Car Accident 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 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 a car accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Promptly After the Accident?
Immediately after the collision, 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 accident 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 cop to clear the scene and see a doctor for car crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Bethlehem City, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the collision occurred and whether one or both motorists 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 responsible for the collision. 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 collected depends on many factors, including the medical-related expenses for your damage, 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 elevated amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with more important information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific circumstances.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Common types of car crash compensation can include health care expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenditure, 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 permanently disabled from the accident. An attorney can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Approve the Settlement Offer?
It is not advisable to accept any settlement offer until a lawyer 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 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 legal professional review it and start negotiations to get a higher settlement offer.
Just 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 generally two years however the time to bring a case may be as short as 90 days, as an example 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 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 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 wise idea to speak with the other party's insurance firm. It's all too easy to mention 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 Didn't 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 suggested 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 feasible to find out who they are and submit 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 footage from a dash cam that may have a view of the license plate. If it's not plausible 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 car 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 Automobile Accidents in Bethlehem City, PA
Automobile accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid crashes 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 Preoccupied
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 vehicle, and anything else that might take the driver's awareness away from what's happening on the road.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a significant cause of auto 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 typically not an issue but going drastically above the speed limit greatly increases the potential for an automobile accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, 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 considerable cause of car accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had alcohol drinks or done drugs before driving a motor vehicle have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause an automobile 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 going in 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 quite a while, look before going to make sure a car or truck isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a major 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 an accident occurring.
Risky 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 looking around, 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.
Improper Turns
Turning from the improper lane, turning without consideration 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 Wrong Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by drivers under the influence or those who are not really acquainted with the area and may not recognize the road is a one-way road. When a car is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting accident is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers 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 experience on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help evade 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 vehicle operator is another common way for auto accidents to occur. If the car in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, a crash 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 angry, they could intentionally or unintentionally hit 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 Fatigued
When someone is too tired, the street can start to blur, and they can get incredibly sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time necessary 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
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 car 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 an accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with the vehicle can cause a car accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in an accident. Other issues with the vehicle could cause it to stop working unexpectedly 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.
