Head-on collisions are the most devastating and destructive of all the types of vehicle accidents seen by a San Diego CA car accident attorney.
Following the dynamics of physics, head-on collisions typically release the most energy when vehicles hit each other – moving in opposite directions versus angular or similar ones, such as the side or parallel impacts. As a result, these accidents have the highest level of fatalities for drivers and passengers, resulting in almost 58 percent of incidents in 2017 has some kind of death for those involved.
In many cases, head-on collisions are the result of opposite traffic traveling too close to each other, such as driving on one-lane country roads where there is no barrier between different directions of traffic. However, such impacts can also occur on city streets, particularly in turn lane situations where the turning car does not slow down, and the opposing direction vehicle is moving at full speed as well.
In these instances, help from the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone is essential.
Causes of Head-on Collision
The causes of head-on collisions frequently range from poor driving conditions and visibility to reckless driving on the operator’s part. In some cases, the root cause can also be a mechanical failure as well. The frequency of these collisions tends to happen far more often in rural locations, and the combination of speed and impact with remoteness often contributes to additional fatalities being far from help and immediate medical response.
Unfortunately, many head-on collisions also occur in urban and suburban streets due to poor driver actions, including driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving while using a mobile device, falling asleep, or impaired operational ability. In some areas, reckless driving has become increasingly common, with night-time accidents increasing dramatically as a result.
All of these factors have and continue to contribute to preventable car accidents, including those that ultimately end up killing a victim in an opposite car or the errant driver or both.
Liability in a Head-on Collision
Successful legal representation oftentimes starts with nailing down the facts of what happened. In multiple cases, the responsible party generally knows they have made driving mistakes, but panicky attempts will be made to cover things up – such as trying to wipe phone or texting records off of a mobile device, accusing the other driver of vehicular errors on the road, bad driving conditions, mysterious animals that cannot be found after the fact in terms of the accident remains, and more.
Injuries and Compensation
The injuries in head-on collision car accidents are different from other kinds of car accidents. The injuries that occur in a head-on collision can be more severe and life-changing.
The injuries in head-on collisions are usually brain injury, neck injury, spinal cord injury, facial injury, and arm and leg injuries.
The compensations for head-on collisions are usually higher than the compensations for other types of car accidents. In most cases, the compensation is determined by the severity of the injury and how much it will affect your life going forward.
Additionally, insurance companies will many times argue about every avenue or claim to reduce claims or keep them at as low a cost as possible to reduce exposure to required coverage expenses. It is quite common for insurance companies to offer quick settlements to make a claim go away, seemingly offering cash up front, but in reality, trying to settle the matter at a cost far less than the real recovery will end up being.
All of these distractions can be problems in getting to the facts of a case without the expertise of a San Diego personal injury attorney representing a victim.
Make a Claim With a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side
If you have been the victim of a head-on collision or have a family member, the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone can help. As a San Diego personal injury attorney, Keith Stone has litigated and recovered multiple cases for clients who have been preventable victims of bad driving and horrible accidents.
A head-on collision car accident can be life-changing, but it does not need to be the end of the story. Call the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone to find out more and not be another traffic statistic.
Accidents happen. We all know that one wrong glance at the dashboard, a barking pet, or a misadjusted mirror can cause a car accident. While unfortunate, this is understandable and a risk we take when getting on the road. Reckless driving, however, is something else entirely.
Reckless driving involves a party largely disregarding the rules of the road without thought to others’ safety. Not only are so many of these reckless driving accidents preventable, but the impacts are also often serious, causing significant harm to both people and property.
At the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone, we understand the grave nature of reckless driving, and we’re here to help.
Car Accident Law
Reckless driving causes accidents by exceeding the conditions of the road. California state law describes this act as, “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” The important part to understand is that the reckless driver disregards the rules — on purpose.
Types of reckless driving may include behaviors like:
- ignoring road signs & stop signs
- failure to signal when changing lanes or turning in a busy intersection
Other types of reckless driving include:
- using the shoulder as a passing lane
- driving in a “no driving” one as marked by the department of transportation
- excessive speeding
To be clear, a simple speeding ticket or traffic light ticket isn’t necessarily reckless driving — as the criteria must also include a “wanton disregard” for safety.
Many signs of reckless driving can also mirror or co-occur with driving under intoxication such as:
- erratic turning
- lane changes
- changes in speed
Because reckless driving accidents are considered an easily preventable risk, the penalties for these actions can be severe.
Reckless Driving Penalties
If someone is convicted of reckless driving California — it’s no joke. The penalties for a reckless ticket begin at the misdemeanor level, which includes a small fine, potential jail time, and probation.
A license suspension can be imposed by the judge too. If reckless driving also involves significant property damage or physical harm to a person, it can be combined with additional charges. Add on any intoxication, and there may be additional criminal charges.
California law does not acknowledge the term “reckless endangerment” but, instead, can enhance any of the above charges depending on the situation, such as reckless driving with young children involved. Out of all these penalties and consequences though, you’ll notice something missing — a guarantee of support for the victims of these careless acts.
Making a Claim for Punitive Damages
Making a claim for damages is the key to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. A claim can cover cash for your medical bills, reimbursement for your vehicle repairs and replacement, and importantly — punitive damages as a fair consequence of this wanton act. Getting punitive damages is often far from simple. Neither the insurance nor the defendant will want to pay, despite making a conscious choice to endanger both you and the public.
An experienced car accident lawyer knows exactly how to present your case and file your claim to obtain fast financial results. Ready to listen, an attorney is there to speak for your side of the situation, giving you a larger voice in the accident process.
In addition, attorneys and their teams understand the paperwork and the process to make your claim. Get in touch with our San Diego CA car accident attorney and make your case today.
Walking away from a car accident doesn’t mean you are okay. Car accidents involve heavy machinery impacting, and often this impact is at a significant speed. While a passenger may walk away from a crash, that doesn’t mean everything is fine. Oftentimes adrenaline and the shock of the situation can cause an injury, or complications may develop later.
The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone have worked with many clients with delayed injuries, and here are the signs you need to know about.
Common Delayed Injuries
You might not realize that it’s very common to have pain after car accident delayed. The reasons for these symptoms can vary, but in many cases, this is related to the swelling that can happen post-injury. Thinking of this simply, if you sprain an ankle running, it hurts but often doesn’t swell significantly until after the initial twisting motion.
Car accidents also don’t always display the results of the injury in the first five or fifteen minutes, and the complications from twists, tears, and swelling will definitely become known over time. Delays may also be caused by the simple excitement of the accident. While not a happy excitement, shock can mask other injuries, drawing your attention away from existing harm until you slow down and have a moment to calm down as well.
Common types of delayed car accident injuries can include whiplash, back and neck injuries, shoulder injuries, and concussion.
Common Symptoms of Delayed Injuries
After car accident symptoms can vary from a minor annoyance to a severe and lasting injury. No matter what the severity, know that your physical health matters, and a San Diego car accident lawyer is here to listen and help you become whole again.
Common symptoms after an accident can relate to the motion of swinging suddenly and stopping short on impact. This can cause neck strain and potential spinal cord injuries, including bulging disks and hernias.
Common Causes of Delay
Impact injuries can also be common after a car accident.
Concussions occur when the brain impacts the skull and causes swelling and damage, and can easily occur without a visible bump or “goose egg”. Traumatic brain injuries should always be taken seriously due to potentially harmful consequences to your overall health.
You may also sustain injury from the seatbelt itself as it locks to keep you from greater harm. Torn rotator cuffs and even fractured collarbones can occur as your shoulder take the strain of impacts.
Impact injuries may not display initially, but many cannot heal correctly on their own without the support of a medical professional.
Making a Claim
Making a claim can help you manage the consequences of San Diego accidents. A claim is your legal tool to allow you to seek compensation for your pain, medical care, and loss of wages. Legal claims are your path to getting cash settlements to compensate you for your struggles, but the other party’s insurance company isn’t likely to make this an easy process.
Auto insurers employ expert adjusters whose job is to get things settled for the insurer. When making a claim, you’ll need an expert who is working exclusively for you.
An attorney knows how to “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” in any of the lengthy legal forms required to make your case. An attorney can help examine the evidence and plead your case about why you deserve money — and deserve it today.
We’re here to listen and provide you with professional guidance on your injuries after an accident. Contact your car accident lawyer San Diego CA today!
Distracted driving accidents are increasingly common, resulting in over 3,000 deaths nationally every year, and over 400,000 people are injured annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident, it’s paramount to discuss your situation with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney immediately. Whether you’re the victim of distracted driving accidents or whether you may have caused one, Keith J. Stone is ready to handle your case with his knowledge and expertise in California distracted driving law.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Keith J. Stone handles dozens of distracted driving accident cases each year in California. Common distracted driving accidents include:
- Wiping something off of the dashboard or windshield
- Swatting at a bug
- Combing hair or applying makeup
- Reaching for an object in the glove compartment
- Trying to get something that has fallen on the floor of the vehicle
- Reading and writing
- Managing the radio or other display settings on the vehicle
- Eating or drinking
- Texting while driving
- Daydreaming or simply not paying attention
- Paying attention to storefronts, billboards, or pedestrians outside of the vehicle
- Pets roaming about the car
- Smoking, lighting, and extinguishing cigarettes while driving
- Speaking to passengers who are also in the car or managing children in the vehicle
Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
Some injuries caused by distracted driving only affect the driver, such as crashing into a telephone pole on an empty road. However, many distracted driving accidents are more serious, causing death or injury to pedestrians and other drivers.
Fifteen percent of injury crashes, fifteen percent of crashes reported by police, and nine percent of crashes resulting in a fatality originate from distracted driving.
Because distracted drivers often don’t see an obstacle before it’s too late, they can do a lot of unintentional damage. For example, they could incur property damage by driving into a storefront; they could cause whiplash by rear-ending a car stopped in front of them. Worst of all, a distracted driver can veer into oncoming traffic, causing an unmitigated head-on, fatal collision.
Many distracted driving accidents result in hospitalization or even death. This causes pain, injury, suffering, loss of wages, and substantial emotional grief for the victim of a distracted driving accident. There are many, many expenses to account for when it comes to distracted driving, and no amount of money can return someone to their family if they have passed away as a result of a distracted driver.
Compensations and Penalties
California distracted driving law classified distracted driving as negligence, which means anyone harmed in a distracted driving accident may seek compensation from the driver at fault. Privately, your insurance may also provide you with a penalty or fine if you are issued any sort of citation for distracted driving, even if it did not result in an accident. If you’re caught with a texting ticket, you could see an increase in your insurance premiums from 12-45 percent in the state of California.
Whether you’ve become the victim of a distracted driver or whether you simply made a mistake as a distracted driver, Keith J. Stone can help. Your case will involve dealing with auto insurance, police tickets and reports, reviewing 911 calls, consolidating medical bills, and corresponding with the other party involved, all while managing day-to-day activities which may also involve recovery from serious injury or loss of a loved one. Rely on a trusted San Diego personal injury lawyer, Keith J. Stone to handle your case with compassion, care, and concern.
California road rage is on the rise: with over 5 million road rage incidents nationally per year. August this year, a driver had to undergo a limb amputation due to road rage in California. As you can see, road rage incidents are serious, whether you’re the victim or the accused, so it’s essential to seek legal help from a San Diego personal injury lawyer with road rage legal expertise.
California Road Rage Law
Aggressive driving can lead to traffic citations and road rage incidents, and California law is particularly strict when it comes to road rage. You could land yourself in a situation of getting a citation, speeding, property damage, bodily injury, or other unsafe driving. If you’re caught in a road rage incident, your insurance rates will likely increase, too.
Road Rage Accidents
Road rage accidents typically occur as the result of an escalation, provocation, or perceived slight between drivers on the road. Because impulse, response, and anger are involved, road rage accidents are typically fast, dangerous, and can even prove deadly.
In road rage accidents, one or more drivers have let their emotions get the better of them as they are effectively driving a weapon that can injure pedestrians and other drivers. Road rage accidents are on the rise, and they’re a major public safety concern.
Road rage accidents are caused when someone accidentally drives too close to another vehicle, pulls out in front of another driver, and an angry or violent reaction ensues.
How To Avoid Road Rage Accidents
Road rage accidents largely occur as the result of a perceived slight, or because you made an “impolite” move on the road that bothers someone. Naturally, road rage accidents are usually the fault of the aggressor, but there are some things you can do to prevent road rage:
- Do not drive when sleepy, irritable, or distracted
- Think twice about getting behind the wheel if you are already upset before driving home from a stressful job or situation
- Only use your horn in a truly dangerous situation, not to express anger
- Assume good intent from other drivers
- When you have time, be courteous and allow other drivers to pass in front of you
- Allow extra time to get to your destination: lots of times, people get frustrated due to traffic or rushing
- Practice positive driving habits
- Avoid cutting people off, swerving around traffic, and flashing bright headlights
- Don’t have emotional phone conversations, even if you are using the legally required hands-free mode
If you see road rage in action, protect yourself and others by calling 911 to report and document the event. Your 911 records are admissible in court and in cases pertaining to road rage, so they’re an extra layer of protection. Let law enforcement deal with irate drivers.
Claims
Many auto policies exempt coverage of road rage. That’s because it’s the result of risky behavior, not an accident, so if you are the perpetrator, you could end up with increased insurance rates and no coverage for the incident.
As noted, it’s expensive if your insurance won’t cover your claims as a result of potential road rage. On the flip side, if you’re a victim of road rage, you’ll need a San Diego personal injury lawyer to help you navigate claims and potentially file a lawsuit and accept a settlement or court appearance.
If you’ve been involved in an accident or situation resulting from road rage in California, it’s time to seek the aid of a San Diego personal injury attorney immediately. Lessen your stress by hiring Keith J. Stone today.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear end collisions are the most common car accident. Meanwhile, based on the Drive Safely report, there are more than 2.5 million rear endings every year.
Thus, rear end collisions are a common form of auto accident often referred to as a “fender bender,” but the results can be both severe and significant.
If you are injured in an auto accident, you may need help. The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone are the rear end accident attorney you need to help you understand your rear end collision.
Causes of Rear End Collision
Rear end collision is a type of auto accident where one car strikes the car in front in a straight-on pattern; the NHTSA further reports that most of these accidents are caused by distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or watching a construction zone.
A large portion of these accidents also occurs in industrial areas. In general, if you get hit from behind either while stopping or moving — it is not your fault. And while rear end collisions are common, the result can be real injuries.
Rear End Collision Injuries and Compensation
A San Diego CA car accident attorney sees many injuries caused by a rear end auto collision. Mild accidents typically result in mild pain, strains, and bruises which may heal independently. Whiplash and neck strain are some of the most common injuries after this type of accident, although there is the possibility of bruising from seatbelts, steering wheel, or airbag.
More severe injuries can easily begin in the same way and progress to long-term or serious issues from concussion to internal bleeding, so always see a doctor after an accident. With a high-speed rear ending, you may not even be able to walk away from an accident, and the injuries may be too myriad to easily catalog, resulting in long-term rehabilitation, surgery, chronic pain — or even disability and death.
Significant injuries will also result in loss of income due to the associated loss of work from sick time. Work-related injuries can jeopardize your job and overall income, in addition to mounting medical bills — from an accident that is not your fault. And while it is not your fault, a rear end collision could cost you thousands and thousands of dollars.
Getting involved in rear end collisions and experiencing injuries that could be long-term gives you the entitlement to recover damages and compensation. Do not settle for paying for someone else’s mistake. Instead, contact an attorney to help you in your rear end accident and injuries; a San Diego car accident lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries.
A San Diego CA Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
A San Diego CA car accident attorney, Keith J. Stone is trained to help you document and record all events of an accident to help make the strongest possible case when presenting your claims to the court. He will handle the paperwork and can hire the experts needed to prove your claim and track down any responsible parties. Further, he understands how much compensation you need, predicting your potential health concerns going forward.
Keith J. Stone can also assist you in making your employer understand why you need time off and limited duties until you are healed. Do not miss out on the compensation you deserve after a rear end collision. When someone rear ends your auto, it is time to take action — contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone today!
Head-on collisions are the most devastating and destructive of all the types of vehicle accidents seen by a San Diego CA car accident attorney.
Following the dynamics of physics, head-on collisions typically release the most energy when vehicles hit each other – moving in opposite directions versus angular or similar ones, such as the side or parallel impacts. As a result, these accidents have the highest level of fatalities for drivers and passengers, resulting in almost 58 percent of incidents in 2017 has some kind of death for those involved.
In many cases, head-on collisions are the result of opposite traffic traveling too close to each other, such as driving on one-lane country roads where there is no barrier between different directions of traffic. However, such impacts can also occur on city streets, particularly in turn lane situations where the turning car does not slow down, and the opposing direction vehicle is moving at full speed as well.
In these instances, help from the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone is essential.
Causes of Head-on Collision
The causes of head-on collisions frequently range from poor driving conditions and visibility to reckless driving on the operator’s part. In some cases, the root cause can also be a mechanical failure as well. The frequency of these collisions tends to happen far more often in rural locations, and the combination of speed and impact with remoteness often contributes to additional fatalities being far from help and immediate medical response.
Unfortunately, many head-on collisions also occur in urban and suburban streets due to poor driver actions, including driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving while using a mobile device, falling asleep, or impaired operational ability. In some areas, reckless driving has become increasingly common, with night-time accidents increasing dramatically as a result.
All of these factors have and continue to contribute to preventable car accidents, including those that ultimately end up killing a victim in an opposite car or the errant driver or both.
Liability in a Head-on Collision
Successful legal representation oftentimes starts with nailing down the facts of what happened. In multiple cases, the responsible party generally knows they have made driving mistakes, but panicky attempts will be made to cover things up – such as trying to wipe phone or texting records off of a mobile device, accusing the other driver of vehicular errors on the road, bad driving conditions, mysterious animals that cannot be found after the fact in terms of the accident remains, and more.
Injuries and Compensation
The injuries in head-on collision car accidents are different from other kinds of car accidents. The injuries that occur in a head-on collision can be more severe and life-changing.
The injuries in head-on collisions are usually brain injury, neck injury, spinal cord injury, facial injury, and arm and leg injuries.
The compensations for head-on collisions are usually higher than the compensations for other types of car accidents. In most cases, the compensation is determined by the severity of the injury and how much it will affect your life going forward.
Additionally, insurance companies will many times argue about every avenue or claim to reduce claims or keep them at as low a cost as possible to reduce exposure to required coverage expenses. It is quite common for insurance companies to offer quick settlements to make a claim go away, seemingly offering cash up front, but in reality, trying to settle the matter at a cost far less than the real recovery will end up being.
All of these distractions can be problems in getting to the facts of a case without the expertise of a San Diego personal injury attorney representing a victim.
Make a Claim With a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side
If you have been the victim of a head-on collision or have a family member, the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone can help. As a San Diego personal injury attorney, Keith Stone has litigated and recovered multiple cases for clients who have been preventable victims of bad driving and horrible accidents.
A head-on collision car accident can be life-changing, but it does not need to be the end of the story. Call the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone to find out more and not be another traffic statistic.
Neck injuries after car accidents are unfortunately common. In fact, neck injuries make up an estimated 90% of all injuries caused by rear-end crashes. These injuries have the potential to cause long-term pain and can be debilitating without the proper treatment.
If you or a loved one has suffered a neck injury after a car accident, the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone can help. We work to make sure you are properly compensated after your injury so that you can get the treatment you need. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced San Diego neck injury attorneys.
Whiplash Injuries
A car accident can cause your neck to quickly and forcefully move back and forth, leading to an injury. Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common causes of whiplash. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of the accident and may include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Pain in the shoulders and upper back
- Difficulty moving your neck
- Headaches
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
While many people that suffer whiplash injuries recover within a few weeks, others may experience pain for months or even years after the date of the accident. Severe injuries are more likely to occur if the car is moving at a high speed at the time of the crash. If you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash, it is important to seek prompt medical attention and speak to a San Diego car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Recovering from Neck Injuries After a Car Accident
It is common to experience neck pain for a few weeks after a car crash, but some patients may need surgery or long-term care in order to fully recover from an injury. In addition to whiplash, there are many other types of neck injuries that can occur after a car accident, such as:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Facet joint injuries
- Herniated disks
It is not unusual for people that have suffered neck injuries to experience chronic, long-term symptoms like headaches, neck or back pain, mental health issues, or even paralysis. You are more likely to make a full recovery if you see a doctor for treatment right away. That is why it is so important to work with a San Diego personal injury lawyer to collect the compensation that you are entitled to.
What is Your Claim Worth?
California uses an at-fault system to determine financial liability for car accident injuries. If your neck injury was because of someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to collect damages for the losses you have suffered. There are no caps on damages for car accident claims, which means you could be fully compensated for all of your expenses.
While medical bills can pile up quickly after a car accident, working with experienced car accident lawyers in San Diego can help to ensure that you are fully compensated for all of your expenses. Talking with a lawyer can help you to determine the full value of your claim.
How a San Diego Car Accident Neck Injury Lawyer Can Help
The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone will fight to make sure you receive all the damages that you are entitled to. We will handle your entire claim, from filing paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies, so that you can focus on your recovery. With our help, you will be able to receive the care you need to improve your symptoms and recover from your injury alongside your deserve compensation.
We have helped many clients in San Diego recover large settlements after car accidents, and we will fight to do the same for you. Contact us today at 619-531-2022 to schedule a consultation or learn more about your options. Our San Diego car accident lawyers are here to assist you during this difficult time.
Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be debilitating and devastating and can even lead to paralysis. In many cases, people that sustain injuries to the spinal cord are permanently disabled and need ongoing medical care.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal car injury after a car accident, the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone can help. With our help, you can file a claim against the negligent driver and collect compensation for the damages you have incurred. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need a San Diego car accident lawyer.
The Types of Car Accidents That Lead to Spinal Injuries
Any type of collision can lead to a spinal injury, but injuries to the spine are most likely to occur in rollover accidents. While the driver of the vehicle is the party most likely to get injured, passengers could suffer spinal injuries as well. Severe injuries to the spine and other parts of the body are more likely to occur during high-speed accidents.
The risk of spinal injuries is higher in accidents that take place on the freeway. In many cases, the injured person sustains injuries to other parts of the body as well, such as a limb, head, or pelvic injury. Since these injuries often require costly medical treatment, it is best to discuss your options with car accident lawyers in San Diego as soon as possible.
Spinal Injury Symptoms
Injuries to the spine are serious, and they usually cause immediate symptoms. Signs of a spinal cord injury may include:
- Pain in the neck or back
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness in your extremities
- Visible damage to the neck or back
Spinal cord injuries are an emergency and require immediate medical attention. If a person is improperly moved after an injury to the spine, it can increase the risk of paralysis. It is best to call for emergency care in the aftermath of an accident and discuss your options with San Diego car accident lawyers.
Recovering from a Spinal Injury
An injured spinal cord can result in loss of function even if the cord is not severed. Any injury to the spinal cord can lead to loss of nerve function, which can cause pain or full paralysis. If the nerves bulge out, are bruised or compromised you will have pain and loss of range of motion/function.
It is rare for someone to make a full recovery from a spinal cord injury, but many people do regain some function in time. With the proper care, patients may be able to recover some muscle movement and mobility. The prognosis for an injury can variy based on the type of injury and where the injury occurred on the spinal cord.
Although it is possible to regain function after an injury to the spine, it is not always a fast process. It can take as long as 18 months to see a significant improvement in symptoms, and many patients require ongoing rehabilitative care. To make sure you can afford these treatments, you need the help of a San Diego car accident spinal cord injury lawyer that can help you demand the compensation that you are entitled to.
How San Diego Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Can Help
Treatment for spinal cord injuries can be costly. With the help of San Diego car accident lawyers, you can collect financial damages that will help to cover these expenses and your other losses. The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone will fight to make sure you receive the maximum compensation.
Filing a car accident claim can be a long and complex process. We can handle paperwork, insurance negotiations, and other details while you receive treatment for your injuries. Contact us online or by phone at (619) 531-2022 to learn more about your options.
Car accidents can be terrifying, especially if it involves a child injured in a car accident in California. Children and passengers are treated a little differently than adults and drivers. If you would like to know more, keep reading to learn more about California Car accidents with children in the car.
Does Compensation Cover Kid’s Injuries?
Your child’s injuries are covered under two circumstances. First, if the other driver caused the accident, they are responsible for all damages and injuries for everyone in the vehicle, including any minors. Similarly, if you caused the accident, your liability insurance (which is required in most states for most drivers) covers injuries for anyone in the other car, including kids.
Medical payment coverage pays for injuries to you or anyone in your vehicle if you caused an accident, including any minors. PIP or personal injury protection also helps cover any medical expenses related to the accident.
What Type of Damages Are Covered?
It depends on the policy, but both property damage and personal injury for your child. These include soft-tissue injuries (bruises, sprains, strains, etc.) and hard-tissue injuries (broken bones, spine damage, skull injury, etc.).
If the accident led to more catastrophic injuries, you may also want to pursue pain and suffering for your child. Pain and suffering coverage provides money for long-term conditions, including:
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Burns
- Scarring
- Depression
- Anxiety/PTSD
Other types of damages you may get include economic/special damages, non-monetary damages, and punitive damages. you can talk with your San Diego car accident involving children attorney for more information.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
You should report the accident immediately and start pursuing reimbursement because there is a time limit. The statute of limitations for most adults is two years. Luckily, minors may get a little more time, depending on their age because they are allowed to file a lawsuit until they are 18 years old.
What if Your Child Dies?
If your child dies in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to sue for wrongful death. Wrongful death claims provide some financial help for you and punishment for the other driver. With wrongful death, your San Diego car accident lawyer can get money for funeral and burial costs, loss of expected income, loss of the value of services they provide, and loss of care/guidance/compassion.
What Are My Rights as a Passenger in the Car Accident in California?
Passengers have more leeway to sue after an accident because they didn’t cause the accident. You can determine who caused the accident first, but it’s best to file with both insurance carriers and let them hash it who owes you money. In some cases, you may get money from both carriers if both drivers are at-fault.
If the passenger and driver are related, the passenger may only be allowed to file a medical payment coverage claim under the family member’s policy. If neither driver has insurance, the passenger can file a claim with their own auto insurance policy, if they have insurance.
Why Hire a California Child Injury Attorney for a Child Injured in a Car Accident?
The leading reason to hire an attorney is so they talk with the insurance carrier for you. The insurance carrier will try to get you to accept a low offer fast, and unless you have a lot of education and experience, you may not be able to spot a fair settlement, but your San Diego car accident lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement.
Other reasons to hire an attorney after an accident include:
- Proving who caused the accident
- Fighting for wrongful death or pain and suffering
- Monitoring the statute of limitations
- Working with your doctor
If you’ve been in an accident with your child, you should consult an attorney. Your child has until they are 18 to file a lawsuit but getting the money sooner can mean getting treatment sooner. If you would like to know more, contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.
