Union City Car Accident Attorney
Car Accident Attorney in Union City, CA
The Nimitz Expressway and State Road 238 flow in and out of busy Union City, CA. Every day, commuters use these roads to get to and from important destinations. A hotspot for heavy traffic, Union City is also an area where serious car accidents can occur at the accident scene. When a person suffers injuries or hardship as a result of a car accident, they shouldn’t have to suffer alone. According to the law, they’re entitled to compensation.
In Union City, Setareh Law is a trusted source of legal representation for car accident cases. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys will help you understand the legal process, handle insurance processes, provide legal advice, and navigate local laws. We will be by your side throughout your entire case and work to recover the funds you deserve.
What are Common Reasons for Car Accidents in Union City?
Being involved in a car accident is a life-altering experience. Every year, more than 3,000 people die in car accidents throughout California. The most common causes of car accidents in California include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road conditions
- Bad weather
- Driving drowsy
- Street racing
- Tailgating
Failure to adhere to traffic laws is also a significant cause of car accidents. It is crucial to file an accident report for legal and insurance purposes.
Bodily injury claims are a common result of car accidents and can lead to an extended period of rate spikes, potentially lasting up to five years.
No matter the reason your accident occurred, the trusted attorneys at Setareh Law are here for you. Even if you don’t see the cause of your accident listed above, you’re likely entitled to compensation for your injuries and should seek the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Car Accident?
If you’re involved in a car accident, understanding what to do immediately following the collision can help you win your case for compensation. Following these five steps will help you gather pertinent information and receive the care you require after an automotive accident.
- Check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries
- Call the local authorities (local police or 911)
- File an official report
- Take pictures of injuries and property damage/gather eye-witness statements
- Get checked by a medical professional
After these steps, contact your insurance company to report the accident.
Throughout these steps, it’s imperative to remember one thing: never admit fault unless you’ve talked to a trusted attorney first. Seeking legal counsel before admitting fault can help protect your chances of winning a settlement in the future. Understanding your legal rights after a car accident is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Can I Receive Compensation for My Car Accident Injuries?
At Setareh Law, we have won financial compensation for numerous car accident cases throughout California. If you live in Union City or the surrounding area, we will fight to win the money you deserve for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future loss of wages
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and Suffering
- …and more
An insurance adjuster plays a significant role in the claims process, evaluating the damages and determining the compensation amount.
It is crucial to file a personal injury claim promptly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your auto accident. In California, there’s a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim for injuries. By securing the right representation, you can improve your chances of winning the settlement you’re entitled to by the law.
How is the Value of a Personal Injury Case Determined?
Determining the value of a personal injury case involves examining various aspects of how the injury has impacted your life, both now and in the future. The process considers not only the physical and emotional toll but also the financial and relational consequences of the injury. The following are the primary factors that influence the value of a personal injury claim:
Severity of Injuries
The nature and extent of your injuries are central in determining your case’s value. Injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or surgery generally result in higher compensation. Courts and insurance companies assess the long-term outlook for recovery, the necessity for ongoing care, and any permanent limitations or disabilities caused by the accident. More severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements or awards to account for the significant impact on your health and quality of life.
Impact on Daily Life
Injuries that prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently, often lead to substantial financial losses. Courts and insurance adjusters evaluate not only the present loss of income but also the potential long-term impact on your earning capacity. If your injury restricts you from performing your job or forces a career change with lower earning potential, these losses are calculated into the compensation to help secure your financial future.
Impact on Family and Loved Ones
The effect of your injury extends beyond your own life, often impacting family members and loved ones. Compensation can account for the emotional distress your family endures, changes in family dynamics, and the support your loved ones provide for your recovery. Additionally, in some cases, spouses may recover damages for loss of companionship or consortium due to the accident’s impact on their relationship.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases
In Union City, California, as with the rest of the state, the statute of limitations plays a crucial role in car accident cases. For personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents, claimants generally have two years from the date of the incident to either resolve their case or file a lawsuit. This timeframe is critical, as failing to act within this period can result in the case becoming “time-barred,” effectively preventing the claimant from pursuing compensation.
It’s important to note that while the two-year rule is standard, exceptions do exist. These may include cases involving minors, where the clock typically starts at age 18, or situations where injuries are not immediately apparent. Additionally, claims for property damage have a slightly longer statute of limitations of three years.For accidents involving government vehicles, the timeline is significantly shorter. Claimants must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident, making swift action even more crucial in these cases.Given the complexities surrounding these timelines and potential exceptions, it’s advisable for accident victims to seek legal counsel promptly.
How to Prove Negligence in a Car Accident Claim
In a car accident claim, proving negligence is a fundamental step in establishing that the other driver’s actions or inactions caused the accident. This includes the following elements:
Duty of Care
All motorists have a duty to operate their vehicles responsibly and follow traffic laws to protect others on the road. In court, proving that the defendant had a duty of care is typically straightforward, as this responsibility applies to everyone driving on public roads.
Breach of Duty
Once it’s established that the other driver owed a duty of care, you must show that they breached this duty. Common breaches include actions like speeding, texting while driving, running red lights, or ignoring weather-related hazards. Evidence, such as traffic footage or police reports, can help demonstrate how the driver’s behavior fell short of the expected standard of care.
Causation
Proving causation means showing that the other motorist’s breach directly caused the collision and, consequently, your injuries. This step often involves demonstrating that the accident wouldn’t have happened without the other driver’s negligence. Medical records, accident reconstruction experts, and other forms of evidence can be critical in linking the driver’s actions to the resulting harm.
Damages
Finally, to recover compensation, you must prove you suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, as a result of the accident. Documenting these losses thoroughly through medical bills, pay stubs, repair estimates, and even personal journals detailing your recovery process can help substantiate the impact of the accident on your life.
How a Car Accident Lawyer at Setareh Law Can Help My Claim
Being involved in a car accident is stressful, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of time off work. Proceeding with a claim on your own can be challenging, as insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts.
At Setareh Law, our car accident lawyers are dedicated to easing your burden and maximizing the compensation you deserve. The following are ways a car accident lawyer can help your claim:
Comprehensive Investigation of Your Accident
Building a strong claim starts with a thorough investigation. We will gather and evaluate relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos from the accident scene, and any available video footage. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to understand exactly how the crash occurred. By investigating every detail, we establish liability and build a solid foundation for your claim.
Establishing Liability and Proving Negligence
Proving who is at fault in a car accident is essential. Our attorneys are skilled at identifying the liable parties and gathering the evidence needed to demonstrate their negligence. Whether the collision was caused by a distracted motorist, speeding, intoxication, or another form of reckless behavior, we’ll build a compelling case to show that the other driver’s actions directly led to your injuries and losses.
Handling All Communication with Insurance Companies
Insurance entities are known for using tactics to reduce the value of car collision claims or deny them altogether. They may pressure you to settle quickly or try to get you to make statements that could hurt your case. However, when you work with us, we handle communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. We know how to counter their tactics and negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
Calculating the True Value of Your Claim
Many accident victims underestimate the full extent of their losses, especially when future expenses are involved. Our attorneys work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your claim, including current and future medical treatments, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. By understanding the complete impact of your injuries, we pursue all compensation on your behalf.
Providing Representation in Court
While we strive to settle cases efficiently, sometimes taking a case to court is the only way to secure fair compensation. We have extensive trial experience and are not afraid to present your case before a judge and jury if necessary. Our reputation for taking cases to trial gives us leverage in negotiations and shows the insurance entities that we are serious about fighting for your rights.
Offering Compassionate Support Every Step of the Way
We understand that a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and our team is here to support you through every step of the legal process. From answering your questions to keeping you updated on your case’s progress, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate representation.
Trust Setareh Law With Your Union City Car Accident Case
Setareh Law is a reputable source of auto accident representation for individuals in Union City. If you were recently in a car accident, there’s no better time than now to contact Setareh Law regarding your needs. We have extensive experience in representing auto accident victims and will work tirelessly to build a successful case that works in your favor. We are committed to providing you with a personalized experience and devote our time to getting to know you so you can better handle the traumatic situation that you’re in. We have won millions of dollars in car accident cases for ordinary citizens just like you.
Call our office at 310-659-1826 or schedule a free legal consultation online today. We look forward to helping you soon.
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