A serious car accident can cause devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. From one moment to the next, a loved one may be lost and lives forever changed. Car accidents can result in injuries that may cause long-term damage and permanent disability, including
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Whiplash and other neck or back injuries
- Fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs
Unfortunately, no amount of compensation can turn back the time and make you healthy again or bring back a loved one. However, if your accident and injuries occurred due to a negligent driver, you could have legal options. You may be able to pursue compensation that can pay for your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
While victims of reckless or careless drivers sometimes shy away from filing a lawsuit, initiating legal action may be the only way to get their due. A Burbank car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can potentially help you with this process.
First of all, we can offer you a free consultation to determine whether you may have a claim. We can also advise you on your legal options and the next possible steps in order to get justice. Call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices now at (888) 522-6291 for your free case review with our car accident team.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), almost 4,000 people were killed in California’s traffic accidents in 2017 alone. Causes of car accidents include:
Driver Inattention
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 2,841 road users nationwide in 2018. Distracted driving can arise due to a number of behaviors, including:
- Eating and drinking
- Playing loud music
- Putting on makeup
- Interacting with passengers
- Using the GPS or stereo
If you suffered injuries in an accident that happened due to a driver’s inattention, you could potentially hold them accountable for your damages.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Getting behind the wheel drunk or under the influence of drugs and certain medications is reckless. According to the NHTSA, one person dies due to an alcohol-related crash in the U.S. every 50 minutes. Alcohol reduces brain function and can lower reaction times considerably. If an intoxicated driver caused your accident, you could potentially sue and recover compensation.
Speeding
Speeding can kill. Figures from the NHTSA show that in 2018, 9,378 individuals in the U.S. died in accidents involving excessive speed. Speeding can also be unlawful if a person drives within the speed limit but too fast for weather or road conditions. If the driver that caused your accident and injuries was speeding at the time of your accident, they might be responsible for your financial losses.
If you suffered injuries and expenses due to another driver’s recklessness, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at (888) 522-6291. Our client intake team is standing by to provide you with a free case review.
Car Accidents with Trucks and Other Commercial Vehicles
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that California had over 14.7 million private and commercial trucks and truck-tractors registered in 2018—more than any other state that year.
Due to their size and weight, trucks and big rigs can potentially cause horrific damage and injuries in accidents. Those involved in a car accident with a large truck may be disabled for life and unable to return to their job. Accidents with trucks can be complicated to litigate as potentially various parties could be responsible for a victim’s damages, including:
- A negligent driver
- A trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- A third-party vendor such as the company fixing the trucks
Since there are potentially several at-fault parties in a car accident with a commercial motor vehicle, having a Burbank car accident lawyer by your side can be advantageous. An attorney will be able to research your claim, establish all negligent parties, and investigate all avenues for pursuing compensation.
Proving Your Car Accident Case
While you may know that another driver is responsible for the crash that caused your injuries and damages, you will need comprehensive evidence proving fault and negligence. Some car accidents can be clear-cut, e.g., a rear-end crash where the fault is easily established. However, other accidents can be tricky and complicated, especially when multiple cars are involved.
An attorney can help you prove the following elements of negligence in a personal injury claim:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- The breach caused the car accident and your injuries
- You have tangible damages such as medical expenses
All drivers have the duty to drive reasonably carefully so as not to put other road users at risk. If you can prove that the other driver acted negligently or recklessly, for example, by driving intoxicated or speeding, you could have a good case.
Gathering Evidence
A car accident attorney can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to prove another driver’s negligence and fault. Evidence required to prove a car accident claim may include:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical reports proving your injuries and expenses
- Expert witness testimony
Contact Us Today for Help
Car accidents can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims. If someone else caused your accident and injuries, you could potentially recover compensation in a lawsuit for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Out-of-pocket costs
Contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices as soon as you can for help. Timely action is of the essence since the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 generally gives you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. A Burbank car accident lawyer from our firm can help you meet the legal deadlines in your case.
Call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices now at (888) 522-6291 for a free, no-obligation review of your case with a representative of our firm.
Call or text 866-559-7223 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
