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 Promptly After the Collision?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any wounds. It is a good idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer create a report for the collision and go to an emergency room for significant injuries. If the injuries aren't serious or it doesn't seem like there are any injuries, wait for the law enforcement officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Bristol Township, 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 collision, 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 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 obtained depends on many factors, including the medical 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 lower. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more information about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Acquire?
Common types of car wreck compensation can include health-related 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 cost 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 Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until a lawyer has reviewed it. The insurance firm will initially offer a settlement that's likely far below what the case is worth, hoping it will be taken 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 a legal professional review it and start negotiations to get a better settlement offer.
Just 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 generally 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 Accepting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is accepted, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the accident. Therefore, it's advised 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 good idea to speak with the other party's insurance firm. 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 bargain for 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'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance firm. It is still recommended to have an attorney 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 driver leaves the scene of the collision, 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 carrier. 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 clip 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 motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns 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 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 Car Accidents in Bristol Township, PA
Car accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of crashes can help drivers avoid collisions that could take place in many situations, though some are unavoidable. Watch out for the following common causes of automobile accidents to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Distracted
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 attention away from what's happening on the roadway.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a major 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 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 drastically above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for an automobile accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is increased, so it may be challenging to swerve around anything in the road or stop the car 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 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 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 collisions 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 car or truck 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 heightens 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.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When changing lanes, it's vital to use a turn signal and wait until there is sufficient room. Drivers who change lanes without looking, while too close to another vehicle, 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.
Unlawful Turns
Turning from the incorrect lane, turning without respect to oncoming traffic, and other improper 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 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 car is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting accident is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more severe 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 skills on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help prevent 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 common 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 a car accident.
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 avoid 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 roadway can start to blur, and they can get exceptionally sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time necessary 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 someplace to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Animals on the road, especially at night, can lead to a car 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 unexpectedly because of an animal in the road, the vehicle behind them may not stop in time, and a crash 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 car accident. Other issues with your car could cause it to stop working suddenly or have trouble staying in the lane, leading to a crash. 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 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.
