Delaware Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents occur every hour of every day and are one of the leading causes of personal injuries in Delaware. When at-fault drivers cause these accidents, they bear legal responsibility for all related damages, whether they involve personal injuries or property destruction. Insurance companies are often quick to offer a subprime settlement and while these settlements may provide some financial relief, they frequently fail to compensate for all accident-related expenses. When these settlement offers are inadequate, securing the services of a seasoned personal injury attorney with a focus in car accident cases becomes essential to guarantee you attain the compensation you deserve.

If you've been injured in a car accident in the state of Delaware, you need a skilled and compassionate Delaware car accident attorney by your side. Our experienced legal team at the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl is dedicated to representing Delaware car accident injury victims and helping them secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or at (302)-253-8232 to schedule a free initial consultation about your case today.

The Law Office of Trapp Nicholl: Compassionate Legal Help

Car accidents, specifically highway accidents are the 2^nd most common cause of injuries in the state of Delaware. At the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl, we implement a client-first approach to help you navigate the complex legal process with compassion and integrity following a car accident. Our experienced legal team brings:

A proven track record of success in representing car accident victims in Delaware;
Comprehensive knowledge of Delaware traffic laws and regulations;
Expertise in navigating insurance claims and negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of car accident victims.

Why Should I Hire a Delaware Car Accident Lawyer?

Car accidents can result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Hiring a skilled Delaware car accident attorney can help you:

Understand your rights and options under Delaware law;
Investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident;
Identify all liable parties and sources of compensation;
Prove fault and negligence in your case;
Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement;
Represent you in court, if necessary, to secure maximum compensation.

Don't leave your recovery to chance. Trust a qualified Delaware car accident attorney to represent your best interests.

Delaware Car Accident Statistics

How Serious are Car Accidents in Delaware?

Car accidents in Delaware are a significant cause of injuries and fatalities. According to Delaware's Annual Traffic Statistical Report for 2022 prepared by the Delaware State Police, there were 27,830 motor vehicle crashes in 2022, resulting in 7,887 injuries and 165 fatalities. These injuries and deaths created an economic loss of over $1.3 Billion dollars.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Delaware

Injuries sustained from auto accidents can range anywhere from minor to fatal. The types of immediate bodily injuries that are often involved in personal injury claims include:

Broken bones
Lacerations and cuts
Nerve damage
Whiplash
Spinal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Chronic pain

Any and all of the above injuries can be serious and life-threatening. All bodily injuries regardless of severity are compensable if you are the victim of the accident. In many cases, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries can be compensable, too.

What are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Delaware?

Some of the most dangerous intersections in Delaware include:

Route 1 and Route 299
Route 1 and Route 72
Route 113 and Route 9
Route 13 and Route 273
Route 202 and Route 141
Route 40 and Route 896
Route 13 and Scarborough Road

What is the most dangerous time of day to be driving in Delaware?

The most dangerous day of the week to be driving in Delaware is Friday, with a total of 4,746 accidents, of which 30 were fatal. You are most likely to get in an accident between the times of 4:00pm and 8:00pm, however the most fatalities occur between 8:00pm and midnight. The worst day and time to be on the road in Delaware is Saturday nights through early Sunday mornings from 7:00PM to 2:00AM, of which 61% of the fatal crashes were alcohol related.

Common Causes of Crashes in Delaware

Car accidents in Delaware can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Distracted driving
Intoxicated driving
Speeding
Aggressive/reckless driving
Failing to yield right of way
Improper passing
Following too close
Animals on roadway

Most crashes are the direct result of one or more drivers' negligence. Aside from crashes caused by drivers, vehicles, or environmental conditions, there are other reasons that don't fall within these categories. For instance, pedestrians can sometimes be the cause of an accident. In other circumstances, the cause can't be determined.

When the cause of an auto accident is easily identified, liability will also tend to be easily identifiable. More complex auto accident cases, however, require the insight of an experienced auto accident attorney and the knowledge and expertise of expert witnesses.

Types of Auto Accidents in Delaware

The type of injuries you sustain are often the result, in part, of the type of car accident. Most common types of crashes involve the following:

Head-on collisions, which are among the most devastating types of collisions that tend to result in serious and life-threatening bodily injuries;
Rear-end accidents, which are among the most common and frequently results in whiplash;
Side-impact collisions, which are common, usually occur at intersections and result in a range of injuries depending on where the vehicle was struck;
Roll-over accidents, which are less common but tend to result in head and neck injuries;
Sideswipe accidents, which are less common and occur when two or more vehicles travel parallel with each other, and one swipes the side of the other vehicle;
Blind spot accidents, which are less common and occur when one vehicle fails to spot another vehicle while changing or merging into another lane.

Liability for property and bodily damages can often be determined, in part, by the type of accident. It's important to remember, though, that accidents can be complex events, and so though the type may initially and seemingly indicate fault, a thorough investigation must be conducted for a clear understanding of where liability falls.

Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Delaware?

After a car accident, insurance companies will investigate the cause of the wreck to see who was at fault. They will then offer to cover the victim's expenses. Insurance companies, however, are for-profit entities. They make money by bringing in premium payments and increase profit margins by minimizing the amount of money they pay out in settlements.

When an insurance company offers a settlement, that offer may not represent the true amount of compensation a victim deserves. Victims deserve to be compensated for their:

Medical bills, past, and future;
Property damage;
Lost wages, past, and future;
Reduced earnings;
Pain and suffering;
Emotional distress;
And more.

Frequently, insurance settlement offers only cover property damage and medical bills, and only those that have been incurred so far. Sometimes the settlement will also include lost wages, but again, it may only include the wages lost to date and not necessarily future wages or loss of earned income.

By hiring a lawyer and pursuing these other forms of compensation, accident victims can fight for what they really deserve.

Who is Liable for My Injuries After a Car Accident in Delaware?

Determining liability in a car accident can be complex. In Delaware, multiple parties may be held responsible for your injuries, including:

The at-fault driver;
Vehicle owners;
Employers of the at-fault driver (if the accident occurred during work-related activities);
Manufacturers of defective vehicles or parts.

Our Delaware car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties to maximize your compensation.

Can I Still Get Money If I Share Fault in a Delaware Car Accident?

Yes, Delaware follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

What Should I Do After I'm Injured in a Car Crash in Delaware?

If you are injured in a car crash in Delaware, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:

Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed;
Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties;
Document the accident scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries;
Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear immediately;
Notify your insurance company of the accident;
Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and property damage related to the accident;
Contact an experienced Delaware car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

What Damages are Available After a Collision in Delaware?

In Delaware, car accident victims may be entitled to recover the following types of damages:

Economic damages: These include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage;
Non-economic damages: These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life;
Punitive damages: These may be awarded in cases of egregious negligence or intentional harm to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

How Long Do I Have to File a Delaware Car Accident Lawsuit?

Under Delaware law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is critical to your case. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Areas we Serve

At the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl, we proudly serve car accident victims throughout Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach, Milton, Millsboro, Milford, Georgetown, and all of Sussex County. Whether you were involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, our experienced team is here to provide the comprehensive legal support you need.

Call Our Delaware Car Accident Attorney Today

Auto accidents can be straightforward or complex. Regardless of which, it is in your best interest to speak to an auto accident attorney. At the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl, we work hard for our clients to obtain fair and just compensation. Contact us using our online form or by calling us directly at (302) 253-8232 to schedule a free initial consultation today.