Pomona Car Accident Lawyer

Pomona Car Accident Attorney

Getting into a car accident can have a profoundly negative impact on one’s life. It might happen instantly, leaving you with crippling debt, emotional distress, and bodily injuries. Navigating the legal complications of insurance claims and court challenges can be frightening, especially when your primary focus is on recovering. A Pomona car accident lawyer can help you through your current struggles in Pomona and the surrounding areas.

Why Choose Duque & Price?

After a car accident, choosing the right legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Duque & Price’s unique combination of experience, dedication, and personalized care makes us stand out from the competitors. The laws governing auto accidents in California are well-understood by our experienced Pomona personal injury attorneys, and we leverage this knowledge to build compelling cases for our clients.

We are more than just competent attorneys; we are advocates who work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their losses. Our commitment to quality is shown in our client-focused approach, which entails taking the time to hear your story, understand your needs, and adjust our legal strategies accordingly.

We provide the peace and assurance that comes with having an accomplished and dependable legal team on your side. Our clients trust us because of our stellar reputation and successful record. Choosing Duque & Price entails selecting a partner who can assist you all the way from the initial consultation to the final resolution of the matter.

Understanding California’s Auto Accident Laws

Unfortunately, there are car accidents in the current world. Because Californians frequently use the state’s freeways and crowded city streets, accidents can happen unexpectedly. There can be serious financial, psychological, and physical consequences from an auto accident. Having a knowledgeable California car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation and justice you are entitled to.

Auto accidents in California are managed by using a fault-based approach. This suggests that whoever initiated the mishap is responsible for any damages incurred. If you are partially to blame for the accident, your compensation can be reduced because of the state’s application of the comparative negligence rule.

For instance, if it is found that you were 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It’s critical to understand these nuances, and an auto accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenging legal issues.

Why You Need a California Car Accident Attorney

After an accident, insurance firms usually try to lower their payouts. To minimize their culpability, they may attempt to shift the blame onto you, or they may make settlement offers that are significantly below what you are entitled to. In this case, a car accident lawyer in California can be helpful. An experienced lawyer knows how to protect your rights, and they can ensure that you are not taken advantage of at this vulnerable time. A skilled attorney can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. Your attorney can gather all the necessary evidence, including witness accounts, police reports, and medical records, to present a strong case on your behalf.
• Hold discussions with insurance companies. Insurance companies employ legal and adjusting teams, whose objective is to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out. Your lawyer can negotiate hard to make sure you receive the money you are entitled to.
• Serve as your representative in court if required. While the majority of auto accident claims are settled out of court, some may require a trial. Your attorney can represent you in court and present a compelling case to obtain the greatest possible outcome for you financially.
• Help you to understand your rights and choices. Navigating the legal system can be challenging. At each step of the process, your lawyer can go over your rights and alternatives with you so that you may make well-informed decisions.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in California

Understanding the common reasons for auto accidents in California might help you prevent them or strengthen your case if you are ever involved in one. Among the most common reasons are:

• Driving when distracted. Distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic accidents, and its prevalence has grown as more people use smartphones. If you take your eyes off the road to text, eat, or mess with the radio, you run the danger of facing serious consequences.
• Traveling too fast. The protection of drivers is the main goal of speed limits. Going over the speed limit decreases your reaction time and increases the intensity of collisions.
• Driving while intoxicated (DUI). Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely risky. DUI is one of the primary causes of fatal crashes in California.
• Careless driving. Aggressive driving practices can result in deadly collisions, such as driving too closely to the car in front of you, weaving in and out of traffic, and speeding excessively.
• Inclement weather. When there is rain, fog, or other bad weather, driving might be risky. Drivers need to adjust their behavior and speed to accommodate for these situations.
• Vehicle faults. Accidents can occasionally be caused by defects in the vehicle, such as a tire blowout or malfunctioning brakes. In such cases, the manufacturer or a third party can be held liable.

What to Do After a Vehicle Accident

After a car accident, you should be aware of what to do to protect your legal rights and strengthen your case. The following are the crucial actions to take:

• Put safety first. Check for injuries, and move to a safe place if at all possible. Call 911 right away if someone is injured.
• Consult the police. It is essential to have a police record detailing the accident. This report can be crucial evidence supporting your assertion.
• Sharing of information. Obtain the other driver’s insurance information and contact information. Make contact with any witnesses if there are any.
• Take note of the circumstances. Record the damage to the involved vehicles, the condition of the road, any visible injuries, and traffic signs by taking photos and videos of the accident scene.
• Ask for medical help. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get medical assistance as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest immediately.
• Consult a lawyer for auto accidents. Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, get legal advice from a lawyer so they can guide you.

Auto Accident Settlements

Auto accident victims in California may be entitled to a range of compensation options, contingent on the particulars of their cases. The following is what this money is intended to cover:

• Medical costs. These include medical bills from the hospital, doctor visits, physical therapy fees, prescription medication charges, and any further expenses resulting from the accident in the future.
• Lost pay. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recompense for past and future lost wages.
• Anguish and distress. This compensation takes care of the physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
• Harm to property. In addition to the cost of repairs, you can be compensated for the fair market value of your car if it is wrecked.
• Punitive losses. If the defendant’s conduct was particularly severe, you may be awarded damages that are meant to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.

FAQs

Does California Offer Accident Forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is not required by California law, but some insurance companies may offer it as an extra that you can choose to have. Accident forgiveness means that your rate won’t go up after your first accident where you were to blame. The rules are different for each insurance company, so you should call yours to find out if this feature is offered and how it works.

How Long Can a Car Accident Claim Stay Open in California?

In California, a claim for a car accident can last as long as it needs to. There is no set time for claims to stay open. Most of the time, you have two years to file a claim for personal injury and three years for property loss. Negotiations with insurance companies or complicated legal issues, on the other hand, can make the claims process take longer.

How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?

Most car accident settlements in California take any amount of time to resolve. The timeline depends on factors such as:

• The complexity of the case
• The severity of any injuries
• The willingness of the parties to negotiate
• Whether the case goes to trial

Simple cases may settle quickly, while more complex ones can take longer.

What Is the Time Limit for Insurance Claims in California?

You have up to three years in California to file a claim for property damage and up to two years to file a claim for personal injury after a car accident. This amount of time, called the “statute of limitations,” starts from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within these deadlines, you might lose your chance to get compensation.

Contact Duque & Price Today

If you have been injured in a car accident, an attorney at Duque & Price can help you with the aftermath. Contact us today to speak with a member of our firm.