Best Car Accident Lawyers in Merced, CA

Merced, CA Car Accident FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Merced, California?

  The non-emergency contact number for Merced Police Department is (209) 385-6905.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Merced, California?

  A copy of a car accident’s police report may be retrieved at the Merced Police Department at 611 W 22nd St. Individuals can also request a copy through the mail by sending a letter along with a payment of $.50 per report and a self-addressed stamped envelope to Merced Police Department - Records, 611 W 22nd St, Merced, CA, 95340.

• What kinds of damages are available for Merced car accident victims?

  Merced car accident victims can recover compensation for their economic and noneconomic losses following a car accident. These include medical expenses, lost earnings and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment. Since there is no cap award for personal injury compensation in California, injured victims can collect the maximum compensation available for their injuries and losses.

• Do you need an attorney after a car accident in Merced?

  It is highly suggested to hire an attorney after a Merced car accident, especially if there are serious injuries involved. Negotiating directly with insurance companies may result in lowball offers which may not be enough to cover all the medical-related and rehabilitation expenses and the noneconomic losses of the victim.

• How do you prove negligence in a Merced car accident?

  To prove the negligence of another party involved in a Merced car accident, there should be evidence that the at-fault driver failed to obey traffic laws, breached their duty to operate their vehicle safely, and conducted actions that directly caused injuries and monetary losses to the other driver and any passengers involved. For accidents caused by a lack of proper road maintenance, victims can file a case against the city, state, or department responsible for road conditions.

• Can you be partially responsible for a car accident in Merced?

  Each driver involved in a Merced car accident may be held responsible for a percentage of a fault, according to the state’s comparative negligence law. As such, a driver who is 10% at fault for an accident that caused $200,000 in damages, for example, can only be awarded $190,000 in damages.

• Should you still seek medical treatment after a Merced car accident even if you are not badly injured?

  It is advised to seek immediate treatment for victims involved in a car accident in Merced, even if they don’t have visible or severe injuries. There are types of internal or head injuries that may not be obvious and can be extremely life-threatening. Getting immediate treatment also provides victims with the necessary documentation, which can be useful if they decide to file a claim for the injuries they sustained due to the accident.