Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Auto accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many concerns about what can happen next and what they should or shouldn't do. If you've been in a car accident, hiring an attorney is a vital next step. Before doing so, read these Frequently Asked Questions to learn a little bit more about handling an auto accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Directly After the Collision?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any wounds. It is a great idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer write a report for the collision and go to an emergency room for severe injuries. If the injuries aren't severe or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the cop to clear the scene and see a doctor for car wreck care.
How is Fault Determined for Collisions in Allentown, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the collision occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were neglectful. If that negligence caused the collision, the driver or drivers are at fault. It is possible for one vehicle operator to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the collision to be found accountable for the collision. Evidence of how the collision occurred, such as photos from the car accident scene, can help determine fault, but it can be determined without evidence in many cases.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
The amount of compensation received depends on many factors, including the health care expenses for your injuries, lost wages, the magnitude of pain suffering and loss of enjoyment of life happened because of the other driver's negligence. It is possible to receive a higher amount of compensation after negotiations as the starting settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more information about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Typical types of car accident compensation can include medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenses, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the collision. It can also include non-quantifiable costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are entirely disabled from the accident. A lawyer can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not advisable to accept any settlement offer until a legal professional has reviewed it. The insurance firm will initially offer a settlement that's likely far below what the case is worth, hoping it will be approved and they will no longer owe money for the case. This is a way for them to save cash on the claims filed through them. Instead, it's better to have a legal professional review it and start negotiations to get a better settlement offer.
Just how long Do I Have to Start a Claim?
The time you have got to file a claim is known as the statute of limitations. For New Jersey, this is typically two years however the time to bring a case may be as limited as 90 days, for instance a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot be started, with very few exceptions. An attorney can let you know if any of these exemptions apply or help make sure the case is filed in time, so you don't lose out on the opportunity to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Can I File After Accepting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the accident. Therefore, it's encouraged to have a injury attorney review any settlement offer before taking it. There are rare exceptions for this, but they do not apply in most situations.
Should I Tell the Other Driver's Insurance Carrier My Side?
No. It is not a wise idea to speak with the other party's insurance firm. It's all too easy to state something that can be used against you, especially if it's taken out of context. Instead, hire an attorney to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance firm. They know what to say to bargain for a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other motorist doesn't have insurance, you will have to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still recommended to have an attorney handle this, as the insurance firm will want to lessen the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance firm will worry about whether they can receive any funds from the uninsured motorist.
What Happens if the Driver Leaves the Scene?
If the vehicle driver leaves the scene of the collision, it may not be viable to find out who they are and file a claim. If they can be found, a claim can be made against their insurance provider. They may be able to be found based on evidence left at the scene, witness statements if someone wrote down their license plate, or video recording footage from a dash cam that may have a view of the license plate. If it's not feasible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated exactly the same as one with an uninsured individual.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns you might have about how an accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in a vehicle accident, speaking with a legal professional is the next step to take. They can provide more specific answers to your case and help you with anything needed to make sure you receive the compensation you're entitled to from the at-fault driver.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Allentown, PA
Automobile accidents are always unforeseen and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid collisions that could happen in many situations, though some are unavoidable. Watch out for the following common causes of car accidents to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Sidetracked
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for a car accident to occur. This includes talking or sending texts on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the automobile, and anything else that might take the driver's awareness away from what's happening on the roadway.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a serious cause of auto accidents. Reckless driving includes switching lanes randomly and frequently, cutting off other vehicles, crossing over multiple lanes at once, and anything else that could reasonably cause an accident to occur.
Speeding
Going a little bit above the speed limit to keep with the flow of traffic is typically not an issue but going substantially above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is increased, so it may be troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the vehicle in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another significant cause of auto accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had intoxicating drinks or done drugs before driving a vehicle have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause a car accident. Plus, they may cause a car accident by not staying in their lane, making an improper turn, or running off the road.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
It's always best to look before entering into any intersection. A common cause of auto accidents is car owners who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for quite a while, look before going to make sure an automobile isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a car accident.
Poor Weather or Visibility
When the weather is lousy, it can be difficult to see, whether that's due to rain or snow. It's much better to pull off the road to a safe space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility multiplies the chance of a crash. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a crash occurring.
Perilous Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's critical to use a turn signal and wait until there is adequate room. Drivers who change lanes without looking around, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal increases the potential for a car accident to occur, even if the speeds are slow at the time of the lane change.
Unlawful Turns
Turning from the improper lane, turning without regard to oncoming traffic, and other unlawful turns have a high likelihood of causing a car accident. If a turn is missed, continue going the direction of the lane and turn around when it's safe to do so rather than cut across lanes to make the turn.
Driving the Wrong Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by motorists under the influence or those who are not really acquainted with the area and may not recognize the road is a one-way road. When a car is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting collision is typically a head-on impact, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers who have only had a license for a limited amount of time are more likely to end up causing a crash. They do not have the experience on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help prevent a collision if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops abruptly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another driver is another prevalent way for auto accidents to occur. If the car in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, a collision will result because the vehicle in the back is too close to stop in time. If possible, move over and let tailgaters by to prevent a crash.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an auto accident while driving. If a driver is angry, they could intentionally or unintentionally strike another vehicle. It is best to slow down and let the driver with road rage get ahead to prevent any issues. If a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too fatigued, the road can start to blur, and they can get extremely sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time needed to stop or swerve if there is anything in the street or for the driver to fall asleep and run off the road. It's always better to find someplace to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Wildlife on the road, especially at night, can lead to an auto accident. This happens in all areas, not just in the country. Drivers may end up causing an accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be damaged if it hits a larger animal. If the driver stops unexpectedly because of an animal in the road, the vehicle behind them may not stop in time, and an accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with the vehicle can cause an accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in a car accident. Other issues with your car could cause it to stop working suddenly or have trouble staying in the lane, leading to an accident. Accidents occur every day for a variety of reasons. By knowing about the common causes of car accidents, you may be able to avoid being in one. If you are ever involved in an accident, speak with a legal professional right away to get the help you need to obtain compensation for any injuries or damages.
Are you ready to experience the difference that experience makes? To speak with an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer immediately call us toll free at 800.923.3456 or contact us online to see what we can do together.
