With over 2 million licensed drivers using the state’s roadways, California has some of the busiest roads in the nation – a factor that increases your chances of getting into an accident.
Each and every day California highways are inundated with traffic as millions of people commute back and forth to work. Even local roads are heavily traveled at certain times during the day as drivers try to avoid the traffic gridlocks on area freeways.
Unfortunately, many highway car accidents that happen in California are the result of negligent behaviors on the part of drivers, including:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to negligence on the part of another driver and have sustained injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for any economic as well as non-economic damages resulting from the accident.
After a car accident, you need to call an attorney that is experienced in handling personal injury cases; one that can help you recover the financial compensation for the losses incurred, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What if it’s not your fault
California is a “comparative negligence” state, which means if you are involved in a highway car accident the amount of compensation that you may recover can be reduced by the percentage of your “shared” fault for the accident.
For instance, if a driver that was going over the speed limit rear-ends your vehicle after you were making a lane change, it may be determined that both of you share fault for the accident.
If you were injured in an accident for which you believe that you were not at fault, it’s very important to gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This could include photos, witness statements, and a police report – as well as evidence of your injuries such as medical records and hospital records – to prove your case.
In cases involving severe injury or death, police officers will usually assess the scene, speak with the drivers and/or passenger if possible, and other witnesses. And they’ll gather other evidence – such as skid marks, vehicle damage, point of impact, etc. – to help determine fault.
Your best chance for getting damages is to enlist the services of a personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident claims and dealing with insurance companies, to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve to move forward. Remember – the other party’s insurance company will do everything possible to limit the compensation that you’re able to recover.
We see it every day
At the Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan, APC, personal injury law firm in Montrose, CA, we, unfortunately, witness far too many car accidents because the 210 Freeway runs from Sylmar, through Sunland-Tujunga, Crescenta, and Montrose, heading south to La Canada, and on to Pasadena.
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, call our office to schedule a free phone consultation. Take a few minutes to check out our recent car accident case results.