Sacramento is one of the most popular cities in California, so much so that even people outside the state know its name. With so many residents who commute to work and tourists visiting from other areas, the roads can quickly become congested with cars and other traffic. The more cars on the road, the greater the risk of a collision or car accident. If you’ve been the victim of a serious car accident, find a dependable Sacramento car accident lawyer at Compass Law Group, LLP. Our team of attorneys has years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for the justice you deserve. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment and get on the road to recovery.
Why Choose Compass Law Group As Your Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
When choosing a car accident lawyer in Sacramento, you want to know you’re working with the best of the best. You deserve a team member who will join you in the fight and have your best interest at heart.
At Compass Law Group, LLP, we understand the value of a personalized, client-first approach. We’ve taken on countless car accident cases in the area, and we’ve got an impressive track record of securing high-value settlements for all of our clients. Not only that, but our clients don’t pay us a nickel unless we win the case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sacramento
Any dangerous behavior behind the steering wheel puts you and others at a much greater risk of a collision. A handful of the more common behaviors that can increase the risk of getting into a car accident in Sacramento include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances
- Driving while texting or using the phone
- Speeding
- Reckless driving, such as swerving or tailgating
- Failure to abide by traffic laws
- Running stop signs
- Bad road conditions
- Poor weather conditions
- Traffic congestion
- Bicyclist or pedestrian accidents
What to Do After a Car Accident in Sacramento
Taking the right precautions after a car accident can help prevent further issues and ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Here are some basic steps to follow after a car accident to keep yourself and others safe while abiding by California law:
- Get Somewhere Safe: If you’re able to, move your car onto the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to get out of the way of nearby traffic. Check yourself for any injuries, and make sure you’re not in any immediate danger.
- Call Emergency Services: Call 911 and report the accident. They’ll send the police and any emergency medical services if necessary.
- File a Police Report: When the police arrive, work with them to file a police report of the accident. Don’t try to point fingers or assign blame; just stick to the facts of what happened and be as detailed as possible.
- Document the Scene of the Accident: Start gathering as much evidence as you can to build your claim. This can include taking photos, getting a copy of the police report, and talking to any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento, CA: Assemble your legal team with the experienced and certified attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Case
Before you can receive your compensation, you need to first prove who was at fault for the accident. From there, you can also prove that the other driver was at fault due to negligent behavior, which can earn you more compensation.
To prove negligence, you first have to establish a duty of care. For car accident cases, you need to establish that the driver has a responsibility to abide by traffic laws and drive safely to protect themselves and other drivers on the road. From there, you need evidence that they breached this duty of care and that this directly caused the damages laid out in your claim.
Injuries Common in Sacramento Car Accidents
While the severity of your potential injuries from a car accident can vary depending on the severity of the accident, some injuries are more common than others. Injuries that tend to happen most frequently with car accidents include:
- Bone Fractures
- Bruising
- Whiplash
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Internal Bleeding
- Dislocated Joints
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful Death
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims
Financial compensation ensures you don’t have to struggle with the financial hardship that can come with piling bills after a car accident. The compensation you earn is divided into 3 main categories that make sure you earn enough to cover all of the necessary expenses:
- Economic Damages: These include medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, property damage, and other monetary damages.
- Non-Economic Damages: These include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, emotional distress, and other non-monetary damages.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of severe negligence, these are additional damages added to your claim to punish the behaviors that led to the accident.
How Insurance Companies Try to Limit Payouts
The reality is that insurance companies want to lose as little money as possible, which means they will fight you every step of the way as you file your claim. Whether it’s offering a lowball settlement to get you to sign quickly or coercing you into signing an agreement, they won’t hesitate to play dirty.
When you get that first settlement offer, don’t accept it. Work with your legal team to negotiate the offer until you’re satisfied. Our attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP know how to counter the most common insurance company tactics, and we won’t hesitate to match their energy and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Law
California is a comparative negligence state, meaning that fault for an accident can be split between multiple parties. This means that you could be found partially responsible for the accident, but this doesn’t mean you lose out on your compensation.
Your compensation amount depends on your level of fault. For example, a driver who is 40% at fault for an accident can still earn up to 60% of their maximum compensation. The lower your level of fault, the higher your potential compensation.
The Car Accident Claims Process in Sacramento
- Initial Consultation: Our team will value your case and see what legal options you have.
- Case Investigation: Your attorney will start compiling all of your evidence and gather testimonies to strengthen your case.
- Sending a Demand Letter: With all of the paperwork in order, we’ll send a demand letter to the insurance companies. This letter outlines the requested settlement demands and the evidence to support the claim.
- Settlement Negotiations: Our team will meet with the opposing parties and begin negotiating the details of the compensation settlement.
- Mediation: If negotiations aren’t productive, we can bring in a third-party mediator to guide the discussion toward a productive agreement.
- Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If all else fails, you may need to take your case to court. This can help get things moving again and ensure you get a fair compensation payout.
Statute of Limitations in California
In California, car accident victims have a 2-year deadline to file their claim. However, the sooner you file, the better the outcome. The only exception to this deadline is if you’re filing a claim on behalf of a minor or filing against a government vehicle. The 2-year countdown starts for minors when they turn 18 years old.
Client Testimonials
“I am very pleased with my outcome after working with Compass Law Group. I gave them a call, and they were very professional and empathetic to my situation from start to finish. They were above and beyond helpful. The receptionists are all very sweet and great at relaying all information from client to attorney, and always made time to get right back to me. The attorney I got helped me get money I would have never gotten from the insurance companies I was working with. Thanks to Compass Law Group, I saw a good outcome from a bad situation that would have left me with nothing had I not gone with them. Thanks, Compass Law Group, for being my rock in a time of needing to crush it.” — Nicole W.
“My experience with Compass Law Group these past 3 years has been wonderful. The professionalism and empathy made the entire process stress-free. I have needed their legal help on 3 different accidents, and every time they delivered exceptional service. They help you find the right doctors and set appointments to get treatments for your injuries to get back to a normal life. There are no words to describe just how awesome the Compass Law Group Is. And I can’t thank them enough for providing me above and beyond service from the beginning to the end of my case.” — Keesha M.
“I was a passenger in a car accident and was referred to Compass Law Group. Best decision I have ever made! They helped me with everything I needed medically, from physical therapy to my doctor’s appointments. They kept me up to date with my claim and I am more than happy with my settlement. Thank you to Joseph, Simon, Rebecca, and Zena for all their hard work over at Compass Law!” — Alexis G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a car accident attorney?
Yes! Working with a legal team to file your personal injury claim ensures you get the maximum compensation you deserve. We know every trick insurance companies use to try and lowball your settlement offer, and we won’t let that happen on our watch.
How much does hiring a lawyer cost?
The legal fees that come with hiring a lawyer depend on how long it takes to settle your claim, whether you went to court, and where you live. If you work with a firm that uses a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
What if I was partially at fault?
If you’re partially to blame for the accident, this doesn’t take away your right to compensation. California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning you can still earn compensation for the percentage of the accident you’re not at fault for.
How long does a car accident case take?
Settling a car accident claim depends on the cooperation of every party involved. Negotiations can take a while, and if you decide to take the case to court it can take even longer.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the other driver in the accident doesn’t have insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage. You also have the option to sue the driver for the damages.
Get Your Free Consultation with a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t go through the stress and hassle of filing a claim after a car accident alone. Our team at Compass Law Group, LLP will join you in the fight and stand by your side the entire time. You’re more than just another case, and you deserve justice. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.
