Car Wreck 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 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 an accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Immediately After the Collision?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any wounds. 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 significant injuries. If the injuries aren't extreme or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the cop to clear the scene and see a doctor for car accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Collisions in Baldwin Borough, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both motorists were careless. 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 collision to be found accountable for the collision. Evidence of how the crash occurred, such as photos from the automobile 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 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 larger amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more guidance about how to get the greatest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Typical types of car wreck compensation can include medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenses, 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 Accept the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised 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 approved 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 an attorney review it and start negotiations to get a larger 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 typically 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't 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 approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the crash. Therefore, it's recommended 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 wise 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 lawyer to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance firm. They know what to say to bargain for a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other motorist doesn't have insurance, you will have to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance provider. It is still suggested to have a legal professional handle this, as the insurance company will want to minimize 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 collision, 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 provider. 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 feasible 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 issues you might have about how an auto 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 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 Baldwin Borough, PA
Auto accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid accidents that could occur in many situations, though some are unavoidable. 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 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 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 generally not an issue but going significantly 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 troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another major cause of car 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 automobile 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 entering any intersection. A common cause of collisions is drivers who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for quite a while, look before going to make sure an automobile isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a car 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 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 a crash occurring.
Risky Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's important 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 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 regard to oncoming traffic, and other improper 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 Improper Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by individuals 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 collision is typically a head-on impact, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators who have only had a license for a brief amount of time are more likely to end up causing an accident. They do not have the skills 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 unexpectedly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another driver is another prevalent way for auto 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an accident while driving. If a driver is distressed, 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 a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too tired, the roadway 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 street 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
Wildlife 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 car accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be wrecked if it hits a larger animal. If the driver stops unexpectedly 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 your car 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 car accidents, 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.
