Why you should file a claim and get representation after a car accident

Car accidents often result in serious and long-lasting consequences for everyone involved.  In extreme cases, a passenger vehicle accident can result in a life-altering injury such as brain or spinal cord injuries.  And even in milder cases, an injured individual can still lose the ability to participate in the activities of daily living.

There are approximately 675,000 licensed drivers who use the roadways in Delaware.  While most of those drivers abide by all applicable laws and exercise due diligence while on the road, some use poor judgment, and the resulting negligence can result in inconvenience at best or tragedy at worst for other Delaware drivers.  In the split second that it takes for a driver to fall asleep at the wheel, engage in a risky maneuver while speeding, or takes any other manner of reckless behaviors, an accident can occur.  During the year of 2014, over 7,500 injuries and 125 deaths related to car accidents occurred.  Exercising defensive driving, such as the Delaware DMV offers courses in, might have prevented many of these.

In the state of Delaware, victims of car accidents have the right to hold liable the party who caused their injuries.  In the event that another driver’s negligence causes you to suffer injury, 

you can pursue damages for a number of reasons, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Long-lasting injuries
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death

When should I file a claim relating to my car accident in Delaware?

Every state determines its own deadline for how long after an accident people can pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party.  “Statute of limitations” is the legal term used to refer to this deadline.  Under Delaware law, individuals have two years from the date the accident occurred to seek compensation for property damage or personal injuries.

Accidents involving government-operated vehicles such as buses or other public transport vehicles may have different deadlines.  Government agencies have their own specific rule sets.  A competent personal injury attorney can help you determine the best time to take action.

In the event you fail to file suit before the statute of limitations has run its course, the court will no longer be willing to hear your case.  While some exceptions exist, it’s in your best interest to start the process immediately to ensure your case gets tried.  In addition, insurance companies set their own time frames for the submission of claims, meaning it would be wise to investigate their policies following an accident.

Why hire a personal injury lawyer in Delaware?

Car accident cases are not always simple and straightforward.  Many different variables can come into play.  For example, the types of auto insurance carried by Delaware drivers can play a role.  The state sets minimums for how much insurance a driver must have, though sometimes the cost of injuries exceeds the protection offered by the insurance policy.

The law also considers the severity of the injury in determining compensation.  For example, potentially debilitating injuries such as burns, brain, and spinal cord injuries, or amputations may warrant significant compensation due to large medical costs.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our law office today to get the quality representation you deserve.

 

Sources:

https://www.dmv.de.gov/services/driver_services/defensive_driving.shtml

https://law-de.com/auto-accident/