Car Wreck Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many questions about what can happen next and what they should or shouldn't do. If you've been in a car accident, hiring a lawyer is a crucial next step. Before doing so, read these Frequently Asked Questions to learn a little bit more about handling a car accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Immediately After the Crash?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any injuries. It is a good idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer write a report for the crash and go to an emergency room for severe injuries. If the injuries aren't extreme or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the police officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Erie, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both motorists were careless. If that negligence caused the accident, 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 responsible for the crash. Evidence of how the collision occurred, such as photos from the car accident scene, can help determine fault, but it can be established without evidence in many cases.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
The amount of compensation obtained depends on many factors, including the health care expenses for your wounds, lost wages, the amount of pain suffering and loss of enjoyment of life occurred because of the other driver's negligence. It is possible to receive a elevated amount of compensation after negotiations as the initial settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with more information about how to get the greatest amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Types of Compensation Can I Acquire?
Common types of car wreck compensation can include health care expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the accident. It can also include non-quantifiable expenses like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are completely disabled from the accident. An attorney can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Accept the Settlement Offer?
It is not recommended to accept any settlement offer until a lawyer has reviewed it. The insurance provider will initially propose a settlement that's likely far below what the case is worth, hoping it will be accepted and they will no longer owe money for the case. This is a way for them to save funds on the claims filed through them. Instead, it's better to have an attorney review it and start negotiations to get a better settlement offer.
How Long Do I Have to Submit a Claim?
The time you have got to file a claim is known as the statute of limitations. For New Jersey, this is normally two years however the time to bring a case may be as short as 90 days, for example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim can not be started, with very few exceptions. A legal professional can let you know if any of these exemptions apply or help to 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 Taking a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is accepted, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the crash. Therefore, it's encouraged to have a personal injury lawyer review any settlement offer before agreeing to it. There are rare exceptions for this, but they do not apply in most situations.
Should I Tell the Other Driver's Insurance Company My Side?
No. It is not a smart idea to speak with the other party's insurance company. It's all too easy to mention 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 driver doesn't have insurance, you want to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still suggested to have a legal professional handle this, as the insurance company will want to reduce the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance provider 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 crash, it may not be possible to find out who they are and submit 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 footage from a dash cam that may have a view of the license plate. If it's not plausible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated exactly the same as one with an uninsured motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the questions you might have about how an auto accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in a vehicle accident, speaking with a lawyer is the next step to take. They can provide more precise 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 Collisions in Erie, PA
Automobile accidents are always unforeseen and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid accidents that could happen in many situations, though some are unavoidable. Watch out for the following common causes of automobile accidents to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Sidetracked
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for an accident to occur. This includes talking or text messaging on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the vehicle, and anything else that might take the driver's attention away from what's happening on the road.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a serious cause of automobile accidents. Reckless driving includes switching lanes randomly and constantly, 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 an automobile accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, so it may be challenging to swerve around anything in the road or stop the vehicle in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another considerable cause of car accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had alcohol 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 an accident by not staying in their lane, making an inappropriate turn, or running off the road.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
It's always best to look before going in any intersection. A common cause of car accidents is car owners who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for a while, look before going to make sure a vehicle isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing an accident.
Poor Weather or Visibility
When the weather is bad, 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 secured space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility multiplies the chance of an accident. 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 enough room. Drivers who change lanes without checking, while too close to another vehicle, or without a turn signal raises the potential for an accident to occur, even if the speeds are slow at the time of the lane change.
Incorrect Turns
Turning from the wrong lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other unlawful turns have a high likelihood of causing a crash. 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 Improper Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by individuals under the influence or those who are not really acquainted with the area and may not understand the road is a one-way road. When a car is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting accident is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists who have only had a license for a short amount of time are more likely to end up causing a collision. They do not have the skills on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help evade an accident if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops suddenly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another driver is another typical way for car accidents to occur. If the vehicle in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, a vehicle accident 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 accident while driving. If a driver is distressed, they could intentionally or unintentionally hit another vehicle. It is best to slow down and let the driver with road rage get ahead to prevent any issues. If an incident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Exhausted
When someone is too exhausted, the roadway can start to blur, and they can get incredibly sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time required to stop or swerve if there is anything in the road or for the driver to fall asleep and run off the road. It's always better to find a place to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Critters 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 a car accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be wrecked if it hits a larger animal. If the driver stops suddenly because of an animal in the road, the vehicle behind them may not stop in time, and a car accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with your car can cause a car accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in an accident. Other issues with the vehicle could cause it to stop working suddenly or have trouble staying in the lane, leading to a crash. 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.
