Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

A: In many cases, yes. While there is no law requiring you to hire an attorney after a car accident, several studies have shown that your chances of securing fair compensation are much higher if you retain legal representation. Smaller claims that involve little more than cosmetic damage or minor scrapes and bruises typically don't require a lawyer to be resolved. On the other hand, if your injuries have caused you to miss work, incur substantial medical expenses, or if there is a dispute over who is at fault for the collision, it is in your best interests to get a lawyer involved in your case.

A: The statute of limitations that governs car accident lawsuits in California is typically two years from the date of the collision. This time limit also applies to several other personal injury cases filed in the state's court system. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you typically have two years from the date of your collision to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you do not file a claim within this window, you will essentially lose your right to sue and will be unable to recover compensation for your injuries. If you are unsure how the statute of limitations applies to your case, it is important you contact our attorneys to discuss your options.

A: Possibly. Many car accident claims end up being resolved in the form of an out-of-court settlement negotiated between the involved parties without a personal injury lawsuit having to be filed. It is only if the settlement process fails that your case may escalate to a lawsuit and end up going to trial, which will require you to appear in court. This may happen if the other driver's insurance carrier denies your claim, if there is a dispute over who was at fault for the collision, or if the insurance company offers you a settlement that is far lower than what you deserve.

A: There is no definitive way to predict how long it will take to resolve your car accident case. Uncontested claims can sometimes take about 6 months for a claimant to receive compensation, while cases involving litigation can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months to come to an end. Generally speaking, the biggest factors that will dictate the length of your case are the nature and severity of your injuries, the cooperation of the involved insurance companies, and whether or not your case goes to trial. 

A: Most likely, yes. California follows a "pure comparative fault" rule which allows car accident victims to recover damages even if they are found to share some of the blame for the collision, though their eligible compensation will be reduced according to their level of fault. For example, say you were injured in a crash and suffered $10,000 worth of damages. At trial, the jury finds you to be 20% at fault for the crash because you were speeding at the time. In this scenario, under pure comparative fault rules, you would be eligible to recover a maximum of $8,000 (or $10,000 less 20%).

A: In most serious car accident cases, the insurance company of the at-fault driver will send out an appraiser, otherwise known as an insurance adjuster, to determine the value of all damages. While they may be friendly and appear to have good intentions, it is critical that you remember their job is to obtain information from crash victims when they are most vulnerable in order to minimize the insurance company's financial liability. If an insurance adjuster calls, it is recommended you do not speak with them and instead direct them to speak to your attorney. Our lawyers understand the insurance company's tactics and can handle all communication on your behalf.

A: It does not cost you anything upfront to hire a Sacramento car accident attorney from our firm. Piering Law Firm handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will only be paid if we are successful in handling your case. Instead of paying us a traditional retainer, our attorneys will receive a portion of your final settlement amount or jury award as payment. If we are not successful in handling your case, you will not owe us a dime. This ensures our interests are aligned with yours, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery without undue stress.

A: Every case is different, therefore it is impossible to predict the value of your case. With that being said, auto accident claims that deal with catastrophic or life-changing injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or broken bones tend to yield higher verdicts and settlements than those involving comparatively minor injuries like whiplash. Ultimately, the value of your case will be dependent on factors such as the level of medical treatment you require, the long-term impact of your injuries, the amount of available insurance coverage, the strength of evidence proving the other party's liability, and the negotiation skills of your attorney.

A: No. California has no statutory maximum damage cap for personal injury lawsuits related to car accidents, meaning there is no limit to amount of economic and non-economic damages you can recover.