How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Folsom?
One of the first questions many people ask us is how we get paid. Our car accident law firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win. Our fee is contingent upon the settlement of your case. If we do not recover money for you, you don’t owe us anything. This fee arrangement ensures there is no risk for you in choosing us to handle your car accident claim.
A car accident lawyer from our firm can meet with you in person or over the phone to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available to talk anytime, including after hours and on the weekend ─ whatever is most convenient for you.
How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?
After a motor vehicle accident, it can take time to get a full understanding of your injuries and how they will affect you in the months and possibly years to come. It is important that you have this big-picture view of your case, so you can pursue the full amount you need to be made whole.
Although every case is unique, some of the common damages we pursue include payment for:
- Medical bills
- Reduced earning capacity for the future
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Future treatment costs
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care needs
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost income
In the most tragic cases, our attorneys help families demand wrongful death compensation for the loss of a loved one in a crash.
How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident Investigation?
If you are injured in a car accident, your attorney will need to identify all of the parties that were potentially at-fault. This may include other drivers, property owners that permitted dangerous conditions on the road, and even manufacturers of malfunctioning automobile parts.
As a former law enforcement officer, Travis Black has investigated thousands of collisions. He has in-depth knowledge of the vehicle code and can look at reports from the law enforcement perspective. This gives him an advantage in investigating crashes to determine who was at fault.
Some of the evidence our legal team may gather as we work to build your case includes:
- Photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and injuries
- Videos from nearby surveillance cameras or traffic cameras
- Law enforcement crash reports and interviews with responding law enforcement officers
- Witness statements
- Examination of the vehicles involved
- Accident reconstruction analysis, where experts evaluate all the evidence to determine exactly what happened
In some cases, the at-fault party may not have sufficient insurance or assets to cover the injuries to our clients. We can help you determine whether you can recover full damages from your own automobile insurance policy, if this is the case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Injury Claim
California has a strict statute of limitations on car accident claims. The time limits include:
- You have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- If the at-fault party is a local or state government entity, you must provide notice of your claim within six months of the crash.
- If you have lost a loved one in a crash, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- You have three years to file a claim for property damage.
Tips for Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident in Folsom
The days and weeks after a crash can go by in a blur. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but there are some important steps you can take to help yourself:
- Save all evidence from the scene. This includes photos, witness contact information, and any notes about what happened.
- Follow your treatment plan. Attend all follow-up visits and get any tests the doctor orders. Be sure to get the rest you need.
- Stay off social media. Do not post updates about how you are feeling or your case. The best thing you can do is refrain from posting until your case is resolved.
- Do not give a written or recorded statement to the insurance company. The insurance adjusters will try to get you to say anything they can use against you.
- Do not wait to get legal advice. The best time to speak with a lawyer is immediately after a crash.
