Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Auto accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many thoughts 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 Accident?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any wounds. 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 serious 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 State College, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the collision occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were careless. 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 accountable for the crash. Evidence of how the crash 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 received depends on many factors, including the health care 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 initial settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Acquire?
Common types of car crash compensation can include health-related expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenditure, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the accident. It can also include non-quantifiable costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the collision. A lawyer 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 provider 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 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.
Exactly how long Do I Have to Submit 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 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. An attorney can let you know if any of these exceptions 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 accepted, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's advised to have a 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 provider. It's all too easy to mention 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 company. 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 motorist doesn't have insurance, you want to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still recommended to have an attorney handle this, as the insurance company will want to reduce 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 crash, it may not be viable to find out who they are and file a claim. If they can be found, a claim can be made against their insurance company. 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 feasible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated the exact same as one with an uninsured driver.
These answers should cover at least some of the issues you might have about how an 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 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 State College, PA
Automobile accidents are always unforeseen and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid accidents that could happen 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 a car accident to occur. This includes talking or texting 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 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 commonly not an issue but going substantially above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is increased, 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 significant cause of auto accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had alcoholic drinks or done drugs before driving a vehicle have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause a car accident. Plus, they may cause an 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 collisions is vehicle operators who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for some time, 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.
Risky 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 checking, while too close to another automobile, 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 respect to oncoming traffic, and other improper turns have a high likelihood of causing a crash. 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 drivers under the influence or those who are not familiar with the area and may not understand 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 impact, which can cause more severe injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators 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 experience on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help avoid 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 common way for car accidents 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 a car accident while driving. If a driver is upset, they could intentionally or unintentionally strike another vehicle. It is best to slow down and let the driver with road rage get ahead to avoid any issues. If an accident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too fatigued, the roadway can start to blur, and they can get extremely sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time needed 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
Critters 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 an accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be wrecked 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 a crash 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 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 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.
