Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car 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 a car accident, hiring a legal representative is a vital 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 Collision?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any pain. It is an exceptional idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer produce a report for the crash and go to an emergency room for serious 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 crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Muhlenberg, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both motorists were careless. If that negligence caused the crash, 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 accident. Evidence of how the crash 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 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 larger amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
Common types of car wreck compensation can include medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenditure, 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 completely disabled from the collision. A lawyer can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Approve the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until a legal professional has reviewed it. The insurance firm will initially propose 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 higher settlement offer.
How Long Do I Have to Start a Claim?
The time you will have 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 can't be started, with very few exceptions. An attorney can let you know if any of these exceptions 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 Taking a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's encouraged to have a personal 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 Provider My Side?
No. It is not a smart idea to speak with the other party's insurance firm. 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 legal professional to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance provider. 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'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still encouraged to have a legal professional handle this, as the insurance company will want to reduce the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance company will worry about whether they can receive any funds from the uninsured motorist.
What Happens if the Driver Leaves the Scene?
If the motorist leaves the scene of the collision, it may not be viable to find out who they are and start 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 possible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated the exact same as one with an uninsured motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns 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 legal professional 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 Car Accidents in Muhlenberg, PA
Car accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid collisions that could take place in many situations, though some are unavoidable. Watch out for the following common causes of motor vehicle collisions to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Preoccupied
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for an auto accident to occur. This includes talking or texting on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the car, and anything else that might take the driver's awareness away from what's happening on the road.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a significant 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 a car accident to occur.
Speeding
Going a little bit above the speed limit to keep with the flow of traffic is generally 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 heightened, so it may be challenging to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another major cause of automobile accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had alcoholic 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 incorrect turn, or running off the road.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
It's always best to look before entering any intersection. A common cause of auto accidents is vehicle operators who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for 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 car 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 protected space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility boosts the chance of an accident. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a collision occurring.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's crucial to use a turn signal and wait until there is sufficient room. Drivers who change lanes without looking around, while too close to another car, 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.
Unlawful Turns
Turning from the wrong 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 drivers under the influence or those who are not familiar with the area and may not understand 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 serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators who have only had a license for a short amount of time are more likely to end up causing a car accident. They do not have the skills on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help prevent 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 vehicle operator is another prevalent way for auto accidents to occur. If the vehicle in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, an 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to a car 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 lessen any issues. If a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too exhausted, the road can start to blur, and they can get exceptionally sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time required 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 a place 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 a crash could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with your 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 your car 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 collisions, you may be able to avoid being in one. If you are ever involved in an accident, speak with an attorney 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.
