Redding Car Accident Lawyer

Injured in an Auto Accident in Redding, CA?

The moment you are involved in a car accident, the stress, confusion, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. You may be unsure of what to do, where to turn, and how to move forward. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our experienced Redding car accident attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time.

Our team is committed to providing you with the legal guidance and personal support you need to navigate your case and move toward the best possible outcome. We will fight for maximum compensation to help you recover from your injuries and get your life back on track.

To learn more about your legal options following an auto accident, call our office at (530) 491-4727 or contact us online.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

A car accident refers to an unintended collision or collision involving one or more vehicles. These accidents can range from minor fender-benders to more serious collisions that result in injuries, fatalities, and significant damage to vehicles and property. Car accidents can occur on roads, highways, intersections, parking lots, and other driving environments.

Common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: This is one of the leading causes of accidents. It includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging with passengers while driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces the driver's ability to react in time, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and not following traffic rules can lead to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and traction, making roads more hazardous.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of proper signage, and poorly designed intersections can contribute to accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs can lead to collisions at intersections.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can impair a driver's ability to stay focused and react quickly to changes in traffic.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or young drivers may lack the skills to handle unexpected situations on the road.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Improper Lane Changes: Failing to use turn signals, not checking blind spots, and improper merging can result in collisions.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces reaction time and can lead to rear-end collisions.
• Inadequate Visibility: Poor visibility due to factors like fog, rain, or darkness can make it difficult for drivers to see hazards.
• Disturbances Outside the Vehicle: Rubbernecking, looking at accidents or incidents on the side of the road, can divert a driver's attention from the road ahead.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Here are some of the common types of car accidents:

• Rear-End Collision: Occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. This type is often caused by tailgating or sudden stops.
• Head-On Collision: Involves two vehicles crashing into each other from the front. This type is usually very serious and often results in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Side-Impact Collision (T-Bone): Happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a T-shape. This type of collision often occurs at intersections.
• Single-Vehicle Accident: Involves only one vehicle and can include scenarios such as hitting a stationary object, skidding off the road, or rolling over.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up: Occurs when several vehicles are involved in a series of collisions, often due to chain reactions. This type is common in highway accidents.
• Hit-and-Run: Involves a driver causing an accident and then fleeing the scene without providing contact information or assisting those injured.
• Parking Lot Accident: Takes place in parking lots and can include accidents such as backing into another vehicle or collisions between vehicles navigating through tight spaces.
• Rollover Accident: When a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side, usually due to sharp turns, high speeds, or collisions.
• Intersection Collision: Occurs at intersections when vehicles fail to yield the right of way or run red lights, leading to a crash.
• Pedestrian Accident: Involves a vehicle striking a pedestrian, often occurring at crosswalks or in areas with heavy foot traffic.
• Bicycle Accident: Involves a vehicle colliding with a cyclist, which can be particularly dangerous for the cyclist.

California Car Accident Laws

In California, you must report any car accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the accident resulted in property damage exceeding $1,000 or if there were any injuries or fatalities. Additionally, you must exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle license plate numbers.

California is considered a "fault" state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the person responsible for causing the accident is generally liable for the resulting damages and injuries.

Keep in mind, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation for your damages. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Why Was My Insurance Claim Denied?

While we believe that auto insurance companies have our best interests, the truth is that they are more concerned with their profits. Adjusters will try to look for any reason to delay, reduce, or deny your claim entirely.

Insurance companies might deny car accident claims for various reasons. Here are some common ones:

• Policy Exclusions: The claim may be denied if the incident falls under an exclusion listed in the policy, such as accidents occurring while driving under the influence or while using the vehicle for commercial purposes if the policy does not cover it.
• Lack of Coverage: If the policyholder does not have the appropriate coverage for the type of accident (e.g., not having collision coverage for a crash), the insurer might deny the claim.
• Fraudulent Claims: If the insurer suspects that the claim is fraudulent or that information was intentionally misrepresented, the claim can be denied.
• Insufficient Documentation: Failure to provide adequate documentation, such as police reports, medical records, or proof of damages, can lead to a denial.
• Late Reporting: Insurance policies often require claims to be reported within a specific time frame. If the claim is reported late, it might be denied.
• Policy Lapse or Non-Payment: If the policyholder's insurance policy has lapsed due to non-payment of premiums, the insurer might deny the claim.
• Driver’s License Issues: If the driver involved in the accident did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident, the insurer might deny the claim.
• Pre-Existing Damage: If the damage to the vehicle was pre-existing and not caused by the accident in question, the claim may be denied or partially covered.
• Failure to Cooperate: If the policyholder fails to cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation or does not provide requested information, the claim can be denied.
• Involvement in Illegal Activities: If the accident occurred while the policyholder was involved in illegal activities, such as street racing or committing a crime, the insurer might deny the claim.
• Disputed Liability: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident and the insurer believes the policyholder is liable, the claim might be denied or reduced.

How Our Firm Can Help

After you are involved in an auto accident in Redding, you may be unsure of what to do next or where to turn. You may not know who is liable for your injuries or how to move forward with your claim. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our auto accident attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and move forward with your claim. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Our team is prepared to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong case for maximum compensation. We will work to hold the liable party accountable for their wrongdoing and ensure you are able to move forward with your life.

Contact us today at (530) 491-4727 to schedule a free consultation.