Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many thoughts about what can happen next and what they should or shouldn't do. If you've been in an auto accident, hiring a legal representative is a crucial next step. Before doing so, read these Frequently Asked Questions to learn a little bit more about handling an accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Promptly After the Crash?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any pain. 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 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 accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Collisions in Lower Merion, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both motorists were negligent. If that negligence caused the accident, the driver or drivers are at fault. It is possible for one motorist to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the collision to be found accountable 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 identified without evidence in many cases.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
The amount of compensation received depends on many factors, including the medical-related expenses for your wounds, lost wages, the magnitude of pain suffering and loss of enjoyment of life occurred 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 lower. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more important information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Typical types of car wreck compensation can include health-related expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the crash. It can also include non-quantifiable costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the collision. A lawyer 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 an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance company will initially propose a settlement that's likely far below what the case is worth, hoping it will be taken 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 higher settlement offer.
Just how long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The time you must 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 example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot be started, with very few exceptions. A legal professional can let you know if any of these exceptions apply or help in making 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 approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's recommended to have a injury attorney 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 Carrier My Side?
No. It is not a wise 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 a lawyer to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance company. They know what to say to negotiate a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Didn't Have Insurance?
If the other motorist doesn't have insurance, you'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still recommended to have a legal professional handle this, as the insurance provider 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 collision, it may not be feasible to find out who they are and start a claim. If they can be found, a claim can be made against their insurance carrier. 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 clip footage from a dash cam that may have a view of the license plate. If it's not possible 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 issues you might have about how an auto accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in an accident, speaking with a lawyer is the next step to take. They can provide more targeted 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 Lower Merion, PA
Car accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid collisions that could take place in many situations, though some are inevitable. Watch out for the following common causes of car accidents to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Distracted
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 street.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a serious cause of automobile 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 commonly not an issue but going significantly above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, so it may be difficult to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile 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 an automobile accident. Plus, they may cause an accident by not staying in their lane, making an incorrect 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 a motor vehicle isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a major 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 an automobile accident. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a collision occurring.
Risky Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's crucial 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 multiplies the potential for a car accident to occur, even if the speeds are slow at the time of the lane change.
Improper Turns
Turning from the improper lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other improper turns have a high likelihood of causing an 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 Incorrect 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 realize the road is a one-way road. When an automobile is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting collision is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more severe injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators who have only had a license for a brief amount of time are more likely to end up causing a car accident. They do not have the knowledge on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help prevent a crash 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 car in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, a crash 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to a car accident while driving. If a driver is angry, they could intentionally or unintentionally impact 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 Tired
When someone is too exhausted, the street can start to blur, and they can get incredibly sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time necessary to stop or swerve if there is anything in the roadway 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 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 the vehicle 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 car could cause it to stop working suddenly or have trouble staying in the lane, leading to a collision. 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 lawyer 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.
