Hundreds of thousands of people in California annually sustain injuries in car accidents. Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, even if the injuries initially seem minor. Regardless of the degree of injury, you have the right to seek compensation for any damages or injuries suffered due to a driver’s reckless behavior on the road. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In this blog post, we’ll explore why no injury is too small to seek compensation after a car accident in California and how a Stockton car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do When You Have a Vehicle Accident in California
Suppose you’ve been in a car accident in California. As such, there are several things you can do to safeguard your legal position and increase the likelihood that you will be compensated fairly for any losses you have incurred. First, seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Next, report the accident to the police and exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Documenting the accident scene, including taking photos and getting witness statements, is also essential.
Finally, consider hiring a Stockton car accident attorney who can assist you in dealing with the law and fighting for the compensation you deserve. If necessary, an attorney can advise you on your legal options, represent you in negotiations with insurers, and bring suit on your behalf.
Types of Compensation You Can Seek After an Accident
You can seek many types of compensation after an accident. Still, the most common forms of payment are medical expenses and property damage. You can also seek lost wages if you miss work because of your injuries, pain, and suffering damages.
The immediate aftermath of a car crash can be very stressful for everybody involved. You may deal with car repairs, doctor’s appointments, and insurance claims. Knowing you have options when seeking compensation for your losses is essential.
Most people think of medical expenses when they think of compensation after an accident, and rightfully so. Your medical bills can quickly increase, especially when dealing with serious injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden yourself. You can seek reimbursement for your medical costs, including hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and more.
In addition to medical expenses, you can also seek compensation for property damage. If your car was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can file a claim for the cost of repairs or replacement. Suppose you had any personal belongings in your car that were damaged or destroyed, such as a laptop or cell phone. In that case, you could also get compensated for those.
You could also seek lost wages if you had to miss work because of your accident-related injuries. This type of compensation is meant to reimburse you for the income you lost due to your inability to work.
Finally, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering. For the pain and suffering the accident has caused you, this is the amount that the court will award you as compensation. Pain and suffering damages are often more significant than medical or property damage expenses because they account for intangible losses.
How to Establish Liability for Your Injury
In California, if you were hurt in a car accident, you’ll need to show that the other motorist was at fault for the collision before they have to pay for your medical bills and other damages. The other driver’s negligence in causing the accident and your injuries can be used as evidence.
A careless motorist can act in a variety of ways.
Nonetheless, DUI/DWI, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and speeding rank among the most frequent causes of traffic accidents. Suppose you can prove that the other driver was engaged in any of these activities during the accident. In that case, you can likely hold them liable for your injuries.
It’s worth noting that even if the other driver wasn’t technically at fault for the crash (say, if they hit a patch of ice and lost control of their vehicle), they may still be held liable if it could be proven that they were driving in a hazardous manner for the conditions. For example, suppose they were speeding on a wet road with low visibility. In that case, they could still be held liable even though their actions didn’t directly cause the accident.
Alternate Ways to Seek Compensation for Your Injury
You may be wondering what your legal recourses are after suffering injuries in a car crash. In California, you have a few options regarding how to proceed.
One option is to file a personal injury claim with your insurance company. This is known as a first-party claim. Your insurance company will then pay out based on the coverage you have in place.
Another option is to file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You must prove that the other driver was at fault to receive compensation. This is known as a liability claim. You can also choose to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This is known as a personal injury lawsuit. If you win, you will be awarded damages that can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
No matter which routes you choose, it’s essential to understand the process and what your rights are. An attorney specializing in vehicle accidents can help you understand your legal options and get fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
Regarding car accidents, no injury is too small to seek compensation for. Suppose you’ve been involved in a car accident in California. Your damages and losses warrant monetary compensation. If you’ve been in an automobile accident in California, you may be entitled to financial compensation. First, knowing that you have a limited time to file a claim or lawsuit following an accident is essential. California’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. It’s called the statute of limitations, varying from one state to the next.
Second, gathering as much evidence as possible following an accident is essential. This includes photographs of the scene, medical records, and eyewitness testimony. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Furthermore, you must seek the counsel of a qualified attorney who specializes in auto accident cases. California drivers in car accidents should not hesitate to seek legal counsel.
