If you have been hurt in a car accident in Monterey County, CA, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of pursuing legal action. You probably have a million questions running through your mind, and the pain of your injuries only makes the situation worse.
The experienced team at Mercado Kramer, LLP has 18 years of combined experience helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Learn more below as our Monterey County car accident lawyers answer some of the most common questions they receive about car accidents. Contact us today at (888) 311-4050 for a free consultation.
How Mercado Kramer, LLP Can Help After a Car Accident in Monterey County, CA
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, we fight to secure compensation for clients injured in serious crashes across Monterey County, California. Our experienced car accident lawyers know the tactics insurance companies use and how to fight back. With nearly two decades of combined experience, we are committed to helping injury victims and families rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
When you or a loved one has been hurt because of another driver’s negligence, our Monterey County personal injury lawyers can provide support at every stage of your case, including:
- Conducting a full investigation of your accident to identify all liable parties
- Reviewing police reports, photographs, and witness statements to build strong evidence
- Filing insurance claims and handling negotiations with adjusters on your behalf
- Consulting with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your case
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
A car accident can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our Monterey County car accident attorneys will stand by your side, ensuring you understand your options and aggressively pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Monterey County car accident lawyer.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries After a Car Accident in Monterey County, CA?
California follows a fault-based, or at-fault, system when it comes to car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for the damage they cause. Not only does that include property damage to your vehicle, but the at-fault driver is also responsible for your injuries.
To get compensation for your injuries, you will need to prove that the other driver caused the accident. This is usually done by proving their negligence.
To prove negligence, you must show:
- A duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
If you can successfully prove all four of these elements by a preponderance of the evidence, you have a high likelihood of success with your claim. Keep in mind that the other driver is not always the party who is at fault. Other parties, such as equipment manufacturers or vehicle maintenance providers, could be held responsible for your accident.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
Car accident victims in California are entitled to compensation for all their losses, including financial and intangible losses, as well as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate victims for their losses that are purely financial in nature, including:
- Medical bills
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost benefits
- Physical therapy
- Home health care
- Rehabilitation costs
Victims may use receipts, bills, or other financial statements to prove the value of these losses.
On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate victims for their physical and emotional pain and trauma. Just because these losses are not financial in nature does not make them any less valuable.
Some common examples of these damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
Putting a specific value on these losses can be more challenging, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. Properly valuing your damages is critical to getting maximum compensation after a car accident.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Monterey County, CA?
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Monterey County, CA. There are so many distractions that can take a driver’s focus away from the road, such as cell phones, GPS systems, entertainment systems, or passengers. Just a moment of inattention can lead to a serious accident.
Some other common causes of car crashes in Monterey County are:
- Speeding
- Drug or alcohol use
- Drowsiness
- Failure to yield
- Tailgating
- Poor visibility
- Poor weather conditions
- Equipment malfunction or failure
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, we can investigate the cause of your accident to help you hold the responsible party accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit For My Damages After a Car Accident?
California law gives accident victims two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit for their damages. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the deadline, you lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Since there are some special exceptions that can affect the deadline, you should always get help from an experienced car accident lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer will not cost you any money up front because car accident lawyers use contingency fees. This means that they take their fee after the case is resolved as a portion of any money awarded to the client. If the lawyer does not win the case, they do not receive a fee.
Fees in car accident cases often are a percentage of the total recovery, depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience level, and whether your case settles or goes to trial. Contingency fee agreements in California should always be in writing, and they should be signed by both the client and lawyer.
Contact Our Monterey County Car Crash Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Monterey County, CA, contact the experienced team at Mercado Kramer, LLP today. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Monterey County car accident lawyer.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Salinas, CA
450 Lincoln Ave Ste. 102, Salinas, CA 93901
(888) 311-4050
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