Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many concerns about what can happen next and what they should or shouldn't do. If you've been in an 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 Directly After the Crash?
Immediately after the collision, seek medical care for any pain. It is an exceptional idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer create a report for the crash and go to an emergency room for significant 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 crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Cranberry Township, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both drivers were careless. If that negligence caused the collision, 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 accident. Evidence of how the accident 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 obtained depends on many factors, including the medical expenses for your damage, 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 introductory settlement offer will likely be lower. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more guidance about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Obtain?
Prevalent 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 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 Approve the Settlement Offer?
It is not recommended to accept any settlement offer until a lawyer has reviewed it. The insurance provider will initially offer 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 cash 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.
Exactly 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 cannot be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer can let you know if any of these exemptions 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 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 Carrier My Side?
No. It is not a smart idea to speak with the other party's insurance firm. It's all too easy to state 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 hammer out a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
If the other driver doesn't have insurance, you will have to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance provider. 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 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 possible 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 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 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 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 Automobile Accidents in Cranberry Township, PA
Auto accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid crashes that could take place in many situations, though some are inevitable. 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 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 roadway.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a serious 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 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 drastically above the speed limit greatly increases the potential for an accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is increased, so it may be troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another considerable cause of auto accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had intoxicating drinks or done drugs before driving have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause an automobile 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 into 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 some time, 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 safe space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility multiplies the chance of a crash. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of an accident 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 looking around, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal raises the potential for a car accident to occur, even if the speeds are slow at the time of the lane change.
Incorrect Turns
Turning from the improper lane, turning without respect 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 Improper Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by vehicle operators under the influence or those who are unfamiliar with the area and may not recognize the road is a one-way road. When an automobile is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting crash is typically a head-on collision, which can cause more severe 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 knowledge on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help avoid 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 vehicle operator is another typical 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 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 fatigued, 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 a crash trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be harmed if it hits a larger animal. If the driver stops abruptly 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 a major accident. Other issues with your car could cause it to stop working unexpectedly 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 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.
