Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car 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 an accident, hiring a lawyer is a essential 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 Crash?
Immediately after the accident, 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 collision and go to an emergency room for severe 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 crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Whitehall Township, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both vehicle operators were neglectful. If that negligence caused the accident, 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 collision. Evidence of how the collision occurred, such as photos from the car 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-related expenses for your damage, 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 higher amount of compensation after negotiations as the initial settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more guidance about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Types of Compensation Can I Acquire?
Typical 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 crash. It can also include non-quantifiable expenses like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are entirely disabled from the crash. A legal professional 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 a lawyer 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 approved 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 a legal professional review it and start negotiations to get a larger settlement offer.
Exactly how long Do I Have to Start a Claim?
The time you must 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 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 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 crash. Therefore, it's recommended to have a personal injury lawyer review any settlement offer before taking 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 say 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 Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other motorist doesn't have insurance, you'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still encouraged to have an attorney handle this, as the insurance provider 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 motorist 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 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 motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the questions you might have about how an accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in an accident, speaking with an attorney 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 Auto Accidents in Whitehall Township, PA
Auto accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid collisions that could occur in many situations, though some are inevitable. 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 text messaging on the phone, eating while driving, talking to someone else in the vehicle, 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 automobile 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 an 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 significantly above the speed limit greatly increases the potential for a car 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 vehicle 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 crash 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 vehicle operators who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for quite a while, look before going to make sure a vehicle 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 safe 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.
Perilous Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's critical to use a turn signal and wait until there is adequate room. Drivers who change lanes without looking around, while too close to another car, 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 respect 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 not familiar 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 collision, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists who have only had a license for a brief amount of time are more likely to end up causing a crash. They do not have the knowledge on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help avoid a collision 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 prevalent way for car accidents to occur. If the car 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 an accident while driving. If a driver is upset, 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 incident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too fatigued, the street can start to blur, and they can get exceptionally sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time required to stop or swerve if there is anything in the roadway 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
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 crash 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 a car accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with your vehicle can cause a car 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 suddenly 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 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.
