Stockton Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents are a frequent and often overlooked danger on our roads. In fact, they happen with startling regularity, nearly every second across the United States. These aren’t just minor fender-benders; many of these incidents result in serious injuries or, tragically, loss of life. If you’ve been affected by a car accident in the Stockton area, whether through personal injury or the loss of a loved one, it’s important to know your rights. You might be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by the accident. It’s advisable to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at The Friel Law Firm to understand your options and get the guidance you need.

Over 5 million Americans each year find themselves wishing they had left their home a bit earlier, stayed at work a little longer, or made a quick stop en route – anything that might have changed their location at that crucial moment and prevented the accident. It’s a stark reminder of how unpredictable and life-altering car accidents can be.

• What To Do After A Car Accident
• Medical Bills After A Car Accident
• Statute Of Limitations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Common Car Accident Injuries
• Accidents With Commercial Vehicles
• Distracted Driver Accidents
• California Auto Accident Laws

Auto accident and car accident victims face medical bills, lost wages, and potentially life long medical conditions as a result of their injuries. As a Stockton accident attorney, we have seen how head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and bone fractures can impact a person’s quality of life and ability to do the things they enjoy. While there’s no way to restore what’s been taken away by the carelessness of another driver, recovering financial compensation that meets the needs of our clients is an important component of the healing process.

Although every auto accident is unique – your particular circumstances and needs dictate the details of your recovery – there is a distinct framework to the recovery process. The extent of a person’s injuries is not always obvious shortly after an accident. Claims adjusters who try to get you to agree to a settlement before you talk with a lawyer or medical doctor shouldn’t be trusted. Remember, anything you sign may prevent you from recovering further damages at a later date.

As Stockton car accident attorneys we won’t stop until we’ve uncovered the facts that caused your accident and consulted with medical experts who can explain to jurors the scope of your injuries. We represents clients all over Northern California and offers free consultations and is available for evening and weekends for appointments.

Choosing A Stockton Car Accident Lawyer

All lawyers are not equal! There are some bad lawyers practicing law. There are some very average lawyers practicing law. There are lawyers who say they handle personal injury cases who really don’t. There are lawyers who claim to have decades of experience, but what they don’t tell you is that experience is in small cases, not in big cases.

Just because you are in an accident does not mean you are going to get a million dollar settlement. In fact, unless the case is very, very serious, it is unlikely that you will get a million dollar settlement.

Unfortunately, there are people out there who believe that if they are in an accident, they’ve won the lottery. That’s not true. Be careful relying on TV or yellow page advertisements when you hire an attorney.

There are some great lawyers who advertise on TV and in the Yellow Pages. But there are some lawyers who are not as good or as experienced. There is no bar association that regulates what practice areas an attorney can advertise for. Lawyers cannot lie about their experience or expertise. However, they can advertise for cases that they don’t handle themselves. So just because an attorney says “I am aggressive” or “40 years of combined experience” doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing or that they are the best attorney for your case.

You do not and should not give a statement to the insurance company. The insurance company will try to convince you to give a recorded statement after your accident. Don’t do it. It will hurt your case. The insurance adjuster is trying their best to convince you they are on your side. They are not. They want you to lose your case or pay less in settlement. Nothing requires you to give them a recorded statement and you should not give them a recorded statement.

helping injury victims for over 20 years

Lance V. Friel has been helping injury victims for over 20 years. If you have been in an accident and have questions about your case, contact us for a free consultation today. We’re here to help.

One of the most important decisions you can make to win your personal injury claim is choosing your attorney. The very best way to find a good personal injury lawyer is by asking close family or friends for recommendations. In big cities, you must avoid seeking advice from ambulance chasers that magically appear at accident scenes ready to give advice to the vulnerable victim.

Checking your local bar association might be another way to choose a lawyer with a good reputation but some bar associations are not permitted to recommend attorneys—they must remain neutral. If personal recommendations and the bar association do not help, you must find alternative ways to find a lawyer. For instance, you can consult a legal journal in your area that reviews the results of personal injury claims. These journals can be found in your local law library or the bar association and will include all the facts of cases, lawyers, and outcomes.

One of the easiest ways to find a lawyer is through the internet. Another way is through referrals from one lawyer (who cannot represent you) to one that can. Lawyers generally receive referral fees when they send clients to one another and may therefore want to work less on your case if part of the settlement goes to the first attorney for referring you. Therefore, you must use your discretion and know where your money goes and to whom.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident it is important to speak with an experienced accident lawyer at the The Friel Law Firm today. Call today (209) 464-8000 to speak with a qualified Stockton car accident attorney now.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. The type and extent of injuries depend on factors such as the speed of impact, the angle of collision, the use of seatbelts and airbags, and the overall health of the individuals involved.

Here are some common car accident injuries:

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries in car accidents. It occurs when the head is forcefully jerked backward and then forward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Car accidents can lead to broken bones, such as fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require immobilization and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries) to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Symptoms can include headache, confusion, memory problems, and even loss of consciousness.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and sharp debris from the accident can cause cuts and lacerations that may require stitches or other medical interventions.
• Chest Injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause injuries to the chest area, including broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and injuries to internal organs.
• Spinal Injuries: Severe car accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-lasting and life-altering effects.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Beyond whiplash, other soft tissue injuries can occur, including sprains, strains, and bruises. These injuries might not be immediately visible but can cause significant discomfort and pain.
• Internal Injuries: Organs can be damaged in car accidents due to the force of impact. Internal injuries may not always be evident immediately and may require medical imaging for diagnosis.
• Psychological Trauma: Emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can result from the experience of a car accident. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues may also arise.
• Burns: If the car catches fire or there’s a chemical exposure, burns can occur, ranging from minor to severe. These injuries might require specialized medical treatment.
• Joint Injuries: Car accidents can lead to injuries in the joints, such as dislocations or tears in the ligaments (like the ACL in the knee).
• Facial Injuries: The face can be injured by the airbag, dashboard, or other objects during a collision, resulting in cuts, bruises, fractures, or even eye injuries.

It’s important to note that even seemingly minor injuries can have long-lasting effects, and some injuries might not show symptoms until hours or days after the accident. If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Always follow the advice of medical professionals and keep records of your medical treatment, as this information might be important for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

California Auto Accident Laws

California follows a fault-based system for auto accidents. This means that the person who is found to be at fault for causing the accident is responsible for covering the damages resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, and more.

• Statute of Limitations: There is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage resulting from a car accident. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, while the time limit for property damage claims is three years.
• Comparative Negligence: California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. However, the amount of compensation you receive can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
• Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. As of my last update, the minimum liability insurance limits were $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. These limits could change, so it’s essential to verify the current requirements.
• No-Fault Insurance: California is not a no-fault insurance state. This means that you generally seek compensation for your damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company rather than your own insurance company.
• Reporting Accidents: In California, you are required to report an accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Law enforcement must be notified if the accident resulted in injury or death.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Insurance companies in California are required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to policyholders, which can provide compensation if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.
• Seat Belt Laws: California has strict seat belt laws that require all occupants of a vehicle to wear seat belts. Failure to do so can result in fines.

Remember that legal situations can be complex, and the specifics of your case might differ. It’s advisable to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney in Stockton if you’ve been involved in an auto accident in California to get personalized advice based on your circumstances.

Contact Stockton Car Accident Attorney to discuss your case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced Stockton car accident attorney. Lance Friel of The Friel Law Firm will advise you of your rights and assist you through this challenging process. Call today (209) 464-8000 to speak with a qualified Stockton car accident attorney now.