Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys: Five Things to Know

Car accidents are a fact of life in Sacramento and throughout California. In a recent study of the 10 Ten Cities with the Worst Traffic, California cities ranked at #1 (Los Angeles), #2 (San Francisco) and #5 (San Jose).  Given the number of cars on California roads everyday, it’s not a surprise that the roads are also dangerous and lead to many motor vehicle accidents. According to the most recent figures from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Sacramento ranks 9th among 58 counties in total injuries, including fatalities, due to motor vehicle accidents. This translates into almost 10,000 injuries per year. Thankfully, most car accidents in Sacramento and elsewhere in California only result in minor personal injuries and property damage. For this reason, victims usually do not think to engage a car accident attorney. But it is always a good idea to consult with a Sacramento car accident attorney if you have questions about your legal rights following any kind of accident. The attorneys at the Wyatt Law Corporation are available to answer your questions free of charge and will help you determine what your case is worth. Here are some answers to the most common questions the car accident attorneys at the Wyatt Law Corp receive:

1. What Should I Do Immediately Following a Car Accident?

Obviously, the first priority after any accident is to call 911 and get medical attention for anyone who is injured. The next step should be to contact the local police department. Police officers are trained in securing and investigating accident scenes. The police will prepare a formal accident report, which can be helpful in later establishing a negligent driver’s fault in a personal injury lawsuit.

While waiting for the police, there are some preliminary steps you can take. You should exchange contact, driver’s license, and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. Make sure to take note of the license plate and vehicle identification number of any vehicles. Just about all of us now carry a high-resolution camera as part our smartphones. Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle and other conditions–skid marks, traffic signals, road obstacles–that you think might be relevant. Basically, you need to start preparing for a possible legal claim as soon as possible.

2. What Should I Avoid Following a Car Accident?

You cannot win a personal injury case right after an accident, but you might lose it if you do not exercise some caution. The one thing you should never do is apologize or admit liability to the other driver. Even if you think you might be partly to blame for the accident, do not say anything until you have had a chance to speak with a Sacramento car accident attorney.

3. Do I Really Need a Car Accident Attorney or Can I Handle it Myself?

In truth, not every accident requires a lawyer. If you only sustained minor damage to your car and insurance will cover the repairs, then you may be okay handling things yourself. But if you suspect the insurance company is not dealing with you fairly, or that your total damages may be more than you initially suspected, there is certainly no harm in scheduling a free consultation with the experienced Sacramento car accident attorneys at the Wyatt firm.

Remember, insurance company adjusters are experts when it comes to assessing accident claims. They do this every day and their first duty is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line – not you. If an adjuster knows you are not represented by counsel, he or she may take advantage of your lack of knowledge. It can be difficult to assess the value of your own accident claim, especially when you have no experience in this area. Our attorneys can help level the playing field and make sure you are not pressured into accepting an initial offer that does not fully compensate you. We only handle car accident cases and have been doing so for 40 years!

4. What Types of Damages Can I Seek?

The three most common types of damages in car accident cases are medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These are all classified as “economic damages,” because they have a quantifiable value. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may also have a claim for “non-economic damages,” which may include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of spousal companionship and services. Medical expenses are often the biggest concern because even a seemingly minor accident can lead to thousands of dollars in bills. If an accident causes whiplash or traumatic brain injury, for example, the victim may face weeks, months, or even years of additional medical care. When another driver’s negligence was responsible for such injuries, the victim has the right to seek compensation for any or all of the following:

• Hospitalization and emergency care;
• Ambulance and medical transportation fees;
• Follow-up consultations with specialists;
• Medical accessories to aid recovery (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.); and
• In-home services, including any necessary non-medical care.

Our car accident attorneys can help properly assess the total value of your economic and noneconomic damages and seek appropriate compensation from the responsible parties. The last thing you want to deal with while recovering from your accident is deal with medical bills. We can help relieve you of that burden.

5. Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Even If I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident?

Some people do not pursue a personal injury claim following a car accident because they feel at least partly responsible. You should not feel that way. While some states bar a plaintiff from recovering if they are even found to be 1 percent liable for an accident, California is much more forgiving. California is among roughly a dozen states that recognize a “pure comparative fault” rule with respect to car accidents. This means a plaintiff can recover damages against a negligent defendant regardless of the plaintiff’s relative fault. But any award will be reduced proportionately. Let’s say you get into an accident and sue the other driver. A jury awards you $100,000 in damages but also decides you were 20 percent at fault. The judge would then reduce the award by 20 percent to $80,000.

Why Should I Contact The Wyatt Law Corp Car Accident Attorneys?

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to hiring a Sacramento personal injury attorney. What makes the Law Office of Russ Wyatt unique is our commitment to family. Russ Wyatt works with his father Raymond, and brother Peter – all licensed and experienced California car accident attorneys – to assist clients in fighting for just compensation.  The Wyatt attorneys understand that being injured in a car accident it traumatic and requires a personal touch.  Unlike some impersonal mega-firms where clients are simply looked at as dollars, the Wyatt’s strive to treat every client like a family member. Russ Wyatt has been widely recognized by his clients and peers for his outstanding service.

In fact, San Francisco Magazine honored Russ as one of “Northern California’s Outstanding Young Lawyers” in August 2016. He has also been named by SuperLawyers as a top-rated attorney in Sacramento. If you have been injured in a car accident in Sacramento, Placer, Yuba, Solano or El Dorado counties, you no doubt have many questions about your legal rights. The Law Office of Russ Wyatt can provide the answers you seek. Let our family help your family: Call us today at 916-277-8820 to schedule a free consultation.