Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in California

A serious car crash can change your life in an instant. Suddenly, you're facing severe, painful injuries and massive medical bills. Getting treatment for and recovering from those injuries means being out of work—sometimes for weeks or even months. You could be looking at seriously expensive car repairs or even full replacement if your car was totaled. And, of course, these incidents leave victims dealing with a significant amount of emotional distress, trauma, and suffering.

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At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we understand just how devastating a car accident can be, affecting nearly all aspects of your life. When someone else was at fault for the accident, you shouldn't have to simply face these consequences on your own. In fact, you have the legal right to hold negligent motorists and other parties accountable for your damages—and we're ready to help. Our Sacramento car accident lawyers have decades of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We understand what you are going through, and we know how to help you take on the challenges ahead.

Contact us online or call (916) 297-4468 to request a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in Sacramento. We are available 24/7 to assist you.

What to Do After a Car Accident

The number one thing to do after a car accident is to seek medical treatment. Your health and safety are of the utmost importance; see a doctor even if you believe you were not injured or that you only suffered minor injuries. You may not realize the full extent of your injuries immediately after the accident, and some injuries could take hours or days to appear. Always seek prompt medical attention after an accident.

Additionally, there are several important steps you need to take after a car accident in Sacramento or anywhere in California:

• File a Police Report: By law, you will need to file an official police report if anyone was injured or died. When police arrive at the scene—and they should be called for any accident that results in injuries or death—they will make this report on your behalf. In any case, you only have 24 hours to file a police report.
• Notify the DMV: California law also requires that you report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles if the crash led to injury, death, or property damage in excess of $750. You have 10 days after the accident to report it to the DMV, if required.
• Contact Your Own Insurance Company: You will need to report the accident to your own insurance company in most cases, particularly if you are filing a claim with your own auto insurance provider through your collision coverage. Depending on your policy, there may be a limited timeframe in which to report the accident; make sure you are aware of the stipulations laid out by your specific auto insurance policy.

In addition to these requirements, it's a good idea to write down/document any potential evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and/or your vehicle. Write down witness statements (if possible) and record everything that happened as soon as you are able. 

It's also a good idea to contact an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer if you sustained injuries in the crash. An attorney can help you determine whether you have grounds for a claim and, if so, can help you prepare your case. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, takes attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Even brief distractions, like eating or adjusting controls, can lead to collisions.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the impact of collisions. Whether exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, speeding is a major factor in many accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and affects motor skills. This dangerous behavior is a leading cause of severe and often fatal accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving, such as tailgating and weaving through traffic, creates hazardous conditions. Ignoring traffic signals, like running red lights, also contributes to many intersection accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, like rain, snow, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and behavior to match these conditions are more likely to be involved in accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs, often leads to dangerous collisions, particularly at intersections. This type of negligence can result in severe accidents.
• Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle, known as tailgating, reduces the time available to react to sudden stops. This behavior frequently leads to rear-end collisions.
• Improper Turns: Making illegal or poorly executed turns, such as turning without signaling or from the wrong lane, can cause confusion and accidents. These mistakes are common at intersections and busy roads.
• Driver Fatigue: Driving while drowsy impairs a driver’s ability to focus, react quickly, and make safe decisions. Fatigue-related accidents are often as dangerous as those caused by alcohol impairment.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues, like brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to a sudden loss of control. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevent these types of accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and construction zones create challenges that can cause drivers to lose control. Accidents often occur when drivers are unprepared for these hazards.
• Inexperienced Drivers: New or inexperienced drivers may lack the skills and judgment needed to navigate complex driving situations safely. Their inexperience often leads to mistakes that can result in accidents.

Do I Have a Car Accident Case?

One of the most critical aspects of California car accident laws is its "fault" system. In California, the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. This means that the at-fault driver or their insurance company must cover the costs of injuries, property damage, and other losses incurred by the victims. Unlike "no-fault" states, the state allows injured parties to pursue compensation directly from the driver who caused the accident, either through their insurance or by filing a lawsuit.

In California, you have grounds for a car accident claim if you can show that the other person/party was at least 1% at fault for the accident. Under California’s rule of pure comparative negligence, a motorist who is even 99% at fault for a crash can still collect damages. However, your total recovery award will be reduced by the percentage at which you are found to have contributed to the accident.

For example, if you were hit by a motorist who ran a red light, but you were speeding at the time of the collision, a jury might find you 20% liable. If you suffer $10,000 in damages—for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, etc.—you will only be able to recover 80%, or $8,000, of that $10,000.

Lastly, the statute of limitations in California for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

Immediately after a car accident, prioritize safety above all else. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. It's essential to call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if there are no apparent injuries, it's advisable to see a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Documenting the accident scene with photos and gathering contact details of witnesses will be invaluable as evidence.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This timeframe is crucial as it determines your eligibility to seek compensation. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit. Therefore, it's critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken promptly.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents?

Car accidents in Sacramento can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Common injuries include whiplash, fractures, and concussions. More severe accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. Addressing any injury promptly with medical care and documenting the extent of harm is fundamental for a successful legal claim. This documentation assists your attorney in constructing a comprehensive case to seek fair compensation.

Can I Recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

Yes, you can recover lost wages as part of your car accident claim. If your injuries cause you to miss work, you are entitled to seek compensation for lost income during your recovery period. You may also recover for diminished earning capacity if your ability to work in the future is impacted. Documenting your employment and income before and after the accident will be necessary to support this claim and should be handled with the assistance of your Sacramento vehicle accident lawyer.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento?

Having a car accident attorney in Sacramento on your side lets the insurance company know that you are not willing to accept any lowball settlement offer. Often, the insurance company of the at-fault driver will attempt to limit its payouts by disputing your claim. However, they are far less likely to do so when you have a skilled attorney who can negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. And, if they do offer a low settlement, your attorney can reject the offer and prepare your case for trial.

At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Sacramento car accident attorneys have years of experience. We know how the system works, and we know what it takes to fight for the full recovery our clients are owed. We can help you at every stage of the process and guide you through the legal system so that you can focus on healing and recovering.

Call (916) 297-4468 or submit an online contact form to get started with a no-cost consultation with our Sacramento car accident attorney.