What You Need To Know About Car Accidents in California

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California is a state with over 38 million residents, most of which travel by car to work, home, and school. Because traffic is heavy and weather conditions vary significantly, accidents are common. Statistics show that most drivers in the United States will be involved in at least one accident by the time they are 34 years old, so it is a good idea to know what to expect if you are a car accident victim. If you have been injured due to the negligence of a California driver, contact a personal injury lawyer for information.

Who Pays For Your Injuries?

If you have been injured in a car crash, you most likely have an ever-growing stack of medical bills and other transportation expenses. It is not always easy to determine who was at fault in an accident. To be compensated, you must be able to prove the other driver was negligent and caused you to be hurt. Some things that may constitute negligence are:

  • Speeding
  • Careless Driving
  • Driving While Texting
  • Talking On A Cell Phone While Driving
  • Driving Under The Influence
  • Driving Aggressively
  • Following Too Closely
  • Driving Carelessly In Bad Weather

Proving the other driver was negligent may allow you to be awarded a settlement for your injuries. In most instances, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is required to pay. In some cases, the at-fault driver may be made to pay you punitive damages as punishment for being careless.

How Much Time Do You Have To File A Claim?

The law sets aside a specific amount of time in which car accident victims can file a claim in court. If you are hurt in a California accident, you have two years to accomplish this goal.

Speaking with an attorney is the best way to examine all of your options under California law after a car accident. After a consultation, your attorney will let you know if you should pursue your claim in a court of law.