Car accidents are very common. Sometimes they occur, because of things beyond the driver’s control such as icy roads or defective car parts. But most accidents that occur are because of driver negligence. Being injured as a passenger in an auto accident comes unexpectedly and is not your fault. You do not need to go through this process alone. An experienced Santa Clara County auto accident attorney will fight for your right to compensation. Discover the steps you should take following an accident, how to recover damages as a passenger, and the statute of limitations for auto accident claims in California. Reach out to our knowledgeable personal injury firm today to learn more about how we can assist your upcoming claim.
Documenting the facts
Auto accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, it is important to take the following steps:
- Call 911. The authorities will document the accident with a police report.
- Seek medical attention to assess injuries
- Medical documents should include the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident.
- Take photos of injuries.
- Collect both driver’s insurance information.
- Contact our Santa Clara County Car Accident Attorneys to recover the compensation you require to heal.
Recovering Damages as a Passenger
With the assistance of our knowledgeable Santa Clara County personal injury attorneys, you will take legal action against the negligent driver’s insurance company, and not the driver him or herself, meaning you won’t have to sue your friend or relative directly if they were the driver who caused the accident. Your attorney will work to recover both economic and non-economic damages that will cover the burdens that occurred due to the accident.
Economic damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages & lost future wages
- Medical equipment
- Outside assistance
Non-economic damages are as follows:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of independence
What is the statute of limitations for auto accident claims in California?
The statute of limitations for auto accident claims is generally two years in California. This means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action. To avoid being barred from suing, it is best to take action as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced personal injury firm today to learn more about our services and how we can assist your upcoming case.
CONTACT OUR SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRM
When someone is wrongly injured in an accident, they often require financial compensation to heal. That’s where we come in. Contact the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady today to learn more about what our firm can do for you.
