If you were injured in a car accident that someone else was responsible for, it is important that you know what to do and how to make a claim. Making the right decisions after an accident will help you get the compensation you deserve. Rodriguez & Associates is here to help you get justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After a Car Accident
After being in an auto accident, it is crucial to take the necessary steps for protecting your rights, health, and safety. Whether you think you were at fault or believe someone else was, you should take the following steps:
Assess the Damage and Check for Injuries
The first step to take after an accident is to check yourself and any passengers for potential injuries. If necessary, call 911 right away. Take photos of all vehicles as well as any visible damage done to property around the scene of the accident if possible.
Exchange Information
If there are no major injuries, assess the damage to all the vehicles involved and exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident, including their contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
Seek Medical Attention
Due to adrenaline in your body during times of stress like this, pain may not register until much later on, so make sure that you get checked out by a healthcare professional as soon as possible following an accident even if it seems minor at first glance.
Talk To A Lawyer
Speaking with an experienced lawyer can help take care of everything properly and efficiently so that you don’t have to worry about handling complex legal issues by yourself.
An experienced car accident lawyer will evaluate your case, inform you of all available options, and fight for the maximum possible compensation on your behalf should legal action be necessary down the line.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
After being involved in a car accident due to the negligence of another party, it is essential to recognize the types of compensation that you may be eligible for.
Medical Expenses
The most common type of compensation received after a car accident is for medical expenses incurred as a result of the crash. This includes costs associated with emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy, medications, doctor visits, and any other necessary medical treatments or procedures.
You should also be able to recover reimbursement for future medical costs related to your injuries.
Lost Wages
If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in an auto collision caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes past, present, and future wages. It also includes compensation for commissions and bonuses you missed out on.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to reimbursement for tangible losses such as medical expenses and lost wages, you may also be eligible for additional damages, like pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering damages can include loss of enjoyment in life activities (such as hobbies), fear or anxiety-related issues (like PTSD or phobias), disfigurement or scarring (from burns or lacerations), depression or anger management issues (from trauma), and even loss of consortium between spouses resulting from an automobile crash.
Punitive Damages
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may also be entitled to punitive damages – additional compensation above and beyond the other forms meant to punish the at-fault party for their particularly egregious behavior.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in California
It is essential to be aware of the deadline for filing a personal injury claim if you have been involved in a car accident in California. Generally, any personal injury claim related to car accidents in the state must be filed within two years of the accident date. Failing to do so will likely bar you from pursuing any legal action.
Exceptions to The California Statute of Limitations
There are certain exceptions to this rule which allow for an extension on the statute of limitations period for filing a personal injury claim related to car accidents in California. Some of the most common include:
- If an injury caused by the accident was not discovered right away, you may be able to extend the period for filing your personal injury claim by up to two years from the date of discovery.
- If the defendant cannot be located or is imprisoned at any point after the accident occurred, then the deadline could be paused during this time.
- If you were either a minor or disabled at the time of your car accident, you have additional time – two years from the date you turn 18 or two years from the date that your disability is considered lifted.
It is always best practice to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an auto accident occurs so they can determine the applicable laws and identify all avenues of legal action available during the critical period following the accident.
Why Hire Rodriguez & Associates For Your Car Accident Claim?
We know that there are a lot of options when it comes to hiring a car accident lawyer. Here’s why you should work with us:
- We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. That’s why we make sure to provide compassionate care throughout the entire process, from consultation to resolution.
- We strive to make sure that every client feels like part of our extended family so you know that you have someone in your corner fighting for justice on your behalf.
- With more than 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we know how to navigate these types of cases with ease and expertise.
With years of experience in representing individuals who have suffered serious injuries due to negligence or recklessness on behalf of another party, you can trust us to handle your case with professionalism and care. Contact Rodriguez & Associates today to schedule a free consultation.