Available 24/7
It is probably safe to say that no one wakes up and plans on being in a car accident. However, it happens every day – and California is no exception. While the damage to a car is certainly an annoyance, resulting injuries can be devastating, and in some cases, life-changing.
Anyone who has been in a California car accident should contact an Escondido car accident lawyer to review their situation and determine their legal options. An experienced accident attorney can make sure that the damages they request from a negligent party will be enough to make them whole again.
COMMON CASES OF ESCONDIDO CAR CRASHES
Escondido car crashes are frequently caused by, 1) distracted drivers who spend more time texting and talking on their cell phones than paying attention to their surroundings, 2) those who operate vehicles under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, and 3) dangerous road conditions.
Depending on the type of crash, such as a head-on collision or sideswipe accident, injuries and responsible parties can vary significantly.
Responsible Parties
While there are many other causes, it is important to keep in mind that sometimes other drivers are not the only ones who can be held responsible for injuries.
Other parties can include bar owners who over-serve patrons, governmental entities who fail to properly maintain roads, auto manufacturers who make defective vehicles, auto service technicians who provide faulty maintenance service, and the list goes on and on.
Accepting Settlements
Too many injured car accident victims simply accept an insurance settlement without fully understanding the long-term effects of their injuries and how they may affect their future, and their family’s future, in the years to come.
An experienced Escondido car accident lawyer can make sure that no stone goes unturned when asking for the type of compensation required to ensure that a family’s needs are adequately met.
Negligence Laws
California follows comparative negligence laws which allow injured plaintiffs to recover against negligent parties even if they were partially at fault for the accident. Their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault, but recovery is barred if the plaintiff is 50 percent or more at fault.
While this may seem fairly straightforward, it can be complicated when several vehicles are involved or the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident consist of far more than simply one car hitting another car in a parking lot and causing a minor fender-bender.
Determining Fault
Determining fault percentages can be a complex task which generally requires reviewing the accident details; talking to witnesses; and analyzing information about the vehicles, weather, and road conditions.
It is important to have all the facts before asking for compensation – as accepting an insurance settlement prematurely can substantially hurt families more than help them in the long run.
An Escondido car accident lawyer can determine what types of damages are available to you. However, it is important to keep in mind that California’s statute of limitations in which to file a car accident lawsuit is only two years from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline can bar you from filing a lawsuit.
Insurance companies involved in the accident will do whatever it takes to pay you as little as possible. However, you can rely on the experience of an Escondido car accident lawyer to accurately determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to and have the peace of mind that someone is fighting for your best interests.