Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile 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 a car accident, hiring a lawyer is a vital 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 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 create a report for the accident and go to an emergency room for serious 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 wreck care.
How is Fault Determined for Collisions in Springfield Township, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both motorists were neglectful. If that negligence caused the crash, 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 crash to be found accountable for the crash. Evidence of how the accident occurred, such as photos from the 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 level 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 minimal. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with more important information about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Types of Compensation Can I Obtain?
Typical types of car accident compensation can include health-related 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. A legal professional can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not recommended to accept any settlement offer until an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance firm will initially propose a settlement that's likely far below what the case is worth, hoping it will be accepted 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 File a Claim?
The time you will have to file a claim is known as the statute of limitations. For New Jersey, this is typically two years however the time to bring a case may be as brief as 90 days, as an example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim can't be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer 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 approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the accident. Therefore, it's encouraged 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 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 lawyer to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance firm. They know what to say to negotiate a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Didn't Have Insurance?
If the other motorist 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 firm 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 driver leaves the scene of the crash, it may not be feasible to find out who they are and start 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 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 vehicle accident, speaking with a legal professional 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 Automobile Accidents in Springfield Township, PA
Auto accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid crashes that could occur 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 Preoccupied
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for a car accident to occur. This includes talking or text messaging on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the automobile, 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 constantly, cutting off other vehicles, crossing over multiple lanes at once, and anything else that could reasonably cause an auto accident to occur.
Speeding
Going a little bit above the speed limit to keep with the flow of traffic is generally not an issue but going substantially above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for an automobile accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is increased, so it may be troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another significant cause of automobile 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 accident. Plus, they may cause a car accident 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 going in any intersection. A common cause of car accidents is drivers 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 major 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 boosts the chance of a crash. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of an accident occurring.
Risky 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 vehicle, or without a turn signal multiplies the potential for a car accident to occur, even if the speeds are slow at the time of the lane change.
Incorrect Turns
Turning from the wrong lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other incorrect 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 vehicle operators under the influence or those who are unfamiliar with the area and may not realize the road is a one-way road. When a car is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting crash is typically a head-on collision, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists 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 experience on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help avoid 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 vehicle operator is another typical way for collisions to occur. If the car in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, an 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 a crash.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an auto accident while driving. If a driver is angry, they could intentionally or unintentionally hit 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 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 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 somewhere 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 car accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be harmed 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 accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in a car accident. Other issues with your car could cause it to stop working abruptly 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 collisions, 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.
