comparative negligence principles, meaning fault may be shared between parties. Compensation can be reduced based on a person’s percentage of fault, which often becomes a point of dispute with insurance companies.
  • Finally, car accident claims are subject to time-related requirements, including statutes of limitations that can vary depending on the circumstances. Because these rules can be nuanced and fact-dependent, timely legal guidance can help injured individuals understand how state law may affect their options and next steps.

Can I Afford Legal Help?

Yes. We don’t take upfront fees or retainers. We only take a fee if we win your case. 

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