california car accident laws

California car accident laws dictate clear guidelines and regulations for all state roads and highways to protect drivers. Drivers who fail to abide by these laws can and should be held financially liable for any injuries they cause. If you have been in a serious accident, it is important to understand the rights of all parties involved in the crash. 

California Car Accident Laws

car accidents and no fault states

Learn the difference between no-fault and at-fault states and how the laws affect vehicle accidents, insurance claims and compensation for damages and injuries.

Car Accidents and No-Fault States

car accident lawsuits

Understanding what happens during a car accident lawsuit is important to help you make smart choices during this unfamiliar experience. Take a look at the who, what, when, where and why of car accident lawsuits, so you know what to expect.

Everything Your Lawyer Wants You To Know About Car Accident Lawsuits

car accidents and insurance

Learn how having a car accident can affect your insurance, as well as how your insurance company can help you if you have an accident and how to file a claim.

How Car Accidents Affect Your Insurance

What to do after a car accident

Do you know what to do after a car accident? At the scene of the accident? Find out how you can limit your risk, protect yourself from liability and keep safe after a crash.

What To Do After a Car Accident

¿Qué hacer tras un accidente de tránsito?

Como la ley varía de un lugar a otro, y como hay tantas formas de tener un accidente, no es posible resumir brevemente lo que todo el mundo debe hacer en cada caso específico. Sin embargo, hay algunas acciones casi universales que es recomendable llevar a cabo, y lo que se espera que hagas depende en parte de la gravedad del accidente y de si crees que puedes ser culpable. Recuerde que sólo tu propio abogado puede darle asesoramiento legal, y que debe ponerse en contacto con el profesional para resolver con su asesoramiento cualquier pregunta que tenga acerca de su propia situación particular.

car accident lawsuit costs

Have you been in an accident and want to know what it truly costs to file a lawsuit? This guide reviews the continuing costs of a car accident lawsuit.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Cost?

New Hampshire state flag

In 2022, the state of New Hampshire saw another increase in its rate of motor vehicle fatalities, with the state’s Department of Safety recording 139 deaths as a result of 130 fatal crashes. This is a big jump from the number of people who died in 2020 and 2021, 104 and 118, respectively.
With car accidents becoming potentially common among those who fail to follow traffic regulations in New Hampshire, the state continues to enforce laws to prevent crashes and collisions. It also has several guidelines that help drivers and passengers alike prepare for the legal and financial burdens involved if an accident occurs.


New Hampshire Car Accident Laws

What To Do if You’re Hit by a Car: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries with long-lasting and sometimes even fatal consequences. It is important to understand the legal options available to a pedestrian hit by a car, especially if your injuries are extensive or require a more thorough investigation. 

HTH-CarAccidentLawyer Hero

Hire the right car accident attorney by asking these important questions about case history, damages, settlement options, and insurance company pressure. 

How To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer

i received a car accident court summons

When a car accident case makes it to court, many parties must be summoned for the judge and jury to gather information on the accident. You may find yourself summoned to court for a variety of reasons, but you must be aware of your role in the proceedings and what to do if you are sued for damages.

I Received a Car Accident Court Summons

car accident lawsuits outcomes and timelines

Taking a lawsuit to court comes with the risk that you could lose your case. Learn about the timeline and potential outcomes of a car accident lawsuit as well as what you need to know about your tax liability.

Car Accident Lawsuit Outcomes and Payment Timelines

Average Car Accident Settlements [2023]

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association, there were over 2.4 million people injured in car accidents in 2021 alone. Accidents of any severity can cause injuries, leave you without a vehicle, or cause you to incur mounting medical costs. Settlements are meant to reimburse the victim for the extensive costs that result from a car accident. An accident may result in a variety of injuries and expenses depending on both the severity and the type of accident. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common injuries from car accidents and the average reported settlements that were won.

For non-emergency concerns and incidents, contact the Santa Clara County Office of the Sherriff at 1-800-211-2220 (toll-free) or (408) 808-4400.

You can request a copy of your accident report by completing and submitting a Report Request Form to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office at the address below. The form is available for download online from the official website of the Sheriff's Office. You can also come in person to the Sherriff’s Office to get the form and submit it to the Records Division window.
The first 50 pages of the report are free. A 10-cent fee will be charged for each additional page. Accident reports will only be released to individuals involved in the incident or their authorized representatives.
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
55 W. Younger Ave. San Jose, CA 95110
You can also request a copy of the accident report online at <a href="https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/agency-search">https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/agency-search</a>

Car accident victims in Stanford may claim two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, repair or replacement of damaged property, and physical therapy and home modifications needed to rehabilitate the victim. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, the resulting disability or disfigurement, and reduced quality of life.

Generally, personal injury compensation is not taxable in California through an IRS-enacted regulation. The IRS made them tax-free because legal recoveries are meant to compensate victims. It does not matter if you got the compensation by settling or through a court trial. There are some exceptions to this regulation, which a Stanford car accident lawyer can provide counsel on.

California Vehicle Code, Section 17707 states that the parents/legal guardians of minors under 18 years old have civil liability in this situation. To get a driver's license in Stanford, individuals under 18 years old must have a parent/legal guardian sign their license application. This makes the signatory legally liable when the minor is at fault for a car crash as indicated in Section 17707.

You have two years from the date of the car accident to file your personal injury claim. However, if you are claiming against a government/public entity in Stanford, you must submit a Notice of Claim within six months from the crash date. If the two-year statute of limitations passes, you may be barred from filing a claim for your damages.

No, you don’t have to go to court to recover compensation. 90% of cases get resolved before they reach trial. Most car accident lawyers work to obtain fair compensation for the client through a settlement, as trials cost time and resources. It is when the insurance company refuses to offer just compensation for the client's losses that lawyers suggest taking the case to court.

To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.