Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car 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 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 a car accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Immediately After the Crash?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any wounds. It is an exceptional idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer write a report for the crash and go to an emergency room for severe injuries. If the injuries aren't extreme 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 Collisions in Marple, PA?
The fault is determined by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both drivers were careless. If that negligence caused the accident, 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 accountable 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 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 starting settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with an attorney can provide you with more information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive?
Prevalent 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 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 a lawyer has reviewed it. The insurance firm will initially present 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 better settlement offer.
Exactly how long Do I Have to Start a Claim?
The time you will have to file a claim is known as the statute of limitations. For New Jersey, this is normally two years however the time to bring a case may be as brief 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 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 Taking 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 personal 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 good 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 legal professional 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 driver doesn't have insurance, you want to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance provider. It is still suggested to have an attorney handle this, as the insurance company will want to minimize the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance firm 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 accident, 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 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 driver.
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 an attorney 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 Automobile Accidents in Marple, PA
Automobile accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions 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 Preoccupied
Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for a car 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 awareness away from what's happening on the roadway.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly can be a significant cause of automobile 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 a car 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 significantly increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is heightened, so it may be challenging 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 automobile 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 improper 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 car accidents 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 secured space and wait out the weather, when possible, as reduced visibility increases the chance of an 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 important to use a turn signal and wait until there is enough room. Drivers who change lanes without looking around, while too close to another vehicle, 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.
Improper Turns
Turning from the incorrect lane, turning without respect 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 drivers under the influence or those who are unfamiliar with the area and may not realize the road is a one-way road. When an automobile is driving the wrong way down the road, the resulting crash is typically a head-on accident, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers who have only had a license for a limited 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 an accident if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops unexpectedly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another motorist is another typical way for collisions to occur. If the vehicle 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 car accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an auto accident while driving. If a driver is upset, 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 an accident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Fatigued
When someone is too fatigued, the roadway can start to blur, and they can get extremely 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 someplace to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Wildlife 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 a car accident trying to swerve, or the vehicle can be wrecked if it hits a larger animal. If the driver stops abruptly 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 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 your car could cause it to stop working abruptly 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 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.
