If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident that caused you to sustain injuries, you know what a headache it can be to recover the compensation you deserve. You may be confused and have questions about some of the details, as well as the process.
Our Northern California personal injury attorneys detail the answers to some common questions relating to car accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a statute of limitations in California?
Each state has its own statute of limitations, which is a timeframe that allows a limited period during which you are able to file a personal injury claim. In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the incident. If the statute of limitations expires on your case, you are unable to take the claim to court.
Can I pursue a claim if I am partially to blame for the accident?
Even if the other driver isn’t fully at fault, you may still be able to foster a claim. Despite that, the amount of compensation you recover may be decreased by the percentage of fault you are responsible for. Each case varies, so it is in your best interest to seek an experienced attorney to tell you how much you may be able to recover.
Can I pursue a claim for my injuries even if I was a passenger?
Yes. In addition, you may be able to recover damages from both parties involved in the accident, depending on the insurance of both drivers as well as the details of the accident. If their insurance companies refuse to settle for a just amount, you may need to bring them both to court to receive the compensation you deserve.
How much should I expect to recover?
Each case is different in its own right, so the amount of money you’re able to recover depends upon the unique elements of the situation. Some of the elements taken into consideration are the amount of the damages involved, how significant your injuries are, as well as whether the other driver was distracted or intoxicated. Your damages will be decided by your losses experienced. For instance, your medical bills or lost income, as well as how much an insurance company or jury perceives you are eligible for. Regrettably, insurance companies are infamously unjust with their settlement offers, which is why it is so crucial to secure adequate representation for your case.
Is an attorney necessary to receive compensation?
While securing an attorney is not required for personal injury claims, having one will greatly increase your chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. The issue is that insurance companies are determined to pay victims the bare minimum and will do all they can to diminish your claim. Since this process is so complex, it is not difficult to make expensive errors that will leave you with not nearly enough compensation to pay for all the costs relating to your accident and injuries. Obtaining the right representation will make sure you won’t be taken advantage of since an attorney is able to effectively negotiate with the insurance company, or if needed, take them to court.
What sorts of damages am I able to recover?
Each case is unique, but many claims comprise of lost wages, medical bills, medication costs, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, plus many others. It may also be possible for you to recover punitive damages in the event an at-fault driver willfully employs outright dangerous actions to cause the accident. An example of this is driving under the influence.
We Will Fight For You
If you’ve been involved in an accident that caused you to sustain injuries, you may have the right to recover damages from the party who is at fault.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley are highly experienced in this area of the law and have recovered millions for clients in the past. Your consultation is free, so there is no risk involved with calling our firm about your case. Don’t hesitate; contact us about your personal injury claim right away.
Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case.