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If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash caused by another driver, an Escondido car accident lawyer from our team is here to help you. You have a right to pursue justice and hold the liable party legally responsible for your injuries, expenses, and losses. You may be able to recover compensation based on the facts of your case.
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we offer free case consultations for crash victims. We review your situation and determine your legal options. Reach out to our team at (844) SARGENT or contact us online.
An experienced personal injury attorney from our California team can answer your questions, explain the legal process, and discuss the possibilities for pursuing a payout based on your accident injuries.
Our Car Accident Lawyers in Escondido Seek Damages On Behalf of Crash Victims
Suffering injuries in a traffic accident is expensive. It goes beyond the worry about car repairs in a typical fender bender. You also have to think about treatment, rehabilitation, missed time at work, and more.
Many victims incur extensive costs and losses during the first few weeks following a collision. However, you could be awarded compensation for your recoverable losses if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence.
How We Prove Your Compensation
When our Escondido car accident attorneys represent injury victims in California, we gather documentation of their damages—past, current, and future—to determine how much money we should demand. This could include a wide range of expenses and losses. Damages that are often recovered in car accident cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Care and support costs
- Income losses when missing work
- Reduced earning capacity if there are permanent injuries
- Property damages
- Miscellaneous expenses with receipts
Our Escondido car accident law firm works diligently to gather all relevant evidence to support your claim for compensation. This may involve consulting with medical experts to assess the extent of your injuries and long-term prognosis, as well as working with financial experts to calculate your current and future economic losses.
Wrongful Death in Escondido Car Accident Claims
Fatal injuries sometimes occur because of car accidents. Serious car accidents, commercial vehicle collisions, motorcycle crashes, and other incidents can lead to a loss of life and cause great tragedy for the surviving family.
Our Escondido wrongful death lawyers do not believe financial stress should add to the struggle of the victim’s family during this difficult time. We represent families and help them seek and secure compensation as allowed under CCP § 377.60.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation. We can tell you who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Escondido and help your family navigate the claims process after a fatal wreck.
We Can Help You File an Escondido Car Accident Claim
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand that our representation can change lives. When we win a case and get justice for our clients, they do not have to struggle to cover missed paychecks or worry about whether they can afford their ongoing treatment and care.
For this reason, we put our hearts into every case. We fight for fair compensation and give every client the individual attention they deserve.
We are proud to have more than 400 five-star reviews from former clients and $40 million recovered for injured accident victims. We believe this demonstrates our ability to take on even the most challenging cases and recover settlements, judgments, and verdicts for those who trust our team with their California car accident cases.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Our bilingual car accident lawyers work as a team with a common goal: help you get the money you need to move on with your life. You always know what to expect from our team since we use a 7-step process to handle every case. This process involves:
- Your free case review, where you first discuss your case with our team
- Hiring us, including signing the contract and letting us go to work on your case
- Our team developing a case plan based on your unique needs
- Your attorney ensuring you receive the medical treatment and care you need
- Our lawyers demanding fair compensation and negotiating with the insurance carrier
- Reaching a fair settlement
- Litigating your case if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Our team in Escondido goes to work developing cases with no upfront cost for our client. We will not ask you to pay anything when you sign a contract with us. Instead, we work on a contingency-fee basis. We receive a part of the verdict, judgment, or settlement when your case closes.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
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Common Causes of Negligence in Escondido Car Accident Claims
As car accident lawyers serving San Diego County, we have a solid understanding of the most common reasons vehicle collisions occur in the area. We need to document the cause of each accident for every case we handle, including what happened and the role each party played.
Some common causes of collisions in Escondido include:
Careless or Reckless Drivers
Drivers make mistakes. Unfortunately, when a driver is careless or reckless behind the wheel, the risk of a mistake increases dramatically. When a driver error occurs, such as a violation of a traffic law, a crash could follow. Common mistakes drivers make behind the wheel include:
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes
Any of these actions can cause a serious accident in Escondido.
Distracted Drivers
Escondido car crashes are frequently caused by distracted drivers. When a driver is texting, talking on their cell phone, tuning the radio, or even dealing with children in the backseat, their attention is not on their surroundings. This increases the chances of a crash because they cannot maintain a lane, fail to see stopped traffic in front of them, run a red light, or make another mistake.
Drunk or Drugged Drivers
When motorists get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, it significantly impairs their ability to drive carefully. They often violate traffic laws, drive erratically, and act recklessly. We may hold a drunk or drugged driver accountable for the accident they caused regardless of the outcome of their criminal DUI case.
Depending on the type of crash, such as a head-on collision or sideswipe accident, injuries and responsible parties can vary significantly. We must thoroughly investigate the accident, determine the proximate cause, and gather evidence to show negligence and liability.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
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Our Attorneys Build Strong Escondido Car Accident Cases
When you trust us with your Escondido collision case, our attorneys work as a team to build a compelling case for fair compensation. This requires us to take several actions to better understand the circumstances that led to your crash, who is responsible, and how we can document what occurred.
This could include:
Identifying the Responsible Parties
In most car accident cases, one of the involved drivers is the liable party. They acted carelessly or recklessly and caused the crash. However, it is important to keep in mind that sometimes other drivers are not the only ones who can be held responsible for injuries.
Other parties can include bar owners who over-serve patrons, government entities who fail to properly maintain roads, auto manufacturers who make defective vehicles, and auto service technicians who provide faulty maintenance service.
Negotiating and Accepting Settlements
Too many injured car accident victims simply accept an insurance settlement without fully understanding the long-term effects of their injuries. If you accept a settlement too early, it may not cover all your future costs related to the accident.
An experienced Escondido car accident lawyer from our team can make sure that no stone goes unturned when asking for the compensation required to ensure that you and your family remain financially afloat.
When our team handles your claim, this will not be an issue. We will not negotiate for a settlement until we have documentation of your damages and a strong understanding of the potential case value.
How California’s Negligence Laws Can Affect Your Car Accident Claim
California follows a pure comparative negligence law that allows injured plaintiffs to recover against negligent parties even if they were partially at fault for the accident. Their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault, but recovery is not barred.
While this may seem straightforward, it can be complicated when several vehicles are involved, or the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident consist of far more than simply one car hitting another car in a parking lot and causing a minor fender-bender.
Our attorneys understand how this works and will fight to minimize the amount of fault you must accept if there is evidence to show you contributed to the crash.
How Your Escondido Car Accident Attorney Determines Fault in a Collision
Determining fault can be a complex task that generally requires reviewing the accident details, talking to witnesses, and analyzing information about the vehicles, weather, and road conditions. A thorough investigation is usually necessary.
It is important to have all the facts before asking the other driver’s insurance carrier for compensation. Accepting an insurance settlement prematurely can substantially hurt you more than help you in the long run.
Our Escondido car accident lawyer can determine what types of damages are available to you and pursue fair compensation through an insurance settlement or lawsuit verdict. This relies on our ability to gather strong evidence against the at-fault driver and present a compelling case.
Protecting Your Right to Fair Compensation in a Car Accident Claim in Escondido
Insurance companies involved in the accident will do whatever it takes to pay you as little as possible. However, you can rely on the experience of an Escondido car accident lawyer to accurately determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to and have the peace of mind that someone is fighting for your best interests.
From the day we decide to work together, we notify the insurer that we are handling the case. We manage all communication and ensure the insurance carrier cannot use your own words against you.
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Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Meet You At a Hospital In Escondido
We encourage crash victims in Escondido to connect with us as soon as their injuries are stable and they, or a family member, can make the call. San Diego County has a network of trauma centers that ensure every patient gets the level of treatment necessary quickly after a crash.
There are six trauma centers spread across greater San Diego County:
- Scripps Memorial Hospital-La Jolla
- Scripps Mercy Hospital-Hillcrest
- Rady Children’s Hospital
- UC San Diego Medical Center
- Palomar Medical Center
- Sharp Memorial Hospital
Our attorneys are familiar with each of these facilities and meet with clients there, at their homes, or other locations convenient for them. We also use telephone and video conferencing capabilities.
While we cannot demand compensation or take a case to trial until we understand the lasting effects of the injuries and the likely future care needs, we can begin our investigation immediately. This could allow us to preserve more evidence and build a stronger case.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?
The average settlement for a car accident in California varies depending on several factors. Settlements are typically calculated based on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident and the resulting damages. Here are some key factors that influence the settlement amount:
- Severity of injuries: The extent and nature of the injuries sustained in the accident play a significant role in determining the settlement. More severe injuries, such as permanent disabilities or disfigurement, generally result in higher settlements.
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, medications, therapy, and future medical needs, is considered when calculating the settlement.
- Lost wages: If the injured party is unable to work due to the accident, their lost income and future earning capacity are taken into account.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are considered when determining the settlement amount.
- Comparative fault: California follows a comparative fault rule, which means that the settlement may be reduced if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident.
- Insurance coverage: The settlement amount may be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits.
To calculate the settlement, attorneys and insurance companies consider these factors and negotiate based on the evidence available, such as police reports, medical records,
What Happens If You Are Partly At-Fault in a Car Accident in California?
California follows a comparative fault system, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault, your liability for damages will be proportionate to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed 30% at fault, you will be responsible for 30% of the damages.
If you are found to be partly at-fault in an Escondido car accident claim, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may add points to your driving record, which can lead to license suspension or revocation if you accumulate too many points within a specified time frame.
Sharing fault in a wreck in Escondido can also have an impact on future claims: If you are involved in another accident in the future, your previous at-fault accident may be considered when determining fault and settlement amounts. That’s why it’s essential to understand your legal rights and obligations if you are found to share fault in a wreck.
How Long Do Most Escondido Car Accident Settlements Take?
The duration of an Escondido car accident settlement can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some factors that can influence the timeline include:
- Complexity of the case: If liability is clear and damages are straightforward, the settlement process may be quicker. However, if there are disputes over fault or the extent of damages, the process can take longer.
- Severity of injuries: Cases involving severe injuries or long-term treatment may take longer to settle, as it is essential to have a clear understanding of the full extent of the damages before agreeing to a settlement.
- Insurance company cooperation: The responsiveness and willingness of the insurance companies involved to negotiate and settle the claim can impact the timeline.
- Legal proceedings: If a lawsuit is filed, the settlement process may take longer due to the court’s schedule and procedural requirements.
- Evidence gathering: The time required to collect evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, can affect the settlement timeline.
In general, straightforward cases with minor injuries and property damage may be settled within a few months. However, more complex cases or those involving serious injuries can take several months to a year or more to resolve. In some instances, if a trial is necessary, the process can extend even longer.
When Should You Call an Escondido Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case?
It is important to keep in mind that deadlines apply for filing a car accident lawsuit. Generally, California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case is only two years from the date of the accident, per CCP 335.1. Missing that deadline can bar you from recovering compensation. Under some circumstances, you might have more or less time to act before a deadline arrives.
Our team can assess your applicable timeline during your initial consultation with us. This will give us a better idea of how long we have to build a case and negotiate a settlement before we decide if a lawsuit is necessary.
Not all lawsuits end with a trial. This should not be a reason to try to avoid litigation. Often, filing a lawsuit prompts the insurance carrier to reconsider their offer or to look more closely at the evidence against their policyholder. These steps could lead to a fair settlement offer long before a trial date arrives.
Discuss Your Car Accident With a Car Accident Lawyer in Escondido for Free
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we provide free consultations for car accident victims in Escondido, CA. You can discuss your crash, injuries, and next steps with us today at no cost to you or your family.
Our Escondido car accident lawyers want you to understand your rights and options, and we will tell you how our team can help you. You deserve fair compensation for the losses you suffered. Let us fight for you.
Contact us today by dialing (844) SARGENT. We work on a contingency plan. This means you only pay if we successfully secure compensation on your behalf. Our consultations are risk-free and no-obligation. Don’t wait – talk to a lawyer about protecting your rights.
