If you or a loved one has experienced an injury from an auto accident in California caused by a negligent or careless motorist, you may qualify for compensation for injuries and damages. However, dealing with careless motorists and insurance providers can be challenging and even more stressful and frustrating than the accident itself. In addition, any mistakes you do during the claims processes can lead to far less settlement or none at all. That’s why it is imperative to have the right Moreno Valley car accident lawyer on your side.
At the Crockett Law Group, our team is committed to helping car accident victims and their families to seek the justice they deserve. Our experienced Moreno Valley personal injury attorneys will fight for your rights and will not settle until you are fairly compensated. Fill out the online form or call our offices at (800) 900-9393 to schedule a free initial consultation.
California Car Accident Statistics
When it comes to ideal weather and entertaining spots, the Golden State has it all. California is favored by many, which explains the increase in residency over the years. However, the state has its fair share of downsides, one being the worst driving safety rates in the U.S. According to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Golden State has the highest number of accidents and fatalities caused by car collisions and crashes.
The state’s huge population comes with numerous motorists, which contributes to more auto accident rates. The IIHS and NHTSA report that vehicle-related accidents in the state are about 36,000 per year, many of which are fatal. Deaths resulting from the accidents are about 11 per 100,000 people. In addition, most of these accidents occur due to negligent and careless actions such as distracted driving, speeding, and failure to follow traffic rules.
What Is the Cost of a Moreno Valley Car Accident Attorney?
There are numerous law firms in Moreno Valley, CA, all charging varying rates for legal services. However, at Crockett Law Group, we first focus on the client’s case and operate on a contingency basis. That means we don’t ask for an upfront payment and the fee only applies if you get compensated.
Do not be afraid to seek legal assistance due to your financial situation. We know that auto accidents come with financial burdens and things can be really tough. That’s why our team is here to help you through a difficult situation. Call our Moreno Valley car accident lawyers and seek the legal assistance you need!
What Should You Do Following an Auto Accident?
We all try to avoid car accidents but regardless of how careful you are, sometimes they are unavoidable. Most individuals don’t know what to do following an accident. So, if you live in California, ensure you do the following after being involved in a car accident:
Call the Police
The first thing that should do following an auto accident is to contact the relevant authorities. The police play a vital role in determining the party at fault. Also, they help maintain order as most motorists fail to take responsibility for the accident. As such, ensure you call the authorities as soon as possible. If you do not have a phone, ask a person who’s nearby to contact them on your behalf.
Check on the Other Party
It is also advisable to check on the other party involved in the incident before leaving. Some might be suffering from serious injuries, making it difficult to move, while others might be too weak to get out of the car. As such, ensure you check on the other party to ascertain they are safe.
Record the Scene
In order to remember the outcome of the incident, it is advisable to record everything at the scene. This is also important as you may need the footage when it comes to making a personal injury claim. This is especially the case if the accident was a result of the other motorist’s negligence or recklessness. Also, don’t leave any details behind when recording the scene as the information can be used by investigators and your attorney to determine the cause of the incident.
Exchange Information
The state of California requires that both motorists involved in an accident exchange relevant information which includes the car’s registration number, full names, contact details, and the driver’s license number. Also, bear in mind that exchanging these credentials should be done respectfully and peacefully. If the other motorist isn’t willing to exchange information, then wait for the authorities to arrive at the scene and make the request on your behalf.
Do Not Admit Fault
Whether or not you’re responsible for the accident, avoid admitting fault. If you do so, it means you’ll be held liable for all injuries and damages sustained by the car accident victims. As such, you should remain calm and wait for the authorities to get to the scene. If you think you’re liable for the accident, call your attorney and seek legal counsel.
Seek Medical Attention
Following an auto accident, you may sustain severe or minor injuries. As such, it is important to see a doctor and seek treatment for any injuries. The practitioner will conduct a checkup to assess your condition or whether you are in good health. Also, bear in might you might need the medical records to strengthen your personal injury claim.
Call a Moreno Valley Car Accident Attorney!
A reputable auto accident attorney will help protect your rights by ensuring you are compensated for injuries and damages sustained. However, this only applies if you’re not held responsible for the accident or didn’t contribute to the crash. Another reason to call a lawyer as soon as possible is to get free advice on what you should say while proving your statement or making a claim.
What Is the Average Settlement Amount for Car Accident Claims?
There are varying factors that determine how much you should get for damages like the cost of treatment, damaged property, lost wages, and injuries sustained. However, you’ll want to consult a lawyer to help you determine the amount that you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Handling an auto accident claim is never advisable, particularly if you don’t have any legal experience, which is likely the case for most victims. As such, it is wise to go about the case with the help of a legal representative. A Moreno Valley car accident attorney will provide legal advice and handle all the daunting work. Here are a few other reasons to get a legal representative:
Case Preparation & Filing a Lawsuit
When it comes to filing a claim or lawsuit, you need to comply with certain requirements in order to move to the next stage. Some of these requirements are easy and straightforward, while others are complex and hard to understand. That’s why you seek the help of an experienced lawyer in personal injury claims.
Settlement Negotiations
Auto accidents don’t necessarily need to be settled in court. If the liable party is willing to make the settlement for your losses, then you can handle the matter outside court. However, it is not advisable to carry out negotiations without the presence of a lawyer. That’s because you might fall into the trap of accepting an offer that’s worth less than what you deserve.
Trial Preparation and Representation
This is another stage that calls for complex work and proper planning. If you cannot come to an agreement for a fair settlement, your lawyer will be ready to garner all the required evidence to build a strong case. In addition, they will prepare witnesses and come up with the best way to deal with each one of them.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
In the Golden State, auto accident victims can expect to recover three types of damages:
Economic Damages
These types of damages compensate people for financial losses. So, if you paid medical fees while seeking treatment following the accident, the party at fault is expected to pay for the burden. In addition to medical bills, you also get a settlement for any financial losses experienced as a result of the accident. These include damaged property, lost wages, cost of transportation for treatment, rehabilitative expenses, and future medical care.
Non-Economic Damages
These allow you to recover from damages that can’t be quantified. These include pain and suffering, psychological distress, loss of enjoyment, loss of compassion, loss of consortium and the like. Another factor to acknowledge is that non-economic damages sometimes call for continuous treatment, which leads to an increase in the cost of treatment.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, accidents are caused by a motorist’s gross negligence. So, when a motorist ignores traffic rules and as a result, causes an accident, the judge may take action to ensure that such actions are discouraged in the future. The best way to handle this is by awarding punitive damages. In addition, to punishing the culprit, they discourage other people from engaging in similar behavior.
How Long Do You Have to Make an Auto Accident Claim in California?
Serious injuries sustained from a car accident tend to take longer to treat. That’s why in the State of California, victims have 2 years from the date of the collision to file a claim. This statute of limitations gives them adequate time to recover before taking legal action. Fortunately, with the help of a reliable personal injury lawyer, you can have the case filed as you continue with treatment and recovery.
How Is Fault Determined in California?
In the Golden State, the authorities use the evidence collected to determine the party at fault. Some of the evidence used by the police include witnesses’ statements, traffic cameras, and statements provided by the motorists. Also, you need to keep in mind that it only takes a short while for the authorities to make a conclusion.
What Should You Do If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
Insurance providers are known to deny claims all the time. After all, they are in business and will do what they can to protect their money. Even if you have solid evidence and meet all the legal requirements, they will always look for a reason to deny your claim. Some of the common reasons they use include failing to pay for premiums, the insured wasn’t permitted to drive the car, and dealing with uninsured motorist’s claims.
However, with the help of our team, you can appeal the claim and file a lawsuit if necessary. Our lawyers will also help you find out why your claim was denied.
Common Car Accident Injuries
An auto accident can result in all types of injuries, from minor to severe. The most common car accident injuries in California include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Neck injuries
- Facial disfigurement
- Death
Types of Auto Accidents We Handle at The Crockett Law Group
Our Moreno Valley car accident lawyers handle all types of auto accidents. Here are some of the most common types of cases we see.
Distracted Driving
This is one of the most common causes of car accidents in California. Most motorists lose focus while on the road due to numerous things like operating the radio, talking to passengers, and texting while driving. The motorist is required to pay attention while on the road and avoid anything that may distract them. If you get into an accident caused by a distracted motorist, you may qualify for compensation.
DUI
Driving under the influence is another issue still rampant on California’s roads. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident caused by a drunk motorist, get in touch with our team and we will work to ensure you are compensated for your injuries and damages.
Hit and Run
Hit and run accidents don’t happen as often as other accidents, but you or a loved one may get involved in one. In such cases, do not hesitate to reach out for legal assistance.
Head-on Collisions
Another form of accident we handle at the Crockett Law Group is head-on collisions. There are numerous factors that can contribute to such accidents, but the most common are ignoring traffic signs, distracted driving, and poor road use when overtaking.
Reckless Driving
Although most motorists are always careful while on the road, there are still a few who don’t care about people’s safety. Reckless driving has been a common cause of accidents and unfortunately, it’s still rampant. That’s why you should let our lawyer protect your rights if you’ve been involved in an accident as a result of reckless driving.
Rear-End Accidents
In Moreno Valley, rear-end car accidents tend to be easy to handle as it’s easy to determine the party liable. According to the law, the motorist responsible is the one who crashes the rear end of your vehicle. When involved in this kind of accident, ensure you record the two cars as you may need the footage as evidence.
Rideshare Accidents
These are not easy to handle and accident victims often don’t know who to blame for their injuries and damages. That’s because ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are managed by many parties and governed by complex insurance policies and regulations. So, if you have been involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, it is best to have a legal expert by your side. We handle these cases, so do not hesitate to call.
Truck Accidents
Many people fear sharing the road with trucks due to their huge size and weight. Many road users also dislike sharing the road with trucks because they are known to cause severe injuries and even death. In addition, they cause damage to a lot of property due to their weight and size.
Commercial truck accidents are caused by different factors like speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, mechanical issues, DUI, and overloading the truck with excess cargo. Also, these cases take a long time to complete as they are supervised by different parties. With the help of an experienced attorney, however, you can be certain the case will be handled within a short time.
Texting While Driving Accidents
Texting while on the road is another primary cause of accidents in the Golden State. People tend to be glued to their phones and become distracted which increases the chances of an accident.
Hire a Moreno Valley Car Accident Lawyer With Crockett Law Group Today!
There are many people who have been in auto accidents, but most of them don’t seek compensation as they don’t know how to go about it. If you or a loved one has been a victim, do not hesitate to seek help by calling our offices at (800) 900-9393!
The Crockett Law Group is a top-rated car accident law firm serving Moreno Valley. We offer a free initial consultation, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
