Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car 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 an auto accident, hiring a lawyer is a essential 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 crash, seek medical care for any injuries. It is a good idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer create a report for the accident 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 cop to clear the scene and see a doctor for car wreck care.
How is Fault Determined for Collisions in Northampton Township, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both motorists were neglectful. 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 accident to be found liable for the crash. Evidence of how the crash occurred, such as photos from the automobile 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 received depends on many factors, including the health care expenses for your damage, lost wages, the level 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 Types of Compensation Can I Obtain?
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 crash. It can also include non-quantifiable costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are completely disabled from the accident. A legal professional can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until an attorney 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 approved and they will no longer owe money for the case. This is a way for them to save money on the claims filed through them. Instead, it's better to have a legal professional review it and start negotiations to get a larger 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 brief as 90 days, for example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim can't be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer 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 taken, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's advised 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 good idea to speak with the other party's insurance provider. It's all too easy to state 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 provider. They know what to say to negotiate 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 provider. It is still suggested to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance firm will want to lessen 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 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 recording 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 driver.
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 an accident, speaking with a legal professional 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 Automobile Accidents in Northampton Township, PA
Auto accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid crashes that could take place 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 an auto accident to occur. This includes talking or sending texts on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the vehicle, 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 car accidents. Reckless driving includes switching lanes randomly and continually, cutting off other vehicles, crossing over multiple lanes at once, and anything else that could reasonably cause an auto 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 drastically above the speed limit significantly increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is increased, 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 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 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 quite a while, look before going to make sure an automobile isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing an accident.
Poor Weather or Visibility
When the weather is poor, 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 automobile accident. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a collision occurring.
Perilous Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's important to use a turn signal and wait until there is enough room. Drivers who change lanes without checking, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal increases the potential for an accident to occur, even if the speeds are slow at the time of the lane change.
Improper Turns
Turning from the wrong lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other incorrect 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 vehicle operators 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 accident is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more severe 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 avoid an accident if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops unexpectedly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another vehicle operator is another prevalent way for collisions 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 a crash.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an auto 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 avoid 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 roadway can start to blur, and they can get extremely 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 someplace to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Animals 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 damaged 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 a major 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 auto accidents, 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.
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