The statute of limitations is a state law which limits how long an injury victim has to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party before they lose their legal right to do so. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335 the state of California has a two-year timeline. This means you have two years from the date your accident happened to file, or you will most likely be unable to do so.
It’s important to note that some exceptions to this law exist. These exceptions can be niche and depend widely on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. As such, it’s crucial you speak with an experienced attorney to learn how long you have to file.
Beyond the statute of limitations, which applies to all personal injury claims, car accident injuries are different than other injuries covered by personal injury law in that they involve negotiations with a car insurance company. These insurance companies are trained to put their company’s best interest first, not yours.
Unlike insurance companies, our team will fight tirelessly on your behalf to secure the compensation you need and deserve to get your life back on track. If you have suffered injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, contact to Leigh Law Firm for help today!
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?
Car accidents are a daily occurrence in California, and the insurance companies are always looking for ways to reduce what they have to pay to victims. Sometimes this means an outright refusal to pay anything.
However, in many cases, they will offer compensation right at the outset that is much less than what the victims are actually owed. While you should not refuse these offers, do not accept them without consulting a knowledgeable car accident attorney in San Diego.
There are many factors to consider when determining the compensation you are owed after an auto accident, including:
- Will you require long-term medical treatment?
- What are the damages to your vehicle?
- Were any other valuables in the vehicle damaged?
- Will you have to take time off work because of your injuries?
- How has the accident impacted your family and any other sources of income?
Looking for an accident lawyer in San Diego? Give us a call at (619) 473-7569 or contact us online today!
Insurance companies are counting on people’s ignorance of auto accident litigation in order to take advantage of them. Do not let this happen to you. Call on our experienced auto accident lawyer in San Diego for knowledgeable counsel and aggressive representation. We can interact with the insurance company on your behalf.
Recent California Car Accident Statistics You Should Know
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration collects and records data and statistics about car accidents nationwide. The latest reports published for auto accidents in California were as follows:
- In 2018 there were over 3,500 fatalities as a result of traffic accidents
- Of those fatalities which occurred in 2018, over 1,000 were a result of alcohol-impaired driving and over 900 were a result of speed-related accidents
- In the same year there were over 400 motorcyclist fatalities in California
- In 2018 about 95.9% of those fatally injured in traffic accidents were noted to have been wearing their seat belts
- In 2018 the most common crash types in California were the following:
- Single vehicle accidents - 2,034 fatalities
- Truck accidents - 352 fatalities
- Speeding accidents - 927 fatalities
- Rollover accidents - 809 fatalities
- Roadway departure accidents - 1,557 fatalities
- Intersection-related accidents - 919 fatalities
Have you gotten into a car accident? Call us at (619) 473-7569 for a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in San Diego today!
In 2018 the NHTSA noted that San Diego County was the 4th most dangerous county in California for traffic fatalities, accounting for 255 of the reported fatalities. Compared to 2017, San Diego saw a 6% increase in traffic-related fatalities in 2018.
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After an accident, you should first make sure that everyone is okay, then:
- Take photos of the scene as well as damages and injuries
- Exchanges contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the crash
- Contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident
- If necessary, file a police report
- Gather eyewitness information, if possible
- Get in touch with a San Diego car accident attorney for further help!
Common Injuries and Damages from Auto Accidents in California
There are a handful of frequently-occurring injuries involved in auto accidents, including:
- Sprain, fracture and full breakage of the knees, back, shoulders arms, hands and neck
- Concussion and possible brain injury
- Burns, scarring and cuts
Work with a skilled San Diego car accident attorney right away to help you seek compensation.
Call (619) 473-7569 to schedule your free consultation with a car accident lawyer in San Diego. At Leigh Law Firm, we work on contingency fees, so you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation.
