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Sacramento Car Accident Attorney

Helping You Recover Maximum Compensation from Negligent Drivers

On average, the U.S. sees 37,000 deaths due to car accidents each year, and more than 2.3 million serious injuries. Negligent drivers are unfortunately everywhere, and their bad habits result in innocent people being injured.

Victims of car crashes may struggle with mounting difficulties like expensive medical treatment and the inability to work and provide for themselves or their family. When you call Del Rio & Caraway, P.C., our car accident lawyers in Sacramento can provide the support you need so filing an insurance claim or lawsuit isn’t another hardship.

Our Sacramento car accident lawyers are available 24/7 to take your call. Reach out to us today at (916) 229-6755 or contact us online to get started with a free case evaluation.

California Car Accident Laws

If an accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days.

California follows a "fault" system, which means the at-fault party is responsible for the damages resulting from the accident. The at-fault driver's insurance typically covers the losses of the other party, including medical expenses, property damage, and more.

California law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which includes:

  • $15,000 for injury or death to one person.
  • $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
  • $5,000 for property damage.

California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident?

Car accidents are overwhelming enough by themselves, and if you’ve never been in an accident before, it can be extra stressful to know how to react in the aftermath. However, if you’re not in critical condition, it’s important to take certain steps in order to secure your safety, as well as the safety of any other passengers or drivers.

In addition to protecting yourself from further harm, you may want to consider taking action to prepare for a personal injury claim, or to secure a fair settlement from an insurance provider. From gathering preliminary evidence to investigating the details of the crash itself, our experienced attorneys at Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. can help you after a serious accident takes place, and make sure that you’ve got everything you need for a successful case.

Below, you’ll find a brief post-accident checklist that can help you in the unfortunate event of a car accident:

  • Confirm your status (and the status of your other passengers.) If you’re still conscious after your crash, the most important step is to take a deep breath and perform a full mental check on yourself, plus any other passengers who were riding with you. Try to get a basic sense of the severity of everyone’s injuries, and note their consciousness levels.
  • Get emergency assistance. For serious injuries, it’s critical that you call 911 and secure an ambulance right away. If you’re unsure about anyone’s condition, it’s better to call emergency services and be safe than sorry. Depending on your level of first aid training (and your own condition), you may also be able to perform CPR on victims who have no pulse or signs of breathing.
  • Make sure that all vehicles are moved out of traffic. It’s also critical to move your car out of the direction of traffic, and coordinate with the other drivers to clear the road. If you’re on the highway or have suffered major injuries, this may not always be possible. However, even driving to the road shoulder could greatly reduce your risk of a repeat hit.
  • Call the police and insist on an investigation. You may be reluctant to get the police involved and stay at the scene for an extended time, but it’s imperative that you contact the authorities for an accident of any size and scale. People often change their stories after the dust settles, so getting an immediate investigation when the events are still fresh can make a huge difference for your insurance claim or lawsuit later on.
  • Exchange information with all involved drivers. Once your cars are out of traffic and the police and emergency vehicles are on their way, talk to the other drivers and get their information. This is perhaps one of the most crucial steps for securing compensation in a claim later, so make sure to get at least names, addresses, and license plates. If you’re in a more stable condition, you should also secure the following from the other driver(s): their insurance company, their policy number, photos of their insurance documents and driver’s license, and photos of the crash scene and vehicles.
  • Get information from any witnesses. Were there pedestrians around to see your accident take place? Did the other driver have passengers that saw the event? Taking the time to ask questions and get names from any witnesses can bolster your claim, and help you get a better sense of what actually happened.
  • Head to the doctor’s office or hospital. Finally, if you haven’t been picked up by emergency services, either call a tow truck or drive to urgent care for a quick check-in. Even if you feel relatively unscathed, it’s a good idea to get examined by a medical professional, as some injuries may not manifest at first.

Do I Need an Attorney for My Sacramento Car Accident Claim?

It is not always easy for victims of auto accidents to get the compensation they deserve.

In many cases, the responsible party will try to argue that they were not at fault. Insurance companies can also be difficult to negotiate with and will often try to reduce the value of your settlement. Hiring a Sacramento car accident attorney at the onset can ensure you have someone to advocate on your behalf throughout every step of the process.

Insurance adjusters often try to convince accident victims to accept settlements that are far lower than they deserve. If you’ve been injured, they may try to play on your financial anxiety about medical bills because a quick decision typically works in their favor. They could also try to confuse you into saying something that can be used against you.

An experienced auto accident lawyer in Sacramento can help you:

  • Gather evidence: A car accident lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence from witnesses and official reports, photograph the scene of the crash, and review medical records and other paperwork related to your case.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf in order to ensure you are getting a fair settlement for your injuries and losses suffered in the accident.
  • Represent a client at trial: If necessary, an auto accident lawyer is prepared to represent you in court if negotiations fail or if it becomes necessary to take legal action against another party for negligence or recklessness.
  • Provide legal advice: Our car accident lawyers in Sacramento understand the intricate details of personal injury law and can provide sound advice on how best to move forward with filing a claim or preparing a lawsuit against responsible parties.
  • Seek compensation: An attorney will be able to aid you in seeking compensation for any medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, as well as pain and suffering endured after being injured by someone else’s negligence.

Even if the accident was completely someone else’s fault, you will want someone to advocate for you, or your recovery may be at risk. Don't wait to get in touch with our Sacramento auto accident attorneys at Del Rio & Caraway, P.C.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

Getting You the Money You Deserve After an Accident

Our number one goal at Del Rio & Caraway is to help you receive the financial compensation you deserve after an accident. With medical treatment, repair to your vehicle, and missed time at work, your expenses can add up quickly. By negotiating with the insurance company, or taking them to trial if need be, we can help you receive a larger settlement than you may have otherwise received on your own.

You can recover compensation for the following damages, and maybe more:

  • Medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and medication
  • Loss of income and future earning potential
  • Cost of repairing your vehicle and other property damage
  • Permanent disability and disfigurement
  • Emotional trauma, pain, and suffering

After a free evaluation of your case, our team can provide you with a more specific breakdown of damages you may be entitled to.

Uncovering the Cause of Your Accident

There are many forms of negligence that can cause a car accident. No matter the identity of the other party in your case, we’re not afraid to file a claim against them.

At Del Rio & Caraway, P.C., our car accident attorneys have successfully represented clients after accidents caused by:

  • Distracted drivers: Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any activity that diverts the driver's attention from the road.
  • Drunk drivers: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road.
  • Hit-and-run drivers: Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging information or providing assistance. This is not only illegal but can also make it difficult for the victim to seek compensation for damages.
  • Rideshare drivers: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in California. Accidents involving rideshare drivers, whether they are at fault or victims, are not uncommon. Determining insurance liability in these cases can be complex.
  • Commercial drivers: Accidents involving commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and delivery vans are often more severe due to their size and weight. These accidents can be caused by driver fatigue, inadequate training, or equipment failures.
  • Uninsured drivers: Some drivers in California may not have insurance coverage, despite the legal requirement. Accidents involving uninsured drivers can complicate the process of seeking compensation for injuries and damages.
  • Vehicle defects: Vehicle defects, whether due to manufacturing errors or inadequate maintenance, can lead to accidents. Common defects include faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning airbags.
  • Poor road conditions: California's diverse terrain and variable weather conditions can result in poor road conditions, including potholes, slippery roads during rain, and inadequate signage. These conditions can contribute to accidents.
  • Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of accidents. Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions and increases the severity of accidents.
  • Reckless driving: Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can lead to accidents.
  • Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced drivers, particularly teenagers, may lack the skills and judgment to handle complex driving situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Our Sacramento car accident lawyers can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and help determine who can be held liable for your injuries and damages. We can also handle all negotiations with the insurance companies, giving you much needed physical and emotional rest.

Common Injuries Caused by Car Crashes

Many people who are in a car crash do not think their injury is worth involving an attorney because it is "minor", however, car accidents can be deceptive in that the shock and adrenaline masks the symptoms of more serious injuries. That's why it's important for anyone involved in an accident to get medical help as soon as possible.

Car crashes commonly cause serious injuries, including:

On top of causing life-altering injuries, car accidents are also a leading cause of death in the United States. When someone is killed because of a negligent driver or defective vehicle, their family has the right to pursue additional damages through a wrongful death claim.

Proving Liability in a Single-Vehicle Accident

If you are involved in a single-vehicle accident, it is vital to understand how liability is determined. In most cases, the driver is liable for any damages or injuries that occur. However, there may be instances where another party is at fault. The Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. team is here to teach you about liability and provide scenarios in which another driver may be at fault for a single-vehicle accident.

You

While most car accidents involve multiple vehicles, there are some situations where a single driver may be found liable. For example, if you lose control of your car and collide with a guardrail or tree, you may be responsible for the accident. Similarly, if you hit a patch of black ice and crash, you may be liable if it’s shown that you were driving too fast for the conditions.

The Other Driver

There are many scenarios in which another driver may be held liable for a single-vehicle accident. If another driver was speeding or driving recklessly and caused the accident, they would likely be held liable. If a driver was tailgating or under the influence of alcohol, they can also be held accountable for the accident.

It is important to gather evidence to prove liability in any of these scenarios. This may include eyewitness testimony, photos or videos of the accident, and the police report. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather this evidence and build a strong case.

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Common Questions About Car Accident Claims

  • Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Share Fault for the Accident?
    Yes, California's pure comparative negligence laws allow victims of car accidents to still recover compensation, even if they are partially to blame for the accident. However, the total amount of compensation you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage for which you are found at fault.
  • Should I Take An Offer From the Insurance Company?
    Some car accident victims make the mistake of not hiring a lawyer, telling themselves they already have enough going on in their lives. They put their trust in the insurance company to cover the cost of medical expenses and damage to their vehicle. Unfortunately, an insurance adjuster is not your friend—no matter how nice they sound on their phone. Their goal is to save their company money, and that means offering you a lower settlement than what you deserve.
  • What if I Wasn’t Injured?
    Because car accidents release so much adrenaline, it’s common to feel no pain at the accident site. In fact, some injuries may not show themselves for days after the collision. Even if you think you’re fine, there is a chance you’ve been hurt and will need compensation to help cover your medical bills. Reach out to our team to discuss what you should do if you’re in this situation.
  • How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
    In California, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is two years. This may seem far in the future, but waiting to take action could mean we have less time to prepare your case. If you don’t file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out, you might not be able to recover anything.

We Put You First

And We Never Back Down
  • Aggressively Advocating On Your Behalf
    We'll go toe-to-toe with insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you're getting a fair settlement and take care of all of the negotiations that follow.
  • Legal Services Tailored For You
    Every case posses its own unique challenges, which is why we always adjust our approach based upon the specific circumstances surrounding your case.
  • No Fees Unless We Win

    We're committed to getting you the best possible outcome regardless of the size or scope of your case and charge no up-front legal fees for our services.