Auto Accidents
Despite vehicles being safer than ever, with features such as auto braking and lane assist, there are over 6 million car accidents reported in the United States each year. From those accidents, over 3 million are left injured each year. If you have been injured in a car accident, you need a lawyer that will fight the insurance company for you. Insurance companies and adjusters are not your friend. They will try everything within their means to deny payment or negotiate a minimal settlement paying you pennies on the dollar.
Common Auto Accident Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries – Occurs when the brain is damaged by a blow or piercing injury to the head
• Spinal Cord Injuries – A dislocated vertebrae or fracture can causing bruising or tearing of the spinal cord
• Fractures – Broken legs, ribs, and wrists are the most common injuries from car accidents
• Back Injuries – Examples include back sprain, herniated disc, ruptured disc, or pinched or damaged nerve
• Neck Injuries – Examples include neck sprain, herniated disc, fracture, cervical dislocation, etc.
• Whiplash – Symptoms include neck stiffness, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, etc.
• Emotional Distress
• Other Serious Injuries
Many victims are not aware immediately that they’ve been hurt. The full effects of the accident can be felt hours some times days after an accident. That is why it is important to get the necessary medical evaluations so the entire extent of your injuries are assessed and treated.
Time Is Limited to File a Claim
In California, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two (2) years from the date of the injury. That means you have two (2) years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in court. There are some exceptions to the general rule, including any claim against a government agency (city, county or state government) has the much shorter time limit of six (6) months. To protect your claim, retain the services of Igarian Law Firm and let us make your case our priority.
Types of Compensation in Car Accident Cases
Injured victims may seek compensation from whoever caused or contributed to those losses. There are two types of compensatory damages, special and general. The law is designed to compensate the injured party for the harm they have suffered.
• Special Damages – Medical bills, lost earnings, cost of future medical care, lost earning potential
• General Damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium
The ability to collect on your compensatory damages hinges on the ability to prove liability of the other party. This is done through proper investigation, witness statements, photographs, police reports, etc. If you are found partially at fault, all hope is not lost, as you may still recover for your injuries under California’s Pure Comparative Fault laws. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can recover full compensatory damages directly from your insurer as long as you have Uninsured Motorist coverage.
If You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident…
Do not panic. Call 911 if anyone requires immediate medical attention. Next, contact the police and take photos of the damages and the scene. DO NOT admit fault. Exchange insurance information with other party. Take down any potential witness contact information. Next, seek medical attention for your injuries by going to a hospital, an urgent care, or your primary doctor. Lastly, DO NOT contact the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. Contact the Igarian Law Firm and let us make this stressful time as stress-free as possible.
At the Igarian Law Firm, we take pride in getting each our injured clients back to the position they were in prior to their accident. We deal with everything from start to finish. Right away, we initiate the claims process on your behalf, and make sure a favorable liability determination is made. We set you up with the necessary medical treatment with quality medical doctors and professionals for your injuries, at no out-of-pocket expense to you. In the meantime, we assure your vehicle gets repaired and back into your hands as quickly as possible. But most importantly, we focus on MAXIMIZING your injury settlement with our vast knowledge, expertise and negotiation strategies. We don’t charge you a penny unless we win your case. Don’t let the insurance company low ball you! Call us now for a free consultation.
