Car Accident Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Auto 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 a lawyer is a vital 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 Collision?
Immediately after the collision, seek medical care for any pain. It is a great idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer create a report for the accident and go to an emergency room for serious 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 Mount Lebanon, PA?
The fault is established by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both motorists were careless. If that negligence caused the crash, 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 collision occurred, such as photos from the automobile 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 obtained depends on many factors, including the health care expenses for your wounds, lost wages, the amount of pain suffering and loss of enjoyment of life occurred 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 low. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more guidance about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific circumstances.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Obtain?
Common types of car crash compensation can include health-related expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenses, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the collision. It can also include non-quantifiable costs 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 recommended to accept any settlement offer until a legal professional has reviewed it. The insurance company 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 an attorney review it and start negotiations to get a larger settlement offer.
Just how long Do I Have to Submit 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 limited as 90 days, for example 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 exceptions apply or help to 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 taken, 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 accepting it. There are rare exceptions for this, but they do not apply in most situations.
Should I Tell the Other Driver's Insurance Carrier My Side?
No. It is not a wise idea to speak with the other party's insurance provider. It's all too easy to mention 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 firm. 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 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 a lawyer handle this, as the insurance firm will want to lessen 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 driver 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 clip footage from a dash cam that may have a view of the license plate. If it's not possible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated exactly the same as one with an uninsured individual.
These answers should cover at least some of the concerns you might have about how an auto accident should be handled after it happens. If you've been in a vehicle 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 Car Accidents in Mount Lebanon, PA
Automobile accidents are always unanticipated and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of accidents can help drivers avoid crashes that could happen in many situations, though some are inevitable. Watch out for the following common causes of automobile accidents to be safer while on the road.
Driving While Sidetracked
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 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 major 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 an auto accident to occur.
Speeding
Going a little bit above the speed limit to keep with the flow of traffic is commonly not an issue but going drastically above the speed limit greatly increases the potential for a car 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 car in time to prevent an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Another significant cause of auto 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 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 into 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 an automobile isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a car 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 a crash. If hazards in the road can't be seen in time, there's a higher chance of a collision 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 automobile, or without a turn signal multiplies 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 wrong lane, turning without consideration to oncoming traffic, and other unlawful turns have a high likelihood of causing a car 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 Improper Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by vehicle operators under the influence or those who are unfamiliar 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 collision, which can cause more severe injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Motorists 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 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 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an auto accident while driving. If a driver is angry, they could intentionally or unintentionally strike 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 exhausted, the street can start to blur, and they can get exceptionally sleepy. It's possible for them not to have the reaction time needed 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
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 an accident 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 an accident could occur.
Vehicle Issues
Issues with the vehicle can cause an accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in a major accident. Other issues with your car could cause it to stop working unexpectedly 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 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.
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.
