Types Of Auto Accidents In Delaware

A car accident can happen in many ways. However, understanding the type of crash you or your loved one was in can determine your legal options. From a simple rear-end fender bender to a complex highway pileup, each crash has unique causes and consequences.

After an accident, you shouldn’t have to fight with insurance companies on your own. A Delaware auto accidents lawyer can step in, evaluate the circumstances of your case and pursue the financial recovery you deserve. At Pratcher Krayer LLC, we are committed to helping you level the playing field against powerful insurance corporations.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Collisions?

Motor vehicle accidents happen every day. In Delaware, some of the most common types of collisions include:

Rear-end collisions: These often happen when a driver follows too closely or fails to stop in time for traffic ahead. While they may seem minor, being rear-ended can cause serious injuries such as whiplash and other neck or back problems.
Head-on collisions: These crashes involve two vehicles hitting each other while traveling in opposite directions. The combined force can cause catastrophic injuries, from severe fractures to traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, these accidents are fatal.
T-bone or side-impact crashes: These usually happen at an intersection when a driver fails to stop at a red light or yield the right of way. The striking vehicle’s front hits the side of the other vehicle, creating a “T” shape. These collisions can seriously injure occupants on the side of the impact.
Sideswipe or lane-change crashes: These can occur when a vehicle attempts to merge or change lanes without checking its blind spots. The sides of two vehicles scrape against each other, which can cause a driver to lose control and lead to a more serious crash.
Multivehicle pileups: When traffic suddenly stops on a highway, it can cause a chain reaction where several cars collide. These pileups often involve multiple drivers and insurance companies. Determining fault in these crashes requires a thorough investigation.

While the causes of these collisions can seem straightforward, determining liability and quantifying damages is rarely simple. Our attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case and seek full compensation for your injuries. We will also ensure that your claim accounts for both your immediate and long-term needs.

Special Circumstances In Auto Accidents

Some accidents are more complex due to the vehicles involved, the circumstances or the parties responsible. At Pratcher Krayer LLC, we have extensive experience with a spectrum of car accident cases, including:

Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable on the road and a crash with a car can be life-altering. They lack the protection of a vehicle frame and often suffer severe or fatal injuries in a collision.
Commercial vehicle and truck accidents: When a collision involves a commercial truck or a large delivery van, liability can be difficult to assess. These accidents can involve a trucking company, the driver and even the manufacturer of the vehicle. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer may be necessary.
Hit-and-run crashes: When an at-fault driver flees the scene, finding them can be a challenge. Your own insurance policy may offer a path to compensation if you or the authorities cannot find the other driver.
Drunk or drugged driving accidents: When a driver under the influence causes a crash, they may face both criminal charges and a civil personal injury claim. We can help you present a strong case.
Distracted driving crashes: The widespread use of cell phones has made distracted driving a major cause of collisions. These cases often involve gathering evidence, such as phone records, to prove the driver was not paying attention.
School zone or bus-related accidents: Drivers have a heightened duty of care around school zones and buses. Accidents in these areas can have severe consequences for children and others.
Rollover accidents: A vehicle can roll over on its side or roof after a high-speed collision or from swerving to avoid an obstacle.
Pedestrian and bicycle collisions with vehicles: Pedestrians and cyclists have no protection when hit by a car. The resulting injuries are often catastrophic.
Single-vehicle crashes: Even if a case only involves one car, a claim may still be possible if the crash was due to a vehicle defect or a dangerous road hazard that the government failed to fix.

No matter the circumstances of your crash, a full investigation is critical to identifying all responsible parties and sources of compensation. Our Delaware auto accidents lawyers are skilled at building cases that address these situations. As your legal counsel, we will fight for the maximum compensation available to you.

Answering Common Questions About Auto Accidents

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult. Here are answers to some common questions we hear from clients:

Is Delaware a no-fault insurance state?

Delaware is a modified no-fault state. This means all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for your initial medical bills and lost wages, no matter who was at fault for the crash. However, you can still sue the at-fault driver for damages such as pain and suffering if your injuries meet certain thresholds. We can help you assess if this applies to your case.

Does whiplash count as an injury?

Yes, whiplash is a valid injury and a common basis for a compensation claim. It is a soft tissue injury caused by the forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck. While a person with whiplash may not have visible injuries, the pain and limitations it causes can impact your life and deserve to be compensated.

How long after an accident can you sue for personal injury?

Delaware has a deadline – known as the statute of limitations – for personal injury claims. For most auto accidents, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you do not file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash to avoid this.

Focus On Your Recovery. Let Us Handle The Rest.

No matter what type of crash you were involved in, seeking professional legal help is crucial. From the moment you are in an accident, insurance companies begin working to protect their bottom line.

Our Delaware auto accidents lawyers at Pratcher Krayer LLC understand the tricks they use to deny or devalue claims, and we use that knowledge to our clients’ advantage. We will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and go to trial when a fair settlement is not possible.

Call us today at 302-566-1796 or send us a message through our website to schedule your free consultation.