Car accidents can be extremely traumatic events that leave you with serious injuries and mounting costs. Unfortunately, car insurance companies can resist fair settlements, often making it difficult for victims to get the justice they deserve.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we have earned the trust of tens of thousands of clients with high-quality legal representation. As your Sausalito car accident lawyers, our team will present your case in the most effective way possible while always putting your satisfaction and healthy recovery first. Contact us today to start with a free case review.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
- We handle every car accident case with the same level of care, big or small. Our clients benefit from exceptional legal resources and dedicated representation.
- Our law firm has secured more than $2 billion in settlements for clients. This includes several multimillion-dollar car accident case results.
- You won’t have to pay us unless you secure compensation. We work for you. If a car insurance company denies coverage, we will not collect a fee. Our Sausalito car accident lawyers only get paid if you win.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sausalito, CA
Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths in California, and yet they are also one of the most preventable. Motor vehicle collisions are often traced back to avoidable driver errors and negligence, or the failure to act with the proper amount of care.
Common crash causes in Sausalito include:
- Driving while distracted
- Texting and driving
- Drunk and drugged driving
- Running red lights and rolling through stop signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Illegal passing
- Unsafe lane changes
- Reversing without looking
- Auto part defects
- Dangerous road hazards
Determining the cause of your Sausalito car accident is something our team can do for you at Jacoby & Meyers. We can send investigators to the scene of the crash and hire experts to reconstruct what happened. From there, we can gather evidence to help you bring a strong claim against one or more parties.
Injured in a Car Crash?
Our Sausalito Car Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Sausalito, CA
The unfortunate reality of being a car accident victim in Sausalito is that car insurance companies will not want what is best for you. They will not protect your interests during case negotiations. In fact, they will look for reasons to reject your claim and diminish your settlement. The steps you take after your car accident can help protect you against insurance company tactics.
Put Your Well-Being First
Immediately pull over in a safe location. If possible, move your disabled vehicle out of the road. Check yourself and everyone else involved in the accident for injuries. Always seek professional medical treatment after a car accident, even if you initially feel fine. Delays in medical care can give an insurer a reason to deny coverage.
Collect Evidence
Call 911 to report the car accident to local law enforcement in Sausalito so that you have an official record. Do your best to collect evidence in support of your claim before leaving the scene. This may include:
- Your police report number
- The other driver’s name, contact information and insurance information
- Photos of both damaged vehicles and the surrounding crash scene
- Statements and contact information from eyewitnesses
- Video footage (security cameras, traffic cameras, dashcams, GoPros, etc.)
There may also be other forms of evidence attached to your claim that you can collect later, such as your medical records and injury documentation, lost wage statements, the other driver’s cell phone records, and a truck’s black box.
Protect Your Rights
Initiate your car accident claim by contacting your own car insurance company first to report the accident. Then, you have the right to file a claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. If you are asked to give an insurance claims adjuster a recorded statement, politely decline. Consult with a car accident attorney in Sausalito before accepting any early settlement offers.
Understanding California Car Accident Laws
In California, the fault-based insurance system places liability (or legal and financial responsibility) for an automobile accident on the person or party at fault for causing the crash. Every driver in California is legally required to maintain the following amounts of liability insurance to pay for car accidents:
- $30,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage
- $15,000 in property damage liability insurance
You can qualify for a settlement from another driver’s insurance company if you prove that he or she is at fault. The Sausalito car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can help you with this legal process. We have the resources, experience, personnel and determination to help you prove your claim and maximize your settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline to file a car accident claim in Sausalito?
Yes. There is a deadline of two years to file a car accident claim under California’s statute of limitations (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). In general, if you exceed this statute of limitations, you will not be able to seek justice against the at-fault party. It’s critical to act well before your deadline, as special cases can have shorter time limits.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Unfortunately, illegally uninsured motorists are common in California. If your crash involves a driver without insurance, you may have coverage for your losses on your own policy in the form of uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. If not, you can potentially file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault party or a third party.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California is a pure comparative fault state, meaning injured individuals can still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for an accident. If you are being blamed for a crash in Sausalito, however, this could significantly impact your settlement. Consult with our attorneys for legal advice before proceeding with your claim.
Contact Our Sausalito Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a recent car accident in San Francisco, Sausalito, or the surrounding areas, we can help you seek the justice you deserve with tailored legal strategies. At Jacoby & Meyers, our philosophy is to empower you during this difficult time so that you can make the greatest possible recovery. Call our Sausalito car accident attorneys today at (415) 855-4289 to discuss your car accident case in detail during a free consultation. Because you deserve justice.