Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

With a population of around 120,000 people, residents in Fairfield face various dangers on the roads and highways around town. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2021 there were 1,325 individuals who were killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes in Fairfield. This means that nearly four individuals in Fairfield will be either hurt or killed in a car crash every day. It is not a matter of “if” a Fairfield car crash will happen to you or a loved one, but simply a matter of “when.” Take a look at these frequently asked questions that our Fairfield Car Accident Lawyers often hear.

At a recent Solano County traffic forum where members of the community met with the Fairfield Police Department and the CHP, it was acknowledged that speeding is a great concern in the Fairfield which has led to many accidents and injuries.

“It’s particularly bad around Air Base Parkway, North Texas and Peabody where cars routinely do more than 100 mph.
-Fairfield Police Sargant Gail Hill

A Kaiser Permanente trauma official gave a brief presentation and noted the increase in the quantity and severity of injuries in Solano county following a vehicle collision – particularly those which also involved a bicyclist or pedestrian.

Being involved in a car accident can be a life changing experience, particularly when injuries are severe and prevent the affected individual from returning to life as normal. At the Wyatt Law Corp., our Fairfield car accidents attorneys are passionate about helping our clients to recover damages which help them to move forward with their lives and recover the compensation they deserve.

Who Pays for Damages after a Car Accident in the Fairfield Area?

If you have been involved in a car accident around Fairfield, Vacaville or elsewhere in Solano County, the Wyatt Law Corporation Car Accident Attorneys are here to help you understand your options and offer a free consultation.

One of the most important things that you need to understand is the state of California’s law regarding fault and liability for a car accident. Two important components of the law are:

• Tort liability; and
• Pure comparative negligence.

The first thing–tort liability–means that the state of California follows a traditional at-fault system following a car accident, which means that a driver who causes a crash is responsible for paying for it, typically through their auto liability insurance. It also means that in addition to having the option of filing a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver (or with your own insurance company in some circumstances), you also have the right to file a lawsuit for damages directly against the negligent party.

Pure comparative negligence means that an injured party has the right to recover compensation against a negligent party even if the injured party contributed to their own injuries (i.e. was partially at fault for the accident). In fact, under pure comparative negligence rules, an injured party may seek damages even if they were 99 percent to blame for their harm; so long as the other party was at least one percent at fault, damages can be sought against the party in proportion to their degree of fault. In other words, if the other party truly was one percent to blame, they will only be liable for one percent of damages.

How Does One Prove Fault and Damages in a Solano County Car Accident (and Why Does it Matter)?

Because the degree of fault of each driver directly corresponds to how much each driver will be liable for, proving fault is essential after a crash, and working with an attorney who knows how to thoroughly investigate your accident and build a strong case is highly recommended. When you hire the car accident attorneys at the Wyatt Law Corp., we will do what it takes to determine fault, including hiring accident reconstruction experts and forensic specialists.

In addition to proving fault, you will also need to prove the extent of damages that you have suffered in order to be compensated for your harm. In order to determine damages, you will have an insurance adjuster assigned to your case. An insurance adjuster will review various sources of evidence (such as medical bills, doctors’ notes, opinion of a vehicle appraiser, etc.) in order to determine what your claim is worth. You will then be offered a settlement.

How Does the Car Accident Settlement Process Work in Solano County?

The settlement offer that you receive after a car accident may not be fair. Our experience at the Wyatt Law Corp is that our clients are often shocked by how low the initial claim is and think that your it is worth much more than what is being offered. This is why it is very important to understand both the value of your claim, and what to do if your initial settlement offer is low-balled.

If you are offered a settlement that is less than you feel you deserve, you can (and should) reject the settlement offer. If you accept the settlement and sign a release of claims, you are forfeiting your right to pursue any further damages. This is yet another reason why working with an experienced attorney who can review a settlement offer and any documents you are asked to sign is so critical.

When you reject an initial settlement, you should also submit a counter demand that outlines how much you are expecting in compensation, and why you believe your claim is worth that amount. The insurance company will likely counter again, and this process can continue for multiple weeks or months until a settlement is reached.

In some cases, a settlement will not be reached out of court, and you will have the option of filing a lawsuit and taking your case to litigation. If this is the case, you can take comfort in the knowledge that our law firm has trial experience, and will be prepared.

How Can a Compensation Award Be Maximized for Cases in Fairfield?

Our Solano County car accident lawyers know that damages following a crash can be devastating. In addition to dealing with a totaled vehicle, you or a loved one may also have incurred serious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, fracture injury, internal injury, and more. These injuries can not only be expensive and painful to treat, but may prevent a person from returning to work, engaging in favorite activities, or even being able to care for themselves.

When you call our experienced auto accident lawyers at our Fairfield office, we will treat you and your case with the attention that both deserve. We have a reputation of success, and have recovered multiple high value settlement awards on our clients’ behalf. Our goal is to do the work necessary to maximize your compensation award.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation in our Fairfield office with our law firm where you can ask questions and our lawyers will evaluate your case, please contact us today. You can request your free consultation by sending us a message using the intake form found on our website, or by calling us directly.

What Types of Fairfield Car Crashes Can the Wyatt Law Corp Assist?

A Fairfield “car wreck” can encompass far more situations and scenarios than just a simple collision between two vehicles. While these “property damage only” collisions are commonplace, the Wyatt attorneys are able to assist with car wrecks caused by another careless or reckless driver that result in injury to you or your loved ones or the death of a loved one. Seek the advice and representation of the Wyatt Law Corp if you or a loved one have been injured or killed in any of the following types of collisions:

• Car collisions between your vehicle and another passenger vehicle;
• Truck collisions involving your vehicle and a commercial vehicle such as a big rig, tractor-trailer, or commercial truck or bus;
• Pedestrian collisions, in which you or your loved one are struck by another vehicle while walking;
• Bicycle collisions, wherein you or a loved one are struck by a careless or reckless driver while riding your bicycle.

No matter the specific facts and circumstances that led to your injury accident, chances are that attorney Russ Wyatt can assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver. Do not allow your opportunity to obtain monetary damages for your losses pass – contact Russ Wyatt today.

How Soon After My Solano County Car Accident Should I Hire a Lawyer?

You only have a limited amount of time after your Solano County car crash to pursue your claim for compensation. California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 gives Solano County car accident victims two years from the date the accident occurs within which to commence a car accident lawsuit. If you attempt to initiate a lawsuit after this time period has run, your case may be dismissed without any monetary judgment being entered in your favor.

This being said, there are certain narrow exceptions to this general rule that may permit you to file your claim even after this two-year period has passed. For this reason, you should discuss your Solano County car crash case with the Wyatt Law Corp as soon as possible – even if you believe more than two years have passed since your car wreck. Attorneys Raymond, Russ, and Peter Wyatt can assist you in determining if an exception applies in your case and will help you initiate your case in a timely fashion.

What Happens After I Retain the Wyatt Law Corp as My Car Accident Attorney in Solano County?

Once you have retained the services of the Wyatt Law Corp, your case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure your lawsuit is filed against all parties who played a role in causing your crash are held accountable for their actions and that your injuries and losses are properly documented and substantiated. From there, your case will be filed in the Solano County Superior Court, located at 600 Union Avenue in Fairfield.

The course your car crash case takes following its initiation will depend on whether there are issues of material fact to be determined by a judge or jury, whether the other party accepts partial or complete liability for causing your crash, and/or how many individual parties are accused of contributing to your injuries. Any case that is not settled by an agreement of the parties will proceed to trial before a judge or jury at the Solano County Superior Court.

Regardless of whether your case ends up before a judge or jury or is resolved through a settlement agreement, trust that Solano County car crash lawyer Russ Wyatt will be with you every step of the way. Russ Wyatt will work diligently to advance your case and your interests, and will keep you continuously informed of the progress of your case.

What Should I Do 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 of 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.

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 Fairfield car accident attorney.

Do I Really Need a Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer 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 Fairfield 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!

What Types of Damages Can I Seek in a Car Accident Case?

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 non-economic damages and seek appropriate compensation from the responsible parties. The last thing you want to deal with while recovering from your accident is dealing with medical bills. We can help relieve you of that burden.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Even If I Was Partly Responsible for the Car 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.

How do I find the Best Fairfield Car Accident Attorney?

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to hiring a Fairfield car accident lawyer. 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 is 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 Fairfield. If you have been injured in a car accident in Solano County or nearby areas, 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.

10 Steps in a Fairfield Car Accident Case

1. Call 911 and get medical attention for anyone who is injured.
2. Contact the local police department to report the accident.
3. Exchange contact, driver’s license, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
4. Take note of the license plate and vehicle identification number of any vehicles involved.
5. Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle and other relevant conditions.
6. Do not apologize or admit liability to the other driver.
7. Contact a Fairfield car accident attorney for legal advice.
8. Follow up with medical professionals for any injuries sustained.
9. Document any expenses and losses related to the accident.
10. Work with your attorney to pursue a claim for compensation.

 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Fairfield Car Accident Law Firm

Car accidents are a fact of life in Fairfield and throughout California. Given the number of cars on California roads every day, 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, Solano County sees a significant number of injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents.

Thankfully, most car accidents in Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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.

Dedicated Help for Injured Fairfield Motorists

When a Fairfield car accident does occur, you and/or your loved ones may find yourself facing significant costs, expenses, and monetary losses on top of any physical injuries sustained in the crash. These monetary losses can include:

• Medical expenses, including the costs of surgery, prescription medication, and ongoing therapy or treatment;
• Lost wages, both for time already missed from work as well as future lost earnings and/or earning potential;
• Mental pain and suffering; and/or
• Other economic and non-economic losses.

California laws governing car crashes are designed to provide motorists who are injured because of another driver’s carelessness or reckless driving with monetary compensation to address these losses and injuries. Fairfield car accident attorneys the Wyatt Law Corp is committed to helping injured Solano County motorists in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation possible following their car crash.