Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Automobile accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many questions about what can happen next and what they should or shouldn't do. If you've been in an auto accident, hiring an attorney 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 Promptly After the Collision?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any pain. It is a good 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 severe 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 Horsham, 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 accident, 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 crash occurred, such as photos from the 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 collected depends on many factors, including the medical-related expenses for your wounds, 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 larger amount of compensation after negotiations as the initial settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with more information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Obtain?
Typical types of car wreck compensation can include health care expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the collision. 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 Approve the Settlement Offer?
It is not advised to accept any settlement offer until an attorney has reviewed it. The insurance provider will initially propose 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 money on the claims filed through them. Instead, it's better to have a lawyer review it and start negotiations to get a larger settlement offer.
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 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 can't be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer can let you know if any of these exceptions apply or help in making 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 encouraged to have a injury attorney 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 Provider My Side?
No. It is not a wise idea to speak with the other party's insurance company. It's all too easy to state something that can be used against you, especially if it's taken out of context. Instead, hire an attorney to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance company. They know what to say to hammer out 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 company. It is still recommended to have a legal professional handle this, as the insurance firm will want to minimize 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 vehicle driver leaves the scene of the collision, it may not be possible 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 plausible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated the 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 a car accident, speaking with a lawyer is the next step to take. They can provide more specific 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 Horsham, PA
Automobile accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of crashes can help drivers avoid collisions that could happen in many situations, though some are inescapable. 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 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 focus away from what's happening on the street.
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 substantially 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 troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the vehicle 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 alcoholic drinks or done drugs before driving have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause an automobile 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 entering any intersection. A common cause of car accidents is vehicle operators who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for a while, look before going to make sure a vehicle isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a car accident.
Poor Weather or Visibility
When the weather is bad, 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 a crash. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a collision occurring.
Risky 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 checking, while too close to another automobile, or without a turn signal increases the potential for an 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 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 Improper 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 recognize the road is a one-way road. When an automobile is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting collision is typically a head-on collision, which can cause more serious injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators 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 avoid 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 motorist is another typical way for car accidents to occur. If the vehicle 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to a car accident while driving. If a driver is upset, 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 an accident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Exhausted
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 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 someplace 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 crash trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be damaged 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 car can cause an auto accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in a car 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 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.
