Car Wreck 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 auto accident, hiring an attorney is a vital 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 collision, 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 crash 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 Collisions in Lower Makefield, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both drivers were careless. If that negligence caused the accident, the driver or drivers are at fault. It is possible for one driver to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the collision to be found accountable for the accident. 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 received 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 starting settlement offer will likely be minimal. 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 Obtain?
Common types of car crash compensation can include health-related 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 collision. A legal professional 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 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 money on the claims filed through them. Instead, it's better to have a legal professional review it and start negotiations to get a better settlement offer.
How Long Do I Have to Start a Claim?
The time you must 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 brief as 90 days, for example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot 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 Getting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. 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 say 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 company. They know what to say to hammer out a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other vehicle driver doesn't have insurance, you'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still suggested to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance provider will want to lessen 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 vehicle driver leaves the scene of the crash, 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 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 recording 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 individual.
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 lawyer 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 Auto Accidents in Lower Makefield, PA
Automobile accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid collisions that could take place in many situations, though some are inescapable. Watch out for the following common causes of auto 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 vehicle, and anything else that might take the driver's attention away from what's happening on the road.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a major 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 a major accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, so it may be difficult 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 auto accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had intoxicating drinks or done drugs before driving a motor 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 incorrect turn, or running off the road.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
It's always best to look before going in 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 a while, look before going to make sure a vehicle 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 multiplies the chance of a crash. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a collision occurring.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's vital to use a turn signal and wait until there is sufficient room. Drivers who change lanes without looking, while too close to another automobile, 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.
Unlawful Turns
Turning from the incorrect lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other improper 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 Wrong Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by individuals under the influence or those who are unfamiliar with the area and may not recognize the road is a one-way road. When a vehicle is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting accident is typically a head-on collision, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists who have only had a license for a brief 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 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 driver is another typical way for car accidents to occur. If the car 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 impact 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 Fatigued
When someone is too fatigued, the street can start to blur, and they can get incredibly 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 somewhere 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 wrecked 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 a car accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with the 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 vehicle could cause it to stop working abruptly 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 collisions, 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.
