Living in the golden state has many benefits; however, the influx of traffic due to tourism, entertainment, and high residency – increases the risk of getting involved in a motor vehicle accident. According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2017 alone, California accounted for 197,146 fatal and injury car accidents: 3,582 fatal and 193,564 injuries.
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims with catastrophic injuries.
Our team provides crucial knowledge of car accidents in California, the necessary steps to take after a collision, and how to file a claim to recover damages.
What To Do After a Collision
After a motor vehicle accident, you may be in total shock. If you are not careful with approaching this situation, it may negatively affect your claim. Immediately after the accident, you should do the following:
Pullover after the crash, do not drive away.
Notify the police; if a party is injured, call 911.
Check yourself and other passengers for injuries.
Exchange information with the other parties involved. It's crucial to obtain names, addresses, driver's license information, and cell phone numbers.
Gather evidence at the scene, take pictures of damages.
Seek medical attention immediately; you may not feel the physical effects until a few days later.
Notify your insurance company of the accident.
Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in California
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Fatality Fact Report, California is classified as having the highest number of motor vehicle-related fatalities – with 3,316 fatal crashes and 3,606 deaths in 2019. Many collisions can be attributed to human driving errors such as negligent, inexperienced, and reckless driving.
The most common causes of California crashes are:
Speeding
Distracted driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failure to obey traffic signals
Tailgating
Hazardous weather such as rain can lead to dangerous driving conditions
Failure to check blind spots
Vehicle malfunctions
Common Injuries Sustained by Car Accident Victims
A motor vehicle accident can leave a victim suffering from minor to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Here are the most common types:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Broken and fractured bones
Whiplash, back and neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Burns and lacerations
After an accident, it's critical to seek a medical professional for treatment; even if it's a minor injury, it could result in a more severe medical condition if not treated properly.
How To File a Car Accident Claim In California
A motor vehicle collision can result in emotional distress, overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain and suffering. It's essential to seek a personal injury attorney to help you hold the correct party liable for your damages. In California, the statute of limitations is up to two years from filing a personal injury lawsuit.
California Law states that personal injury victims are entitled to recover the damages they have sustained due to the negligence of another party. If you have suffered injuries from a motor vehicle accident, you can recover certain damages and obtain compensation. The types of damages you can recover include economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic refers to monetary damages and losses, and non-economic refers to losses with no monetary value.
Non-economic damages include:
Pain and suffering
Not being able to enjoy hobbies or quality of life
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
Loss of consortium
Economic damages can include:
Lost wages
Household expenses
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment.
Property damages
Contact Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and sustained injuries, we are here to help. Contact us today at (916) 476-2399 to discuss your case with a member of our team.