Yuba City Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

With a population of around 66,000 people, residents in Yuba City face various dangers on the roads and highways around town. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2021 there were 785 individuals who were killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes in Yuba City. This means that more than two individuals in Yuba City will be either hurt or killed in a car crash every day. It is not a matter of “if” a Yuba City 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 Yuba City Car Accident Lawyers often hear.

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

If you have been involved in a car accident around Yuba City, Marysville, or elsewhere in Sutter 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.

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 was one percent to blame, they will only be liable for one percent of damages.

How Does One Prove Fault and Damages in a Sutter 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. 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 Sutter 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 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 Yuba City?

Our Sutter 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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City Car Crashes Can the Wyatt Law Corp Assist?

A Yuba City “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 Sutter County Car Accident Should I Hire a Lawyer?

You only have a limited amount of time after your Sutter County car crash to pursue your claim for compensation. California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 gives Sutter 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. For more details, you can refer to the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.

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 Sutter 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.

Why Should you Hire Wyatt Law Corp for your Yuba City Car Accident Attorney?

With over 40 years of experience, Wyatt Law Corp specializes in representing injured car accident victims in California. They operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do. The firm can also help arrange medical care if you lack insurance, promising to repay providers from your settlement.

Mr. Russ Wyatt, a former U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran, runs the family law firm, fighting for injured clients during insurance settlement negotiations. For more information on handling your claim, contact us today. Our office is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the Yuba City courthouse. Call today to learn more!

What Happens After I Retain the Wyatt Law Corp as My Car Accident Attorney in Sutter 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## What Should I Do After a Yuba City Car Accident?

There are three types of car accidents: fender-benders resulting in property damage, serious accidents requiring ambulances, and everything in between. Before filing an insurance claim, you must file a police report in California. If there is injury or death, you are legally required to contact the police or highway patrol and file a written report within 24 hours. Accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV within 10 days.

What Happens When I Call Police After a Car Accident?

The police will take statements from involved parties and witnesses. Their primary duties are to ensure injured individuals receive medical care and to clear the scene for traffic. Consequently, police reports might not always be accurate regarding your personal injury claim. It’s important to document the scene yourself by taking photos, as police reports might miss key details.

How Should I Report the Car Accident?

You must report the car accident to the police before filing an insurance claim. The report should be filed within 24 hours of the accident. You can call the police to the scene, report the accident after you get home if it’s minor, or have the police come to the hospital if you are seriously injured. Then, report the accident to your insurer, who will begin processing the claim.

Whose Insurance Is Responsible in a Car Accident?

California is a tort state for car accidents, meaning you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover damages for vehicle damage and injuries. Each driver must carry an insurance policy of $15,000 per driver and $30,000 per accident. However, not all drivers have insurance, so it’s important to understand your options.

What Happens If Their Policy Doesn’t Cover My Expenses?

California drivers are encouraged to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist policies. These policies cover expenses beyond the at-fault driver’s policy limits. You can file a lawsuit directly against the driver, but those with minimal insurance often lack significant assets. Hence, uninsured and underinsured motorist policies are crucial for covering the difference in such cases.

If involved in a hit-and-run or the other driver lacks insurance, you can file a claim on your uninsured motorist policy. This doesn’t mean you won’t need a lawyer.

How Does a Lawyer Help Recover Damages After a Yuba City Car Accident?

Lawyers are typically involved in cases where serious injuries require medical intervention. They help ensure you receive proper compensation and handle negotiations with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovery. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, so a Yuba City car accident attorney is essential for advocating on your behalf.

10 Steps in a Yuba City 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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City Car Accident Law Firm

Car accidents are a fact of life in Yuba City and throughout California. Given the number of cars on California roads every day, it’s not surprising that the roads are dangerous and lead to many motor vehicle accidents. According to the most recent figures from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Sutter County sees a significant number of injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents.

Thankfully, most car accidents in Yuba City 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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City Motorists

When a Yuba City 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. Yuba City car accident attorneys at Wyatt Law Corp are committed to helping injured Sutter County motorists in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation possible following their car crash.