Head-on collisions, side-impact accidents, rear-end accidents, rollovers, and other types of injurious and deadly car accidents happen every day. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident, you may be able to recover your related damages.
A member of our team can answer any questions you have about pursuing financial awards with the help of our Ontario car accident lawyer. We offer free consultations for all car accident victims. If we decide to take your case, you will not owe us anything unless and until you win a financial award.
Let Us Help You Pursue Justice
Fighting for compensation can seem like a complicated legal burden, but it does not have to be. An Ontario car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can take the stress off of you and your loved ones.
If you choose to work with us, our team will:
- File your insurance claim
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- Gather evidence to prove negligence and support your case
- Review your settlement offers
- Answer all of your questions
- Keep you updated on the status of your case
Proving Negligence
If another party caused your accident, they should pay for your medical bills, vehicle damages, and more. However, to win compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit, you have to prove negligence and show that you suffered losses.
An Ontario car accident lawyer from our firm can help you collect evidence to support your claims. This evidence may include:
- Witness statements
- Surveillance video
- Photographs of your injuries, vehicle damages, and the crash site
- Expert testimony
- Medical bills
- Medical treatment records
Another potentially important piece of evidence is an official crash report. If a law enforcement officer was at the scene of your accident, they filed a report. However, if an officer was not called, the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that you report any accident involving injuries, death, or property damages of $1,000 or more within 10 days of when they occurred.
Awards You Could Win
If you were in a serious accident, one of the biggest expenses you likely face is medical bills. Severe injuries could require tens of thousands of dollars or more in medical care. Lawyers that help with car accidents from our team can help you fight for the awards you need to pay for your past and future treatment.
Lost Income
Another huge source of financial stress may be time lost at work. If you cannot perform your job because of your injuries, you can seek your lost wages. If your injuries leave you unable to work or return to your previous employment, you could win compensation for your loss of future earning capacity.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged or destroyed, you can win awards to repair or replace it. You can also seek compensation for any other damaged valuables, like electronics, stereo equipment, or jewelry.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you are seeking compensation on behalf of a deceased loved one, you could recover the cost of their final medical treatment and funeral and burial expenses. You could be eligible to receive awards for the loss of the deceased’s future financial support, household contributions, and loss of consortium.
Any of these conditions can lead to anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you are experiencing these damages or mental or physical anguish because of your car accident, you can seek damages for your pain and suffering.
Legal Information You Should Know about Your Case
It could be helpful to understand a few laws that may affect your case and potential settlement:
- VEH §16056 mandates all California drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance for accidents they cause. Motorists must have $15,000 for injuries to one party, $30,000 for injuries to two or more parties, and $5,000 in property damage coverage
- CCP §335.1 sets a two-year deadline for filing personal injury and wrongful death cases, which starts at the time of your loved one’s death or at the time your injuries occurred. If you do not take legal action within the established window, the court will likely dismiss your case.
Legal Precedent Could Also Affect Your Case
Li v. Yellow Cab Co. establishes the state’s pure comparative negligence model. This ruling states that plaintiffs can seek partial compensation even if their own negligence contributed to their accident.
The court awards each party a percentage of fault, and any awards you may win are reduced by this amount. There is no percentage of fault that bars a plaintiff from seeking compensation. You can pursue awards even if the other party is only 1 percent responsible.
A Negligent Driver Could Be Responsible for Your Damages
Nobody is a perfect driver, but everyone on the road must do their best to operate their vehicle with a reasonable duty of care. When drivers make negligent or dangerous driving decisions, the result may be a crash that harms another innocent party.
Examples of negligent driving behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Improper lane changes
- Texting and driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield
- Disobeying traffic lights and signs
Accident Injuries Can Have Lasting Consequences
Some accident injuries have permanent physical and mental side effects. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, internal injury, or other severe bodily harm, you might experience:
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Changes in behavior and mood
- Loss of coordination
- Weakness
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
The Attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices are on Your Side
We will not back down under pressure from big insurance companies. We will fight for the highest settlement possible, and we are prepared to take your case all the way to court. Call our offices at (888) 522-6291 for a free consultation.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
