In a city the size of Los Angeles, car accidents are bound to happen every day. The most recent statistics available from the California Highway Patrol tell us that for the year 2008 there were over 52,000 accidents in Los Angeles County with 667 fatalities as a result of vehicular accidents. Not surprising when you factor in recent estimates that put the population of Los Angeles County at close to ten million people. One question that Los Angeles car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates gets asked frequently is whether citizenship status affects someone’s right to recover for damages sustained in a car accident.
While exact figures are very difficult to come by for the number of undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles County, most experts put the number somewhere close to one million people. These people live, work and drive in the Los Angeles area. Many immigrants think that if they are not here legally that they cannot be compensated for injuries they sustain in a car accident. That is not the case according to Los Angeles car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates. Your citizenship status is not a factor in determining whether you are entitled to compensation for a car accident. The only thing that truly matters in a car accident case is who was negligent – or at fault. If you were in a car accident and the other driver was at fault, then you can receive compensation for your injuries.
If, however, you were driving and did not have the required liability insurance, then under California law you cannot collect for pain and suffering, says Los Angeles car accident attorney Emery Ledger. What this means, in essence, is that you will be able to collect for out of pocket expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and damage to your vehicle but you will not be able to collect any additional money for the emotional impact of the accident. The important thing to remember is that if you were not at fault, then you do not have to bear the burden of paying for your medical bills, car repairs or any other expenses that are considered economic damages. Under the laws of the State of California, the responsible party will have to pay for any injuries that they caused you in the car accident.
If you have been involved in a car accident, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney. Only an experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your specific case and advise you whether you have a valid car accident case and what – if any – compensation you are likely to receive. Don’t let fear of the judicial system stop you from receiving what you are entitled to as a result of someone else’s negligence.
If you would like a free detailed and confidential evaluation of your car accident case, please contact Los Angeles car accident attorney Emery Ledger at Ledger & Associates. He can be reached at his office at 1-800-300-0001 or through his website at www.ledgerlaw.com
