What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents in Santa Rosa can occur for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes of crashes include:

• Texting and driving
• Drinking and driving
• Drug use and driving
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Poor lighting conditions
• Inexperience

Although Santa Rosa is a beautiful place to live, it can also be a dangerous place to drive. We encourage you to contact our Santa Rosa auto accident attorney after a car crash involving injuries or wrongful death. You may have legal options to recover compensation for damages.

California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that both parties involved in a motor vehicle accident can be at-fault. As a result, the negligent party could claim you liable for the motor vehicle accident. 

This does not mean you cannot recover compensation for damages in a car crash. Under comparative fault, the plaintiff’s percentage of fault reduces the amount awarded. For example, if the defendant is 80% liable for the accident, the award is reduced by 20%.

You only have a limited time to file an accident injury claim. Specifically, you must be within the statute of limitations for an accident claim. In Santa Rosa, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury. 

There are exceptions to the rule. For example, you may have less time to file a personal injury claim and additional filing requirements if the defendant is a government entity.

Additionally, there are situations where it is possible to toll the statute of limitations. Our personal injury attorney in Santa Rosa can help you determine if you are within the statute of limitations.

There is no way to know how long a settlement will take. Each case is different. Sometimes, the other party’s insurance company settles without much issue. However, negotiations may drag on in other car accident cases without resolving. 

The other party’s insurer may claim your injury is not severe or that you were at fault for the wreck. If your case cannot reach a settlement, then it might be necessary to seek a jury trial.

There are two steps that our Santa Rosa car accident attorney recommends you take after an accident:

Seeking medical attention is very important for your health and your accident claim. Unfortunately, not all auto accident injuries are catastrophic or visible. 

Many car accidents result in delayed injuries. This means that symptoms may not appear for days or even weeks after your accident.

 Delayed auto accident injuries can include:

•  Whiplash
• Disc injuries
• And concussions

A doctor could catch these symptoms and help you recover before your injuries worsen. You should continue to seek medical attention while your symptoms persist. This way, you have a trail of medical records for your car accident claim.

When injured in a car accident, you will have to deal with an insurance company. Keep in mind that insurance companies want to protect their own interests.

If the insurance company sees that you are filing an injury claim but have not seen a doctor, they will ask you why. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the harder it is to connect your injuries to the accident. This could allow the insurance company to offer you an unfair settlement or deny your claim.

We understand the stress that comes after an accident. Our car accident lawyer in Santa Rosa handles the legal process, so our clients can focus on recovery. 

An attorney can help in many ways, including:

• Explain your rights and responsibilities under California auto accident laws
• Gather important evidence for your claim
• Determine fault in an auto accident
• Guide you through the claims process to best protect your claim
• Fight for a fair settlement against the insurance company
• Pursue a lawsuit if necessary
  

It would be best if you got an attorney for a car accident in Santa Rosa that resulted in injuries. Then, depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to file a compensation claim. An auto accident settlement or jury verdict could help pay for damages associated with a severe injury or loss of a loved one. However, it can be challenging to pursue a settlement or verdict without the help of a personal injury attorney.

After an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages by seeking a settlement or jury verdict.

Compensation from an auto accident can help cover damages that include: 

• Lost income. Some car accident survivors cannot return to their jobs, sometimes permanently. An auto accident settlement or jury verdict could help pay for lost revenue due to an inability to work or loss of future earnings. Additionally, you may be able to recover compensation for income lost due to the death of a loved one.
• Medical bills. Serious injuries can result in millions of dollars in medical expenses. Fortunately, a auto accident settlement or verdict can help cover these costs. Additionally, a settlement or verdict may help cover in-home care, home modifications and rehabilitation expenses. 
• Funeral expenses. If a loved one died due to the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, then you may be able to obtain compensation for funeral and burial expenses. 
• Pain and suffering. A settlement or verdict may take your noneconomic damages into account. You may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering.