If you were involved in a car accident, you probably have questions about your legal rights and options when it comes to recovering financial compensation. There are many different types of car accidents in Whittier and unique variables involved in each situation.
But, in general, if someone causes you to suffer injuries in a car accident, they may owe you compensation for your injuries and damages.
Instead of trying to learn the legal process by yourself, you can work with a Whittier car accident lawyer who can help you seek the full amount of recovery that you deserve. Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and legal rights. Contact the office today at (888) 522-6291 to learn more.
Proving Liability in a Car Accident
If you want to pursue compensation from the person who caused your crash, then you can file a personal injury action against them to recover compensation. In some cases, you may be able to reach a settlement with the person who caused the accident before you file a lawsuit. Your lawyer can help you learn more about the settlement process and whether it is an option for you.
There are four elements that a plaintiff must prove in a personal injury lawsuit.
Duty of Care
First, you must show the other driver owed you a duty to drive with reasonable care and skill. Most drivers must comply with this duty when they get behind the wheel. A reasonably careful driver keeps their eyes on the road, pays attention to traffic laws, adjusts their speed during inclement weather, and does not drive while intoxicated.
Breach of Duty of Care
For this element, you must show the other driver did not act according to their duty of care. Distracted driving is a common example of a breach, as well as drunk driving and aggressive driving. It is important to have sufficient evidence to prove that the other driver breached the duty of care. This can consist of police reports, eyewitness testimony, photographs, expert witness testimony, and more.
Causation
For this element, you must show the other driver’s lack of care was the primary cause of the accident and your injuries. If they can show that something else was the main cause of the accident, then they may not owe you compensation or may owe you a reduced amount of compensation.
Damages
This element involves calculating the amount of compensation that you are owed. There are a few different categories of compensation that a car accident victim can request. A car wreck attorney can help you seek the full amount you are due. Contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today for a free consultation today at (888) 522-6291.
Recover Damages from the Person Who Hit You
For many car accident victims, figuring out what kind of compensation they can recover from the person who caused the accident is the most important question. Accidents can range in severity, with some leading to a few minor bruises and bumps and others leading to a lifetime of permanent disabilities. Car accident victims can suffer a wide range of injuries:
- Broken bones
- Severe bruising
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Neck and back injuries
- Emotional trauma
It is important to make sure your expenses will be covered in any situation, but especially if your injuries are severe. Here are a few common types of damages that a car accident victim seeks from the person who caused the accident:
- Emergency medical vehicle transport
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Ongoing medical care
- Lost earnings
- Reduced earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Your loved ones may also be able to bring a lawsuit to seek compensation for the loss of your love, companionship, and support if your injuries are severe and long-lasting.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Handle Your Car Accident Claim
One of the first things your lawyer will do is gain a clear understanding of the accident and what happened based on your recollection and an investigation. Your lawyer will also begin collecting evidence that can be used to prove the other driver failed to act according to their duty of care and that your injuries were the direct cause. This can include:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Consults with medical experts
- Photographs of the scene
- An inspection of the vehicles involved in the accident
Your lawyer can work with any insurance companies involved in the situation to make sure that you receive the full amount of any policy benefits available to you in the lawsuit. For many accident victims, dealing with insurance companies is one of the biggest headaches that they experience.
When it comes to the lawsuit, your lawyer will stand in your shoes and represent you in all aspects of the case. This includes court appearances, depositions, and at trial.
Your lawyer will also ensure that you file key documents on time, respond to daily emails and phone calls regarding the case, and answer all of your questions regarding the process and your legal rights.
Free Consultations Available for Whittier Car Accident Victims
You do not need to deal with the stress and confusion of pursuing compensation after a car accident alone. A Whittier car accident lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices wants to help you through this difficult time. For a free consultation, contact a team member at our office by calling (888) 522-6291 now.
Call or text 866-559-7223 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
