Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car 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 a car accident, hiring a lawyer 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 Immediately 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 accident and go to an emergency room for significant injuries. If the injuries aren't extreme 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 accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Upper Merion, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were negligent. If that negligence caused the accident, the driver or drivers are at fault. It is possible for one driver to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the accident to be found liable for the crash. Evidence of how the incident 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 collected 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 larger amount of compensation after negotiations as the initial settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more important information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Obtain?
Prevalent types of car crash compensation can include medical 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 costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are completely disabled from the collision. An attorney can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Accept the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance provider 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 cash on the claims filed through them. Instead, it's better to have a lawyer review it and start negotiations to get a larger 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 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 can not be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer can let you know if any of these exceptions 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 Accepting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is taken, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the crash. Therefore, it's recommended 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 Provider My Side?
No. It is not a good idea to speak with the other party's insurance firm. 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 firm. They know what to say to negotiate a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other driver doesn't have insurance, you'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance provider. It is still encouraged to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance provider 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 vehicle driver leaves the scene of the accident, it may not be viable to find out who they are and start 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 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 the same as one with an uninsured motorist.
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 an accident, speaking with a lawyer 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 Automobile Accidents in Upper Merion, PA
Auto accidents are always unforeseen and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid accidents that could take place 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 Sidetracked
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for an auto accident to occur. This includes talking or sending texts on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the vehicle, and anything else that might take the driver's focus 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 commonly not an issue but going drastically 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 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 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 incorrect 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 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 a car 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 a collision occurring.
Perilous 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 multiplies 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 incorrect lane, turning without respect to oncoming traffic, and other incorrect 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 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 recognize 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 impact, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers who have only had a license for a short 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 evade a collision if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops suddenly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another vehicle operator is another typical way for collisions 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 a crash.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to a car 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 prevent any issues. If an incident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too fatigued, the road 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 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 an 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 an accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with your car can cause an auto 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 an accident. 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 an attorney 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.
