Best Car Accident Lawyers in Pleasant Hill, CA

FAQs

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

  Residents can contact the Pleasant Hill City Police Department at (925) 288-4600 for non-emergency inquiries.

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

  Copies of reports for accidents within Pleasant Hill are available at the Records Unit of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff located at 1850 Muir Road, Martinez. The unit's contact number is 925-335-1570. People can also obtain traffic collision investigation reports from the Danville Police Department online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/. They can call LexisNexis' customer support service at 1-866-215-2771 for additional inquiries.

• Are motorists in Pleasant Hill required to report car accidents to the DMV?

  Yes, drivers who are involved in car accidents in Pleasant Hill are required by state laws to report an accident to the California DMV using an SR1 form within 10 days. This applies if the accident resulted in any form of injury or fatality, or if property damage exceeds $1,000 in total. Motorists can have their driving privileges suspended if they fail to report or if they have no insurance coverage.

• Who is at fault in a car crash involving multiple vehicles in Pleasant Hill?

  Multiple drivers can be charged for their respective negligence in an accident involving three or more vehicles in Pleasant Hill. As a result, it is possible for victims to recover settlements from multiple parties in such cases. However, they can also have their potential compensation reduced if they are also partially to blame. Each driver's liability is determined based on evaluations of eyewitness accounts and surveillance camera footage, as well as physical evidence from the scene of the accident.

• What counts as damages related to pain and suffering in car accident cases within Pleasant Hill?

  Pain and suffering in car accident cases within Pleasant Hill may include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and loss of consortium. They can be proven using medical records and therapist findings, as well as written proof of lost work time due to psychological distress and testimonies from family members and friends. California law prevents uninsured drivers and vehicle owners from recovering or being indemnified for such damages, though exceptions apply to the latter for damages caused by drunk drivers.

• Does pure comparative negligence apply to victims who failed to wear seatbelts in car accidents within Pleasant Hill?

  Yes, plaintiffs in Pleasant Hill are deemed partially liable for their own injuries in a car accident if they fail to wear their seatbelts. This is because California law requires all drivers and passengers of automobiles to wear seatbelts. Failure to do so does not bar a plaintiff from seeking compensation in a car accident case but reduces their potential settlements in accordance with the state's pure comparative negligence mandates.

• What are the chief causes of car accidents within Pleasant Hill?

  Distracted, intoxicated, and impaired driving are cited as leading causes of car accidents in Pleasant Hill and other parts of California. This is according to the California Highway Patrol, the California Office of Traffic Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Speeding is also identified by the Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center as a common cause of crashes. Other factors that influence accidents include tailgating and automobile defects, as well as poor visibility due to inclement weather.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  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.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  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.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  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.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  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.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  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.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  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.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  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.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  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.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  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.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  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.