Car accidents are a public health crisis that Americans deal with yearly. Almost every American knows another person who has been in an auto accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in the first nine months of 2022, an estimated 31,785 people were victims of fatal accidents. Although many car accidents may be unavoidable, accidents caused by a negligent party may have been avoided.
Even after a devastating vehicle mishap, accident victims are not helpless in their circumstances. This is because they may file a car accident lawsuit to claim financial compensation for the injuries and damages they sustained.
In this article, we will discuss:
- the most common causes of car accidents;
- what to do after a car accident in Sacramento;
- filing a car accident lawsuit in Sacramento; and
- how an experienced car accident lawyer can help you.
Victim of a car accident in Sacramento?
What are the Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents?
Many factors may cause car accidents, one of these being negligent or reckless driving. The following are the most common causes of car accidents related to irresponsibility on the road:
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Despite the known dangers of intoxicated driving, vehicular accidents still occur. A report by the NHTSA shares that about 30% of traffic accident fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers.
Distracted Driving
Inattentive drivers who text, eat, or talk on their cell phones while driving are more likely to cause motor vehicle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that about 3,000 people die in crashes involving a distracted driver every year.
We might assume that we are good at multitasking because we do it in other aspects of our lives. However, when driving, never multi-task.
Poor Road Conditions
Another common cause of automobile accidents is improper road conditions. These include potholes, sinkholes, uneven surfaces, and cracks in the road.
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in motor vehicle collisions. According to the NSC, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2020. The high speed gives drivers less time to react to an oncoming hazard, making the road unsafe for all motorists.
Bad Weather
Poor weather conditions are a significant contributor to road accidents. The weather can impact traction and reduce visibility, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
Manufacturing Defects
If a car accident is caused by faulty car parts, then the manufacturer may be held liable for the auto accident victim’s injuries and damages.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Sacramento
The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be traumatizing. Nevertheless, there are some steps accident victims can take after to preserve the integrity of their personal injury claim, should they choose to file one.
The following are some steps to take after a car accident in Sacramento:
1. Call the police – A police officer must be present at the accident scene to create an accident report (TCR). Remember to get the report number because you might use it as evidence to help strengthen your claim.
2. Seek medical care – Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more. Therefore, you must get the medical attention you need as soon as possible.
Even if you feel your injuries are only minor, you must get yourself checked by a medical professional. Internal injuries may not display outward symptoms, and failure to receive treatment for these can cause long-term health complications or permanent disabilities.
3. Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles and any injuries you may have sustained. Be sure to include important details such as signages (or lack thereof), road conditions, skid marks, etc.
4. Get the information of the other motorist – Don’t forget to exchange information with the other driver. Collect information such as their name, driver’s license, contact information, and if possible, their insurance company’s information.
5. Collect witness statements – If there were any witnesses present at the time of the accident, collect their information and their statements as well.
6. Contact an experienced car accident attorney – A Sacramento car accident lawyer will help guide you through the process of filing a car accident lawsuit. They will also guarantee that you obtain the necessary medical care and the rightful compensation you deserve.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Sacramento
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a car accident that resulted in injury or property damage, you may be eligible to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault party. Once you have an experienced auto accident attorney by your side, you may begin the process of filing your lawsuit.
File a Complaint
A lawsuit begins when the plaintiff (accident victim) files a document called a “complaint” with the court. Your complaint will outline the details of the accident and the claim for damages. This document will be filed with the court and given to the other parties involved in the accident.
Get an Answer
Once the defendant (at-fault party) has been “served” with the lawsuit, they will have a chance to respond to your complaint. In most situations, the defendant may initially submit a written request, which is commonly known as a “motion,” to dismiss your complaint. The plaintiff will have an opportunity to reply to the motion.
If the defendant doesn’t request for the court to drop the case or if the court rejects the defendant’s request, the defendant will submit a document called an “answer.”
Go Into Discovery
In a lawsuit, discovery is the stage where both parties share relevant information related to the case. The range of information that can be discovered is quite wide and may include information about other people connected to the accident or the case, injuries and damages, and more.
Enter Settlement Negotiations
Before going to trial, there may be an opportunity to negotiate for financial settlement. Your personal injury lawyer will work to negotiate the insurance payout on your behalf and ensure you recover the highest amount possible.
Go to Trial
If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your case will go to trial. An experienced lawyer will represent you in court and present your case to a judge or jury.
How Can an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Although it is possible to handle an auto accident claim without the help of a personal injury attorney,this may not be the best course in the long run. The process of a car accident lawsuit is complex and, without a car accident attorney to help, you might miss out on a lot of details and, eventually, get massively shortchanged when settlement time comes.
Not only will an experienced lawyer handle all the complex paperwork of your car accident lawsuit, but they will also protect your rights from insurance adjusters who may trick you into lowering the value of your claim to cheat you out of a fair insurance settlement.
Injured in a Car Accident? Hire a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a car accident in Sacramento due to other people’s negligence, you must take legal action. Filing a car accident lawsuit will help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Farahi Law Firm is dedicated to winning. This is why we work on a contingency fee basis and offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t have to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.
Sounds good? Contact Farahi Law Firm at (916) 471-4797 today for a free case consultation. Whether you’re in Sacramento or anywhere in California, we will respond to your call. We are available 24/7!
