Car accidents can cause serious injuries and major medical expenses. Some accidents leave victims with ailments that can forever change their lives. If you suffered damages because of a car accident that was not your fault, you might be able to recover financial awards with the help of a Bakersfield car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices.
How Your Lawyer Can Help You after a Bakersfield Car Accident
Your lawyer can help you with an insurance claim against the party who caused your crash. They can help you gather evidence to prove another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This may include:
- Medical bills and records
- Accident reports
- Video and photographs
- Witness testimony
Other ways your legal team can help you include:
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Ensuring your rights are protected
- Explaining your options
- Going to court to argue your claim, if necessary
- Retaining the help of accident reconstructionists and medical experts
- Interviewing eyewitnesses to the accident
- Valuating all of your losses
- Supporting you in this difficult time
- Keeping you in the loop throughout your case
Treating car accident injuries can add up. You might face surgeries, rehabilitation services, hospital stays, and more—and this is just considering medical costs. If you have serious injuries and costly damages (in addition to other, various losses), you might want help getting back on your feet.
We Will Establish Liability for Your Car Accident
Depending on your crash circumstances, liable parties could include another driver, the entity responsible for the roadway, or a car or vehicle parts manufacturer.
Car accident causes may include:
- Reckless driving
- Defective brakes
- Excessive speeding
- Driving drowsy or sleeping at the wheel
- Hand-held cell phone usage
- Faulty tires
- Inadequate road maintenance
- Vehicle defects
- Intoxicated driving
- Traffic law violations, and more
About California Insurance Laws
The law requires that California drivers carry liability insurance to pay for injuries and property damages they cause. According to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), motorists must have a minimum of $15,000 in coverage for injuries to one person, $30,000 for injuries to two or more people, and $5,000 in property damage liability.
In the interest of increasing profits, insurance companies try to minimize the amount they pay in claims. To that end, the insurer you are dealing with may try to offer you a settlement that is lower than you need or deserve. Your car wreck lawyer will work to negotiate the best settlement possible for your case.
You Can Take Action in Court
In some cases, an insurance settlement is not possible. It could be that the insurance company refuses to agree to a satisfactory settlement or outright denies your claims. When this happens, you can pursue compensation in civil court.
You have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death case, according to CCP §335.1. Your time limit starts when your injuries occur or at the time of your loved one’s passing.
If you do not take action before the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely throw out your case. Once you file your case, you can still settle at any time before going to trial.
Your Lawyer Can Help You Seek the Money You Need
Recovering from an accident can be a long and expensive process. Your lawyer can help you seek awards for past medical bills and future care needs, as well as vehicle damages. You may also be eligible for pain and suffering damages if your accident led to:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of a limb or bodily function
- Loss of mobility
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety
- Mental anguish
If your loved one died because of injuries sustained in a car accident, you could seek compensation on their behalf. Depending on your relationship, you may also be eligible for damages for loss of consortium.
Additionally, you could seek damages for any lost wages, benefits, tips, or bonuses that you should have earned in the time that you were out of work due to your injuries. Sometimes, accident-related injuries can cause victims to seek out lower-paying jobs. You could pursue the difference between the amount you used to earn and the amount you now earn.
Call the Attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices Today
Our team can get you started with a no-obligation consultation. If you choose our services, you pay us nothing upfront or out of pocket.
We work on contingency, which means you owe us nothing if we do not win your case. To learn more, call us today at (888) 522-6291.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
