If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a car accident, a Norwalk car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can help you explore your legal options. Call our office at (888) 522-6291 for your free consultation today.
Horrible Car Accidents May Be Caused by Negligent Drivers
Another driver’s negligent or unlawful behavior is often to blame for a serious car accident. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol results in thousands of injuries and deaths each year in the United States. Driver inexperience, driver fatigue, and simply not paying attention to the road can also lead to devastating accidents.
Many experts believe that distracted driving has become just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Distractions can come in the form of electronic devices like cell phones. California Vehicle Code (VEH) §23123.5 prohibits drivers from using a cellphone unless they use the phone via a hands-free system. Unfortunately, this does not stop many drivers from texting and driving, reading emails behind the wheel, or even watching videos while operating their cars.
If a negligent driver caused your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages by bringing a personal injury claim against the other driver. A car accident lawyers from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can help. Get in touch with us at (888) 522-6291 today to learn more.
Parties that May Be Liable for Your Car Accident
As mentioned, many preventable car accidents occur because a driver is distracted, under the influence of alcohol, or makes negligent driving decisions. However, the party who is liable for a car accident is not always another driver.
Legal responsibility for car accident damages may fall to:
- The manufacturer of defective vehicle parts: millions of vehicles have been recalled for dangerous vehicle defects in the past several decades. If your accident was caused by a defective vehicle system or part, the party that designed, manufactured, or installed the part may be liable for your damages.
- The party who inadequately maintained the road: if a lack of traffic signs, broken traffic signals, or poor road maintenance caused your accident, it is possible that the party who is responsible for maintaining the road may be liable. If the liable party is a government entity, such as a city or county, you should know that your case may be subject to special rules. The statute of limitations for claims brought against the government is only six months in California, according to California Government Code (GOV) §911.2.
- The rideshare or rental car company: if the driver of the vehicle that hit you did not own the vehicle, the party liable for your accident may be a company. For example, if a rental car company’s failure to adequately maintain their vehicle led to your accident, the company may be responsible for paying your damages.
- The trucking company: truck accidents can lead to catastrophic or fatal collisions. If your accident involved a large commercial truck or fallen truck cargo, the liable party may be the trucking company.
- The repair shop: if negligent vehicle repairs or maintenance led to your accident, the repair shop, car dealership, or another party who performed the negligent vehicle maintenance may be liable.
Shared Fault for an Accident
Personal injury claims in California are subject to a legal doctrine called “comparative negligence” or comparative fault. This system means that an injured person may still collect compensation for damages sustained in an accident even if they were partially at fault for the accident.
Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Car Accident in California
The financial burden created by a serious injury or death can be overwhelming. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your damages or losses. You may be able to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses such as emergency room bills, hospital bills, physical therapy, prescription medication, and other medical costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Impairment to your income-earning ability
- Property damage including vehicle repair costs
You may also receive compensation for your non-financial losses. You may be compensated for your physical pain, emotional distress, disability or physical impairment, disfigurement and scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death Damages for a Fatal Car Accident
If your loved one has died because of injuries sustained in a car crash, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the liable party. Compensation through a wrongful death claim cannot make up for your tragic loss, but it may provide you and your family financial relief.
You may be compensated for:
- The deceased person’s medical expenses incurred before their death
- Funeral, burial, and cremation expenses
- Loss of the deceased person’s income
- Loss of the deceased person’s financial support
- Loss of the deceased person’s affection and companionship experienced by the deceased person’s immediate family members
Time Constraints You Should Know
Personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits are subject to time constraints called statutes of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in California is usually two years under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1. If you do not file your lawsuit within two years, you may be ineligible for compensation. In some cases, the statute of limitations is reduced.
Hire a Norwalk Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Norwalk, California, hire a Norwalk car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. We can help you understand your legal options and find the best way to pursue financial compensation for your losses.
Call our office at (888) 522-6291 today to learn more about your legal options.
Call or text 866-559-7223 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
