Car accidents can vary from minor to devastatingly life-changing. If you were involved in a car accident with significant costs, injuries, fatalities, or complex liability issues, it is highly recommended that you consult with a California car accident lawyer for guidance through the process. They can explain and protect your rights throughout the process of filing an insurance and civil claim.

Sometimes, a car accident is minor in terms of damage, and it may appear that no injuries have occurred. The liability could be clearly evident, as well. However, it’s important to remember that every accident and claim is unique, and your resulting costs could be impacted by many factors.

The aftermath of a car accident can be legally and financially overwhelming, and the most effective course of action is to consult an attorney who can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Can You Afford to Settle Privately?

After a car accident, the costs of property damage and injuries can add up. Of course, some can afford to pay private settlements at higher amounts because of their income or other financial holdings. For those who do not have extra cash to spend on such situations, this can be an unforeseen hardship with long-reaching implications.

Often, the driver who is at fault will want to initiate a private settlement. They are likely seeking to prevent issues with their insurance company, or perhaps they don’t have insurance at all. While private settlements are not illegal, it is not advised to accept one. Keep in mind that damage to a car may seem minor initially but may be more extensive and expensive than it appears upon first inspection.

Injuries, too, are not always evident immediately. Lawyers often warn clients not to accept cash right after a collision without notifying both parties’ insurance companies. The amount the liable party pays in a private settlement may not provide adequate compensation after all injuries and damages are assessed.

How Do I Deal with a Minor Car Accident?

Even minor car accidents in California are not always straightforward. Although you always have the choice to file an insurance claim or to settle privately with the other party, there are several factors at play. The most important of these factors are property damage and personal injury.

You deserve fair compensation for any property damage or personal injuries, and a lawyer can help you seek it through an insurance and/or civil claim. Regardless of whether you employ an attorney or settle privately, it is imperative to assess all costs accurately. In fact, under US law, a car accident with significant injuries or damages of over $1,000 in value must be reported.

Even seemingly trivial incidents can lead to other problems down the road. Making a surface assessment of costs can cause a private settlement to cover only partial costs. Both cars may appear, at first glance, to have minimal issues and be completely driveable post-accident. However, if you determine that a private settlement might be viable at the scene of the accident, you could overlook potentially substantial repairs that only a professional could identify.

Moreover, collisions can cause bodily trauma that is not apparent immediately after an accident, like a traumatic brain injury. Filing an auto insurance claim can be a way to protect yourself against potential pitfalls while also ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

Q: How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in California?

A: There are three levels of settlements in California after a car accident:

• Low Settlement – An accident with little to no injuries and minor cosmetic damage, the settlement ranges from a few thousand dollars or more.
• Moderate Settlement – More significant vehicle damage and moderately severe injuries can result in settlements in the tens of thousands of dollars range. This is due to the necessity of medical treatment, missed work and wages, and longer recovery periods.
• High Settlements – Settlements for severe injuries, long-term medical treatments, permanent disabilities, and fatalities can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in California?

A: The time frame depends on several factors, such as the case’s complexity, the severity and extent of injury, and whether or not all parties will cooperate. Typically, a personal injury case in California can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, with various aspects being in the control of your personal injury attorney or the insurance company.

Q: What Is the California Car Accident Policy?

A: In the state of California, car accident liability is determined by the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. Essentially, more than one individual can be held financially responsible for any harm the accident caused, and victims are not prevented from seeking compensation even if they contributed to the accident. Because of this, insurance companies play a large role in determining the extent of liability.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

A: In California, the average car settlement amount is approximately $21,000. However, there’s no true standard settlement amount. All auto-accident claims are unique and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any form of compensation will rely on evidence from the incident in terms of damage and injury.

Some examples of compensation recovered during settlement include:

• Pain and suffering
• Past and future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of quality of life

Contact Guenard and Bozarth, LLP

At Guenard and Bozarth, LLP, our mission is to assist clients in navigating the legal aftermath of a car accident with compassion. A car accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating, and our hands-on legal services can ensure that you understand your rights under California law.

We can explore every avenue and resource to determine how to counsel you regarding insurance, settlements, personal injury claims, and compensation. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the prospect of handling your car accident and its legalities on your own, please contact us to learn more about our outstanding legal team.