Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile 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 legal representative is a crucial 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 Directly After the Collision?
Immediately after the collision, 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 accident 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 police officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car crash care.
How is Fault Determined for Accidents in Buckingham Township, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the crash occurred and whether one or both motorists were negligent. If that negligence caused the crash, the driver or drivers are at fault. It is possible for one vehicle operator to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the collision to be found accountable for the accident. Evidence of how the incident occurred, such as photos from the car 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 injuries, lost wages, the amount of pain suffering and loss of enjoyment of life happened because of the other driver's negligence. It is possible to receive a higher amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more information about how to get the greatest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Common types of car crash compensation can include health care 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 permanently disabled from the accident. An attorney can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not recommended to accept any settlement offer until an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance company 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 an attorney review it and start negotiations to get a larger settlement offer.
Just how long Do I Have to File 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 limited 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. An attorney 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 Getting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the crash. Therefore, it's advised to have a personal injury lawyer 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 Provider My Side?
No. It is not a good 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 a legal professional to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance provider. They know what to say to negotiate a higher settlement without risks.
What Happens if the Other Driver Doesn't 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 lawyer handle this, as the insurance firm will want to lessen 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 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 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 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 driver.
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 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 Collisions in Buckingham Township, 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 take place in many situations, though some are unavoidable. 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 an accident to occur. This includes talking or sending texts 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 serious cause of car 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 typically not an issue but going substantially above the speed limit significantly increases the potential for an automobile 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 car in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another major cause of auto accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had intoxicating drinks or done drugs before driving have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause a car accident. Plus, they may cause an accident 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 collisions is drivers who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for a while, look before going to make sure a motor vehicle isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing an 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 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 an accident occurring.
Risky 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 checking, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal multiplies the potential for an automobile 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 consideration to oncoming traffic, and other unlawful 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 motorists under the influence or those who are not familiar with the area and may not realize the road is a one-way road. When a vehicle 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
Drivers who have only had a license for a short 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 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 vehicle operator is another prevalent way for auto accidents to occur. If the automobile 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 auto accident while driving. If a driver is distressed, 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 an incident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Fatigued
When someone is too exhausted, the road can start to blur, and they can get incredibly 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 a place to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Animals 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 harmed 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 the vehicle can cause an auto accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in an accident. Other issues with the car 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 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.
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