How to Handle a Car Accident While on Vacation?
If you are about to embark on a long-anticipated summer vacation, the last thing you want to consider is what to do if you get in a car accident. No one wants to be involved in a car accident under any circumstances, but think how you would handle such a situation, given that you may be far from home without access to your physician and other comforts.
After a car accident on vacation, you should do the following:
- Check that all drivers and passengers are okay, and call 911 for help if anyone is injured.
- Call the police at the accident scene so there will be an official report of what happened.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, insurance company, and insurance policy number. Take down the names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses to the accident, and ask them to write down what they saw. Write down your recollections of the accident, too, as this can become important should you file a legal claim against the other driver.
- Take as many photos as possible of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles and surrounding property, any injuries incurred, skid marks on the road, weather conditions, and anything related to the accident.
- Get checked by a medical professional even if you think you are uninjured or have minor injuries. Your priority may be your vacation and the activities you have scheduled. Still, not all injuries are immediately apparent, and you may need a professional diagnosis to know your condition. Always remember that you protect your rights by immediately seeing a doctor and obtaining a medical record of your accident injuries.
- Talk to your insurance company and the rental car company. If you were driving your car, you should inform your insurance company that you were involved in an accident. If you were in a rental car, you would probably need to fill out paperwork regarding the accident and exchange the vehicle.
- Keep meticulous records of expenses incurred because of the accident, including medical bills, car repairs, missed vacation opportunities, and damages paid to the rental car company, if applicable.
- Be very careful about what you post on social media regarding your vacation photos. If you sue for compensation for injuries and other damages, it could hurt your case.
Contact Our Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. if You Were Injured in a Vacation Car Accident
Having to deal with injuries from a car accident while on vacation is not ideal. Let our experienced Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. handle your legal needs. Call 302-656-5445 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Who Is Liable for a Chain Reaction Car Accident?
A chain reaction car accident involves a minimum of three cars. Other terms often used to describe this accident include multi-vehicle collision and pileup. A chain reaction accident occurs exactly as the name implies – one of the cars has an accident that causes others also to crash. Most often, the result is a series of rear-end collisions; however, vehicles traveling in other directions can also be involved. Determining liability in a chain reaction car accident is often complex and comes down to the unique circumstances of each accident.
A chain reaction accident can stem from one initial crash caused by the first driver, or there could be multiple people at fault. For example, Driver A was distracted and braked suddenly to avoid a pedestrian. Still, Driver B was tailgating and hit Driver A. Driver C was too drunk to notice what was happening ahead and crashed into Drivers A and B. This is just one of many scenarios in which drivers may share liability for a multi-vehicle collision. In Delaware, as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you may be eligible to recover damages.
At the accident scene, the police will investigate and make a detailed report of the circumstances surrounding the crash. In addition to the police report, you will want to gather as much information and evidence as possible. This includes detailed photographs of all the vehicles from multiple angles to show damage and where the cars collided. Make a note of any skid marks on the road, and as for any accident, trade contact and insurance information with the other drivers. Then contact a lawyer who can investigate what happened and advocate for your right to compensation.
What Are Common Causes of Chain Reaction Car Accidents?
Heavy fog, blinding snow, or slick roads can be major factors in chain reaction accidents. It just takes one driver error to cause a series of unavoidable collisions. This underscores the importance of leaving enough following room when traveling in inclement weather.
However, not all chain reaction car accidents are related to weather conditions. They can happen due to the following:
- Distracted driving: Distraction is a common cause in many collisions, including chain reaction accidents. It only takes a few seconds of looking away from the road to miss the light turning, a pedestrian or bike, or someone changing lanes. Technology, eating, drinking, cell phones, putting on makeup, or dealing with children are all distractions.
- Driving under the influence: Using drugs or alcohol while driving is prohibited because it slows reaction times and impairs judgment. A drunk or drugged driver could cause the initial accident that starts a chain reaction or be the driver who is unable to react in time to stop a chain reaction accident from happening.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers exhibit the same behaviors as drunk drivers regarding reaction times and impaired judgment. A drowsy driver may fall asleep at the wheel and start a chain reaction accident or not be aware of their surroundings enough to prevent one.
- Speeding: Driving too fast for the current road conditions is a common cause of multi-vehicle collisions. There is far less room for error in high-speed situations, and a chain-reaction accident could have serious consequences.
- Tailgating: Driving too close to the car in front means the chances of a collision are high. Because most chain reaction accidents are rear-end collisions, tailgating often plays a part.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Victims of Chain Reaction Car Accidents
Determining fault in chain reaction car accidents is complex, but you do not have to face the situation alone. Contact our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 today or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Are the Common Causes of Vehicle Fires?
With over 170,000 highway vehicle fires in the United States each year, resulting in over 1,300 injuries, about 600 deaths, and over $1.1 billion in property damage, it is essential to understand how they happen and what you can do to prevent them. From poor maintenance to fuel leaks, a vehicle fire is rarely caused by one fact; instead, there are likely multiple factors that caused the fire, and most are preventable.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one out of every eight reported fires involves a vehicle, with about 33 car fires every hour in the country. Furthermore:
- Over 80 percent of highway vehicle fires involve passenger-type vehicles.
- About 40 percent of car fires on the highway are unintentionally caused, such as an accident or carelessness.
- About 35 percent of fatal vehicle fires begin in the car’s engine, running gear, or wheel area.
Car fires usually do not remain small and can become instantly uncontrollable. If you notice your vehicle is on fire, do not worry about what caused it, and get as far away from your car as possible, preferably over 100 feet.
Understanding what causes a vehicle fire may help you prevent them from happening. Here are the most common causes of vehicle fires:
- Fuel system leaks: The most common cause of all vehicle fires, a leak in the fuel system is extremely dangerous solely because gasoline is the most flammable. Its temperature must be 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above to be flammable, and at 495 degrees Fahrenheit, it can ignite on its own. If the fuel in the fuel tank or the engine area leaks out, either by poor maintenance, impact, or defect, it can land on the boiling exhaust system. Other metal or plastic parts can ignite the fuel, causing a fire, and fuel system fires quickly spread throughout the vehicle. If you smell fuel in or around your car, turn off your engine, and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop immediately.
- Electrical system failure: Electrical failures are the second most common cause of vehicle fires. There are cables, wires, and all types of electrical components in a standard vehicle, not to mention the vehicle battery, which carries a strong electrical current. Something as simple as a frayed wire or loose connection can start a small fire in your vehicle.
- Spilled fluids: A car has many hazardous fluids, such as gasoline, engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and engine coolant. Any of these fluids can catch fire if they leak out, especially onto heated components. Fires can also start following an accident; depending on where the impact occurs, hazardous fluids can leak out and can ignite pretty quickly.
- Overheating components: Many car components get incredibly hot, mainly the catalytic converter and the engine area. Granted, these vehicle parts are designed to withstand such conditions. However, they can only handle so much if certain parts overheat and reach temperatures above their specifications. This could happen because of poor maintenance or defective parts.
- Hybrid and electric vehicle batteries: One of the main concerns consumers have about hybrid and electric vehicles is their batteries, which, in a few cases, have been known to cause a fire. Hybrid cars seem more likely to catch fire because they also run on gasoline.
- Car accidents: Although a car’s crumple zones are designed well enough to protect flammable areas in case of an accident, some areas can still catch fire depending on where the vehicle is hit. Following an accident, it is always best to shut off the engine and get away from the car immediately, as a vehicle fire may not be apparent.
- Vehicle maintenance: Poorly maintaining your vehicle can lead to a slew of problems. Hoses containing flammable liquid and gaskets holding parts together deteriorate over time, and if they are not replaced, they can cause a dangerous situation.
- Design flaws: Although fewer than one percent of vehicle fires occur because of design flaws, they can still happen. However, car manufacturers are usually on top of such issues and issue recalls before the problem worsens.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Accident Victims Injured in Vehicle Fires
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a vehicle fire accident. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Who Will Pay for Anxiety Treatment Following a Car Accident?
If you are suffering from anxiety after a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you may be able to recover compensation for your anxiety treatment. Anxiety can be a very real effect of a car accident and can be considered both an injury as well as a non-economic loss that falls into the category of “pain and suffering.”
To recover damages for anxiety caused by a car crash, it is crucial to have documented evidence of your condition and how it stems from the accident. Have a medical professional diagnose your anxiety or PTSD and establish how the car crash has negatively impacted your mental health and well-being. If you already suffered from anxiety prior to the accident, then you must show how the accident caused it to increase. You may need to provide past medical records to accomplish this.
Keep track of the costs of your anxiety, including your therapy, medications, other treatments, transportation to your medical appointments, and any wages lost if your anxiety affected your ability to work or drive to work. Recovering compensation for anxiety can be tricky. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help determine your best legal path for compensation.
What Are Symptoms of Anxiety?
A car crash can be a traumatic experience. After an accident, anxiety may be triggered by having to drive a car, riding as a passenger in the car, hearing loud noises that imitate the sound of a crash, or driving by the site of the accident. Anxiety can take many forms and have differing symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, intense feelings of worry or impending danger, and panic.
What Is PTSD?
Some anxiety is caused by PTSD. PTSD occurs as a reaction to a traumatic and terrifying event, such as a car crash. Along with intense anxiety, people with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and stress on a level that makes it difficult to engage in normal day-to-day activities. This kind of emotional distress can impact a person’s life just as much as physical injuries from the accident. In addition to the cost of treatment, they may suffer a serious loss of income if their anxiety prevents them from going back to work.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Car Accident Victims Suffering From Anxiety
If you have PTSD, anxiety, or another type of mental injury from a car crash, speak with our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we advocate for clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Who Is Liable for Failure to Yield Accidents?
Car accidents that are caused by failure to yield can be some of the most dangerous and costly. This type of accident occurs when one driver fails to follow the rules for yielding the right-of-way when driving, causing an accident. This can happen in many ways, such as when a driver fails to stop at a red light or stop sign, fails to merge properly, or turns left in front of an oncoming car.
When determining fault for a failure to yield accident, it often comes down to proving that one driver was more negligent than the other. Some common examples include when one driver speeds while making a turn or fails to give the other vehicle time and space to make their move safely. In some cases, both parties could share some level of responsibility, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
One example would be if you are making a left turn at an intersection and fail to see an oncoming car that has the right-of-way because they have the green light. Another situation may involve merging onto highways where drivers do not watch for traffic coming from both directions before merging into lanes. Proper caution should always be taken by drivers involved in any kind of lane change or turn. It is important for drivers to yield when it is required by law, such as when approaching railroad crossings or school buses with flashing lights. Take extra care when yielding.
Possible Compensation for a Car Accident
The compensation available for a car accident will depend on various factors, such as severity of injuries or whether any property damage was caused by the incident. In cases where one party was found more negligent than the other due to failure-to-yield violations, injured persons may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, and more. A car accident lawyer can fight to get you compensation.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Can Help You Explore Your Options After a Failure to Yield Accident
Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Knowing who is at fault is important, which is where a lawyer comes in. To discuss your legal options after a collision, speak with one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash After a Car Accident?
Whiplash occurs when the soft tissues of the neck become injured due to the neck being quickly forced backwards and forwards. This can happen in a car accident. Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Headaches, often originating from the base of the skull.
- Neck pain.
- Pain in the upper back, arms, or shoulders.
- Stiffness in the neck and loss of range of motion.
- Tingling or numbness in the arms.
Symptoms may or may not be present immediately and can develop within a few days or even weeks after the accident. Some people experience additional symptoms, such as blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, irritability, memory problems, trouble sleeping, ringing in the ears, and even depression. In serious cases, whiplash can have long-term effects.
Diagnosing Whiplash
Doctors can perform physical exams and use X-rays to test for whiplash, but some damage to soft tissue cannot be seen on X-rays. The doctor may also use an MRI or CT scan to create a more detailed image of the soft tissue structure.
Even with significant pain, it can be difficult to detect whiplash, which can make it difficult to recover compensation. There is a common misconception that whiplash happens only in cases of serious high-speed crashes, when in reality, whiplash occurs often after low-speed rear-end accidents. Insurance companies often try to deny claims for whiplash, so it is crucial to seek medical care after an accident immediately. The tests the doctor runs and the resulting medical records can help support a claim.
There are many factors that influence the severity of whiplash, including the size and weight of the vehicles that collide, the position of the seat and head rest, the person’s height and gender, and how they were seated.
Proving Whiplash
It is always important to see a medical professional after a car accident, regardless of whether or not you believe you have an injury. Then, you should contact the insurance company and let them know about the accident and your injury.
Keep all the paperwork related to the treatment of your injuries and your out-of-pocket costs, including medical records, doctor’s statements, insurance paperwork, mileage for travel to medical care, over-the-counter medications, lost income, and anything else directly related to your whiplash injury. All of this is evidence to support your claim. Information and evidence about the accident itself can be helpful too, such as photos and police reports.
When you are ready to file your personal injury claim, consult with an attorney. Having a professional handle can greatly simplify the process for you and reduce stress.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Suffering From Whiplash
If you are suffering from whiplash after an accident that was caused by a negligent driver, contact one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Driving?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition where abnormal breathing occurs at night when a person should be sleeping. Breathing starts and stops, making it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. The person may think they have been asleep the whole night and not realize that their breathing was interrupted. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), having sleep apnea raises a driver’s risk of being involved in a car accident by roughly two and a half times. The AASM reports that at least 25 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea reduces both quality and quantity of sleep. A person with sleep apnea may get less than five hours of sleep and try to treat themselves with sleeping pills. The result of chronic sleep apnea is excessive daytime drowsiness, irritability, headaches, and difficulty focusing. Drowsiness while driving is a huge risk, as it decreases reaction time and impairs judgement. Studies done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety compare the effects of drowsy driving to drunk driving while pointing out that drowsy driving is severely underreported as a cause of accidents. An estimated 328,000 motor vehicle accidents and 6,400 fatal crashes related to drowsy driving occur each year on U.S. roads.
A study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders found that even when people who suffer from sleep apnea do not feel tired, they may still be at considerable risk for an accident. The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. CPAP therapy for at least four hours per night can reduce accident risk.
Injuries From Sleep Apnea Accidents
Falling asleep at the wheel can cause serious accidents that inflict severe injuries. A driver that falls asleep may drift into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision. Drifting into the adjacent lane at high speeds could cause a sideswipe accident and potentially also force other drivers off the road where they could hit something and roll over. Any of these scenarios could leave accident survivors with significant injuries, such as:
- Back injuries.
- Broken bones and lacerations.
- Head and neck injuries.
- Internal organ damage.
- Spinal cord injuries.
If you have been injured in a sleep apnea-related accident, you should talk to a knowledgeable attorney right away.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Can Help You After a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you have been injured by a negligent drowsy driver, contact one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation. We have offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Factors Affect a Car Accident Settlement?
There are an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 car accidents in Delaware every year, according to the Delaware State Police. Out of those, 5,000 crashes result in an injury. With the high number of accidents that happen, it is clear that car accident lawsuits are one of the most common cases filed in the courts of Delaware. If you have filed a car accident lawsuit, one major concern is how much your settlement will be and what factors influence that amount.
There is no average settlement amount to expect in a car accident lawsuit. Each situation is different, as is each accident. Hiring an experienced accident lawyer is essential when filing an injury lawsuit. An attorney would take each of the factors that play a role in a car accident settlement and analyze them, helping you decide the best way to go forward in hopes of maximizing your settlement:
- Who is at fault: Following an accident, you should never admit fault to anyone without talking to an attorney, including the insurance adjuster who may think that you contributed to the accident. In some states, if you share partial blame for the accident that caused your injury, your percentage of fault is then deducted from the amount you are compensated. Delaware is one of those states. In Delaware, if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, then you will likely not receive any compensation.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Delaware follows a no-fault insurance rule, which allows drivers to file an injury claim under their own insurance policy regardless of fault. When the PIP coverage is exhausted, then the driver’s private health insurance can take over, which can then be claimed in a subsequent lawsuit in some cases.
- Amount of liability coverage: One major factor in a driver’s compensation amount is the amount of liability coverage they have under their auto insurance policy.
- Severity of injuries: As the severity of the injuries suffered in an accident increases, so do the amount of damages. For instance, a serious spinal cord injury may have a higher settlement amount than a broken wrist. There are also severe injuries that leave the injured party with permanent disabilities or impairments, which could then mean future monetary losses, like loss of work or pain and suffering.
- Strength of evidence: A lack of evidence may lower the amount of compensation, but strong and substantial evidence will likely increase that amount. An accident attorney can help you gather evidence and build a strong case.
- Ability to work: If you are unable to return to work or your injury diminishes your ability to earn money, then you may receive compensation for future lost wages. An accident attorney, with the help of a medical team, would be able to help calculate how much future wages you would lose due to the impairment.
- Medical expenses: An accident survivor can claim all medical expenses, such as hospital visits or physical therapy, that accumulate because of the injury. However, insurance companies sometimes undervalue medical expenses and may not be the correct amount when seeking reimbursement.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: It is important to document your out-of-pocket expenses, such as receipts, bills, or invoices, which can increase the amount of compensation. These expenses can include assistance at home due to your injury or over-the-counter medications.
- Settlement offer: Before accepting any settlement offer, you should speak with an attorney.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Accident Survivors
If you have been injured in an accident, an attorney can help you with your claim. Speak with our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Important Car Safety Features You Should Know
Motor vehicles are much safer today compared to vehicles produced even just a decade ago. Most newer models are equipped with cameras, sensors, lasers, and GPS to detect and avoid car accidents.
While these features are certainly beneficial, they are not meant to be a substitute for the human driver. Listed below are some critical car safety features you should know.
Lights
Headlights and other types of lights help you see the road and make your vehicle visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Use them as required. That means using headlights 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, and in rain, snow, or foggy conditions. Never engage your high-beams when other drivers are present.
Mirrors
Your mirrors act as your eyes on the sides and back of your vehicle where you cannot see. Before you drive, check to see that all mirrors are clean and properly-positioned for maximum visibility.
Airbags
Most of today’s cars and SUVS contain a minimum of six airbags installed strategically throughout the cabin. A crash with significant force sends a signal to an ignitor within the airbag that triggers deployment in less than 1/20th of a second.
Although lacerations, chemical burns, and impact injuries are possible in some crashes, the benefits outweigh the risks. Several studies have shown that airbags reduce fatal injuries, especially among front-seat occupants, by approximately 30 percent.
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) became mandatory for new passenger vehicles in 2000. Designed to speed up braking for sudden stops, ABS works through sensors in each wheel that detect grip, speed, and other variables and send those messages to the vehicle’s computer. ABS slows to a stop during emergency braking while maintaining steering control to avoid an impending collision.
Collision-Prevention Technology
The list of driver assist options and crash avoidance systems is extensive, but all of these features work to avoid accidents. The most common features are:
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB).
- Blind spot warning (BSW).
- Forward collision warning (FCW).
- Lane departure warning (LDW).
- Parking assistance.
- Pedestrian detection system.
Seat Belts
Seat belts are required for every seat in a passenger vehicle. Amid all of the revolutionary vehicle safety features available today, the seat belt remains the single most effective device for protecting occupants. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three-point harnesses reduce the risk of fatal crash injuries by half.
LATCH Systems
LATCH systems are mechanisms that secure child safety seats in passenger vehicles. As of 2002, they are mandatory in new vehicles. Safety seats attach to a bar located in the vehicle’s bottom safety cushion and tethers located in the back cushion. Because LATCH systems are more user-friendly and secure than previous seat belt-attached systems, they encourage the widespread use of proper, age-appropriate child safety seats.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Injured Clients
Auto safety features are effective, but they cannot prevent every motor vehicle accident. If a recent car accident has impacted your life, contact an experienced lawyer for guidance. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and expenses related to the crash. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What if My Accident Was Caused by a Missing or Obstructed Road Sign?
Car accidents happen in the United States every year for a myriad of reasons, including those caused by missing or obstructed road signs. Road signs are designed to alert motorists of upcoming road conditions, directions, and regulate traffic flow in order to maintain safety.
Signs that are missing, improperly positioned, or inadequately maintained can lead to serious accidents and injuries, including fatalities. Missing or obstructed common signs and potential types of accidents include:
- Stop sign: Missing or obstructed stop signs can cause motorists to drive into an intersection and into oncoming or crossing traffic.
- Yield: Yield signs alert drivers of approaching traffic, pedestrians, and those who have the right-of-way to slow down or stop before continuing. When signs are missing, drivers are not alerted and unknowingly drive into dangerous situations.
- One way sign: Many city streets are designated as “one way,” restricting traffic to one direction. If there are no signs, dangerous head-on collisions can occur.
- Sharp curve: These signs alert drivers to the road ahead so they will slow heading into the sharp curves. When signs are missing or obstructed, drivers may enter dangerous curves driving way too fast.
- Construction zones: Road crews work in inherently dangerous environments where accidents often result in fatalities. When no signs alert motorists, they may fail to slow down or drive straight into a hazardous area.
If a missing or obstructed road sign was the cause of your accident, the entity who installed or maintains the sign is typically at fault and liable. Generally, the local municipality is responsible for road sign maintenance, though some may employ private contractors.
Another common factor in the case of missing signs is theft in which case the individual who stole the sign would be liable, though identifying them is often difficult or impossible. If the sign has been missing for an extended period of time, however, that gives credence to the municipality’s negligence for not replacing it within a reasonable time.
Filing a car accident claim against a municipality for missing or hidden signs due to the municipality’s negligence is not simple, however. A lawyer can help you with your case and determine if you have legal options following an accident that resulted from a missing road sign.
Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Assist Clients Injured Due to Missing or Obstructed Road Signs
Road signs are designed to keep motorists safe on our nation’s roadways, and they alert drivers of upcoming road conditions. If signs are missing or obstructed, all motorists are at risk of a serious accident. If you have suffered injuries or property damage due to a missing or obstructed road sign, one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we proudly assist clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.