Best Car Accident Lawyers in Stanford, CA

Stanford, CA Car Accident FAQs

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

  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.

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

  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 https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/agency-search

• What damages can car accident victims in Stanford, CA, seek compensation for?

  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.

• Are car accident settlements and verdict awards taxable in Stanford, CA?

  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.

• Who can be held legally liable when a minor is at fault for a car accident in Stanford, CA?

  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.

• How long do you have to file your car accident claim in Stanford, CA?

  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.

• Do you have to go to trial to get compensation for your car accident injuries in Stanford, CA?

  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.