Motor vehicle accidents account for most personal injury claims, and often times occur because of the negligence of one or more of the drivers involved in the accident. Specifically, motor vehicle accidents are often caused by factors including, but not limited to: speeding, failure to obey traffic signs/lights, failure to signal, driving while intoxicated, driving recklessly, driving an improperly maintained vehicle, driving dangerously under certain weather conditions.

To note, some more common examples of motor vehicle accidents include, but are not limited to: Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, DWI Accidents, Boating Accidents, Aviation Accidents/Airplane Crashes, Bus Accidents, ATV Accidents;

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident where you believe another party was at fault, please contact the motor vehicle accident attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP. The Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP want to hear more about your case.

There are two main questions to address when one is trying to make a determination as to whether or not he or she has a motor vehicle accident claim:

1. First, have you suffered personal injuries from your motor vehicle accident for which you can show compensable damages?

   Compensable damages in Motor Vehicle Accidents are damages that can be readily documented and accounted for, and that usually have a concrete or tangible value. Some common examples of compensable damages include, but are not limited to medical bills, lost time at work, property loss or property damage, and/or damages due to pain and suffering.

   Ultimately, you can discuss your individual circumstances with the qualified and experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP in order to determine if your “compensable damages” are sufficient enough to justify pursuing a motor vehicle accident claim.

2. Second, can you identify a third party who was responsible for your personal injuries?

   You can, along with the qualified and experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP, try to make the determination if a third party was responsible for your injuries. You can also have one of our attorneys determine if it is possible and/or likely to prove that this third party was in fact responsible for your injuries.

The best way to decide about whether or not to move forward with a motor vehicle accident claim or lawsuit is to consult a qualified and experienced motor vehicle accident attorney about your case. As a layperson, you probably do not have enough knowledge and information about the law to make proper decisions about how to proceed. Moreover, the legal process can be an intimidating one, with many twists and turns that you may not be prepared for.

As such, speaking with a motor vehicle accident attorney is the best way to:

1. Explain your rights;

2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, including whether or not it is possible and/or likely that you will be able to prove that another party was in fact responsible for your motor vehicle accident;

3. Estimate your potential recovery based upon your individual circumstances;

4. Educate you on the process of filing a motor vehicle accident claim, including determining whether or not the statute of limitations has passed;

The Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP can assist you with the above listed matters as well as answer any other questions you may have regarding your potential personal injury claim.

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE: Preserving your ability to bring a motor vehicle accident claim actually starts the moment the accident occurs. Following a few simple rules and recommendations can help you to preserve and protect these rights pertaining to your potential claim:

1. Things to do:

   1. As soon as is possible after a motor vehicle accident and/or injury occurs, contact your insurance company to let them know about the circumstances of the incident. This should be one of the first calls that you make absent seeking emergency attention if necessary;

   2. Examine your current insurance policy and/or policies to try and understand what your policy actually covers and what it does not cover;

   3. Always make sure you are aware of the filing deadlines for claims under your insurance policy or the other party’s insurance policy;

   4. Try your best to document any and all details of the accident, starting with the names, contact information, and insurance information of all parties involved, as well as the names and contact information of any and all witnesses. If possible, try to take pictures of the accident scene as well;

   5. Try your best to also document in writing any and all conversations you have with anyone at the scene, including but not limited to other parties involved in the accident, emergency personnel, officers, witnesses, etc.;

   6. Keep track of any and all receipts and bills for costs associated with the accident (i.e., medical bills, vehicle repair work receipts, etc.);

   7. Always be clear, concise and truthful with any and all investigators;

2. Things NOT to do:

   1. Do not admit to any fault or liability of any kind regarding the accident when speaking about the accident to relevant individuals. Simply relay clear and concise facts about the accident without expressing opinions;

   2. If you do not completely understand your insurance policy or the other party’s insurance policy, do not submit anything in writing to either insurance company without seeking the advice of counsel;

   3. Do not blindly accept information from any insurance company as the absolute final word on all matters. Be diligent and do your own investigations and/or compile your own estimates regarding claim costs so that you have something to negotiate with in the event of a dispute;

   4. Do not sign any release or waiver of any kind. Always consult any attorney if you are asked to sign any document that you do not completely understand;

   5. Do not accept any check designated as “Payment in Full” or “Full and Final Payment” unless it is actually a fair and equitable amount to compensate you for everything you have lost;

Damages: Motor Vehicle Accident Damages usually fall into one of two categories, Insurance Coverage and Compensatory Damages:

1. Insurance Coverage: The purpose of insurance coverage is to compensate its policyholders for any and all covered damages they incur as the result of an accident. Unfortunately, for some policyholders, this purpose is not always fulfilled. Many times, insurance companies refuse claims or offer inadequate or subpar settlements to accident victims. In these cases, legal representation is often required to fight for the accident victim’s rights, and to challenge the insurance company to “make-good” on its policy. If you or someone you know has an impending or ongoing dispute with an insurance carrier, the motor vehicle accident attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP want to help. Contact the lawyers at Sullo & Sullo, LLP to tell us more about your case.

2. Compensatory Damages: Compensatory Damages are documentable damages that account for actual, tangible losses attributable to the accident. Some common examples of compensatory damages include medical expenses, loss of income, etc.

If you are an individual with a potential Motor Vehicle Accident claim with questions damages in wrongful death actions, contact the Motor Vehicle Accident attorneys at Sullo & Sullo, LLP.