Merced Personal Injury Lawyers
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Our Merced Personal Injury Lawyers Provide Transparent Representation For Every Client
When dealing with a personal injury in Merced, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with the process of pursuing compensation for damages. Our Merced personal injury lawyers have represented victims over the years and are familiar with the laws and complexities of a wide range of legal claims. If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Known as the “gateway to Yosemite,” the city of Merced is the county seat of Merced County and home to almost 100,000 residents. Its major roadways, such as Highway 99 and Yosemite Avenue, can get really busy during rush hours, making traffic accidents more likely. These personal injury accidents have affected individuals in the county and the surrounding areas.
Our personal injury lawyers have helped accident victims explore their legal options and advocate for their rights. We can assess your damages to find out what your claim may be worth and gather evidence to establish the negligence of potentially liable parties. Complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to learn more from our legal team.
How Our Merced Personal Injury Attorneys Help Protect Your Legal Rights
Our Merced personal injury lawyers work to assist you in pursuing compensation for your damages after an accident. However, calling a lawyer might not come to mind shortly after the incident. Your first instinct is probably to make sure you and everyone else involved are safe. But in the days that follow, hiring a skilled attorney in Merced may help if you’re considering filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Our personal injury lawyers in Merced can help victims navigate the complex legal process. Moreover, negotiating a settlement may be difficult if you are not familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to your case. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible to file a claim.
Our Merced personal injury attorneys are committed to providing support through the claims process. Here’s what we can do:
- We’ll assess your situation and determine if you have a valid injury claim.
- Our legal team will gather evidence and eyewitness accounts to build a well-supported case on your behalf.
- We’ll advocate for your rights to seek compensation for your injuries and losses related to the accident and negotiate with insurance companies.
If a settlement isn’t reached, we’ll represent you in court and work towards a fair resolution.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Personal Injury Cases Our Merced Lawyers Handle
Car accidents are common in personal injury cases in Merced County. But our law firm’s doors are open for victims of other cases. Arash Law can represent clients who have been injured in a wide variety of accidents, including:
- Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Accidents — Traffic accidents are widely reported throughout the Golden State. Your claim may be valid if you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence while driving or riding in a vehicle.
- Workplace Accidents — Injuries in the workplace are challenging to pursue, as some companies may try to dispute certain claims. Our legal team can instruct you on how to proceed with a workplace accident case.
- Animal Bites — Animal attacks, such as dog bites, can cause both physical and emotional harm. Proper documentation and seeking immediate diagnosis and treatment are important to filing a claim.
- Product Liability — When a product malfunctions or fails, you can sue the manufacturer for personal injury. Product liability cases often involve multiple defendants, from manufacturers to retailers.
- Premises Liability — Property owners have the duty to give their guests a safe environment. Safety hazards such as obstacles and wet floors have to be addressed immediately to avoid issues like slip-and-fall incidents, which may lead to premises liability claims.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — These brain injuries have lifelong effects on both your ability to take care of yourself and your career. Victims may require lifelong treatment and care, which can be covered by compensation.
Each injury is different, and our personal injury lawyers in Merced recognize this. That’s why we work to build a strategy tailored to your situation and help you make informed decisions.
What Damages Can I Pursue In A Personal Injury Claim?
Legal avenues exist to seek various damages after a personal injury accident. The settlement amount usually depends on the circumstances of your case and the severity of the injury. Here are some potential damages our Merced personal injury lawyers can help pursue on your behalf:
Economic Damages
These damages are quantifiable because they are the financial costs incurred in the accident. Costs covered by economic damages include:
- Medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced future income
Non-Economic Damages
These damages cover things that can’t be quantified. Courts will review similar circumstances to determine how much these damages are worth. This covers things such as:
- Pain & suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Punitive Damages
Rarely awarded by the court, punitive damages are more about punishing the defendant than covering the plaintiff’s losses. The damages serve both as a civil punishment for the defendant and as a deterrent to others.
Steps To Take After Getting Injured In An Accident In Merced, CA
Accidents caused by out-of-control vehicles, reckless drivers, irresponsible property owners, or negligent manufacturers can leave you suffering from severe injuries or the death of a loved one. After such incidents, if you can move to a safe location, try to gather as much evidence from the scene as possible.
- Call 911 — Report the incident to Merced Police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Tell the investigators what happened, but avoid making assumptions. Do not say sorry or admit fault, as it can be used against you.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention — The shock of an accident may prevent you from feeling pain. Despite that, get first aid from the emergency medical team dispatched to the scene. Be sure to follow their instructions and see a doctor afterward.
- Exchange Information From Any Witnesses — Ask your Merced personal injury attorneys if they can reach them later for vital testimony.
- Take Plenty of Pictures — Document the damage and any of your visible injuries. If you’re in a traffic crash, take a photo of the signs identifying the at-fault driver’s employer, such as a trucking company or a ridesharing service, if possible.
- Trade Information With the Drivers Involved — Do not, however, discuss fault or the severity of your injuries. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used during the evaluation of your claim.
- Hang on to Evidence — Compile the pieces of evidence you have gathered and keep them in a safe place. Also, wait until a lawyer has assessed you before having your car or other personal property repaired.
- Consult With a Lawyer — Our Merced personal injury lawyers can assess your case and provide an estimate of the potential value of your claim. We work towards fair compensation that reflects your damages according to California law.
Getting Information After A Traffic Accident In Merced, California
You can obtain a copy of the police report of your accident in Merced, California, in two ways:
Request From The Merced Police Department
Victims can request a copy of the police report from the Merced Police Department after they respond to their accident. You can request official documents online through Merced City’s website.
Request From The California Highway Patrol
If your accident occurred on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will likely respond to the accident. You can request a copy of your accident report directly from CHP if that happens.
Establishing Negligence In Merced Personal Injury Claims
When someone fails to act with reasonable care, their negligence makes them responsible for the injuries inflicted on the victims. Our Merced personal injury attorneys work to help you prove the four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — People are responsible for acting cautiously and preventing injury to others.
- Breach of Duty — The person violated their duty by acting recklessly without regard for others’ safety. For example, speeding breaks the duty to drive cautiously.
- Causation — The person’s breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages — These are the injuries and losses you are suffering from the accident. They include medical expenses, pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Who Is Responsible For My Personal Injury?
Multiple parties could share responsibility for a victim’s suffering. Our personal injury lawyers in Merced can investigate your accident and gather evidence that may help prove liability.
Who might be responsible for your injury? It depends on the details of your case. In some personal injury claims, these are the common liable parties:
- Negligent Drivers — Reckless or careless drivers who cause accidents through speeding, distracted driving, or other offenses.
- Vehicle Owners — If improper maintenance contributed to the traffic accident, the vehicle owner might be liable.
- Employers — If your injury arose from workplace negligence, your employer could be held responsible for your losses.
- Product Designers or Manufacturers — Defective products that cause harm can lead to claims against the designer or manufacturer.
- Premises Owners — Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions in their premises and cause slip-and-fall accidents or other injuries can be liable.
- Public Entities — Government agencies responsible for faulty roads, inadequate signage, or other public hazards can be held accountable.
- Repair Services — If a repair service performed faulty work that contributed to your injury, they might be liable.
Even if you played a part in the accident, California’s Comparative Fault Act allows you to pursue compensation. The percentage of fault you bear reduces the amount of damages you can seek. For instance, if you are 40% to blame, you may still be able to pursue 60% of the damages.
Your degree of fault can affect the amount of compensation you can pursue. Our Merced personal injury lawyers can conduct an investigation to help identify potentially responsible parties.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims In Merced County, CA
The statute of limitations governs how long you have to bring legal action and claim damages after an accident. In California, the time limit is two years from the date the injury was sustained or discovered.
You have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim for property damage. Meanwhile, road defect claims must be submitted to the government within six months of the accident.
If you miss the time limit, you may risk your eligibility to pursue damages. Courts may, with very few exceptions, extend deadlines. If you have been involved in an accident in Merced, our personal injury attorneys at Arash Law can help you understand these legal deadlines.
FAQs About Merced Personal Injury Claims
Who Is Liable To Pay For Damages To My Car In An Accident?
If the other driver is at fault, they may be liable to pay for the damages to your car. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay the damages. If you are at fault and have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for the damages minus the deductible. The answer depends on the specific details of your case. Consider consulting a Merced personal injury lawyer to assess who may possibly cover these losses.
What If I Cannot Afford An Attorney?
Our Merced personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee arrangement. This means we don’t get paid unless we obtain compensation for you. Our fee comes out of the settlement or award. We will discuss the fees involved in pursuing a legal claim during your initial consultation.
Discuss Your Case With Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Merced
If you or a loved one got injured due to the negligent actions of another individual or entity in Merced, California, our personal injury attorneys at Arash Law can help you understand your legal options. We will advocate for your rights throughout the legal process. Our goal is to assist you in seeking compensation for your damages through an insurance settlement or jury verdict.
For a free initial consultation, call us at (888) 488-1391 to speak with our Merced personal injury attorneys. We also extend our service to neighboring communities, including San Francisco, Fremont, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Gilroy, Salinas, Monterey, Soledad, Firebaugh, Madera, Fresno, Selma, Kingsburg, Dinuba, Sanger, Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland, and Modesto.
