Even if they did not crash directly into your car, the negligent driver’ can become liable for your damages. You can get compensation through a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
There are many possible scenarios where a negligent driver violates a traffic law and forces another motorist to crash. A lawyer may be able to help you investigate your crash. Attorneys can also help identify the liable party and collect evidence against them after this type of accident.
Your lawyer may also be able to explain to you what happens next if another car causes you to crash, what financial responsibility you may bear (if any), and the potential financial responsibility of the driver whose actions caused the accident.
Identifying Your Recoverable Damages
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you might have the basis for a personal injury claim. According to California Civil Code (CIV) §1431.2, the potentially recoverable damages in this type of case may include:
- Verifiable medical expenses
- Verifiable lost earnings
- Vehicle damage or total loss
- Substitute domestic services
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
Your legal team can help you assign a value to your compensation claim and ensure it includes everything. Provide your legal team with any medical documents, bills, or other forms of evidence that may indicate the value of your damages.
Comparative Fault May Be a Factor in Your Case
California practices a comparative fault system with personal injury cases. This system might allow you to recover compensation for your damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, stipulating that your monetary award might be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if a judge apportions 20% of the accident, your compensation may be decreased by 20%.
In a car accident case where one driver causes another to crash, the comparative fault system may play a big role in settlement negotiations. Your accident’s circumstances can complicate proving fault and assigning liability on your own.
When a car accident lawyer handles your case, they may be able to collect evidence of the full extent of the responsible party’s liability. This evidence may include:
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- The crash report
- Witness statements
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Footage of the accident from security or traffic cameras, if available
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Has Benefits
A car accident lawyer might be able to help you navigate a challenging car accident scenario. In general, a lawyer may be able to:
- Identify the correct at-fault driver to pursue
- Read and assess medical records and bills
- Estimate the value of your damages
- Handle insurance company paperwork
- Complete and submit insurance forms
- Negotiate a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Your lawyer may also regularly update you as your case progresses.
Do Not Run Out of Time to Seek Financial Recovery
Filing a lawsuit is a time-sensitive endeavor. The state of California generally gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is indicated in the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1. Waiting longer than this to take legal action could result in your lawsuit being dismissed and an inability to compel compensation from the at-fault driver.
If you are considering working with a lawyer on your case, you may wish to secure representation soon after your accident. This may ensure that your legal team has sufficient time to comply with the statute of limitations in your case.
Let Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices Help You Fight for Compensation
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident in Los Angeles, you might be eligible for financial compensation. If another driver caused the crash, it might be hard to determine what comes next or where to turn for financial recovery.
You do not need to face this situation alone. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to coordinate all of the legal work in your case when we represent you.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at (866) 559-7223. We can discuss your options and what may happen next if another car caused you to crash during this initial call.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices also represents car accident victims on a contingency-fee basis with no up-front payments required.