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Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Don't Accept a Settlement Offer from an Insurance Company! Speak with Our Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento First

If you have been hit by a negligent driver, you will most likely be contacted by that driver's insurance company, and you may immediately be offered a monetary settlement. At Smolich and Smolich, our Sacramento car accident attorneys strongly advise clients not to take it.

Insurance companies thrive by encouraging motor vehicle accident victims to accept low settlements immediately following an accident. After signing on the dotted line, you will have no legal right to pursue further compensation. Accepting a swift settlement often means insufficient coverage for the long-term impact of injuries. What seems like a reasonable offer at first can quickly become inadequate when you are facing ongoing medical bills, lost income, and other unforeseen expenses. This is why informed decision-making is crucial during these uncertain times.

Contact our experienced team of Sacramento car accident lawyers online or call at (916) 571-0400 today!

Common Car Accident Injuries 

After a crash in Sacramento, injuries can range from minor strains to life-altering trauma. Even if you walk away from an accident, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, back pain, or emotional distress may appear days later, making prompt medical evaluation important for both your health and any potential claim.

 
Common injuries include, but aren't limited to:
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Sprains and strains 
  • Burns
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Emotional trauma
 

Whether your accident happened on the I-5, Highway 99, or on smaller roads, our team can support you from start to finish. We strive to provide tailored and caring legal guidance so you can focus on recovery. 

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing. Beyond physical injuries, victims often face mounting medical bills, emotional distress, and the challenges of navigating complex insurance claims. A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who assists individuals involved in auto accidents. Their goal is to protect your rights, help you pursue fair compensation, and guide you through the often complicated legal process.

A car accident lawyer can help by:

  • Investigating the accident: A lawyer conducts an investigation by gathering police reports, photographs, surveillance footage, and witness statements, working with accident reconstruction experts when needed, and evaluating injuries and property damage to establish fault and liability.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: An auto accident lawyer in Sacramento can handle all communications with insurance adjusters, present evidence showing the other party’s responsibility, and aggressively negotiate to pursue compensation.
  • Filing claims and lawsuits: Your lawyer can prepare and file insurance claims or legal pleadings, meet all deadlines and statute of limitations requirements, and escalate the case to litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
  • Representing clients in court: If a case proceeds to trial, a lawyer presents evidence and arguments, examines and cross-examines witnesses, and advocates before a judge or jury to seek the maximum compensation allowed by law.
  • Pursuing full compensation: A lawyer works to recover damages for current and future medical care, lost income and earning capacity, vehicle repairs or replacement, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the accident on your quality of life.

A car accident lawyer’s primary role is to support you after a car accident, helping you pursue fair compensation and easing the stress of legal and insurance matters. If you have been involved in a car accident, consulting an experienced lawyer can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and pursuing a successful outcome.

Contact our Sacramento car accident attorney by calling (916) 571-0400 today!

Types of Compensation in Car Accident Claims

Depending on the circumstances of your car crash, you may be able to pursue a number of different types of compensation in your case.

Compensation in car accident claims can include:

  • Medical Bills: Covering hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care.
  • Lost Wages: Recovering income lost due to missed work, as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
  • Property Damage: Repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the accident.
  • Pain & Suffering: Addressing emotional distress, physical pain, and the impact on your overall quality of life.

An experienced lawyer helps make sure that all your losses, both economic and non-economic, are factored into your claim. Our commitment is to carefully account for every aspect of your situation, leading to a well-rounded approach in seeking fair compensation.

Did the Negligent Driver Have Insurance?

Unfortunately, there are many drivers on the road with insufficient insurance or even no insurance at all. Our Sacramento car accident attorneys have the experience to handle uninsured and underinsured motorist accident claims. This may necessitate turning to the victim's own policy for compensation. Understanding your own policy's terms can be crucial, as policies may offer different levels of coverage for uninsured motorist incidents, dramatically affecting your compensation path.

In these types of claims, your insurance company steps into the shoes of the responsible negligent party. A claim is then pursued against your insurance company for compensation. These claims require careful navigation to avoid pitfalls and ensure that maximum policy benefits are attained, reinforcing the importance of legal support in such cases.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?

According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, the statute of limitations in California is two years. This means you have two years from the date your car accident occurred to file, or you will most likely lose your right to file along with your right to pursue compensation.

There are, however, exceptions to this law that can change your filing time period, so it is important to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer in Sacramento about the specifics of your case as soon as you can. 

Acting quickly also helps preserve key evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photographs, which can strengthen your claim.

Sacramento Attorneys Protecting Victims of Negligent Driving

If you find yourself with costly medical expenses, an inability to work and support your family, and bills piling up after your auto accident, you may have options available for seeking financial compensation, and we are here to help you understand what they are.

Our firm has more than 50 years of experience helping victims of highway and roadway negligence throughout Northern California. You can count on us to determine what compensation you deserve for your auto accident and to work to pursue it. We pride ourselves on our strategic negotiation skills and our tenacity in pursuing fair settlements while preparing a strong case for court if required.

Our Sacramento auto accident attorneys handle cases involving:

Let our Sacramento law firm begin work on your case right away by calling us at (916) 571-0400 and scheduling a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our Sacramento car accident lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Sacramento?

After a car accident, focus first on safety. Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and request medical help if needed. A police report can be important even in minor crashes. Exchange contact and insurance information with involved parties, take photos of the scene and any injuries, gather witness details, seek medical evaluation, and avoid discussing fault at the scene.

How Can Smolich and Smolich Assist With My Claim?

Smolich and Smolich provides personalized representation backed by more than 50 years of experience. We investigate accidents, handle insurance negotiations, and provide skilled representation during litigation, with the goal of pursuing compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Our local knowledge and client-focused approach guide every step of the process.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sacramento?

Common causes of car accidents in Sacramento include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, heavy traffic, and poor road conditions. Congestion on major routes like I-5 and US-50, along with unclear signage or inadequate road maintenance, also contributes to collisions, especially during peak travel times.

Contact Smolich and Smolich Today!

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