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 a legal representative is a essential 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 Directly After the Crash?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any wounds. 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 serious injuries. If the injuries aren't severe or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the police officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car wreck care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Lower Paxton, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both motorists were negligent. If that negligence caused the crash, the driver or drivers are at fault. It is possible for one motorist to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the crash to be found liable for the crash. Evidence of how the crash 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 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 occurred because of the other driver's negligence. It is possible to receive a higher amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more information about how to get the greatest amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive?
Prevalent types of car crash compensation can include health care expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the collision. It can also include non-quantifiable cost like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the collision. 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 advisable 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 taken 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 an attorney review it and start negotiations to get a better settlement offer.
Exactly how long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The time you will have 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 limited as 90 days, for instance a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot be started, with very few exceptions. A legal professional 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 Taking 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 attorney review any settlement offer before accepting 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 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 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 a lawyer handle this, as the insurance provider will want to minimize the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance provider 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 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 accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in an accident, speaking with an attorney 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 Car Accidents in Lower Paxton, PA
Auto accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of crashes can help drivers avoid crashes that could occur in many situations, though some are unavoidable. 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 car, 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 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 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 significantly increases the potential for a major accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is heightened, so it may be difficult to swerve around anything in the road or stop the vehicle 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 a motor vehicle 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 going in 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 some time, look before going to make sure a 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 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 multiplies the chance of an automobile accident. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a crash occurring.
Perilous Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's vital to use a turn signal and wait until there is enough room. Drivers who change lanes without looking, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal increases 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 wrong lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other unlawful 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 drivers under the influence or those who are unfamiliar with the area and may not realize 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 accident, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers who have only had a license for a brief 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 evade a crash if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops abruptly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another motorist 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an accident while driving. If a driver is angry, 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 a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Exhausted
When someone is too fatigued, the street 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 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 damaged 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 a crash could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with the vehicle can cause a car 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 suddenly or have trouble staying in the lane, leading to a crash. 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.
