As common as car accidents are, you probably push the possibility of one happening to you from your mind. Especially if you obey traffic laws and are vigilant when sharing the road with other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, you may not believe you could ever be involved in an accident. However, unexpected car crashes can happen to anyone, and any accident can leave you needing legal guidance.

Due to our combined decades of experience, we have seen the physical, emotional, and financial impact a car accident can cause when someone else is at fault. We want to help you file your civil claim and seek compensation for your losses. If someone’s recklessness caused your injuries, a Folsom car accident lawyer could help. Our dedicated injury attorneys could answer questions about your case process, explain your next steps, and help you overcome any roadblocks that might arise along the way.

Proving Fault for a Car Accident

After a car crash, proving that the other driver is responsible is the most crucial aspect of the case process. To demonstrate that another driver was negligent in causing a collision, a knowledgeable lawyer must establish four legal elements:

  • Duty: the defendant was expected to drive their vehicle reasonably to protect others
  • Breach: the defendant breached this duty by acting carelessly on the road
  • Causation: this breach of duty caused a preventable vehicle crash
  • Damages: the plaintiff suffered injuries due to the accident caused by the negligent driver

By demonstrating these elements, a plaintiff and their legal representation have leverage with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. However, insurers are not in the business to be fair; their goal is to make money. For this reason, you should never accept a car accident settlement offer before you meet with a dedicated attorney in Folsom. If a settlement is inadequate, our legal team could negotiate with insurance corporations or hold them accountable in court.

Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

When deciding how much compensation to award to a car collision plaintiff, juries consider how much the claimant’s injuries are worth based on their severity, how much has been paid for medical and rehabilitative care, and what the plaintiff’s future looks like with long-term consequences, such as disfigurement or paralysis.

Compensation usually comes in two forms: economic and non-economic. Economic damages repay for losses with an established financial value, such as medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. Meanwhile, non-economic compensation reimburses for more subjective losses like pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of daily life.

A dedicated Folsom lawyer understands the nuances of compensation in car accident cases and could help you pursue the payments you need to get back on your feet.

Are Car Accident Cases Subject to Time Limits?

In most cases, a car accident claim must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Plaintiffs who fail to file a claim in time lose the right to sue the defendant.

A Folsom Car Accident Attorney is Waiting for Your Call

Motor vehicle accidents can happen at any time, with little-to-no warning. Even seemingly minor crashes can lead to serious injuries and years of unexpected expenses. If you were involved in a collision caused by a negligent driver, a Folsom car accident lawyer is here to help.

While you recover, our experienced and dedicated team could negotiate with insurance carriers, investigate the cause of the wreck, and help you resolve any unexpected complications. Then, if insurers are disagreeable, we could litigate your case before a jury and fight for a fair compensation award. Call today to learn how our team is ready to fight for you.