Common Causes of Sacramento Auto Accidents
Car accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. The most common types of car accidents result from driver negligence. If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s careless or reckless driving, you need to contact the qualified car accident lawyers at Demas Law Group, P.C. as soon as possible.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Sacramento include:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in California. While drivers face a variety of distractions in the car, cell phones are the most common distraction. Texting while driving, for example, can substantially increase the driver’s risk causing an accident.
- Drowsy driving – Many drivers cause accidents because they are too tired to operate a motor vehicle safely. Fatigued and drowsy driving is an under-reported danger on the roadways of California. The fact is that sleepiness can be similar to the effects of alcohol, drastically increasing the likelihood the tired driver will be involved in an accident or as a pedestrian. Drowsiness slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and decreases awareness.
- Intoxicated driving – Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs occurs at an alarming rate in California and throughout the country. Alcohol and drugs reduce the skills a driver needs to operate a vehicle safely. Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, vision, and reaction time.
- Tailgating – Following too closely, commonly known as tailgating, is a very dangerous driving habit. Tailgating is often the result of distracted driving, impatience, or road rage. Accidents caused by tailgating can result in whiplash injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other serious injuries.
- Inclement weather – Heavy rain, hail, high winds, and fog can make driving conditions in Sacramento much more difficult. When driving, be sure to travel only as fast as the conditions will allow and give yourself additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you. If weather conditions are especially bad, pull into a rest stop until conditions improve.
How to Seek Compensation for a Car Accident in California
To file a claim for compensation following a car accident, you will need to provide details about the accident, including the location, date and time, photos from the accident scene, a police report, medical reports, and the contact and insurance information of all parties involved.
If you suffer injuries in a car accident in California, you will have to prove several factors to get compensation. You will first have to prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care. You then have to prove that the driver failed to exercise their duty of care. It must be clear that the negligence or recklessness of the driver was a significant factor in causing your car accident injuries.
You could be partly to blame for the accident and still recover some compensation. California operates under comparative negligence law, which means that even if you contributed to the accident, you can still seek compensation. The compensation you receive will be lessened by your degree of fault. For example, if you sustain injuries in a car accident and you were deemed to be 20% at fault, you will receive the compensation minus your level of fault. Thus, in this case, you would receive 80% of the compensation.
Car accidents cause victims to suffer physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial losses. There are many types of economic and non-economic damages that may be included in a car accident claim. Economic damages (for example, medical expenses and lost income) have a clear price tag, while non-economic damages (for example, pain, and suffering) are more difficult to quantify.
Record-Breaking Jury Verdict for Car Accident Victim
The skilled attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C. have a history of securing outstanding results for car accident victims. In a recent case, lead trial attorney John Demas obtained a record-breaking jury verdict in Stanislaus County. After a nearly three-week trial, the jury awarded our client over $6.68 million, which is the largest non-death personal injury verdict in the county and one of the biggest verdicts in California for a single-level fusion case. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering. Read more about this case here.“
FAQs About Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
Here are some commonly asked questions about California car accidents:
Why do I need a lawyer after a car crash in California?
If you got hurt in a car accident, an attorney can help you file a personal injury claim requesting compensation for your crash-related losses. Medical treatments for injuries can be expensive, and a car accident lawyer can place an appropriate value on your case and demand fair payment from the insurance company.
How do you determine fault in a car accident case?
Police reports often provide an initial indication of fault in a car accident case. From there, claims adjusters and your lawyer will speak to witnesses, talk to the parties involved, and analyze any other evidence to determine liability. Sometimes, a car accident lawyer will turn to experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to establish liability in complex cases.
What challenges can arise in a car accident claim?
There are a few complications that can arise during a car accident case, especially when dealing with insurance companies.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. Adjusters will do their best to find reasons to deny or underpay your car accident claim. They use tactics to try and get you to say something that will undermine your claim. It’s best to hire an experienced car accident attorney to handle all communications with the insurer to avoid these pitfalls.
Another common challenge is disputes over liability. If there are questions about who is responsible for a car accident, you would be wise to have an attorney handling your case. They know what evidence to collect to prove the other party’s fault and to pursue the compensation you deserve.
