Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Rosa, CA

Car accidents account for a significant percentage of personal injury claims in the United States. They are the most common claim cause, reflecting the high frequency of accidents on the country's roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2.7 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2018, illustrating the high risk of injury in car accidents.

In the aftermath of a car accident, you may be overwhelmed with the pain of your injuries, the stress of medical bills, and the confusion of dealing with insurance companies. This is why turning to an experienced personal injury lawyer can be crucial. At Smith Dollar, we can help protect your rights, handle negotiations with insurers, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Request a free case evaluation with a Santa Rosa car accident attorney by calling us at (707) 405-7391 or you can contact us online. 

Overview of Car Accidents in California

Auto accidents can occur through many causes; the majority of these are based on human error. 

These can include:

• Distracted driving: This includes texting, eating, or other activities that divert the driver's attention from the road.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit is a common cause of accidents, as it reduces the driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs the ability to drive safely, affecting the driver's ability to focus on the road and make good driving decisions.
• Running red lights or stop signs: These failures put other drivers in harm’s way on roadways and can lead to severe collisions.
• Violating other traffic laws: These can range from failure to yield to tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or reckless driving.

The results of such behaviors can leave you with injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe whiplash, broken bones, internal injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, burns, spinal cord damage, or death. You may be facing weeks, months, or years of disability in which you will need long-term medical care and may be unable to return to your former job or career. 

This can wreak havoc on your body, mind, emotional stability, and financial scene. Getting the compensation you need and deserve in such situations is crucial. 

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

After a traffic crash, what you do can be critical to your personal injury claim. 

You should:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if no injuries are apparent, as some may manifest later. You will need medical reports as vital evidence to support the extent of your injuries and the medical care they require.
• Report the accident to the police; this adds further law enforcement verification of the event and its details.
• Document the scene with photos, if possible, and gather contact information from witnesses.
• Notify your insurance company about the accident.
• Consult with a lawyer before making any statements or signing any documents from insurance companies.

Compensation in California Car Accident Claims

You may secure compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage to your vehicle or personal items, and pain and suffering. Compensation will depend on the extent of your injuries and losses. 

Insurers often attempt to limit or deny these compensations to protect their bottom line. Putting a seasoned law firm like Smith Dollar in your corner can dramatically impact your case. Our injury lawyers are proven negotiators in fighting for optimum results; we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve in claims and lawsuits. 

Use our convenient online contact form or call us at (707) 405-7391 for a free consultation today.