Auto Accident Injury in Delaware

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Delaware? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in DE that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Delaware

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, and an estimated 38,000 were killed.

According to Delaware State Police, for every 74 injured car accident victims, there was one fatality in 2018. Despite having some of the toughest traffic regulations in the country, Delaware is home to the second-highest number of distracted motor vehicle crash fatalities in the country, states Delaware Business Now. According to WDEL 101.7FM, in 2019, the number of fatal car, truck and motor vehicle accidents was 132, a 20 percent increase from 2018. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, 46 of those deaths were due to intoxication. Common reasons for vehicle accidents include alcohol, inexperience, and distractions.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Delaware classifies motor vehicle crashes as standard and fatal. Motor vehicle collision reports are available by mail-in request only. Crash report requests must include payment to the Delaware State Police in the form of a money order or check and collision information exchange document.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number, and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

In 2018, motor vehicle death costs topped $181 million. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, despite having the fifth-lowest car accident costs in the region, the medical expenses for accident victims were approximately $1 million. According to Delaware State Police, at least 8,161 victims sustained nonfatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents in 2018.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses resulting from a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Delaware

Liability Laws for DE

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Delaware is a no-fault state that uses accident liability to determine compensation for damages. Motorists are required to have minimum liability auto coverage. Due to the skyrocketing cost of healthcare in Delaware, accident victims may find their personal auto insurance coverage is not enough. Accident victims can seek compensation for their pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations in DE

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while others may give you up to six years. Accident victims must file their claims within two years of the date of their collision. Family members of accident victims who die as a result of their accident must file their claims within two years of the date of death. Failure to do so could affect their ability to sue for emotional and medical distress.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Delaware

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in DE!

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