Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

When you step outside in the morning, you probably do not expect to be involved in a motor vehicle accident; however, a car accident can happen at any time, and it is crucial to be prepared.

We are the Law Offices of Ryley Hoffman, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Learn more below, and reach out to us for a case consultation.

Secure Legal Representation From a Car Accident Lawyer

The first thing you must do is seek medical care to make sure your injuries are appropriately treated. Then, count on The Law Offices of Ryley Hoffman for legal representation from a Sacramento car accident attorney. Our staff has already helped countless drivers and passengers involved in motor vehicle accidents, and we can see if you are entitled to compensation as well.

Following a motor vehicle collision, you deserve to focus all of your attention on your medical recovery. Let us handle the legal side of your car accident, and make sure you focus on getting better. 

Car Accident Statistics in Sacramento, CA

Unfortunately, car accidents are far more common in Sacramento than many people realize. For example, in 2019, there were a total of 49 accidents that resulted in fatalities, and these accidents involved a total of 70 vehicles. Nine drunk drivers were involved in these fatal accidents, and 56 people were killed.

These numbers are shocking; that is why everyone needs to put safety at the top of the priority list when they get behind the wheel. If you have been involved in a fatal car accident in Sacramento, contact us to speak to our car accident attorneys. 

Types of Auto Accidents

Car accidents can be described in many ways, and different types of car accidents could result in further injuries. One of the most common ways of classifying accidents involves the orientation of the vehicle(s) when the accident occurs. Some of the most common forms of accidents include:

• Head-On: A head-on collision is exactly what it sounds like. If your vehicle's hood strikes another vehicle's hood, you have been involved in a head-on collision.
• Rear-End: There is also a chance that you could be involved in a rear-end collision. For example, someone might run into the back of your vehicle, or you might run into the back of someone else's vehicle. If the front of one vehicle strikes the back of another, it is a rear-end collision.
• Sideswipe: If the side of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, it is usually called a sideswipe collision. While this type of accident might sound relatively minor, it can still lead to extensive property damage and medical injuries.
• T-Bone: A T-bone accident has the potential to be very serious. In this type of accident, the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. It could place the drivers and passengers at risk.
• Rollover: This is usually a single-car accident. It takes place when a vehicle rolls over onto its side or back. There are several reasons why this might occur, and this type of accident could develop because someone takes a curve too quickly.

These are just a few of the most common ways accidents can be described. You need to reach out to a Sacramento car accident lawyer for auto accident victims if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sacramento

There are various reasons why a car accident might occur in California. Some of the most common causes of Sacramento car accidents include:

• Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common reasons people are involved in motor vehicle accidents. If you speed, you reduce the amount of time you have to react to changing road conditions. Speed limit signs are there for a reason, and it is critical for you to follow them. 
• Drunk Driving: Even though drunk driving rates have come down during the past few decades, drunk driving is still a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. In CA, the legal blood alcohol concentration above which someone is not allowed to drive is 0.08. 
• Drowsy Driving: Some people are also involved in motor vehicle accidents because they drive while tired. If someone falls asleep behind the wheel, they could have a markedly increased chance of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
• Distracted Driving: Today, we are more attached to our electronic devices than ever. This includes our cell phones. If someone decides to text while driving, they are guilty of distracted driving and could be involved in a motor vehicle accident. 
• Bad Weather: Bad weather can also play a role in motor vehicle accidents. If it is raining or snowing outside, it could become challenging to see the road, making it hard to remain in control of your vehicle. Bad weather can also contribute to motor vehicle accidents in the local area. 

Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, you need to call 911 as soon as possible. Then, do not forget to reach out to a Sacramento auto accident lawyer who can review your case. 

Most Common Car Accident Injuries in California

There are plenty of examples of injuries that someone may suffer in a motor vehicle accident. Even if an accident looks relatively minor, it could still result in serious injuries. Some of the most common examples of injuries that someone may suffer in a motor vehicle accident include the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: If someone strikes their head on the steering wheel or dashboard, they could suffer a traumatic brain injury. This is a serious injury that could lead to lifelong complications.
• Knee Injury: It is not unusual for someone to suffer a dashboard knee injury in a motor vehicle accident. If you strike your knee on the dashboard, it could lead to a severe hyperextension injury.
• Bone Fracture: Bone fractures are also prevalent in motor vehicle accidents. For example, you could suffer a fracture of your radius or ulna, or you might even suffer a fracture of your femur.
• Spinal Cord Injury: In a motor vehicle accident, someone may also suffer a spinal cord injury. If your chest flies forward and flexes your back to an extreme degree, you could be diagnosed with a spinal cord injury.

These are just a few of the many injuries you may suffer in a motor vehicle accident, which is why you always need to seek medical care as quickly as possible. 

Steps To Take After a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are a few steps that you need to take. They include:

Call 911

Always call 911 as quickly as possible, and ask for the authorities and emergency medical personnel to come to the scene. If there is no record of the accident, it could be like it never even happened.

Stay at the Scene

Do not leave the car accident scene. Even if you feel like the accident is not your fault, you should not leave the scene until the authorities say you can.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself and everyone else for injuries. Even if you feel fine, you still need to be evaluated by medical personnel at the accident.

Gather Information

Start gathering information related to the accident. Make sure you take some pictures of everything that happened and ask the authorities for the information of the other drivers involved.

Get a Medical Follow-up If Needed

If you feel like you are still hurt and sore, you need to get another medical follow-up. Even if you get treated in the emergency room, you still need to go to your primary care doctor to ensure your injuries heal appropriately.

Contact an Attorney

Then, do not forget to reach out to a car accident attorney who can review your case and see if you are entitled to compensation. Remember that you have a narrow window of time to file a car accident claim, so you need to reach out to a lawyer as quickly as possible. 

Types of Damages You Can Receive Compensation for in a Car Accident Claim

If you decide to pursue a car accident claim, there are a variety of damages that you might recover. They include:

Economic Damages

You could be entitled to economic damages, which refer to expenses you have sustained directly due to the motor vehicle accident. For example, you might have car repair bills and medical bills that you need to pay as a result of the accident, and if the accident was someone else's fault, they could be ordered to compensate you for your bills as a part of your car accident case.

Non-economic Damages

You might also be entitled to non-economic damages. This refers to damages you have suffered, but they might not necessarily have a direct financial cost. For example, you might have difficulty sleeping at night due to the accident, and you could be awarded additional compensation for this reason.

Punitive Damages

You could also be awarded punitive damages stemming from a car accident. If the action or inaction of the responsible party was particularly malicious, the judge may decide to award you additional compensation as a way to punish the other party involved.

Proving a Negligent Action in California

If you want to prove that the other driver was negligent in your car accident in California, there are a few criteria you need to prove. They include:

• You need to prove that the other driver had a duty of care to you to operate their vehicle safely.
• You will also need to prove that the other driver breached this exact duty.
• You will need to show that the action or inaction of the other driver directly or proximately led to the accident.
• You must prove the extent of your injuries, and that the other driver's conduct caused these injuries.

This can be a challenging process, and that is why you need to reach out to a Sacramento car accident attorney who can help you. 

Statute of Limitations

In California, the statute of limitations is two years, meaning you have two years from the accident date to file a car accident injury claim.

When To Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company

In general, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you must report it to your insurance company. Even if you're not responsible for the car accident, there is a good chance that the accident will make its way to your insurance company anyway. You must remember to talk to your attorney before you report the car accident to your car insurance company.

An Auto Accident Attorney in Sacramento Can Help Determine Liability

The defendant will blame you for the accident, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are at fault. You need to work with a Sacramento car accident lawyer who can review the accident and make sure that blame is assigned appropriately. Let us help you make certain liability is properly placed following your accident.

Schedule a Consultation With the Law Offices of Ryley Hoffman To Help You With Your Auto Accident

If you have been involved in a Sacramento motor vehicle collision, seek medical care as quickly as possible. Then, call the Law Offices of Ryley Hoffman to schedule a case consultation. Our Sacramento car accident lawyer is here to help you.