A car accident often leaves victims feeling confused and unsure of where to turn for help. This FAQ is designed to answer the pressing questions California car accident victims face in the moments and days after an accident.
Q: What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured in a California Car Accident?
After an auto accident, a good general course of action is to follow the following outlined steps:
- First, try to obtain as much evidence at the accident scene if possible. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, accident location and any street or traffic signs.
- Collect additional valuable evidence whenever possible. Valuable evidence to obtain includes a police accident report and identifying information of witnesses and parties to the accident. Also, it will be a great help to your California auto accident attorney if you also obtain the insurance policy number of the party or parties that caused the accident.
- Seek medical attention and discuss even seemingly minor injuries with your medical professional. Then, make sure to get documented evidence of your medical injuries and treatment.
- Finally, reach out to a California car accident attorney before settling for a low offer from the insurance company.
Q: How Is Legal Fault Determined in California Car Accidents?
A: California’s negligence laws are outlined in California Civil Code Section 1714(a). If another person’s negligence caused your accident and injuries according to California law, you will be entitled to compensation.
California is also a comparative negligence state, meaning that you can receive compensation from a responsible party even if you are partially to blame. In such an instance, however, your compensation would be lowered based on your proportion of fault that contributed to the accident.
Q: Do I Have to Meet Any Requirements to File a Lawsuit After an Accident Causes Injuries?
A: No, if you were injured in an accident that was believed to be caused by a legally responsible party, you can file a lawsuit that aims to prove that the responsible party’s negligent acts caused your damages or injuries.
Q: Are There Any Limitations on Filing a Lawsuit As an Accident Victim?
A: Yes, the key limitation to the legal process after an accident is what is known as the statute of limitations. Generally, this limitation means you have two years from the date of your injuries to file a legal claim against responsible parties.
If this date passes and a lawsuit has not been filed, you may lose your right to recover damages. For this reason, it is imperative to seek the help of a California car accident lawyer at Ledger Law post-accident.
Q: How Much Money Should I Receive Before Settling?
A: Without knowing the specific facts of your case and the injuries suffered, it is impossible to say what your claim is worth. The amount of compensation you ought to receive should be based on your injuries, the cost of medical bills, lost wages and similar harms that were caused by the accident. Your proportion of legal wrongdoing or complete innocence can also dramatically impact the value of your claim.
However, it is worth knowing that California law generally places no cap on the amount of compensation accident victims can receive. This law helps our team at The Ledger Law Firm fight for your right to receive the maximum compensation that we believe your case is worth. With our assistance, you can expect to receive a settlement offer that is far higher than what you would receive from the insurance company without our legal representation.
