Car Crash Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions
Car accidents can happen at any time. Those who have never been in one may have many thoughts 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 an accident. Many of your questions may be answered here.
What Should I Do Immediately After the Collision?
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 serious 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 accident care.
How is Fault Determined for Crashes in Susquehanna Township, PA?
The fault is ascertained by looking into how the accident occurred and whether one or both motorists were neglectful. If that negligence caused the crash, 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 crash to be found accountable for the crash. Evidence of how the accident occurred, such as photos from the automobile 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 health care expenses for your damage, 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 introductory settlement offer will likely be lower. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more guidance about how to get the highest amount of possible compensation for your specific case.
What Forms 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 accident. It can also include non-quantifiable costs like loss of enjoyment of life for those who are completely disabled from the accident. A lawyer 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 lawyer 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 taken 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.
Just 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 generally two years however the time to bring a case may be as short as 90 days, as an example a state entity is only 90 days. After this point, a claim cannot be started, with very few exceptions. A lawyer can let you know if any of these exemptions 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 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 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 good idea to speak with the other party's insurance provider. It's all too easy to say 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 Didn't Have Insurance?
If the other vehicle driver doesn't have insurance, you'll need to file under the uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance company. It is still encouraged to have a legal professional handle this, as the insurance firm will want to lessen the amount paid out on the claim. The insurance provider 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 crash, it may not be viable to find out who they are and start a claim. If they can be found, a claim can be made against their insurance company. 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 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 exactly the same as one with an uninsured motorist.
These answers should cover at least some of the questions you might have about how an 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 precise 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 Susquehanna Township, PA
Automobile accidents are always unforeseen 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 unavoidable. Watch out for the following common causes of motor vehicle collisions 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 car, 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 car 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 commonly not an issue but going drastically above the speed limit substantially increases the potential for a major accident. When speeding, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is amplified, so it may be difficult to swerve around anything in the road or stop the automobile 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 intoxicating 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 car accident by not staying in their lane, making an inappropriate 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 collisions is car owners who run red lights or stop signs. Even if the light has been green for quite a while, look before going to make sure a car or truck isn't going through a red light, as they will end up causing a car 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 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 crucial to use a turn signal and wait until there is adequate room. Drivers who change lanes without looking, while too close to another car, or without a turn signal raises 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 Incorrect 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 understand 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 severe injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Vehicle operators who have only had a license for a short amount of time are more likely to end up causing an accident. They do not have the skills 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 suddenly, or something else happens.
Tailgating
Tailgating or driving too close to another driver is another prevalent way for car accidents to occur. If the car 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 an accident.
Road Rage
Road rage can lead to an accident while driving. If a driver is angry, 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 a crash does occur, stay in the vehicle, and call for emergency services.
Driving While Tired
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 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 a place 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 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 your car can cause a car 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 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 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.
