Car Wreck Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile 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 an attorney is a crucial 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 Directly After the Collision?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any injuries. It is an exceptional idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer produce a report for the crash and go to an emergency room for significant injuries. If the injuries aren't severe or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the cop to clear the scene and see a doctor for car wreck care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Middletown Township, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both drivers were neglectful. 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 collision to be found responsible for the crash. Evidence of how the crash occurred, such as photos from the automobile 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 medical expenses for your wounds, 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 higher amount of compensation after negotiations as the starting settlement offer will likely be lower. Speaking with an attorney 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 Obtain?
Common types of car wreck compensation can include medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenses, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the crash. It can also include non-quantifiable costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the crash. An attorney can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until a lawyer has reviewed it. The insurance company will initially propose 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 higher settlement offer.
Just 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 example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim can't be started, with very few exceptions. A legal professional 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 Getting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's advised 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 wise idea to speak with the other party's insurance company. 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 lawyer 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 suggested to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance company 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 vehicle 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 provider. 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 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 targeted 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 Middletown Township, PA
Auto accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of crashes can help drivers avoid accidents that could occur in many situations, though some are inevitable. Watch out for the following common causes of auto accidents 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 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 street.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a significant cause of auto 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 a car 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 substantially increases the potential for a major 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 vehicle in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another considerable cause of automobile accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had alcoholic 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 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 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 poor, 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 an accident occurring.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's vital to use a turn signal and wait until there is adequate room. Drivers who change lanes without checking, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal raises the potential for an automobile 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 regard 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 Incorrect Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by motorists under the influence or those who are unfamiliar with the area and may not understand 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 impact, which can cause more severe 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 skills 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 abruptly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another vehicle operator is another common way for auto accidents 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 crash.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to a car accident while driving. If a driver is upset, they could intentionally or unintentionally impact another vehicle. It is best to slow down and let the driver with road rage get ahead to avoid 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 street 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 road 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
Critters 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 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 an accident. Other issues with the car could cause it to stop working suddenly 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 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.
