Car Crash 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 legal representative is a vital next step. Before doing so, read these Frequently Asked Questions to learn a little bit more about handling an auto accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Promptly After the Collision?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any wounds. It is a good idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer create a report for the collision and go to an emergency room for significant injuries. If the injuries aren't serious or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the law enforcement officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Hampden, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the collision occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were negligent. 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 crash to be found responsible for the crash. Evidence of how the incident occurred, such as photos from the car 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 obtained depends on many factors, including the health care expenses for your damage, 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 initial settlement offer will likely be lower. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more important information about how to get the greatest amount of possible compensation for your specific circumstances.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive?
Common types of car crash compensation can include health care expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenditure, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the accident. It can also include non-quantifiable cost like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the crash. 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 present a settlement that's likely far below what the case is worth, hoping it will be accepted 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.
How Long Do I Have to Submit a Claim?
The time you must 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 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. 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 Accepting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is accepted, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the crash. 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 Company 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 a legal professional to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance company. 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 driver doesn't have insurance, you want to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still recommended 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 motorist leaves the scene of the crash, 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 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 exactly the same as one with an uninsured motorist.
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 a vehicle accident, speaking with an attorney 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 Collisions in Hampden, PA
Auto accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid accidents that could occur in many situations, though some are inescapable. 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 a car 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 focus away from what's happening on the roadway.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a major cause of car 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 typically not an issue but going substantially above the speed limit greatly increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, so it may be troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the car 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 intoxicating 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 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 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 safe space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility multiplies 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.
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 vehicle, 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.
Incorrect Turns
Turning from the incorrect lane, turning without consideration 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 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 realize the road is a one-way road. When a vehicle is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting collision is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers who have only had a license for a limited amount of time are more likely to end up causing an accident. They do not have the experience on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help avoid a collision 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 prevalent way for auto accidents to occur. If the automobile in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, a vehicle 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 a car accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an accident while driving. If a driver is angry, they could intentionally or unintentionally hit 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 Fatigued
When someone is too tired, the road 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 street or for the driver to fall asleep and run off the road. It's always better to find somewhere to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Animals on the road, especially at night, can lead to a car 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 an accident 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 the vehicle 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 legal professional 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.
