Car Crash 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 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 Promptly After the Collision?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any injuries. It is an exceptional idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer write a report for the crash and go to an emergency room for severe injuries. If the injuries aren't severe 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 Collisions in New Castle City, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were neglectful. If that negligence caused the collision, 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 responsible for the accident. Evidence of how the collision occurred, such as photos from the automobile accident scene, can help determine fault, but it can be identified without evidence in many cases.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
The amount of compensation received depends on many factors, including the medical expenses for your damage, 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 larger amount of compensation after negotiations as the initial settlement offer will likely be lower. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more information about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific circumstances.
What Types 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 collision. It can also include non-quantifiable expenses like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are completely disabled from the crash. 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 an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance company will initially present 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 higher settlement offer.
Exactly how long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The time you have got 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, 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 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 accepted, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's encouraged to have a personal injury attorney 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 mention 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 negotiate 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 legal professional handle this, as the insurance provider will want to minimize the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance firm 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 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 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 the exact same as one with an uninsured motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns you might have about how an accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in a vehicle accident, speaking with a lawyer 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 Collisions in New Castle City, PA
Auto accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid crashes that could occur in many situations, though some are inescapable. Watch out for the following common causes of motor vehicle collisions to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Sidetracked
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for an auto accident to occur. This includes talking or texting 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 roadway.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a serious 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 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 car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, 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 major 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 an automobile accident. Plus, they may cause a crash by not staying in their lane, making an inappropriate 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 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 car or truck isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing an 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 protected space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility increases 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 crucial to use a turn signal and wait until there is adequate room. Drivers who change lanes without checking, 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.
Improper Turns
Turning from the incorrect lane, turning without regard 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 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 accident is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists who have only had a license for a short 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 prevent a collision if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops unexpectedly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another driver is another prevalent way for car accidents to occur. If the car 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 angry, 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 an accident 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 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 someplace to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Animals 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 an accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be wrecked 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 car 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 a major accident. Other issues with the vehicle 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 collisions, 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.
