Car Wreck Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car 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 an auto 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 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 wounds. It is a good idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer write a report for the collision 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 police officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Warminster, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the collision occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were negligent. 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 accident to be found accountable for the crash. Evidence of how the incident occurred, such as photos from the 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 obtained depends on many factors, including the medical-related 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 introductory 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 case.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Acquire?
Common types of car accident compensation can include health care expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenses, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the accident. It can also include non-quantifiable cost 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 Accept the Settlement Offer?
It is not advisable to accept any settlement offer until a legal professional 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 accepted 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.
Exactly how long Do I Have to Start 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 short as 90 days, for instance a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot 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 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 state 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 Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other vehicle driver doesn't have insurance, you will have to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance company. It is still recommended to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance firm will want to lessen 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 driver leaves the scene of the crash, it may not be possible 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 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 driver.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns you might have about how an auto 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 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 Auto Accidents in Warminster, PA
Automobile accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of crashes can help drivers avoid crashes that could take place 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 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 street.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a serious cause of automobile 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 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 greatly increases the potential for a major 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 car 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 an accident. Plus, they may cause a crash 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 auto 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 an automobile isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing an accident.
Poor Weather or Visibility
When the weather is bad, 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 safe space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility boosts the chance of an automobile accident. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a crash occurring.
Perilous Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's critical to use a turn signal and wait until there is enough room. Drivers who change lanes without looking, 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.
Incorrect Turns
Turning from the wrong lane, turning without respect to oncoming traffic, and other incorrect 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 individuals under the influence or those who are not really acquainted with the area and may not realize the road is a one-way road. When an automobile is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting crash is typically a head-on impact, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists who have only had a license for a brief 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 crash if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops abruptly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another driver is another typical way for collisions to occur. If the automobile in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, a collision 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an auto accident while driving. If a driver is upset, they could intentionally or unintentionally hit another vehicle. It is best to slow down and let the driver with road rage get ahead to avoid any issues. If a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too exhausted, the street can start to blur, and they can get incredibly 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 a crash 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 car can cause an 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 a collision. 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.
