Car Accident 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 accident, hiring a lawyer 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 Accident?
Immediately after the crash, seek medical care for any injuries. It is an exceptional idea to call for emergency services to have a police officer produce a report for the crash 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 police officer to clear the scene and see a doctor for car accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Spring Township, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both drivers were negligent. 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 collision. Evidence of how the collision occurred, such as photos from the automobile accident scene, can help determine fault, but it can be established without evidence in many cases.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
The amount of compensation obtained depends on many factors, including the medical expenses for your injuries, lost wages, the level of pain suffering and loss of enjoyment of life occurred because of the other driver's negligence. It is possible to receive a elevated amount of compensation after negotiations as the introductory settlement offer will likely be low. Speaking with a lawyer can provide you with more important information about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific circumstances.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive?
Common types of car accident compensation can include health-related expenses, vehicle repair or replacement expenses, lost wages, and compensation for any other specific expenses relating to the accident. It can also include non-quantifiable expenses like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are entirely disabled from the crash. A legal professional 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 legal professional has reviewed it. The insurance provider will initially offer 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 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 have got 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, for instance 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 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 encouraged 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 Company My Side?
No. It is not a smart 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 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 vehicle driver doesn't have insurance, you will have to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance company. It is still suggested to have a lawyer handle this, as the insurance firm 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 crash, it may not be feasible to find out who they are and file 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 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 a car 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 Spring Township, PA
Auto accidents are always unexpected and can happen for almost any reason. Knowing the potential causes of collisions can help drivers avoid collisions that could occur in many situations, though some are inevitable. Watch out for the following common causes of auto accidents 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 texting 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 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 typically not an issue but going drastically above the speed limit significantly increases the potential for an 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 considerable cause of automobile accidents is driving under the influence. Those who have had intoxicating 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 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 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 quite a while, look before going to make sure an automobile isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing an 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 increases 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 crucial to use a turn signal and wait until there is enough 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.
Improper Turns
Turning from the incorrect lane, turning without respect to oncoming traffic, and other improper 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 vehicle operators 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 accident is typically a head-on accident, 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 a car accident. They do not have the knowledge on the road yet to be able to make split-second decisions that could help evade a collision if there is a hazard in the road, someone stops unexpectedly, 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 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 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 prevent any issues. If an accident does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
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 someplace to stop and rest instead of driving while tired.
Animals in the Road
Critters on the road, especially at night, can lead to an 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 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 your vehicle can cause an auto accident. A tire blowing out while driving may cause the driver to swerve, and they could get in a major accident. Other issues with the vehicle 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.
