Car accidents can be life-altering, leading to physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Stockton, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you should take to protect them.
At Omega Law Group, our Stockton personal injury lawyers specialize in helping victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve. We live by our motto “Putting our clients first. Always!”
Our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across California. When you need to speak with a Stockton car accident lawyer, contact Omega Law Group for compassionate and effective legal representation.
Understanding Car Accident Claims in Stockton
Your immediate priority following a car accident should be safety. Move to a secure area away from traffic if you can, and check for any injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries appear minor. Getting prompt medical attention is vital for your health and your claim.
Documenting the accident scene is crucial for any future claims. Take photos of the damage, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. If there are witnesses, collect their contact details as well. This evidence can be vital when building your case.
In Stockton, you must report any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage to the local police or California Highway Patrol. A police report provides an official account of the incident, which can be critical for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Your Legal Rights and Compensation
As a victim of a car accident in California, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. You may be entitled to receive:
- Medical Expenses: Covers current and future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work following the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
You can prove you’re owed these damages by working with our Stockton car accident lawyers. As the plaintiff, the burden of proof is on you to show how much you’re owed. Don’t let an insurance company decide how much you should receive. Let our firm help you.
Have you been involved
in an auto accident?
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles
and Beverly Hills are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
How Omega Law Group Can Help
At Omega Law Group, we bring decades of experience in handling personal injury cases, including car accidents in Stockton. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized, modern, and compassionate legal representation.
Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. We understand the complexities of car accident cases and work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
To improve your chances of compensation, avoid making these mistakes after your accident:
- Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention: This can harm your health and weaken your claim.
- Providing Statements Without Legal Counsel: Insurance companies may use your statements to minimize your compensation. Always consult with your attorney first.
- Accepting Early Settlement Offers: These offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to. We will help you assess any offers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding California’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
In California, the statute of limitations plays a critical role in personal injury cases, including car accidents. This legal concept sets a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury occurs.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. It’s essential to be aware of these time constraints and act promptly to protect your legal rights.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a law that prescribes the maximum period within which you can initiate legal proceedings from the date of the alleged offense. For personal injury cases in California, this period is generally two years from the date of the injury.
This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries, but there are several important exceptions and nuances to consider:
- Discovery Rule: In some cases, the injury or its cause may not be immediately apparent. If you discover your injury later, the statute of limitations may start from the date you realized (or should have realized) that you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. This is known as the discovery rule.
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor (under 18), the statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18. They then have two years from their 18th birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Claims Against Government Entities: Special rules apply if you are filing a claim against a government entity in California. In these cases, you must file a government claim within six months of the injury. If the claim is denied, you have six months from the denial to file a lawsuit.
Given these constraints, it is vital to act quickly following a car accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable Stockton car accident lawyer soon after your accident can help you understand the timelines that apply to your case and ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines.
Injured in a car crash?
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles and
Beverly Hills are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
Contact Omega Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Stockton, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Omega Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our experienced Stockton car accident attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Let us support you in your journey to recovery. Call now.
