Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Luis Obispo, CA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, dial 805-781-7317 to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department.

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

  To request an accident report from the San Luis Obispo Police Department, call Records at 805-781-7311 to confirm that you are authorized to access the report. Reports cannot be faxed or emailed and will be released in accordance with the city’s Records Release Policy. For more information, you may visit: https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/police-department/records.

• Will the damages you are entitled to be affected if you are partially responsible for a car accident in San Luis Obispo, CA?

  As California is a pure comparative negligence state, you may still be entitled to compensation even if you are partly responsible for a car accident in San Luis Obispo. However, the percentage of your share of the fault will be deducted from the amount you are to receive. For instance, if you are found to be 25% responsible for the accident, your monetary award will also be reduced by 25%.

• Can you still get compensation if your car accident in San Luis Obispo, CA, was caused by a defective car?

  Yes, you may be entitled to compensation in San Luis Obispo if you sustain injuries in a car accident that was caused by a car with manufacturing defects, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, and recently recalled auto parts. In this case, car manufacturers and other third parties like mechanics, their employers, car part stores, and parts manufacturers can be held liable for contributing to your injuries.

• Is it possible for a car accident victim in San Luis Obispo, CA, to get compensation for non-economic losses if their vehicle was not insured?

  According to Section 3333.4 of the California Civil Code, an uninsured driver in San Luis Obispo who is in a car accident is not entitled to non-economic damages to compensate for losses like pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, and disfigurement if they and their vehicle were not insured as required by the state's financial responsibility laws.

• Should you just accept the offer of the other party’s insurance company after getting injured in a car accident in San Luis Obispo, CA?

  If you were injured in a car accident in San Luis Obispo due to the negligence of another party, it is not advisable for you to speak with the opposing insurance company and give details about your accident. The insurer is likely to use tactics that could undervalue the amount of compensation that you are entitled to. You should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you protect and fight for your rights.

• How soon after a car accident in San Luis Obispo, CA, should you file a legal claim?

  Under California’s statute of limitations for personal injury, you have two years from the date of the car accident in San Luis Obispo to file a legal claim. If you allow the two-year period to lapse, you will no longer be able to seek personal injury damages. For property damage, the statute of limitations is three years, according to the DMV for California.

• 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.