Citrus Heights Car Accident Lawyer

Citrus Heights Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are serious events which can lead to painful and disabling injuries. Unfortunately, many people try to handle their own car accident claim, which is often a mistake. The process for negotiating a settlement is frustrating for non-lawyers, who often settle for too little money.

At Heidari Law Group, P.C., we have the experience you need to submit a car accident claim the correct way. If you contact us, we can schedule a consultation with a Citrus Heights car accident lawyer who will explain the claims process in more detail.

What Causes Car Accidents?

We have seen many accidents caused by careless or negligent motorists. These people fail to operate a car with sufficient care, usually because of the following:

• Speeding
• Illegal lane changes
• Tailgating
• Illegal turns
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Fatigue

When motorists lack care behind the wheel, many innocent people get hurt out on the road. A car accident claim is one way to hold them accountable.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

California recognizes several categories of damages for car accidents:

• Medical care and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses related to your injuries
• Lost income or wages
• Future loss of earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Damage to your car and other property

Certain facts can limit the amount you receive, however. For example, California recognizes comparative fault. You might have also been speeding or careless in the moments before the crash. If so, your percentage of fault will reduce the compensation you receive.

However, you might also receive more compensation if the defendant was reckless or intentionally dangerous. We can request punitive damages as a punishment to deter future bad conduct. These aren’t available in all car accident cases. But where they are, they can dramatically increase the amount of money a client takes home.

Can You Help Me with a Hit & Run Accident?

Yes. The fact that a driver fled doesn’t mean you can’t receive compensation. The driver might be found, in which case you can sue. In other situations, you might use your medical payments coverage to pay for medical care and collision coverage to fix your car.

We also can make a claim on your uninsured motorist insurance. This is a policy you pay for, but it will cover a hit and run accident provided you were not at fault.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid after a Crash?

Many people are badly shaken up in a collision. Still, if you can avoid certain mistakes, you’ll improve the chances of a settlement. The Citrus Heights car accident lawyers recommend that you avoid the following:

• Don’t flee the scene. That is a crime, and it undermines your ability to receive compensation.
• Don’t forget to call the police. An officer should respond to your call and fill out a crash report.
• Never admit fault. Doing so only makes it harder to receive fair compensation.
• Don’t fail to record the accident. At a minimum, you should get pictures of the cars involved and identify witnesses.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. They might ask confusing questions to trip you up and get you to admit fault.

Deadlines To Keep in Mind

California’s statute of limitation for personal injury is typically two years. This is the maximum amount of time you get to bring a lawsuit following an accident. Judge will dismiss cases if you file too late.

Other deadlines apply if you are suing the government. For example, a negligent city or state employee might have struck you. Under the state Tort Claims Act, you’ll need to notify the agency of the accident in only a few months.