If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Stockton, California, you know how stressful and overwhelming the experience can be.
Car accidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma, leaving you feeling confused and uncertain about your next steps. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we’re here to help.
Our team of experienced car accident attorneys has helped thousands of clients in Stockton and the surrounding areas, and we’re ready to help you too. Call us at 209-460-1010 for a free consultation and find out how we can help you during this difficult time.
Overview of Car Accident Claims
Car accident claims are legal actions that seek to recover compensation for damages resulting from a car accident. These damages may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. To file a car accident claim, you must be able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing disabilities. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. In some cases, car accidents can even result in wrongful death.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by many different factors, including driver error, mechanical problems, road conditions, and more. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Poor weather conditions
- Vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes or tires
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some important steps to take after a car accident:
- Call the police and seek medical attention if necessary
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved
- Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos and witness statements
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyers to discuss your legal options
Rights of Car Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you have legal rights that protect you from financial losses and provide you with the opportunity to seek compensation for damages. These rights include:
- The right to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver
- The right to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident
- The right to seek compensation from your own insurance company if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured
- The right to have legal representation throughout the claims process
Insurance Coverage After a Car Accident
After a car accident, insurance coverage can be a complex and confusing issue. In California, drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages caused to other drivers in the event of an accident. However, this coverage may not be enough to fully compensate you for your damages. You may also have other insurance coverage options, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage, that can provide additional benefits.
Negotiating a Settlement After a Car Accident
In many cases, car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations between the parties involved. During settlement negotiations, your attorney will work with the other party’s insurance company to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation you will receive.
This process can be complex and may require expert negotiation skills. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our attorneys have extensive experience in settlement negotiations and can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Litigating a Car Accident Case
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your case may need to go to trial. Litigating a car accident case can be a lengthy and complex process, but with the right legal representation, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to litigate car accident cases and fight for your rights in court.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In California, there is a statute of limitations for filing car accident claims. This means that you must file your claim within a certain period of time after the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
In most cases, the statute of limitations for car accident claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions that may apply in certain circumstances, so it’s important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Benefits of Working with a Stockton Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Stockton, working with an experienced car accident attorney can provide many benefits, including:
- Protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve
- Helping you navigate the complex claims process and dealing with insurance companies
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident to determine liability and damages
- Negotiating with the other party’s insurance company to get the maximum compensation possible
- Litigating your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have the experience and expertise necessary to help you with your car accident claim. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Call us today at 209-460-1010 to schedule your free consultation.
Injured? Don’t Wait. Contact Our Stockton Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Stockton, don’t wait to seek legal representation. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have the experience and expertise necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Stockton personal injury attorneys today at 209-460-1010 or visit us at 6653 Embarcadero Dr Ste. U, Stockton, CA 95219 for a free consultation. Remember, the longer you wait to seek legal help, the more difficult it may be to build a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve.
Neighborhoods serviced in Stockton, CA include Lincoln Village, Spanos Park, Parkwoods, Pacific, Brookside, Morada, Weston Ranch, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I’ve been involved in a car accident?
A: Seek medical attention immediately, call the police, gather evidence at the scene, notify your insurance company, and contact an experienced car accident attorney. Read more on what to do after a car crash here.
Q: How much compensation can I receive for my car accident claim?
A: The amount of compensation you can receive for your car accident claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the insurance coverage available. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Note, GJEL Has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in car accident settlements.
Q: What damages can I recover in a car accident claim?
A: You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Yes, in California, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Q: How long will it take to resolve my car accident claim?
A: The timeline for resolving a car accident claim depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the other parties to negotiate a settlement, and the need for litigation. An experienced car accident attorney can provide you with an estimated timeline for your specific case.
Sources
- California Courts. Statute of Limitations. https://www.courts.ca.gov/9618.htm
- California Office of Traffic Safety. California’s Traffic Safety Challenges. https://www.ots.ca.gov/Media_and_Research/California_s_Traffic_Safety_Challenges_and_Efforts.aspx
Stockton Accident Statistics
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2019, there were 1,160 reported injury collisions and 28 fatal collisions in San Joaquin County, which includes Stockton. These collisions resulted in 1,398 injuries and 29 deaths (1). These accident numbers include truck accidents, hit and run, bicycle and motorcycle accidents. With such a high number of accidents and injuries, it’s crucial to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Stockton.
Personal Injury Lawyer Statistics
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Stockton, and they can have devastating consequences for those involved. Here are some statistics about personal injury lawyers in Stockton that you should know if you’re considering hiring one to represent you:
- Over 1,000 car accident attorneys are available to represent victims of car accidents in Stockton, California (1). With so many options to choose from, it’s important to do your research and find an attorney who has the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle your case effectively.
- The average cost of hiring a car accident attorney in Stockton is $200 – $400 per hour (2). However, many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case.
- The average car accident case in Stockton takes approximately 3-6 months to resolve (3). However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether or not it goes to trial.
- Over 75% of car accident attorneys in Stockton offer free initial consultations (4). This can be a valuable resource for those who may be unsure if they have a viable case and want to learn more about their legal options.
- Over 90% of car accident attorneys in Stockton are members of the California Bar Association (5). This ensures that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle car accident cases in accordance with California law.
- Over 80% of car accident attorneys in Stockton have more than 10 years of experience (6). This experience can be invaluable when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating cases in court.
- Over 95% of car accident attorneys in Stockton offer contingency fee arrangements (7). This means that you don’t pay anything unless your attorney wins your case and recovers compensation on your behalf.
- Over 85% of car accident attorneys in Stockton specialize in personal injury law (8). This specialization means they have the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the unique issues that arise in personal injury cases.
- Over 70% of car accident attorneys in Stockton offer free legal advice via telephone or email (9). This can be a valuable resource for those who have questions about their legal rights and options but may not be ready to hire an attorney yet.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients who have been injured in car accidents involving DUI and hit-and-run drivers. These types of accidents can be especially devastating, as they often involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists who are vulnerable to serious injuries.
When you work with our firm, you can trust that we will do everything in our power to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. This includes seeking punitive damages in addition to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages are designed to punish the driver for their reckless or intentional behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
We understand the emotional and financial toll that a serious car accident can take on you and your family, which is why we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation throughout the entire process. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a DUI or hit-and-run driver, don’t wait to contact us at 209-460-1010. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
In summary, if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Stockton, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. With so many personal injury lawyers available in the city, it’s important to do your research and find an attorney who has the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your case effectively. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys at 209-460-1010 or visit us at 6653 Embarcadero Dr Ste. U, Stockton, CA 95219 for a free consultation today.