If you are involved in an automobile accident, California law entitles you to sue for damages and other compensation based on the extent of your injuries or loss of property. Even if you believe you were partially at fault, making a legal car accident injury claim is often the only way to ensure you receive all compensation that's due to you.

Negotiating with car insurance companies is a notoriously complicated experience, and it's important to remember that insurance adjusters are obligated to try and reduce your compensation to the bare minimum required by law. Accordingly, it's always best to immediately contact a car accident injury attorney like those at Bates Law who can guarantee your rights are protected.

Why Time Matters for a Car Accident Injury Claim

One of the first things to remember is that a clock starts ticking the very day of your car accident. In California, there are several concurrent statutes of limitations that put a hard time limit on your ability to file a lawsuit related to a car accident.

Car Accident Injury Claims in California

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit related to personal injuries suffered as a result, and three years to file a lawsuit related to property damages incurred by the accident. If the other party in your accident is related to a city, county, or California state government agency, you only have six months to file any related lawsuits, so you should make a special effort to contact your Bates Law adviser immediately.

Finally, you're required to report a car accident that causes personal injury or any property damage over $1,000 in value to the California DMV within 10 days. Failing to do so could seriously jeopardize your ability to build an officially documented record of the event.

Types of Car Accident Legal Claims

After consulting with your car accident attorney at Bates Law, you may decide it's necessary to file a lawsuit to ensure you receive all compensation due to you by the other parties involved. Such claims fall into two primary categories: personal injury claims and property damage claims.

A personal injury lawsuit is used to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for all injuries suffered in the car accident, including any necessary medical treatment. Car accidents frequently lead to additional psychological trauma, and in most cases the pain and suffering you experience as a result is also eligible for damages in a lawsuit. It's important to thoroughly review such factors with your Bates Law adviser to guarantee you're compensated for the entirety of your suffering, so be honest with your lawyer about your experiences during and after the accident.

A property damage lawsuit covers any expenses or losses related to your physical property, including the car itself as well as any belongings you were carrying within it. You also have a right to sue for damage caused to other property such as your driveway or home, if they were involved in the accident.

Finally, it's important to note that California's Shared Fault laws mean you're entitled to damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your lawyers will work with the insurance company or judge to determine the precise percentage of your fault, and will adjust any rewards accordingly.

Bates Law: Your Car Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Bates Law is dedicated to helping clients with personal injury and property damage lawsuits in California, and our lawyers are ready and waiting to help you receive the compensation you deserve as a result of a car accident.

Time is of the essence, so don't hesitate: Contact Bates Law today at (619) 222-0900 to schedule a free consultation.