West Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys

If I am injured in an automobile collision, must I call the police?

If someone is injured or killed in an auto accident in California, or if there are damages of more than $1,000, a report must be filed with the California DMV. Luckily, all you have to do is call the police to report the accident, but you must do so within 24 hours.

What do the police do at the scene of an automobile collision?

Law enforcement will create a report that includes what is seen and what is told to them at the collision scene. They may interview witnesses and any occupants of the vehicles involved. While they may determine fault, that determination is not binding in court; insurance companies may come to a different conclusion. Having an experienced automobile collision lawyer on your side is crucial to getting a favorable outcome for your claim.

West Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Contingency Fee Structure

A contingency fee structure between a client and an lawyer means that the lawyer’s payment depends on a successful outcome of the case (winning a settlement). This means the client pays no upfront costs or hourly fees. Instead, your personal injury lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement amount. Contingency fee arrangements are very common in personal injury cases.

Common Types of Collisions

Car accidents occur in all different configurations and range in severity. Car accident injuries can also vary widely, from inconsequential to life-altering. Here is a brief list of the types of collisions our automobile accident lawyers often see:

• Single-vehicle
• Multiple vehicle
• Rear-end
• Head-on
• Side-impact accidents or T-bone
• Rollover

Common Injuries

Even with today’s heightened safety features available in automobile and trucks, injuries are common, even in minor collision. While some safety features, like automatic braking systems and backup cameras, can and do prevent accidents, they still happen. Some of the most common injuries seen by our legal team include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Concussions
• Cuts and bruises
• Head trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Major organ damage
• Whiplash (neck and spine)

What are some common causes of collisions?

• Distracted Driving: Often, the culprit is a phone, but distracted driving is not limited to electronics. Talking and eating are other common ways drivers get distracted and take their eyes off the road.
• Reckless Driving: “Reckless” is a general term that can be applied to several unsafe behaviors behind the wheel. However, in California, a careless driver shows a willful disregard for the safety of other people or property. Reckless driving can easily lead to vehicle collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: The use of alcohol and drugs can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. According to MADD, a person is injured or killed every 79 seconds in America. Unfortunately, our West Sacramento car accident attorneys have represented the loved ones of many wrongful death victims who drunk drivers killed.
• Tailgating: The greater the distance between your automobile and the one in front of you, the greater your reaction time. Rear-end collisions due to tailgating are among the most common causes of collisions that our automobile accident lawyers in West Sacramento see.
• Weather: The area experiences seasonal low fog that can be especially tricky to navigate, especially by inexperienced drivers. Other weather conditions that often lead to creating conditions perfect for automobile accidents include excessive rain and wind.

The Best Time to Call a Car Accident Attorney in West Sacramento is Right Away

Calling a West Sacramento personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you’ve been involved in a collision is vital to a successful outcome and settlement. Not only will you have a more precise memory of what happened, but so will eyewitnesses. Our legal team understand the importance of quickly securing evidence and finding and interviewing witnesses. Overall, your chances of securing a maximum settlement are significantly increased if you have a skilled lawyer on your side as soon as possible.

Legal Resources in West Sacramento, CA

New Yolo County Courthouse
1000 Main St., Woodland, CA, 95695
Phone: (530) 406-6794

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Parking: Loading and unloading zones are in front of the courthouse. Twenty minute parking zones are located on 5th St and 6th St. ADA Parking is available in the public parking lots on 6th street, on Lincoln and 6th and on Oak and 6th.

Courthouse history: https://www.yolo.courts.ca.gov/general-information

Civil case information: Superior Court of California – Yolo County

Criminal case information: Superior Court of California – Yolo County

Contact a Skilled West Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Today

Hiring a competent and experienced legal team is pivotal to your automobile collision injury claim process. The Eason & Tambornini legal team are ready to help you.

Call (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free consultation.