Car Accident Lawyer in Turlock
In California, car accidents have become an ever-present fixture on the roads and highways. From fender benders to massive pile ups, car accidents can take many forms and can result in various degrees of injuries. In any situation, it is essential that the responsible party be held accountable for causing an accident and liable for compensating any victims who were injured by their negligence or wrongful act. When it comes to filing personal injury claims, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for any type of car accident they did not cause, including rear end collisions, side impacts, rollovers, head on collisions and others.
While all injured victims have the opportunity to recover their damages, the type of injury that occurs will have some bearing on both the trajectory of a case and on the amount of compensation that is awarded. For minor injuries that require minimal or non-invasive medical attention, victims may receive reimbursement for the costs of emergency medical aid and other similar expenses. For more serious injuries such as bone breaks and burns, compensation may also be awarded for emotional damages.
Causes & Types of Car Accidents
There are a variety of situations, factors and conditions that can cause car accidents. Some of the most common include
- Driver error
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe or hazardous road conditions
- Defective auto parts
Distracted Driving
While driver error and negligence are the most common cause of car accidents in America, one of the most alarming forms of driver carelessness is that of distracted driving. With the boom of modern technology and personal electronic devices, distracted driving has bloomed into a legitimate epidemic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2010 alone, more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in the United States. These statistics have led to national efforts of law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Department of Transportation to crack down on drivers who fail to exercise due caution behind the wheel.
Driver distraction can come in the form of manual, visual or cognitive distraction. Common examples including eating and drinking, talking to passengers, reading, using navigation systems, watching a video and adjusting radios or CD players. The most concerning type of distracted driving, however, is texting. As studies have shown that texting and using a cell phone while driving creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted, the state of California has enacted laws that directly prohibit cell phone use and texting behind the wheel.
These new laws are steps in the right direction, but anyone who has ever glanced around while driving knows that many people still continue to use their cell phones on the road. As these are now unlawful acts and because they are extremely negligent actions, distracted drivers who cause accidents and injuries can be held fully liable for compensating victims.
Uninsured Motorists
Another prominent concern to drivers on the roads are uninsured motorists. The law requires that all drivers have a minimum amount of liability insurance, and when they drive unlawfully without it, they place everyone in serious danger. In cases that involve uninsured, or even underinsured drivers, our firm works tirelessly to pursue additional legal actions that can allow injured victims to obtain the damages they need to pay for their medical bills and other financial losses.
Defective Auto Parts
Defective automobile parts also cause their fair share of accidents, injuries and fatalities. Media outlets regularly report stories of failed parts and frequently keep consumers updated about manufacturing defects and design defects within the auto industry. In fact, many car and auto part manufacturers are forced to recall unsafe products, some of which include brakes, tires, and others. In cases such as these, our attorneys are able to use our knowledge of product liability law to file personal injury claims directly against negligent car and auto part companies. As these corporations have large amounts of resources, you need to be sure that your legal representatives have no aversion to taking a stand and fighting aggressively on your behalf.
Contact a Turlock Car Accident Lawyer Today
Having practiced personal injury law throughout the state of California, our legal team has seen our fair share of car accidents. Our experiences are dense, and they encompass nearly every type of accident, injury and situation. By drawing upon these past cases and implementing our firm's resources and commitment, our Turlock car accident lawyers are able to swiftly and successfully resolve our clients' cases. We want to remind all injured victims and their loved ones that seeking legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident can greatly strengthen their claim. Contact Habbas & Associates today to schedule a free, no obligation case consultation.