Redding Car Accident Lawyer 

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in California

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 car accident attorney in Redding at (530) 491-4727 or contact us online. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

A car accident involves an unintended collision with one or more vehicles. These crashes range from minor fender-benders to severe incidents that result in injuries, fatalities, or property damage. Collisions can happen on roads, highways, intersections, parking lots, and other driving areas.

Common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: This is one of the leading causes of accidents. It includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers while driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the road conditions cuts reaction time and increases crash risk.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and response time.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive actions like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and breaking rules can cause accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other weather hazards reduce visibility and traction, making roads dangerous.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, rough surfaces, missing signs, and badly designed intersections contribute to crashes.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs can cause collisions at intersections.
• Fatigue: Tired or drowsy drivers lose focus and react slowly, increasing accident potential.
• Inexperienced Drivers: New or young drivers may lack the skills to react safely to unexpected situations.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering problems can make drivers lose control.
• Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal, not checking blind spots, or merging incorrectly leads to collisions.
• Tailgating: Following too closely limits reaction time and causes rear-end crashes.
• Inadequate Visibility: Fog, rain, or darkness can make hazards hard to see.
• Disturbances Outside the Vehicle: Looking at roadside incidents or distractions can pull attention away from the road.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

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.

Redding-Specific Car Accident Insights

Beyond these common scenarios, Redding has unique considerations due to its specific local road conditions and traffic patterns. For instance, the congestion on Interstate 5 and Highway 44 can increase the risks of high-speed collisions. Additionally, local weather conditions such as fog and rain can exacerbate visibility issues, leading to potential vehicle accidents. Awareness of these localized risks can help drivers in Redding take preventive measures.

Moreover, understanding the specific traffic laws and regulations in Redding can be beneficial. This includes observing all local speed limits and being vigilant in school zones and residential areas with higher pedestrian traffic. By being proactive and cautious, drivers can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming involved in a car accident within Redding's city limits.

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.

FAQs About Car Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

After an accident in Redding, ensure safety by moving to a secure location and calling law enforcement to report the accident. Gather information from all parties involved, including witness contact details. Document the scene with photos and notes. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may appear later. Keeping detailed records can be crucial for your legal needs.

What Damages Can I Claim After a Car Accident?

You may claim various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages might apply if the at-fault party's actions were recklessly negligent or intentionally harmful.

What If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance or Is Underinsured?

Redding residents can rely on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to claim damages when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Your lawyer can assist in navigating these claims to ensure you are compensated appropriately.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is typically two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to pursue compensation, so contacting a lawyer promptly is advised.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Redding Today

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 case. 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 argument 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 with our Redding car accident attorney.