Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile 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 an 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 a car accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Immediately After the Accident?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any pain. It is a great 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 extreme 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 accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Lebanon City, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the collision occurred and whether one or both motorists 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 accountable 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 determined 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 injuries, lost wages, the amount 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 initial settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more guidance about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive?
Typical types of car crash compensation can include health-related 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 expenses like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the collision. A lawyer can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Accept the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until a legal professional 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 a lawyer review it and start negotiations to get a larger settlement offer.
Just 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 can not be started, with very few exceptions. An attorney can let you know if any of these exemptions 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 accepted, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's advised to have a personal injury attorney review any settlement offer before taking 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 say 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 negotiate 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 firm. It is still recommended 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 driver 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 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 individual.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns you might have about how a car accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in a car 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 Collisions in Lebanon City, PA
Car accidents are always unforeseen 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 inescapable. 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 accident to occur. This includes talking or texting on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the automobile, and anything else that might take the driver's focus away from what's happening on the street.
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 accident to occur.
Speeding
Going a little bit above the speed limit to keep with the flow of traffic is commonly not an issue but going significantly 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 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 intoxicating 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 a crash 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 collisions is drivers 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 a major 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 increases 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.
Risky 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 increases the potential for an automobile 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 improper 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 motorists under the influence or those who are not really acquainted 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 accident is typically a head-on collision, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers 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 knowledge on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help evade a collision if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops abruptly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another vehicle operator is another typical way for collisions to occur. If the vehicle 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 car accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an accident while driving. If a driver is upset, they could intentionally or unintentionally strike another vehicle. It is best to slow down and let the driver with road rage get ahead to lessen any issues. If an incident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Exhausted
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 needed 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
Critters 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 crash 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 an auto accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in an accident. Other issues with the 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 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.
