Vehicle accidents are among the most common legal issues the average American will deal with in their lifetime. While many accidents are resolved quickly with the exchange of contact and insurance information, some can be more complex. Vehicle accidents with severe injuries, accidents where liability is unclear, trucking accidents, and accidents where another party is uncooperative could all complicate an already stressful and overwhelming situation. Each type of vehicle accident brings unique challenges that may interact with Wilmington state laws in a nuanced way.
Navigating the legal fallout of a vehicle accident, no matter the severity, can be frustrating and overwhelming while dealing with injuries, damage to vehicles, and the financial setbacks of an accident. Fortunately, a skilled Wilmington vehicle accident attorney can help navigate the legal details of the accident for you. An attorney may be able to help with gathering evidence and determining fault in a case, as well as representing their client to both insurance companies and even the Wilmington courts if the insurance companies are unwilling to cooperate.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Wilmington vehicle accident lawyer from Zavodnick & Lasky today. Call our offices at (215) 999-6742 for more details.
Types of Vehicle Accidents
While many may assume that every vehicle accident follows a similar pattern, this is not the case. The unique details of a vehicle accident often inform the legal strategies a vehicle accident attorney will employ. Additionally, certain types of accidents will interact with Wilmington state laws in ways that can complicate a case. Determining liability and constructing a case will often look drastically different between different types of vehicle accidents.
Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Car and motorcycle accidents may have more straightforward liability determinations, particularly when there are only two vehicles involved. Generally, a standard car accident will involve documenting the scene, taking witness statements, and acquiring a police report. With these details and several others, an attorney may be able to reconstruct the scene of the accident and make a case for their client. The process may look similar for motorcyclists, but motorcycle accidents often involve more grievous injuries, and certain state laws may apply differently to motorcycles.
Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents are often much more complex than car accidents, as there may be several potentially liable parties. Even if the accident only involves one truck driver and one other driver, the trucking company, the mechanic in charge of maintenance, or the loading company may all be partially liable. Trucking accidents have layers that could influence who is liable for the accident, and as such, are generally much more complex than standard vehicle accidents. Understanding the nuances and inner workings of trucking companies and Wilmington law can help clarify these issues.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Wilmington pedestrian accidents can be incredibly devastating. Many of the traffic fatalities reported by the Wilmington Department of Transportation were cyclists or pedestrians. Depending on the speed of the vehicle and the impact, an unprotected pedestrian or cyclist could sustain severe injuries or even death. Generally, drivers are expected by the law to be mindful of pedestrians and ensure their safety, and may be more likely to be considered liable for the accident than a pedestrian. However, the exact actions of the pedestrian or cyclist may influence these decisions.
Rideshare Accidents
Another rising field of vehicle accident law is rideshare accidents. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular, often supplementing public transportation in many cities. However, the legal implications of a driver employed by a company to transport customers can become complex very quickly. Additionally, the insurance coverage for rideshare drivers may change depending on whether the driver is on duty or not. This can easily complicate a vehicle accident case.
Common Injuries from Vehicle Accidents
Injuries may vary depending on the severity of the vehicle accident. Car accidents can involve injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, bruises, road rash, and more. Many vehicle accidents also include traumatic brain injuries such as concussions, coup-contrecoup injuries, contusions, and DAIs. These injuries may vary depending on the severity of the crash and the functionality of the safety features of the vehicle. Functional airbags and seatbelts can often greatly reduce injuries from vehicle accidents.
Additionally, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents may have different injuries due to the lack of protection afforded to pedestrians and cyclists. Car accidents with pedestrians or cyclists may involve more bone fractures, potential damage to soft tissue and internal organs, and road rash. Motorcyclists are often victims of severe injuries, particularly when not wearing helmets, due to the speed of their vehicles and the relative lack of safety features.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Compensation in a vehicle accident is often a lifeline for those suffering medically and financially after a car accident. Dealing with medical bills is challenging, especially if the injury in question inhibits the individual’s ability to work. Car accidents can cause debilitating injuries and may damage someone’s only method of travel. In a car accident case, the injured party may be able to recover several forms of compensation.
The first and most common form of compensation is economic compensation. Economic compensation covers the financial damages incurred by the vehicle accident. This generally includes medical damages, which may include emergency medical service costs, surgery, and other medical costs. Compensation for economic damages may also cover damage to vehicles and other costs incurred due to the accident. However, this is not the only form of compensation available. Victims of car accidents, particularly when severe injuries are involved, may experience much pain and suffering. These are called non-economic damages and can include PTSD, lost enjoyment of life, and pain or suffering.
Contact a Vehicle Accident Attorney in Wilmington Today
Recovering from a vehicle accident can be challenging, and many people experience a great deal of hardship while navigating financial troubles and injuries. A vehicle accident can quickly derail an individual’s life and leave medical bills piling up while they are unable to work while recovering. Adding in legal challenges while pursuing compensation for damages can easily overwhelm during an already complex and frustrating time. A skilled Wilmington vehicle accident attorney from Zavodnick & Lasky may be able to advocate for your rights both with insurance companies and in court. Schedule a free consultation today at (215) 999-6742 to speak with an attorney about your legal options.
