Automobile Accidents
If you live and drive in California, you may know that the number of automobile accidents in the state is one of the highest in the nation. California does have the largest population in the U.S. but this alone cannot account for the high accident rate. Over 3,000 were killed and over 230,000 sustained serious injuries in 2009 from automobile accidents in California.
One of the reasons for the high accident rate is the large number of uninsured and unlicensed drivers in the state. This may account for the high number of hit-and-run accidents. Also, the lack of adequate public transportation, esp. in Southern California, increases the need for everyone to drive and puts all drivers and riders at risk. The use of high tech gadgetry also could be responsible because of the distractions it causes to drivers and pedestrians alike.
The California Car Accident Laws and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Codes allow you to hire a personal injury or car accident lawyer. After you have reported the accident to the DMV and filed all the necessary insurance claims, you may still want to seek additional legal counsel. If you feel you insurance settlement was not fair compensation for the injuries sustained, a personal injury lawyer could help you recover addition damages. Attorneys are often hired for larger cases dealing with high or on-going medical bills, drunken driving incidents and considerable property damage. You may be eligible to collect loss of wages, uncovered medical expenses, and possibly “pain and suffering” or emotional distress damages from any negligent party.
If you are not sure of your rights and need information on how to handle negotiations with an insurance company, contact our office today for a confidential, free legal consultation. If you are confused over the terms of your policy or just need an expert to review the confusing forms, call our office today at 877-603-8473. Or use the secure mail form to the right and we will contact you at your convenience.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not in any way constitute legal advice. It also does not establish an attorney-client relationship.