San Rafael Car Accident Attorneys
As a car accident victim, you could be entitled to compensation under California’s personal injury laws if another party caused your crash. However, you must act quickly to ensure your legal rights are protected.
With over 50 years of experience in personal injury law, our San Rafael car accident attorneys at Kuvara Law Firm will help you recover maximum compensation.
- Exceptional Legal Representation for San Rafael Car Accident Victims
- No Fees Unless You Win
- Speak Directly To An Attorney
Free Consultation
Schedule your free consultation with our California personal injury lawyer today.
- Call 1-800-446-5879
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Will Help You Win Your Case
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your losses in a personal injury case. In fact, accident victims who have legal representation recover up to 3 times more than those who handle their cases on their own. Car accident lawyers can help you win your case in several ways:
Providing guidance: Our car accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process, keeping you informed and advised on the best course of action to take.
What Do You Have to Prove in a Car Accident Claim?
In California, motor vehicle accident claims proceed as negligence claims. In a negligence claim, the injured victim must show:
- The at-fault party owed the accident victim a duty of care;
- The duty was breached because the at-fault party was negligent; and
- Due to the at-fault party’s negligence, the accident victim suffered damages.
Each of these elements must be proven for a motor vehicle accident victim to prevail in a claim. With the assistance of an experienced California car accident attorney at our San Rafael law firm, the odds of success increase exponentially.
What Is the Duty of Care Owed to Drivers in California?
All California drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and reasonably on public roadways to avoid causing harm to others. Following traffic laws and adjusting one’s speed for bad weather are examples of reasonable driving.
What Are Examples of Breaches in the Duty of Care?
Many breaches of the duty to drive reasonably and safely are also violations of traffic laws. For example, texting while driving, drinking and driving, and running red lights would all be types of negligence.
More Than Just Medical Bills: Damages and the Value of a Car Accident Case
After a car accident in Marin County, one of the biggest issues for victims is medical bills. These expenses pile up fast and often reach tens of thousands of dollars or more. However, medical bills are not the only type of loss that accident victims have after a crash.
In general, damages—which impact how much a case is worth—include:
- Medical expenses
- The estimated cost of future medical care
- The cost of remodeling a home to accommodate an injury (for example, building wheelchair ramps or installing handrails)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
Did you have emergency surgery after an accident? Did you miss out on a big bonus at work because you were recovering? Was your car towed after an accident? Is it sitting in a storage yard collecting fees? Do you need to get repairs, a replacement, or a rental car reimbursement?
Car accident claims can be a challenging maze to navigate. Our California car accident attorneys will make sure you are going in the right direction to maximize your recovery.
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What Are Common Injuries in San Rafael Car Accidents?
Car accidents in San Rafael and the surrounding areas can result in various types of injuries, some of which are more common than others. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents in San Rafael.
The severity of these injuries can vary greatly depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of safety restraints, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Prompt medical attention and proper treatment are crucial in managing and recovering from car accident injuries in San Rafael.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
Time is of the essence after a car accident. California limits how long accident victims have to file a lawsuit, no matter how seriously injured they may be. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in a motor vehicle accident is two years from the date of the accident. If an accident victim does not file a claim by this deadline, the case will be dismissed and the victim will be entirely responsible for the financial losses he or she has incurred—even if the victim was not at fault for the accident.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Marin County, speak with an experienced attorney at our law firm as soon as possible so that work on your case may begin.
What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Car Accidents?
Approximately 94% of car accidents are caused by human error. Addressing the causes through education, enforcement, and improved road and vehicle safety measures can help reduce the number of car accidents and save lives.
Distracted Driving
Texting while driving, talking on a cell phone, eating, and other such activities are dangerous for drivers. Distracted driving is defined as actions that take one’s hands off of the wheel, one’s eyes off of the road, or one’s mind off of driving. Nearly half a million drivers use their cell phones while driving during daylight hours.
Drunk Driving
Thousands of individuals are injured or killed every year because of drunk drivers. The NHTSA reports that 37 people die in drunk-driving crashes every day in the United States. That’s equal to one fatality every 39 minutes. People who are intoxicated have slower reaction times, and impaired judgement. They may experience blurred vision, and their motor skills and the ability to control a motor vehicle deteriorate.
Speeding
Speeding remains one of the top causes of crashes throughout the country. Since impact is greater when motor vehicles are moving faster, the odds of a severe injury or fatality are much higher when accidents occur at high rates of speed.
No matter what has caused your accident, an experienced Marin County accident attorney at Kuvara Law Firm can help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.
- Call 1-800-446-5879
Where Do Car Accidents Occur in California?
Accidents happen throughout California every day. However, they are more likely to occur in some locations.
For example, in San Francisco, accidents are often reported at the intersection of Mission Street and 16th Street. The second-most common accident location is at Market Street and 5th Street, and the third is 9th Street and Mission Street.
In San Rafael, the most dangerous intersection is 2nd Street and Irwin Street, followed by Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Del Presidio Boulevard, and Hetherton Street and 3rd Street.
Why Should You Call a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Call the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company?
Insurance agents, on behalf of the insurance company of the at-fault driver, will try to position themselves in a way that maximizes profitability. These agents will usually call you in the early days after an accident, before the severity of your injuries and losses are fully realized, and usher you down a road that will settle your claim for the least amount of money possible.
The insurance company will try to take advantage of the fact that you have expenses piling up and are under an enormous amount of stress. They will make you an offer that is likely far too low to fairly compensate you for your losses, in hopes that you will settle your claim and take the money.
However, if you settle your claim, you inevitably sign your rights away and eliminate your ability to pursue further damages in your personal injury claim.
Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident
After a car accident, the advice you receive is often conflicting. There are certain steps you should take after your accident. There are also a lot of actions you should avoid.
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
DO speak with an experienced California car accident attorney as soon as possible. These attorneys may speak with insurance companies on your behalf, shielding you from pressure to settle your claim. These attorneys ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the case.
DO seek medical attention immediately—even if you do not think you are seriously injured. Some injuries have a delayed onset of symptoms and may not exhibit any symptoms at the time of the accident. Insurance companies love to argue that an accident victim is not seriously injured if medical attention was not sought quickly after the accident.
DO keep detailed records of your accident. Take photos of the crime scene, write down your recollection of the events as soon as possible, and keep copies of all of your medical records. This information will help your attorney pursue damages on your behalf.
What to Avoid Doing After a Car Accident in California
DON’T have lengthy conversations with the at-fault party’s insurance company about the accident. Simply tell the adjuster or agent that you are hiring an attorney and that any questions may be directed to the law firm. You do not want to risk making a statement that could be used against you later.
DON’T discuss the case on social media. Even seemingly innocent posts that state something like, “We were in an accident today, but we are okay!” may be used against you by the insurance company.
DON’T keep anything from your attorney. Even if you think some of the facts of your case will hurt your claim, you need to disclose these to your attorney. Chances are, they will not seriously damage your claim! Your attorney needs the full picture of your case to thoroughly protect your rights.
What Evidence Should Be Collected at the Scene of a Car Accident?
The more evidence you have, the better, after a car accident in San Rafael. Evidence can go a long way in helping your car accident attorney build a successful claim on your behalf. There are a number of pieces of evidence that can be collected at the scene of an accident to help your attorney. These include:
Information on any drivers involved: The most important thing you need to collect at the scene of the accident is the information on any drivers involved in the accident. You’ll want to gather license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy numbers, and contact information.
Witness information: After collecting information from any drivers involved in the accident, you’ll want to obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Witness statements can help piece together the events of the accident and can also be used as evidence in a lawsuit.
Documentation of vehicle/property damages: The cost of damages to your vehicle and/or other property items can be claimed in your case. You’ll want to take photos of any damage sustained after the accident. You may also take photos of your injuries.
Documentation of road signs: In certain cases, it can be helpful to take photos of nearby road signs, such as reduced speed zone signs and stop signs. This evidence is especially helpful if the driver that caused the accident negligently ignored or disobeyed the signs.
Documentation of road conditions: Negligent drivers are not the only cause for road accidents. In certain cases, dangerous road conditions can contribute to the accident. Hazardous road conditions include uneven surfaces, large potholes, broken concrete, road debris, and similar conditions. If any of these conditions existed, they should be documented with photos.
Location of security cameras: Look around and take note of any red light cameras or security cameras in the vicinity of the accident. The footage captured by the cameras can often be acquired and used in your case.
What Is the Biggest Mistake People Make After a Car Accident?
The time that follows your car accident can be an extremely stressful and uncertain period. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, there are so many overwhelming questions and decisions. When and how will I be able to get back to work? How will I pay my medical bills? How will I meet my living expenses, and how will I get back to living a normal life?
What often makes matters worse is the fact that most accident victims do not consult with an attorney as quickly as possible after an event occurs. This can delay their ability to receive compensation for their losses but lose time that can affect any efforts made to present the strongest case possible should a recovery action be initiated.
If you wait too long to consult with a car accident attorney, you will lose the ability to assert your legal rights.
The insurance companies will be closing in on you, trying to pressure you into accepting their undervalued offer before you’ve assessed your losses or completed your necessary medical treatment. A full evaluation of your losses and injuries is needed to accurately estimate the value of your case.
At Kuvara Law Firm in San Rafael, we strive to represent accident victims in the most effective, efficient and caring manner possible. This helps ensure you receive full and fair compensation, and the care you need to recover.
With More Than 50 Years of Combined Experience, We Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation
At Kuvara Law Firm, our car accident attorneys represent clients throughout California. We offer a free initial consultation so that you may learn about your legal options, and the legal services we offer.
To schedule your free consultation with our firm:
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FAQs About Car Accident Cases
How Many Cases Has Kuvara Law Firm Handled?
In Kuvara Law Firm’s over 50-year history representing injured victims in California, we have handled over 20,000 personal injury cases, resulting in millions of dollars in awards for our clients.
What Is the Advantage of Settling a Case?
If the other party’s insurance company is willing to try and settle with you, it is advantageous to at least try to negotiate with them. In many cases, you can get just as much money settling a case as you can when actually going to court. The difference is that when you go to court, there is a chance that you can lose. The other party is usually willing to pay up to a certain point to try to avoid going to court, and we try to take advantage of this whenever we can. When we have to take a case to court, it can take a lot longer for the process to complete and get you your money. If we can settle your case, you get compensation more quickly.
How Many Years Has Kuvara Law Firm Been in Business?
Kuvara Law Firm was established in 1971. Our law firm has established relationships with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, and other experts in our community who can help us help you recover compensation in your personal injury case. We have earned an outstanding reputation with our valued clients and our industry peers.
What Are Compensatory Damages, and What Are Punitive Damages?
There are two types of damages that you might be awarded for in a personal injury case. The first is compensatory damages, which are damages meant to help you reach the state you were in before you were injured, such as compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, vehicle repair, and so on. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and set an example with others to help prevent similar behaviors in the future.