Auto Accident Injury in Wilmington, DE

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Wilmington? 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 and around Wilmington, DE that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Wilmington, 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. In Delaware, the state saw a 12% increase in fatalities caused by accidents when compared to 2018 data according to the State of Delaware official website. In addition, the states Annual Traffic Statistical Report documented 28,863 accidents and a total of 8,161 injured persons.

The most common causes of accidents in Wilmington? Speeding, and following to close. Another notable statistic is that Delaware experienced an unusually high number of accidents involving cars hitting animals.

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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

The Wilmington Police Department will provide copies of any collision reports for a cash fee of $18.50. The department also recommends that you always involve police regardless of the severity of the accident. This ensures a report is properly filled and helps the police better assist drivers after the trauma of an accident.

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

According to Delaware’s Annual Traffic Statistical Report drivers involved in accidents experienced an economic loss of over $1 BILLION state-wide in 2018. This means that the average accident in Delaware cost drivers over $34,000. Whether the damage was only to property, or there were injuries involved, the costs to Delaware drivers was significant.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of 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 Wilmington

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.

According to Delaware Motor Vehicle Code drivers are required to carry both liability insurance with minimum amounts in addition to “no-fault” insurance. For liability insurance, the minimums for bodily injury protection are $15,000 per person, and $30,000 per accident with property damage. For “no-fault” insurance the minimums are at least $10,000 per accident, $15,000 per person, and at least $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Statute of Limitations in Wilmington

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 some others may give you up to six years. The state of Delaware has a two-year statute of limitations for property damage and personal injury claims. Auto accidents fall under the umbrella of these statutes, meaning you only have two years from the date of an accident to file any relevant claims.

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 Near Wilmington, DE

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 Delaware!