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 a car accident, hiring an attorney 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 Collision?
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 produce a report for the accident and go to an emergency room for significant 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 Crashes in Peters Township, 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 liable for the crash. Evidence of how the accident occurred, such as photos from the 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 injuries, lost wages, the level 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 legal professional can provide you with more important information about how to get the greatest amount of possible compensation for your specific circumstances.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Obtain?
Typical types of car wreck compensation can include health care 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 expenses 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 Accept the Settlement Offer?
It is not recommended to accept any settlement offer until an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance company 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 funds 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.
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 generally two years however the time to bring a case may be as limited as 90 days, as an example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer 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 Getting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is taken, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the accident. Therefore, it's recommended 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 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 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 company. They know what to say to negotiate a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
If the other vehicle driver doesn't have insurance, you'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance company. It is still encouraged to have an attorney 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 driver leaves the scene of the accident, 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 company. 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 plausible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated the exact same as one with an uninsured driver.
These answers should cover at least some of the issues you might have about how an 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 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 Collisions in Peters Township, PA
Automobile accidents are always unforeseen and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of crashes can help drivers avoid collisions that could happen in many situations, though some are inevitable. Watch out for the following common causes of automobile accidents to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Distracted
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for an auto 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 awareness away from what's happening on the street.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a major cause of auto 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 generally not an issue but going substantially above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for a major 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 automobile in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another major 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 an 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 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 an automobile 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 secured space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility heightens 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 critical to use a turn signal and wait until there is adequate room. Drivers who change lanes without checking, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal raises the potential for an automobile 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 respect to oncoming traffic, and other improper 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 Incorrect Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by vehicle operators 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 vehicle is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting crash is typically a head-on collision, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators 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 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 motorist is another prevalent way for auto accidents to occur. If the vehicle 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 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 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 road 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 roadway 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 a car accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be harmed 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 your car can cause an 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 an accident. 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 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.
