If you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident in Long Beach, California, you should consult a Long Beach car accident lawyer. Even if you don’t believe you are at fault, you might still be eligible for monetary compensation. In California, a person’s percentage of fault is calculated to determine whether they should be awarded economic, non-economic, or punitive damages. The amount of money awarded will vary depending on the circumstances and the severity of the accident. A Long Beach car accident attorney can help you determine the amount of these damages and the percentage of fault.
Less than 1% of drivers in Long Beach are considered “at-fault”
Car accidents in California are usually caused by someone who was not using ordinary care and who is at fault. In California, drivers are required to drive safely and at a reasonable speed based on the conditions of the road. Negligent drivers are those who fail to use reasonable care or who lose control of their vehicle due to adverse weather conditions or other circumstances. Drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic if they are turning left. Drivers must also yield to vehicles on the right at intersections with a yield sign.
Damages are based on percentage of fault
In states with a pure comparative fault rule, each person in a collision is responsible for a portion of the harm. For example, if a car driver jumped a red light and injures a jaywalker, the injured person will only be awarded damages equal to the proportion of fault he or she shared in the accident. Pure comparative fault systems, on the other hand, allow plaintiffs to collect damages for their injury or harm based on the percentage of blame they share.
A jury will allocate fault between the two parties based on the amount of fault they assign to each party. For example, if a red light runner hit a driver who made a left turn, the injured driver could recover 60% of the damages the red light runner caused by his or her actions. If the red light runner had been 50% at fault, Paula could recover $70,000 in damages.
Punitive damages are available for egregious conduct
unitive damages can be awarded when a party’s actions lead to serious injury or death to another person. Punitive damages are typically awarded in car accidents when the person responsible for the accident demonstrates egregious behavior. These factors must be beyond ordinary negligence. For example, a driver who is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol may be liable for your injury if he is found to have had an elevated BAC.
If the defendant continues to engage in the behavior, such as reckless driving, he or she may be awarded punitive damages. This shows that the person has knowledge that the conduct was wrong and will harm others. Punitive damages are also awarded in situations where a person knowingly disregards the law. Some examples of egregious conduct in car accidents are driving while drunk, speeding, or violating a traffic law.
Consultation with a Long Beach car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is crucial that you contact a personal injury attorney in Long Beach. A consultation with an experienced lawyer isn’t the same as hiring a law firm. A consultation allows you to discuss your case and receive recommendations for the next steps. You should also remember that retaining a lawyer doesn’t mean that you will have to pay them. In most cases, however, a consultation is a free and valuable service.
If the accident was your fault, the insurance company that was at fault may contact you. While it is your right to speak with them, you are not required to do so. Insurance companies aren’t interested in your best interests and will prefer to deny liability in exchange for a quick settlement. To protect your rights, always speak with an attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters. A skilled attorney will be able to determine who is at fault in the accident and get a fair settlement for you.
Statute of limitations for filing a claim
There are specific laws governing how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. In most cases, this statute of limitations is two years, but it may be extended or reduced for certain situations. For example, a minor who is injured in a car accident cannot file a lawsuit until she reaches the age of 18. In addition, a person who is injured in a car accident that was the fault of a state or city government agency has a 270-day deadline.
Nevertheless, filing a lawsuit in time is essential if you want to receive compensation for your injuries and damages.
