Car accidents happen in California every day due to errors in judgment, bad weather, defective car parts, and a host of other reasons. While the damage to your car is certainly important, it is the injuries which result from the accident that can change your life forever.
If you have been involved in a California car accident, contact an El Cajon car accident lawyer to review the details. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine what legal options are available to you and make sure that you are compensated for the injuries you suffered due to someone else’s negligence.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Car Accident Injuries?
The answer is that, while other drivers be held responsible for someone’s injuries in a car accident, so can governmental entities who are responsible for road safety, auto part manufacturers who make defective parts, and auto service technicians who fail to properly service a vehicle. There are many car accident causes such as operating vehicles while under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted (including texting or talking on the phone while driving), dangerous road conditions, and many others.
California car accident victims should never settle with insurance companies until fully understanding the long-term effects of their injuries. Settling too quickly – or for too little – can have serious financial consequences in the long run. California follows comparative negligence laws which allow injured victims to recover against negligent parties even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, their damages will generally be reduced by their percentage of fault.
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Possible Compensation in Car Accident Cases
Anyone who has sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for lost income and wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Lost income includes any type of income lost due to the accident.
Medical costs are considered emergency room visits, doctor appointments, surgical procedures, rehabilitation costs, therapy costs, and more. Physical pain and suffering and emotional pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are all considered forms of payable pain and suffering. Loss of consortium is considered an overall deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to the injuries sustained.
Keep in mind that there may be many forms of compensation available to those injured due to car accidents and it applies to both current and future expenses. While every situation is unique and depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident, an El Cajon car accident lawyer can help determine what types of compensation might be available to injured victims.
Contacting an El Cajon Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a California car accident, do not settle for less than you need – or deserve – without first speaking to an experienced El Cajon car accident lawyer. An attorney can review the details of your accident and the full extent of your injuries so that you can make an informed decision about what legal options – including settling – are in your best interests.
Rest assured that insurance companies involved in the accident will do whatever it takes to pay you as little as possible. Let an attorney fight for your rights against insurance company lawyers and claims adjusters. Keep in mind that California’s statute of limitations in which to file a car accident lawsuit is only two years from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline can bar you from filing a lawsuit, so contact today.
El Cajon Car Accident FAQs
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a “minor” fender-bender in El Cajon?
Yes, because adrenaline often masks injuries like whiplash or concussions that appear days later. A lawyer ensures you don’t settle prematurely, protecting your right to compensation if “minor” symptoms escalate into serious medical issues requiring long-term care or costly rehabilitation.
Who is liable for a car accident caused by a pothole in El Cajon?
The City of El Cajon, San Diego County, or Caltrans may be liable if they had “notice” of the pothole and failed to repair it. Under the California Tort Claims Act, you must file a formal claim within six months to preserve your rights.
Can I sue for emotional distress after a serious car accident in El Cajon?
Yes. In addition to physical injuries, you can seek “non-economic damages” for PTSD, anxiety, and emotional trauma caused by the accident. Sargent Law works with mental health experts to document these “invisible” injuries so they are factored into your total settlement amount.
How long will it take to settle my car accident case in San Diego County?
Most cases take between 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the accident and the duration of your medical treatment. We recommend not settling until you have reached “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI) to ensure your settlement covers all future medical needs.
