If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Colton, California or the surrounding area, the car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can help you recover.
We can take over negotiations with a car insurance claims adjuster for you to seek the results that you deserve.
Our team of attorneys and case managers will handle the legal legwork of your case for you while you focus on healing.
To speak directly to an attorney about your case at no cost or obligation to hire us, contact Jacoby & Meyers for a free case evaluation at our local law office.
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Injured in a Colton Car Crash? Get Your Free Case Evaluation Now
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers
- We have extensive experience in automotive accident law. Together, our attorneys have more than five decades of practice area experience.
- You won’t ever be left in the dark. Your attorney and case managers will be in frequent contact with you to inform you of new developments as your car accident claim is pursued.
- No other law firm in California has won as much for its clients for as long as we have. Our track record of wins comes to over $2 billion in settlements.
- We take car accident cases in Colton on a contingency fee basis, with $0 charged upfront and $0 if we don’t win your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Colton
A car accident is typically the outcome of someone behaving negligently, or with less than the accepted amount of care.
When a motor vehicle driver breaks traffic rules or behaves carelessly or recklessly behind the wheel, the outcome can be disastrous.
Some of the most common causes of automobile accidents in Colton include:
- Driving while distracted
- Texting and driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Running red lights
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Following too closely
- Aggressive or reckless driving
In 2023, 382 victims were injured and killed in automobile accidents in Colton. If every driver behaved safely and prudently behind the wheel, many lives would be saved. At Jacoby & Meyers, we are committed to holding negligent and dangerous drivers accountable.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Colton
The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. It can be difficult to remember the steps that you should take to protect yourself.
If you can, here’s what to do:
- Ensure your own safety and check for injuries.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact law enforcement and file a police report by calling 911.
- Gather evidence at the scene, such as witness contacts, driver information and photos.
- Notify your car insurance company of the accident. Do not admit fault.
- Consult with a car accident attorney in Colton before you accept a settlement offer.
Once you contact an attorney at Jacoby & Meyers, we can take over the car accident claims process for you while you get medical care and treatment for your injuries. You don’t have to go through this process alone.
Determining Liability in Your Car Accident Case
In California, when a car accident occurs, the person responsible for the crash is also responsible for paying. This is known as an “at-fault” or “tort-based” law.
Under this rule, you have the right to seek financial compensation from another driver’s car insurance company if he or she is at fault for the accident. However, you must prove fault.
Determining who is liable, or financially responsible, for your losses takes an investigation of the accident. Investigators will search for signs of negligence, such as broken laws and traffic citations.
From there, experts can piece together how and why the accident took place to identify the liable party or parties.
You may be able to hold the other driver, a company, a product manufacturer, the government or another party liable for your damages.
As your attorneys, Jacoby & Meyers can collect pertinent evidence to prove liability, such as police reports, eyewitness testimonies, statements from experts, accident reconstruction diagrams, photographs and surveillance footage.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Colton?
Every driver in California is required to carry certain amounts of insurance to pay for the bodily injuries and property damage of others after at-fault accidents.
If you have grounds to file a lawsuit after a car crash in Colton, you may also be eligible for additional damages, such as pain and suffering.
Overall, a settlement or judgment award could compensate you for the following:
- Medical expenses: current and future treatments
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
The value of your car accident claim will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available and your age at the time of the crash.
The lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers are known for achieving outstanding case results for clients through hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
When a car insurance company receives a claim, its number one goal is to resolve it for the smallest payout possible to protect its own profitability.
As a claimant, it is important to wait to accept a settlement until you have consulted with a car accident attorney. Unlike an insurance provider, a personal injury lawyer will want what is best for you.
Insurance companies may rely on the following tactics to take advantage of clients:
- Offering a low initial settlement.
- Pressuring claimants to accept the first offer.
- Needlessly delaying the processing or payout of a claim.
- Rejecting a valid claim without reason.
- Attempting to blame another party for the accident.
- Placing blame on the victim to reduce the payout.
- Asking for a recorded statement to get evidence against the claimant.
- Denying a claim based on pre-existing injuries.
Insurance companies can get creative in the ways they try to take advantage of clients. The best way to protect your rights and ensure a fair payout for your car accident claim is by hiring an attorney to represent you during negotiations.
Contact Our Colton Car Accident Lawyers Today
Don’t wait any longer. Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a free initial consultation about your Colton car accident claim today.
Our local attorneys are ready to provide you with advice and legal guidance you can trust to help you get through this difficult time. Call us at (909) 245-8920 or contact us online anytime to get started.