An auto accident – whether it’s a rollover crash or rear-end accident – can be a traumatic experience with far-reaching consequences. Injuries can be fatal, even if they appear to be minor initially.
The Twentynine car accident lawyers at the Crockett Law Group understand that being involved in an auto accident can be the worst experience of your life, possibly leading to debilitating injuries, extensive medical bills, missed work, extensive damage to your vehicle, and even inability to enjoy life or time with your family.
Car accident claims in California can be complex and involve several parties, from the other motorist to insurance adjusters to defense lawyers. If you have been injured in an auto accident, our Twentynine car accident lawyers are here to help protect your rights, interests and pursue the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
Car accident victims should not have to bear the burden brought about by someone else’s negligence themselves. Call the Twentynine Palms injury lawyers at the Crockett Law Group today for your free case review.
Car Accident Stats Twentynine Palms, California
Tragically, car accidents occur every day throughout California, causing property damage and personal injury to the drivers and pedestrians involved.
In 2020, 3,723 motor vehicle deaths were reported in California, a slight increase from 2019. The majority of traffic fatalities involved passenger vehicles, with about 1,900 people (3 of these occurred in Twentynine palms) losing their lives in passenger vehicle accidents in 2019. Other stats for California:
- Alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in 2019 – 949
- Drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2019 – 4,989, and 2 of these crashes were reported in Twentynine Palms.
If you have been in a car crash caused by a drunk or reckless driver, the Crockett Law Group has attorneys with the experience and expertise needed to handle your case.
How Much Does A Twentynine Palms Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At the Crockett Law Group, we want to help clients with severe injuries after a car accident. We are therefore proud to take car accident cases on a contingency fee basis!
The typical California attorney fee for car accident cases is a 33% contingency fee, and you only pay when our attorneys recover on your behalf. From the start of your claim or lawsuit until the end, we take care of all expenses and will only receive the payment if we win your case. Contact our attorneys if you want caring and affordable legal counsel with your car accident case.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
The scene of a crash is often chaotic, but it’s crucial to remain calm and take certain steps to protect your legal rights and health. Before living the scene, you should:
- Call The Police: Contact the police and EMTs and wait to give them your version of events.
- Check On Others: As you wait for EMTs and the police to arrive, check on occupants in your car and others involved. Help where you can (especially if anyone is in immediate danger).
- Exchange Info: Collect the name, insurance info, address, email address, phone no., and other contact info from each of the motorists and witnesses involved.
- Record The Scene: Take lots of photos of the scene, including photos of your injuries, damage to the vehicle, and be sure to capture road conditions, traffic signs, and the other driver’s license plate.
- Never Admit/Assign Fault: Always remain calm and be polite and cooperative when talking to the police and other drivers. However, never admit fault or assign any! If possible, limit your conversation with those involved and don’t post anything about the crash on social media.
- Seek Medical Attention ASAP: Get a medical evaluation to ensure that your injuries are timely diagnosed and treated. Follow your physician’s advice and do everything you can to get better.
- Call An Auto Accident Lawyer! Whether you are at the scene, at the hospital, or home, it is imperative that you speak with a car accident lawyer promptly! You can reach the Crockett Law Group 24/7, so call us.
What Is The Average Settlement For An Auto Accident In California?
The state of California requires all private passenger vehicle drivers to carry at least the following insurance coverages:
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one individual
- $15,000 for injury or death to one individual
- $5,000 for property damage
If the other driver is clearly at fault for the crash, and they are insured, then the recoverable amount of your car accident settlement is limited to the maximum limits of the other driver’s insurance policy. The average payment for car accident claims in California is about $21,000, but many factors will come into play before your settlement amount is determined.
When Should I Get A Car Accident Lawyer For My Case?
There is a long list of procedures to be followed when filing a car accident claim or lawsuit. So, you must seek legal assistance from a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
An auto accident lawyer is well aware of the complexities of California’s Negligence laws, so he or she can quickly help determine liability and other arguments that can be used to recover the full compensation you are owed.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer?
Being involved in a car accident can be scary and distressing, whether the other driver was at fault or not. It can be even more upsetting when the other driver is hell-bent on denying fault. Besides, there is plenty of paperwork to file and evidence to gather, and the legal process can be pretty overwhelming for a first-timer. Our Twentynine car accident lawyers will assess your case and help with other aspects, including but not limited to:
Case Preparations/Filing Your Lawsuit
When you want to win a battle, you make sure your arsenal is ready. Good personal injury lawyers are experts in negligence laws. They know the ins and out of California legal system and will make sure to make all the necessary preparations before filing your claim within the set time limits.
Settlement Negotiations
Part of winning a battle is knowing when and how to negotiate. The chances of winning are higher when you have a skilled negotiator in your team. Our lawyers often interact with insurers and defense lawyers, so they have a better understanding of how they operate. They know what arguments will help settle your case out of court and mistakes to avoid. Having these skills and knowledge enables our legal team to plan a negotiation strategy and know whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.
Trial Preparation & Representation
Our experienced car accident lawyers know how to obtain court resources to prepare for your case and even fight for your compensation before a judge and jury.
What Types Of Damages Are Awarded For Car Accident Cases In California?
If you are a victim of a car crash in California due to another person’s or entity’s negligence, you have a light to lodge a personal injury lawsuit against them. If you win your case, the judge can award compensation for your damages, including:
Compensatory Damages
These are payments made to the victim for economic and non-economic losses incurred following an auto accident. These damages can take into account the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
Punitive/Exemplary Damages
Sometimes, car accident victims may be given extra compensation aside from the actual economic and non-economic losses incurred. These are exemplary or punitive damages and are awarded as a motive to further punish the at-fault driver and deter like misconduct. Exemplary damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was beyond basic negligence, e.g., willful or vindictive behavior.
How Much Can I Expect To Receive For My Damages?
There are a plethora of factors involved in determining how much to expect for damages. Some of these factors include:
- The extent of your injuries
- Lost wages or lost ability to work
- The medical care required to treat your injuries now and, in the future
- Whether you shared fault for the accident
It’s always important to remember that insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying any settlement. One of the tactics they use to do this is to offer you a low settlement soon after your crash when there’s a good chance you’re desperate to pay the piling medical bills and get back on your feet.
Crockett Law Group has handled a variety of auto accident cases, including drunk driving accidents, earning millions for personal injury clients from insurance companies and defendants. You can never be sure how much to expect for your damages. So, before you decide on accepting a low-ball offer, please discuss the details of your case with an experienced Twentynine car accident lawyer.
How Is Fault Determined?
California follows the “fault” auto insurance system. That means that the state puts the blame and financial responsibilities of a car accident on the at-fault driver. But it doesn’t end here; car accident victims in California can also pursue compensation for additional damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Proving Negligence For Car Accident Cases
Plaintiffs in personal injury cases in California MUST prove the elements of negligence to recover compensation for damages. These elements include:
- Duty of care: All drivers owe other road users a duty of care;
- Breach of duty: The other driver’s conduct breached that duty;
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered losses or damages because if the other driver’s breach and;
- Causation: The other driver’s conduct was the cause of the crash and the plaintiff’s losses.
California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law
Under this doctrine, a car accident victim can collect compensation for damages even if they are 99% to blame for the accident.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim in California?
Personal injury claims lodged in California following a car accident have a two-year statute of limitations or time limit, after which your claim will be barred from being brought to court. The time limit for property damage stemming from an auto accident is three years from the crash date.
What Can I Do If Insurance Denied My Claim?
Has your auto insurance claim been denied? Don’t worry. Consult the experienced Twentynine car accident lawyers at the Crockett Law Group. If insurance denies your claim or your compensation was undervalued, and you disagree, you have three options: Negotiate a settlement, file a lawsuit, or appeal the decision.
If a car insurance company has improperly denied your claim, it makes sense to speak to a car accident lawyer and discuss your options.
Do I Have A Case?
If you’re asking, “Do I have a personal injury case after a car accident?” or, “How can I pursue compensation after a car accident?” please speak to a car accident lawyer.
You don’t want to lodge a car accident claim if the answers to these questions are unclear. So, consider scheduling a meeting with a Twentynine car accident lawyer to evaluate your situation and understand your options before deciding to sue.
What If The Other Driver Does Not Have Any Insurance Or Is Under-Insured?
In California, car accident victims have three avenues of compensation:
- Through the at-fault driver’s insurance
- Through your own insurance company
- Through a personal injury lawsuit
If you got involved in a crash with a driver who is underinsured or isn’t insured at all, your best bet is to seek compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or a personal injury lawsuit, and our lawyers can help. Call us at (760) 999-4444 to learn more about car insurance coverage in California and how our legal team can be of assistance.
How Can I Obtain An Accident Report In Twentynine Palms, CA?
After a crash, obtaining a copy of your police accident report could help you fill out your insurance claim and bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You can get a copy of your Twentynine car accident by visiting the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station, 63665 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
Types Of Car Accident We Handle At The Crockett Law Group
The car accident lawyers at the Crockett Law Group handle all kinds of car accident cases, including:
Hit And Run Accidents
When your life is turned upside down by a negligent motorist who immediately fled the scene of the crash, you should speak to a California hit-and-run attorney to make sure you get the compensation you are owed.
Distracted Driving Accidents
The most troubling part of accidents caused by distracted driving is how easily preventable they are! If you were hurt because of a distracted driver, call us to speak with an experienced California car accident lawyer.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Even minor crashes involving drunk driving can cause fatal injuries. When an intoxicated/drunk driver upends your life by making terrible decisions, the law gives you a chance to hold them accountable, and our lawyers can help.
Contact an Experienced Twentynine Palms Car Accident Lawyer Today!
At the Crockett Law Group, we know how to get results for car accident victims and their loved ones. Our legal team, resources, and years of combined experience can be your assets. We offer free case evaluations.
Reach out to our lawyers and let us fight for the compensation you deserve – call (800) 900-9393 today.
