Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many concerns 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 essential 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 Crash?
Immediately after the accident, seek medical care for any injuries. It is a great idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer write a report for the collision 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 wreck care.
How is Fault Determined for Collisions in Reading City, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the collision 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 driver to be found at fault or for both drivers involved in the collision to be found responsible 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 identified 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 damage, 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 larger amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be minimal. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with more information about how to get the maximum amount of possible compensation for your specific situation.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Common types of car accident 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 costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are permanently disabled from the collision. A lawyer can review what types of quantifiable and non-quantifiable compensation may apply to the situation.
Should I Take the Settlement Offer?
It is not advisable 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 funds 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.
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 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 Accepting a Settlement?
No. If the settlement is approved, that is all you will receive to cover expenses from the collision. Therefore, it's advised to have a personal injury lawyer 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 smart 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 an attorney to handle the case and let them deal with the other party's insurance provider. 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 company. It is still suggested to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance provider 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 driver leaves the scene of the accident, it may not be viable to find out who they are and submit 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 feasible to determine who the driver was, the case is treated exactly the same as one with an uninsured motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the issues 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 Collisions in Reading City, PA
Automobile accidents are always unforeseen 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 inescapable. 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 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 road.
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 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 substantially increases the potential for a car accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is heightened, so it may be troublesome to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile 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 alcoholic drinks or done drugs before driving have slower reaction times, so they're more likely to cause a car 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 into any intersection. A common cause of auto accidents is drivers who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for some time, 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 heightens the chance of a crash. 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 critical to use a turn signal and wait until there is sufficient room. Drivers who change lanes without looking around, while too close to another car, 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 improper 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 Incorrect Way
Driving the wrong way down a road is often done by drivers 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 accident, which can cause more significant injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers who have only had a license for a brief amount of time are more likely to end up causing an accident. They do not have the knowledge 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 driver is another prevalent way for car accidents to occur. If the automobile in front needs to slow down or stop for any reason, an 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 a car accident while driving. If a driver is angry, 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 a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
When someone is too fatigued, the street can start to blur, and they can get incredibly 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 somewhere 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 crash 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 car accident. Other issues with your car could cause it to stop working suddenly 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.
