Why Is California a Bad State for Car Accidents?
Negligence and reckless driving are major causes of road accidents every year. Due to its high population, California leads the statistics for automobile-related deaths: it comes in at an astonishing 11% annually.
This high rate of accidents results in many car accident claims. Each state has different processes and laws for dealing with accidents and resolving insurance disputes. Let’s take a look at some of the unique processes in California.
California Is an At-Fault State
California is one of the several states that use the at-fault law. It states that the party that caused the accident, together with the party’s insurance company, is responsible for the liability of the accident. The party is expected to pay for any sustained injuries and other damages caused. The liability incurred is in proportion to the party’s degree of fault. If the fault is shared, both parties will share the liability.
How Does the At-Fault Law Affect You in An Accident
When you’ve been involved in a car accident and incurred losses or injuries, you can make a compensation claim from the at-fault party if the accident was not your fault. However, to successfully make any car accident claims, you must prove liability first. This process is made smooth through the assistance of an attorney. The earlier into the process you seek legal guidance, the better.
Not all cases of car accident claims go smoothly. There are situations where both parties are dissatisfied with the distribution of liability or payouts. In such cases, the claim can be disputed by filing a lawsuit. Once the claim has been settled, the at-fault driver will be responsible for damages and other expenses. In some cases, damages may be non-economic. Trauma, the grief of losing a companion, or emotional distress are examples of non-economic damages for which the at-fault party may be liable.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Help
Seeking an effective attorney can be useful when involved in a car accident in California for several reasons:
Proving the other party was at fault and to what extent
Assisting with police reports
Ensuring that you get the thorough investigation that is needed
Issuing details of your insurance coverage
Navigating through the different processes of liabilities, insurance companies, and payments can be difficult and quite confusing. Even though seeking legal help may be costly and the process long, it is still worth the time and effort. To learn more about car accident claims, contact us today.