When you are involved in a car accident, it is important to notify the police immediately. This will ensure an official accident record is created, which can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies who may try to deflect fault or downplay the extent of your injuries. Additionally, it is a good idea to collect contact information from any eyewitnesses.
Almost all auto accidents stem from another party’s negligence. The legal theory behind negligence states that when someone fails to act with reasonable care while acting as a driver, they are liable for the resulting damages. In most cases, drivers are negligent by speeding, failing to obey traffic laws, distracted driving, drunk driving and other acts of recklessness or carelessness on the road.
Skilled Attorneys Specializing in Auto Accidents in Sacramento
Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer in Sacramento can make a huge difference when it comes to receiving maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. An attorney will be able to handle the investigation of your crash, calculate your damages and negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement.
Depending on the circumstances of your car accident, you could be entitled to recover two different types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical costs and lost income, while non-economic damages are designed to cover the harder-to-value suffering you may have endured as a result of the crash. In some cases, juries might also award punitive damages if they believe the at-fault driver showed grossly negligent or willful conduct in causing your crash.