Menifee Car Accidents Attorneys

Consumers of all demographics and backgrounds drive and operate automobiles at some point in their lives. Driving a car is one of the most dangerous things people do in their everyday lives. Unfortunately, accidents are frequent among drivers. Accidents can range from minor to fatal, resulting in head injuries, brain injuries, spine injuries, or even death. When injuries occur because of an automobile accident, contact Menifee car accidents attorneys, who will put your interests first.

Our crash lawyers know how life-altering these injuries can be and the effects they can have on families affected. No attorneys work harder for their clients than Kampf, Schiavone & Associates. We fight aggressively for our clients to help them receive the damages that they may be entitled to. Suffering injuries as a result of an accident may leave people overwhelmed with questions, but with our help, your focus can be on recovery while we provide you with the answers you need.

Auto Accidents

Automobile accidents rank consistently high as one of the leading causes of accidental injuries and deaths across the country. Understanding the ramifications and sorting through the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging. If you have suffered an auto injury as a result of the actions of another driver, we can help you file an insurance claim with your provider, conduct negotiations to help you reach your maximum settlement amount, and escalate your case to court if appropriate.

Leading Causes of Auto Accidents

• Speeding: Car accidents related to speeding can have catastrophic outcomes. Speed limits are in place on the roads for a reason, and drivers should adhere to them. Driving the speed limit can help prevent accidents and can be the difference between life and death.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving can include tailgating, swerving in and out of lanes, or other aggressive behaviors. Reckless driving is considered a traffic violation and can result in tickets, fines, and, in some cases, jail time. Drivers who drive recklessly are more likely to be involved in a car accident.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving can include drunk, impaired, or texting while driving. This is the largest cause of car accidents in the United States. Other forms of distracted driving can include driving with loud music, talking on the phone, eating while driving, talking to passengers in the backseat while driving, etc. It is the driver’s responsibility to be safe and smart every time they get behind the wheel.
• Weather conditions: Weather conditions play a role in the number of car accidents realized every year. This can include driving in the rain, fog, or snow. During these times, it can be harder to see the road and other vehicles. Drivers should take extra caution and never speed during times of inclement weather.

Types of Auto Accidents

There are a few different types of car accidents that can happen.

• Single-vehicle accidents. These involve a single car and can result from negligent, drunk, or impaired driving. It could also be the result of hazardous road conditions or weather. Examples of single-vehicle accidents involve drivers going off the road and crashing into something or rolling the automobile into a ditch.
• Head-on accidents. These are generally often the most dangerous and lethal car accidents. When two vehicles collide head-on, it is often due to distracted driving or if one driver is coming down the wrong side of the road.
• T-bone accidents. These are most common at intersections, and it often happens when one car tries to make it past a traffic light or stop sign at the same time another car is coming through the intersection.
• Rear-end accidents. These are often the result of tailgating or when one driver isn’t paying close enough attention to the road. It is important to note that for the vehicle that is rear-ended, it is rarely that vehicle that is found at fault.
• There are also accidents that happen at low speeds. These types of accidents happen generally for vehicles going under 15 miles per hour. Accidents of this nature often occur in parking lots when vehicles are backing in and out. Fatal injuries are less common in these accidents, but back, neck, shoulder, chest, and head injuries could still occur. Whiplash is also a fairly common injury in these types of accidents.

Burden of Proof

In any legal case, there is the concept of the burden of proof. The burden of proof falls on the plaintiff. The prosecuting party must establish evidence that proves the other party’s liability or guilt in the case. This applies to an auto injury or a personal injury case. It is the injury lawyer’s job to establish the burden of proof in the given case.

If there are cases with multiple claims, the accident lawyer must meet the burden of proof requirement for each claim in order to receive the maximum compensation sought. The defendant does not have to meet the burden of proof. Although the defendant is likely to provide any evidence they may have to support their defense, they do not have to prove their innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Compensation

If one is seriously impaired or injured in an automobile accident in the Menifee area, they may be entitled to recover compensation for damages. Damages may be thought of as medical expenses related to the accident, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, emotional impact, loss of one’s independence, or loss of one’s enjoyment of life. It is important that if one is impacted in any of these ways, they seek the proper counsel and help.

California Requirements

California state law requires all drivers to have proper car insurance coverage. Drivers must carry at a minimum $15,000 in personal injury insurance, $30,000 for injury to more than one person, and $5,000 for property. This can be done through private insurance companies, or drivers can obtain a certificate of self-insurance from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Although California state law requires all drivers to maintain proper car insurance coverage, there is always the possibility of drivers being uninsured. If you become involved in an accident with an uninsured driver and they are at fault, you still have the right to contact an accident attorney and file a claim to get financial compensation for damages.

It is important to understand that, in this instance, one would likely seek financial compensation from the uninsured driver’s assets as there is no insurance company to pay out compensation. Depending on the uninsured driver’s assets, it could be unlikely that the driver has sufficient assets to cover the damages caused.

Depending on the circumstances of the vehicle accident, there could be other avenues of compensation. This is where an experienced car accident attorney in Menefee, California can provide extreme value to a client.

California Statute of Limitations

The California statute of limitations for car accidents is two years from the date of the accident for injuries and three years from the date of the accident for property damages. This means that if you were involved in a car accident and you want to seek compensation for injuries incurred, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

If you were involved in a car accident and you want to seek compensation for property damages incurred, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

This applies to the driver and occupants of the car, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. If your car accident date is past the two-year mark, you most likely won’t be able to file a claim for injuries. If your car accident date is past the three-year mark, you most likely won’t be able to file a claim for any property damages.

One key factor to note is that if there were fatalities involved in the car accident, then the statute of limitations doesn’t start until the date of death. In this situation, one would make a wrongful death claim. The date of death may not necessarily be the same as the date of the car accident.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

Although every attorney’s fee structure can be different, most accident attorneys in the state of California can charge between 30-40% of the total damages awarded. In most cases, the attorney costs are contingent upon if the settlement is won in favor of the client.

A Winning Solution

The attorneys with Kampf, Schiavone & Associates have worked for many years to protect and advocate for families who have suffered from car accident injuries in Menifee and the surrounding areas.

Injuries of any kind can be devastating and life-altering, but when they happen because of the negligence of someone else, then you could be filled with confusion, anger, and questions. At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, our attorneys put our client’s interests first. We know that the compensation you receive will help you on your road to recovery and returning to a sense of normalcy. Contact our offices today and find out how our team can help.