Automobile
Accidents

Essential Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer Before Hiring

• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• Will I be held responsible for any expenses if my case is unsuccessful?
• Can you explain your fee structure and payment policies?
• What resources do you have available to effectively handle my case, both in terms of personnel and finances?
• How long have you been practicing car accident law
• What is your estimated timeline for the resolution of my case?
• What steps can be taken to increase the chances of a favorable outcome in my case
• How many cases has your firm won through a jury verdict?
• Can you share details of your firm’s top five jury verdicts?
• Were these verdicts achieved with in-house attorneys or with the assistance of outside counsel?

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:

1. Move to a safe location, if possible.
2. Call emergency services immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
3. Provide the responding officers with a clear and accurate account of the accident.
4. Gather the contact information of any witnesses at the scene.
5. Take photos of the cars involved and the accident scene if it is safe to do so.
6. Contact Luchador Law to handle the legal aspects of your case. Our experienced car accident attorneys will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and protect your rights.

What Should You Avoid Doing After a Car Accident?

Here are some steps you should avoid taking after a car accident:

1. Refrain from making apologies or admitting fault at the scene of the accident.
2. Avoid speculating or making assumptions about the facts of the accident when speaking with the police.
3. Do not delay seeking medical attention for your injuries.
4. Do not make any statements to insurance representatives, including your own, without first consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer.
5. Do not accept any offers or agreements without first seeking the advice of your attorney.

By avoiding these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Luchador Law is here to help you every step of the way.

What Are Some of the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Contrary to popular belief, serious injuries can result from even small, seemingly minor car accidents. The force of an impact can easily damage vulnerable areas such as the brain, spine, joints, and bones.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Wrongful death
• Spinal cord injuries, including partial or total paralysis, either temporary or permanent
• Whiplash and nerve injuries
• Internal injuries, such as bruises, damages, and/or lacerations to organs
• Crush injuries
• Facial, eye, dental injuries, and scars
• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments
• Dislocated and/or misaligned joints
• Cuts and lacerations
• Sprains and/or muscle strains

The Legal Process and Deadlines for Car Accident Claims

Filing a lawsuit for a car accident injury is typically treated as a personal injury claim and is processed through the civil court system. The lawsuit’s goal is for the plaintiff (the person filing the suit) to recover compensation from the defendant (the person being sued). Here is a general overview of the steps involved in filing a car accident lawsuit:

File a Complaint:

The first step in filing a lawsuit is to submit a complaint to the court that details what happened, the damages you seek, and the legal basis for the lawsuit. The complaint must be filed within your state’s statute of limitations, typically 2 years from the accident in California.

Serve the Complaint:

After filing the complaint with the court, you must inform the defendant that you have filed a lawsuit against them. This process is called “service of the complaint” and must follow strict rules to be considered valid.

Defendant’s Response:

The defendant will then file an answer to your complaint, which will typically include an admission or denial of the facts you have presented and will outline their legal defense.

Discovery:

After the complaint and answer have been filed, both parties will exchange information through the discovery process. This may involve submitting documents, answering written questions, and taking depositions.

Judgment:

After discovery is complete, both parties will present their arguments to a judge or jury. If the evidence is clear for one side, the case may be settled before going to trial. If not, both parties can present evidence, witnesses, and experts in court. The judge or jury will then decide based on the “preponderance of the evidence” and award compensation, if applicable.

Filing a car accident lawsuit is a complex process that requires skill and experience. It is not something that can be done successfully without the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

What Kind of Compensation Am I Eligible For?

When it comes to auto accident recompense, there are several types of reimbursements you could be eligible for, including:

Medical costs:

You might have the right to remuneration for medical bills caused by your accident, such as healthcare facility statements, ambulance bills, physiotherapy, professional consultations, in-home care, and psychiatric examinations.

Property injury:

If your stuff was damaged in the incident, such as your car, you could qualify for indemnification to restore or substitute it.

Pain and misery:

Also known as “non-economic losses,” pain and suffering repayment is intended to pay for the mental and physical distress caused by accidents, including agitation, post-traumatic stress disorder, or loss of quality of life.

Lost income:

If your injuries have affected your capabilities to work, you may be able to claim remuneration for forfeited wages that encompass payments you would have received if not for the incident.

Punitive damages:

In cases where the guilty party’s action was maliciously committed or intentional, you may be eligible for punitive damages, which are given out to punish them and discourage similar conduct in the future.

It is necessary to contact an adept motor vehicle accident attorney to discern the precise types of recompense you may be allowed under the law.

Some of the most common types of car accidents

Car accidents can take many forms and happen in a variety of ways.

1. Rear-end crashes occur when one car hits another from behind, often because the front car suddenly stops or slows down.
2. Frontal crashes occur when two cars collide head-on, often due to one car crossing into the other’s lane.
3. Left-turn crashes occur when one car turns left in front of another, either because the turning car misjudges the speed of the other vehicle or fails to yield the right of way.
4. Lateral crashes occur when two cars collide while traveling in the same direction, such as when one car swerves into another’s lane.
5. Side-impact crashes (T-bone crashes) occur when one car hits another from the side, often at an intersection.
6. Lane-changing crashes occur when one car changes lanes and collides with another, either because the driver misjudges the distance or fails to signal.
7. Failing-to-yield crashes occur when one car collides with another because it fails to yield the right of way, such as at a stop sign or yield sign.

Accidents can involve a range of different types of vehicles

• Passenger cars (such as sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks)
• Minivans
• Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
• Vans
• Motorcycles
• Light utility trucks
• Box trucks
• Large commercial trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or semi-trucks

Causes of car accidents

Undocumented Status: Can Luchador Law Still Represent You?

Yes! In California, a person’s immigration status cannot be used against them in a civil case, including a car accident lawsuit. Additionally, your immigration status will be kept confidential and protected throughout the entire legal process.

At Luchador Law, we understand that communicating your story and emotions in court can be difficult, especially if English isn’t your primary language. That’s why we work with some of the best official interpreters in Sacramento to ensure your voice is heard loud and clear.

Our interpreters are skilled at matching your dialect, tone, and intonation to convey your story and emotions accurately in court.

Can I Pursue Compensation Even If I Contributed to My Auto Accident?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit even if you share part of the fault for your auto accident in California. The state follows a “comparative fault” rule, which means that the compensation you receive may be reduced based on your degree of fault for the accident.

For instance, if your total recovery is $1 million and you are deemed to have played a role in causing the accident to the extent of 25%, your recovery would be reduced to $750,000.

It’s important to note that you can still receive compensation even if you are considered chiefly at fault, up to 99%. This is something that your personal injury lawyer will discuss with you in more detail.

What Happens If I’m Injured on the Job During a Car Accident?

If you were involved in an auto accident while on the job or during business hours, you may be eligible to file two separate claims – one for workers’ compensation and another in civil court against the responsible party who caused the accident if that party was not your employer. This is referred to as a third-party case.

At Luchador Law, we have a team of experienced auto accident lawyers and a dedicated workers’ compensation department ready to help you navigate both types of claims and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process

Our team of injury lawyers can also guide you through the insurance claims process. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little cash as possible. However, at Luchador Law, our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive what’s due to cover your damages. In some cases, insurance companies may deny a claim or offer an inadequate settlement to cover your damages. In these situations, our injury lawyers can take the case to court and fight for your rights. Luchador Law has the skills and resources to build a strong case, gather evidence, and present the case in court to help you get the settlement you deserve.

Choosing the Right Sacramento Injury Lawyer

When choosing a Sacramento personal injury lawyer who specializes in auto accident cases, it is important to consider the attorney’s qualifications, experience, and track record. You should look for a Sacramento lawyer who has a proven record of success in handling auto accident cases and has received positive reviews from clients. You should also look for a lawyer who has the qualifications and experience necessary to handle your specific case. It’s also important to choose an attorney who is committed to fighting for you and providing personalized service and who will work closely with you throughout the legal process.

Contact Luchador Law

If you are involved in an auto accident in Sacramento, it is important to seek the services of a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer specializing in auto accident cases. You’ll find those qualities at Luchador Law. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to fight for you within the legal system, obtain the compensation you deserve, and get your life back on track. With Luchador Laws’ Sacramento personal injury attorneys, you can be confident that your rights will be protected and you will receive the justice you deserve. Message us or call us now at 888-81LUCHADOR.