In 2024, there were 27,660 reportable traffic accidents in Delaware, 127 of which were fatal. As the second-most populous city in Delaware, Dover has plenty of car crashes. A car accident can be an unexpected disruption in your day or can devastate your life with catastrophic injuries and consequences. If you or a loved one was injured in a car wreck, you need a Dover car accident lawyer.
Whether you were rear-ended at a high rate of speed on I-95 or T-boned at an intersection in Kent Acres, a car crash can quickly turn your life upside down. At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLC, we have been representing Dover, DE residents for decades in even the most complex and catastrophic car accident lawsuits. Contact us for a consultation today.
What a Dover Car Accident Lawyer Wants You to Know
If you were hurt in a car accident in Dover, here is what our attorneys think is most important to understand.
- In 2024, Delaware saw 27,660 reportable traffic accidents, including 127 fatal crashes, and as the second-most populous city in the state, Dover sees its share of these collisions.
- You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit in Delaware, though claims against a government agency may require action within just weeks or months.
- Compensation may include economic damages, like medical expenses and lost wages, and noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Because car accident cases often involve multiple parties and insurance carriers, a Dover car accident lawyer can investigate, negotiate, and litigate on your behalf.
Common Injuries from a Car Crash
A car crash can result in almost any type of injury and can be as minor as bumps and bruises or as severe as death.
Common injuries we often see in car wrecks include:
- Lacerations,
- Whiplash,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Internal bleeding
- Chemical burns from airbags,
- Paralysis, and
- Death.
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, your road to recovery may be long and strenuous. Surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and more can mean weeks or months of recovery. If you are unable to work during this time, the financial strain can quickly build. Hiring a car accident lawyer in Dover, DE can help ease your stress. Let us handle your claim while you focus on rebuilding your life.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Dover, DE?
It is important to remember that every case is unique, but typically, there are several steps you should take after a car crash.
First and foremost, you should seek medical attention, even if you do not believe you are seriously injured. The adrenaline and initial shock of the accident can often mask pain and injuries, so having a thorough exam is key to preventing worsening injuries and establishing a treatment plan.
In addition, you should:
- Gather evidence,
- Report the accident to your insurance company,
- Keep all records,
- Consult with an attorney, and
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
If you are unsure which steps you should take, you can ask your attorney during your consultation.
Related Reading: Whose Insurance Pays in a Multi-Car Accident in DE?
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Car Accident?
While there is no legal requirement that you hire a lawyer to pursue a car accident claim, it is often in the victim’s best interest to do so. Car accident cases can quickly become complex. These cases often have multiple parties, several insurance carriers, and strict legal rules and procedures.
At BMF, our lawyers will:
- Investigate,
- Negotiate, and
- Litigate.
Most personal injury cases will settle outside of court, which requires a skilled negotiator to ensure you receive maximum compensation. If your case does proceed to trial, you need an experienced litigator advocating on your behalf. At BMF, we are both and will advise you every step of the way so you can feel comfortable and confident in your case.
What Damages Can I Seek in a Car Accident Case?
Compensation for a car accident claim generally falls into two categories: economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages compensate accident victims for their measurable financial losses, while noneconomic damages compensate plaintiffs for their subjective, intangible losses.
Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment
A serious truck accident can result in substantial healthcare expenses that extend well beyond the initial emergency. Depending on the severity of the injuries, treatment may continue for months or even years.
Recoverable medical costs may include:
- Ambulance transportation and emergency care;
- Hospitalization and surgical treatment;
- Rehabilitation services, including physical or occupational therapy; and
- Prescription medications, follow-up visits, and diagnostic testing.
When an injury requires continued care, projected future medical expenses may also be considered.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Ability
Time away from work is a common consequence of a serious collision. If your injuries prevent you from performing your job, you may be able to seek compensation for the income you missed while recovering.
Some injuries have lasting effects that make it impossible to return to the same position or earn the same income. When an accident permanently limits your ability to work, you may also be eligible for compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Vehicle Damage and Other Financial Losses
A truck accident can leave your vehicle with significant damage or even result in a total loss. Compensation may be available to cover the reasonable cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as other personal property damaged in the crash.
Related out-of-pocket expenses may also be recoverable, including the cost of rental vehicles, alternative transportation, or other necessary expenditures incurred while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
Noneconomic damages can include pain and suffering, loss of companionship and consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Upon meeting with your car accident lawyer in Dover, you will gain a better understanding and estimate of what you might be able to expect in your situation.
You Can’t Change What Happened, But You Can Take the Next Step
A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds, whether it’s a minor disruption or a life-changing injury. Our Dover car accident lawyers have spent decades helping Delaware residents pursue the compensation they deserve, so you can focus on healing while we handle your claim.
Schedule A ConsultationHow Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Generally, in Delaware, you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a legal complaint. Some exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline. For instance, if a government agency (e.g., municipality, city, or State) is potentially responsible for your accident, you may have as little as a few weeks to months to file your claim. On the other hand, if the accident victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is typically tolled until they reach their 18th birthday, at which point they will have 2 years to file their lawsuit.
Meeting with an attorney early on will ensure you do not miss any applicable deadlines, which could prevent you from pursuing a lawsuit altogether.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. While you cannot change what happened, you can make informed decisions about how to move forward. At BMF, we have decades of experience helping Dover residents pursue justice and compensation for the injuries they suffered in a car accident. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your legal rights, options, and how we can help.
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