San Rafael Car Accident Lawyer

Every day, thousands of car accidents occur throughout California. While some accidents only result in vehicle damage, others cause severe injuries, some of which are life-changing or fatal. If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident caused by another driver, you have the right to hold them accountable for your damages. While an auto insurance claim is typically the first step toward economic recovery after a car accident, a successful claim may not be enough to fully cover your losses.

Legal Representation for San Rafael, CA, Car Accident Victims

It’s natural to have lots of questions after a car accident, and a San Rafael car accident lawyer is the best resource to consult in this situation. The team at Rush Injury Law routinely provides comprehensive legal representation to car accident victims in the San Rafael, CA, area. We understand the challenges accident victims face and the complex questions they typically have about their legal rights after an accident. So, if you find yourself in this situation, or if a loved one recently suffered injuries in an accident someone else caused, we can help.

Is It Worth Hiring Car Accident Lawyers?

Many people make the mistake of believing they can manage recovery from a car accident unassisted or that hiring an attorney would just amount to wasted money on legal fees when the other driver’s fault is apparent. However, the reality is that even in the most seemingly straightforward accident claims, plaintiffs can encounter significant legal challenges they may not know how to address unassisted.

Hiring an experienced San Rafael personal injury lawyer not only increases your chance of success with your claim but is also likely to yield far more compensation than you could have obtained on your own. The right lawyer will carefully review the details of your accident and help you calculate the full scope of the damages you can claim, maximizing your recovery.

Common Causes of Car Accident Personal Injury Claims in California

Car accidents happen for many reasons, and when one driver’s carelessness, recklessness, inattention, or intentional misconduct behind the wheel causes an accident, they are liable for the resulting damages. Some of the most common causes of car accidents that lead to personal injury claims in California include:

• Distracted driving is the most commonly reported cause of all motor vehicle accidents in the US. Even brief distractions can have devastating results. Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and changing traffic patterns while operating their vehicles.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is dangerous for the impaired driver and everyone around them. When DUI results in an accident, the intoxicated driver faces criminal prosecution under California’s DUI laws as well as civil liability for victims’ damages.
• Speeding. Exceeding posted speed limits is dangerous, limiting the amount of time and space a driver has to avoid collisions.
• Moving violations, such as running red lights, illegal turns, and improper use of turn signals. These things make it harder for others nearby to anticipate the driver’s actions and can cause serious accidents.
• Reckless driving. When a driver intentionally engages in reckless conduct on the road, they can easily harm themselves and others. When this type of behavior results in an accident, the at-fault driver is likely to face criminal charges in addition to civil liability for any resulting damages to other drivers.

These are just a few examples of situations that often lead to damaging vehicle accidents. Suppose you or a loved one recently experienced a car accident and you are unsure whether you have grounds for legal action. In that case, it’s essential to consult an experienced San Rafael car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Proving Liability for Your Recent San Rafael Car Accident

Whether you intend to file an auto insurance claim, a personal injury claim, or both in response to your recent car accident, proving fault for the incident is essential. You must have clear proof that the other driver directly caused the accident and, consequently, your claimed damages. Your San Rafael car accident lawyer can assist you in gathering the evidence you need to establish proof of liability for the accident.

First, your attorney will help you correctly identify the driver or drivers responsible for the accident. They may help you gather physical evidence from the accident scene and a copy of the police report. It’s a good idea to take photos of the accident scene if you can do so safely before the police arrive. Take photos of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle, as these can help with a future insurance claim or personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. You should also try to take photos of the surrounding area.

Depending on where your accident occurred, your legal team could potentially obtain traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and other data that helps you identify the at-fault driver or drivers. Every case is unique, and your San Rafael car accident lawyer can provide detailed guidance when it comes to establishing liability for your accident. They will also help you calculate the damages you can claim from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. When their insurance isn’t enough to cover your losses, your attorney will help you take further legal action in the form of a personal injury claim.

How to Approach an Auto Insurance Claim

California is a fault state for car accidents, meaning every driver must have auto insurance that provides liability coverage in case they cause an accident. Filing an auto insurance claim is usually the first step toward recovering from your damages after a car accident. Most auto insurance policies will compensate for medical expenses and property damage. However, California has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country. When an at-fault driver’s insurance can’t cover your losses, and your own policy only provides minimal coverage for an accident you did not cause, you need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

It is still necessary to file an auto insurance claim in most cases, even when the available coverage cannot fully compensate your losses. However, dealing with insurance companies is never easy, and the average person is likely to encounter significant challenges when it comes to obtaining a claim payout. Your San Rafael car accident lawyer can represent you while you deal with insurance companies, reviewing the at-fault driver’s policy, and drafting your demand letter on your behalf. Once you obtain an insurance settlement, your legal team will start working on a personal injury claim that helps you recover your remaining damages.

Damages and Compensation for a Car Accident Claim

A successful auto insurance claim can provide some compensation for your medical bills and the cost of repairing your vehicle. However, California state law allows the car accident victim to seek total compensation for all damages caused by another driver. Your San Rafael car accident lawyer can potentially enhance your recovery by helping you claim compensation for:

• Medical expenses beyond what insurance covers. Your legal team will ensure the defendant is held accountable for immediate and future medical expenses resulting from your accident. For example, you can recover compensation for hospital bills and any ongoing treatment costs for severe injuries.
• Lost income if your accident has left you unable to work while you recover. When a car accident causes a permanent disability, the victim has the right to seek compensation for lost future income.
• Property damage. A minimum coverage auto insurance policy may only offer up to $5,000 in vehicle damage coverage. Your attorney can help you secure additional compensation if your property losses eclipse the at-fault driver’s property damage liability coverage.
• Pain and suffering. California state law allows any personal injury plaintiff to recover compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by a defendant’s negligence. The amount the plaintiff claims should reflect the severity of their injuries and the likelihood of them experiencing long-term or permanent complications from the accident.

The right attorney can potentially make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your personal injury lawsuit, helping you maximize your recovery to the fullest extent possible under California law.

How Your San Rafael Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

It’s natural to feel uncertain and frustrated by your circumstances after experiencing damages due to another driver’s negligence. It’s vital to know how to approach this difficult situation and the legal services an experienced San Rafael car accident attorney can provide. Your legal team can provide peace of mind and reassurance during this difficult time, helping you approach your legal proceedings with confidence.

Rush Injury Law has extensive experience representing San Rafael area clients in their motor vehicle accident claims. We know that you probably have many questions about your legal options in this situation. Our goal is to help you understand the proceedings ahead of you as we work toward maximizing your recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling in the aftermath of a car accident in San Rafael and you need answers to your legal questions, we can help. Contact Rush Injury Law today and schedule a consultation with our team.