What to Do After a Car Accident
Have you been injured in a car accident and are wondering whether or not it’s time to get advice from an auto accident lawyer Newark, New Jersey motorists turn to for help? Perhaps you have been contacted by insurance adjusters who are telling you things you are not necessarily comfortable with. You might feel like they are pressuring you to settle without a Newark auto accident lawyer. This is a common situation victims get put into, and one that if not carefully maneuvered through, can become complicated and drawn out. Realistically no matter what has happened, you should consult an auto accident lawyer in Newark as soon as possible.
Table Of Contents
- Basic Information About Car Accident Claims
- Car Features That May Reduce Car Accident Risk
- Types Of Distracted Driving That Lead To Car Accidents
- Types Of Distracted Driving That Lead To Car Accidents Infographic
Meet Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.
Since 1999, the lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. have aggressively pursued personal injury claims that involve a car, truck, or other type of vehicle. Our experience, which includes trial by jury, sets us apart from many other firms and has helped us to recover millions of dollars in damages. Guided by years of experience and a passion for protecting the rights of victims, we have built a solid reputation throughout the Newark area.
Basic Information About Car Accident Claims
If you have been injured in a car accident, we encourage you to contact our firm for further advice. An auto accident lawyer Newark locals recommend from our firm can review your case and offer guidance. Each case is unique which can make an attorney’s opinion invaluable.
Steps to Take After an Accident
A skillful auto accident lawyer Newark drivers trust may advise you to follow these steps after being in an accident:
- Health Check – If you are alert after a collision, check yourself for injuries. If you are experiencing pain, call 911 for help. If you are not in any pain and feel like you have escaped injury, check on the well being of any passengers in the car. If they are injured, call 911. If they are not you should try to move to safety. This may or may not include your vehicle.
- Seek Medical Attention – If you chose not to call 911 immediately after the collision, you should still seek medical attention to ensure there are no internal injuries.
- Notify Authorities – Even if your accident was minor, it will be a good idea to file an official police report.
- Contact a Newark Auto Accident Lawyer – It is possible that you were not conscious after an accident and woke up in a hospital. Regardless of being conscious or unconscious, you should get advice from a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can let you know what to do moving forward.
Being Partially at Fault in an Accident
If you suspect you were partially at fault in an accident, you should avoid taking any responsibility. Even an apology to the other party or their insurance adjustor could lead to a claim denial. Be sure to exchange contact details with the other driver. Keep in mind that you may still qualify for compensation from their insurance company. Contact a car accident lawyer for help.
Choosing the Right Newark Auto Accident Lawyer
It will likely be in your best interest to work with an auto accident lawyer Newark residents rely on because of their successful experience handling car accident claims. Our lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. have handled thousands of car accident claims and understands what is necessary to receive the maximum possible amount of compensation. For a free case evaluation, call or contact an auto accident lawyer Newark from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.
Car Features That May Reduce Car Accident Risk
We rely on our cars every day to get us to work, school, and anywhere else we need to go. If you are in the market for a new car, you may be unsure of which one is a wise investment for your particular budget and preferences. Since safety features should be one of your top priorities while car shopping, each auto accident lawyer from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. recommends purchasing a car that is equipped with the following safety features as they may reduce car accident risk.
Automatic Emergency Braking
The purpose of automatic emergency braking is to warn drivers of imminent crashes. In the event your car is in a critical situation and you are not responding properly, automatic emergency braking will automatically hit the brakes on your car.
Blind Spot Warning
Blind spots can be very dangerous to drivers. Fortunately, blind spot warning can help protect you from causing a blind-spot related crash. It detects blind spots and informs you of them so that you know when it is unsafe to change lanes or merge.
Forward Collision Warning
Forward collisions often occur when a driver cannot swerve or brake in time. That’s where forward collision warning comes in. This safety feature can warn you of hazards ahead so that you can stop a forward collision in its tracks.
Lane Keeping Assist
You may be driving down the road or highway and begin to drift. Since staying in your own lane is a safety essential, lane keeping assist can gently steer you back if you do drift. A simple nudge on the wheel can cancel this feature.
Electronic Stability Control
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA requires all vehicles that are less than 10,000 pounds to come with electronic stability control. Electronic stability control is designed to help you control your vehicle when you are turning on slippery pavement and can reduce the risk of rollover accidents.
Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Front and rear cross traffic alert systems can alert you when you are crossing an intersection or backing out of a parking space. While some systems only activate when a driver is backing up, others are engineered for intersections.
Contact a Highly Skilled Newark Auto Accident Lawyer
If you get hurt in a car accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, seeking legal representation is imperative. To find out what damages you may be able to pursue, contact an auto accident lawyer Newark clients recommend from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. to increase your chances of collecting the fair and full compensation you may be entitled to. Call our office today to set up a free and confidential case evaluation.
Types of Distracted Driving That Lead to Car Accidents
As a Newark auto accident lawyer knows all too well, distracted driving is becoming an increasingly common problem on the road. Each year, thousands of people are injured or even killed due to accidents caused by distracted driving. Learn about some of the most common types of distractions that drivers face while behind the wheel to better understand these types of distractions so that you can be more aware and ultimately, a safer driver. Then, contact a lawyer at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. for help.
Cellphone Usage
Talking, texting, browsing the internet, or any other activity involving a cellphone diverts attention from the road. As per the National Safety Council, texting and driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving. Many states have strict laws in place to discourage cellphone usage while driving — this goes beyond texting and can even include a ban on talking on the phone when behind the wheel as a Newark auto accident lawyer knows. It’s important to understand that even hands-free devices can impede driving performance.
Eating or Drinking
Juggling food or drink can take away a driver’s attention from the road, making it tough to signal, brake, or maintain focus on the road. Spilling food or drink in the lap can worsen the situation and increase your risk of an accident. Not to mention a spill or exploding ketchup packet might obscure your view of the road, causing you to run into another vehicle.
Adjusting controls
Cars come equipped with a variety of controls such as temperature, radio stations, mirrors, and navigation systems. Attempting to change these settings while driving can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even day-to-day tasks like turning on or adjusting the air conditioning or heating can lead to accidents. Try to only adjust these controls when stopped.
Passengers or pets
Carrying other passengers or pets in the car can be another form of distraction. Passengers can engage in conversations, ask the driver questions, or create a nuisance that takes the driver’s eyes off the road. Pets, on the other hand, can be unpredictable and undisciplined leading to a potential hazard on the road. When driving with anyone else in the car, be sure to do so safely. For pets, hook them into the seatbelts, place them in carriers, or put up a barrier so they cannot get into the front seat. With people, just let them know you are worried about being distracted.
Driving under influence
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any substances can lead to impaired judgment, slow reaction times, and loss of coordination. It is essential to never get behind the wheel under any influence, as the consequences could prove to be fatal.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road. Common distractions range from the use of cellphones, eating, drinking, adjusting controls, carrying passengers, and living under influence. The consequences can vary from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Only with proper awareness, education, and adopting a commitment to following road laws can drivers significantly decrease the chances of an accident caused by distracted driving. If you follow these tips but still get into an accident, contact a Newark auto accident lawyer at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. for help.
TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING THAT LEAD TO CAR ACCIDENTS INFOGRAPHIC