Modesto Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Modesto Car Accident Lawyers Provide Legal Experience And Knowledge When You Need It Most
Car accidents can occur without warning, affecting your well-being and everyday life. At Arash Law, we understand that filing a personal injury claim can be draining, especially while you are dealing with your injuries or losses. That’s why our Modesto car accident lawyers strive to help you pursue the compensation available to your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Modesto is the largest city in Stanislaus County, California. It’s known for its small-city lifestyle with big-city conveniences. However, car accidents are widely reported in the area.
Our Modesto personal injury lawyers can review your claim and assist you in seeking just recompense for your losses. Our team, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will advocate for your rights and work diligently to pursue your losses. We commit ourselves to handling your case with dedication and skill.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Our Modesto Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim
Arash Law can handle car accident claims in Modesto. We will work hard and use our legal knowledge to manage your case. Our team has helped numerous clients with their car accident claims.
Here are some other things our Modesto car accident attorneys can do once you work with us:
- Investigate the car crash.
- Identify who is potentially liable for the accident.
- Collect sufficient evidence to establish the negligence of the at-fault party.
- Answer your questions and explain the process of filing a claim.
- File a claim with the civil court system.
- Communicate with insurance companies and defense attorneys on your behalf.
- Keep you updated on the status of your claim.
- File a lawsuit if the liable party refuses to settle and if it is a viable option for your case.
If you’re not sure whether you have a valid claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our car accident lawyers in Modesto will assess your situation and guide you through the legal process.
Why Hire Experienced Modesto Car Accident Lawyers For Your Claim
If you have been injured in a traffic collision in Modesto, consider hiring a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will be able to tell you what to do after the accident to help keep your rights protected.
Although you can file a car accident claim on your own, having legal representation may help give you certain benefits. Having a lawyer on your side can provide you with valuable guidance that can help avoid potential pitfalls in your case. Our car accident attorneys in Modesto will handle communication with the involved parties and advocate for your interests while doing so.
Furthermore, we are prepared to take a case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. We can support you by:
- Assisting you in making decisions about what to do next.
- Building a well-supported case.
- Advocate for your rights during the negotiations or legal proceedings.
Common Types Of Car Accidents In Modesto, CA
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are four common types of car accidents. Let’s look at each of these in more detail:
- Head-on Collisions — These accidents happen when two cars strike each other directly from the front, usually while going in opposite directions. In 2021, head-on collisions accounted for 59% of passenger vehicle deaths.
- Rear-End Collisions — A car driver can hit another vehicle from behind by following too closely or while distracted. Speeding cars can cause severe injuries in rear-end collisions.
- T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions — These happen when a vehicle collides with another on its side, forming a T-shape. These often result in serious injuries or, worse, fatalities. Around 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2021 were from side-impact collisions.
- Overturn or Rollover Accidents — Such incidents happen when a vehicle loses its balance. The car may flip over if the driver travels too quickly or speeds on a curve. Another common reason for cars overturning is tripping over curbs, potholes, and garbage.
The other types of car accidents in Modesto include:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing-related accidents
Our attorneys in Modesto have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We have the knowledge and skills to help build your claim and pursue a fair settlement.
Common Causes Of Modesto Car Accidents
Car accidents happen for different reasons, mainly due to negligence and human error. However, they also occasionally happen for unanticipated causes, such as mechanical failure or weather-related issues. If you get hurt in a car accident due to these factors, consider contacting our Modesto car accident attorneys.
Here are the common causes of car accidents in Modesto:
Distracted Driving
Some examples of distracted driving would be having conversations with passengers, texting or chatting on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, and grabbing something from under the seat or glove box.
Speeding
When drivers exceed speed limits, they frequently lose control of their cars or do not stop in time, which leads to collisions.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Drunk or drugged driving poses a serious risk to all motorists. In fact, about one person dies in a DUI accident in the United States every 42 minutes.
Aggressive Driving
This refers to acts that show blatant disregard for traffic rules or the safety of others. Reckless driving includes running a red light, carelessly switching lanes, or drag racing.
Tailgating
Following too closely behind other vehicles also causes many car accidents. Drivers who tailgate often get involved in rear-end accidents.
Mechanical Failure
This includes tire blowouts, braking issues, and steering problems. They could be due to manufacturing defects or poor maintenance services.
Poorly-Maintained Roads
Cracked pavements, missing guardrails, defective traffic lights, and road debris also lead to accidents. Poor road conditions are often a recipe for disaster, especially for inexperienced drivers or those unfamiliar with the area.
Weather Conditions
Heavy rain or snow can make the roads slippery. These conditions also include poor visibility due to fog or strong winds.
We can help you understand your rights and offer legal support following an incident. Speaking with our lawyers in Modesto may also help you better grasp the specifics of your car accident and seek reimbursement for your injuries.
Different Types Of Cars Commonly Involved In Accidents
Any car can get into collisions. However, some car models are more frequently involved in catastrophic or deadly crashes. Some car types that often get involved in road incidents include:
- Sedans — These are vehicles built on a three-box body. The first box is the engine compartment, the second is the passenger compartment, and the third is the boot.
- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) — In addition to a higher roof and larger rear bumper, these vehicles offer increased ground clearance. SUV rollovers are also more common compared to other types of vehicles.
- Pick-up Trucks — Such vehicles are designed to move things. These trucks can be used for a variety of purposes, like transporting goods.
Regardless of which car type caused your car accident, our Modesto lawyers can help you determine what your possible legal options are.
Injuries From A Car Accident In Modesto, CA
The injuries you sustain from a car accident range from minor to major. Even when you don’t see any injuries or feel any pain, consult a physician. You may still be suffering from internal injuries. Our Modesto car accident lawyers can connect you to qualified medical professionals in the area who can take a look at your injuries, which can include:
- Lacerations — Cuts may result in serious infections, complications, or extended hospital stays if left untreated and mismanaged.
- Broken Bones — The impact of a collision can break bones in various body areas, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Parts of the body, especially the lower limbs, can also get crushed.
- Head and Neck Injuries — Defective airbags deploy much later than they should. Thus, the upper body has no protection in collisions. The impact often causes facial, chest, and neck injuries. Whiplash is also common in rear-end incidents.
- Damage to the Shoulder or Clavicle — During a collision, seatbelts put pressure on the collarbone. If left untreated, it can lead to fractures, breakages, or continuous pain as the bones become misaligned.
- Internal Bleeding — The impact of the car accident may cause internal injury to organs, including the kidneys, liver, spleen, or lungs.
- Paralysis — Car accidents result in thousands of spinal cord injuries annually, which can lead to paralysis.
Victims also suffer from mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to the violent force of car accidents, injuries are often severe. Yet, minor car accidents like fender benders are also common. It is still possible to get hurt in these instances, even if the injuries are mild. Regardless of the severity of your car accident, our Modesto lawyers can support you in pursuing compensation for your case.
Identifying Liability In A Car Accident In Modesto, CA
The person who causes you harm is considered directly liable for their actions and the resulting damages. However, it’s not always as simple as it sounds. Sometimes, other parties may also share liability. Our car accident attorney in Modesto can analyze the evidence and identify potentially liable parties.
Potentially responsible parties often include the following:
- Car Owners — Based on California laws, car insurance follows the car and not the owner. As such, owners may be held responsible even if they weren’t the ones driving at the time of the accident.
- Other Drivers Who Operate the Vehicle — People who use rental cars or borrow from others also share liability in a car accident.
- Other Motorists — It’s possible for other motorists to be liable as well, especially in multi-vehicle accidents. For example, a driver who rear-ends your vehicle may not be at fault if there was another driver who rear-ended them.
- Car Manufacturers and Mechanics — If the mechanical failure that caused the accident was present from the start, car manufacturers will be held liable. However, if the issue appears later on, car mechanics are more likely to be at fault due to poor maintenance services.
- Government — In car accidents that occur due to roadway issues, the government may bear some responsibility, especially if a road problem has been left unaddressed for a considerable amount of time prior to the accident.
Our Modesto car accident lawyers will review the sequence of events, evaluate witness accounts, and coordinate with accident reconstructionists. Through this thorough evaluation, we may uncover evidence of negligence. By establishing the at-fault party’s recklessness, our Modesto personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Establishing Negligence In A Car Accident
In a car accident claim, you must demonstrate that an irresponsible or inattentive party was at fault to establish liability and seek damages. Our Modesto car accident attorneys have experience in managing this aspect of your case.
The Legal Information Institute (LII) defines negligence as the failure to act with the level of reasonable care one would have used under the same circumstances. It includes deliberate acts and inactions, like a driver’s error. Typical instances of negligence in car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving while sleepy or tired
Our Modesto car accident lawyers can assist you throughout the process of your claim. We will review the facts of the case, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. We will strive to establish the at-fault party’s responsibility for the accident.
What To Do After A Car Accident In Modesto, CA
If you get injured in a car accident, call 911 and request medical assistance. Move your car to a safe location if possible. Otherwise, stay put and activate your hazard lights. Here are the other steps you can take after a car accident:
- Cooperate With Authorities — Once they arrive, tell them only the facts about the accident. Do not guess or add details. Never admit fault or apologize, either. These may be used against you later on.
- Get Medical Attention — Seek prompt medical care from the paramedics. Then, follow up with your doctor after the incident.
- Preserve the Evidence — Take photos and videos of the accident scene as well as your injuries. Also, document any property or vehicle damage.
- Gather Information — Exchange details with the other parties involved in the accident. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well. However, refrain from discussing the accident with the other parties.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurer — Contact your insurance company after the accident, but refrain from making unnecessary comments. It would help if you also refrain from sharing anything on social media since your words can be twisted, hurting your case.
- Speak With a Lawyer — It may help your case if you do not speak with anyone besides the medics and police officers until consulting with a Modesto car accident lawyer. They can guide you on what to do next.
Types Of Compensation For Modesto Car Accident Victims
In Modesto and the rest of California, there are three primary types of damages in claims: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
- Economic Damages — These are quantifiable, out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. They often hinge on concrete, easily calculated figures. These damages include:
- Medical Expenses — Hospitalization, medication, surgery, and any ongoing physical therapy or treatment required due to the accident are covered.
- Lost Wages — These include earnings lost due to the inability to work during rehabilitation.
- Property Damage — Get compensation for necessary car repairs or replacements.
- Non-Economic Damages — These compensate for an accident’s more subjective, non-monetary impact. The emotional and psychological scars from the incident are devastating, and it’s difficult to assign a dollar amount to these losses.
- Pain and Suffering — It considers the emotional pain and suffering an accident victim has endured and may continue to suffer.
- Emotional Distress — Stress, anxiety, and a loss of enjoyment of life are a few examples.
- Loss of Consortium — It considers the injury’s impact on the victim’s familial or intimate relationship with their spouse or partner.
- Punitive Damages — In rare cases, courts grant punitive damages when the offender’s action was intentionally harmful or grossly negligent. These don’t necessarily compensate the victim but are intended to help prevent car accidents on the road.
The particulars of the incident and the injuries sustained affect the compensation you may be eligible for. Our Modesto car accident lawyers can help you identify which type you qualify for and work to pursue a fair settlement.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
California Laws On Car Accidents
According to California Vehicle Code Section 20008, you are required to make an official report to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the nearest police department within 24 hours of the accident. Submitting a second written record is not necessary if a law enforcement official attends the accident scene and writes a report on your behalf.
If you sustained injuries or got hurt in a car accident, you must report the incident within ten days, especially if:
- Injuries are present at the scene.
- Someone was severely injured or killed.
- The accident resulted in property damage.
It is also important to note that California is an at-fault state. This means that whoever is liable for the incident will be the one to pay the damages to the other party or parties.
Furthermore, the state follows pure comparative negligence laws. In personal injury cases, such as car accidents, victims should be able to establish that another party is completely liable for the accident. Otherwise, if the court finds that they are also partially responsible, the award they may pursue will be reduced.
These laws can be confusing, especially for someone without much legal background. Our car accident lawyers in Modesto can explain these to you. We will provide legal insights to help you decide how to move forward with your case. Our lawyers will help review and justify your claim.
Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents In Modesto, CA
Under the law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which includes car accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. You must file a lawsuit within two years of the car accident for the injured party’s claim to be valid.
On the other hand, you have up to three years to file a car accident claim for property damage.
It’s important to note that exceptions to this rule may either lengthen or shorten this period. For example, when the injured person is a minor, the clock doesn’t run until they turn 18. After that, they have up to two years (or until they’re 20 years old) to file a claim.
If the claim is against a government entity, you must complete separate claim-filing requirements within six months of the accident date as a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit.
Consult any of our Modesto car accident lawyers to understand these legal deadlines. We will assess the case’s specifics while working to help you take the legal steps within the mandated timeframes. Seeking the services of our lawyers early on can also help preserve crucial evidence to support your case.
Dealing With Insurers After A Car Accident In Modesto, CA
Car accidents can be overwhelming to the victims, and navigating through an insurance claim may also add to the burden. Regardless of who’s at fault for it, liability issues may still arise. The role of our Modesto car accident lawyers is to help you pursue a settlement appropriate to cover your accident-related expenses.
Uninsured Vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage
There are cases where the driver at fault for the accident may not have enough liability coverage. Sometimes, drivers even flee the scene before you can get their details and other important information. In these circumstances, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages may cover certain losses.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage — This type of coverage protects you against at-fault drivers without liability insurance. It also works in hit-and-run cases.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage — A policy that protects you against a driver who is at fault but has insufficient insurance coverage.
These policies extend help for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Modesto car accident lawyers can help you understand your insurance policies. We will also advocate for you when dealing with insurers.
Modesto Car Accident Statistics
California has a high incidence of car accidents, highlighting the urgent need for more focus on road safety. The same applies to Modesto, California.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) 2021 report reveals that more than 1,999 victims were killed or injured in Modesto collisions. According to available traffic safety data, the common causes of accidents in Modesto include drunk driving and speeding.
Unfortunately, it’s not only the drivers and their passengers who get injured or killed in these instances. Even motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians have been affected. Despite the presence of streetlights, a lot of the recorded car accidents happened at night.
Modesto Car Accident FAQs
You may have a lot of questions in your mind following a car accident. Here are some questions our Modesto car accident attorneys addressed:
What Are Some Dangerous Roads And Intersections In Modesto?
Be extra careful when driving on these roads in Modesto:
- State Route 99 or Highway 99 (known for high accident rates in California)
- State Route 108
- Crows Landing Rd. & W Whitmore Ave.
- W Main St.
- Pelandale Ave. & Tully Rd.
- Oakdale Rd.
- Sylvan Ave. & Wood Sorrel Dr.
- Briggsmore Ave.
- Sisk Rd. & Whitcomb Wy.
Regardless of where you are traveling, it is imperative to practice defensive driving at all times. It is not a 100% guarantee that you won’t get into an accident, but it can reduce the risk of one happening and catching you off guard.
In the unfortunate event of a car accident that leaves you severely injured, our car accident attorneys in Modesto can help. We will handle the legal matters of your claim while you focus on getting better from your injuries.
How Soon Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After An Accident?
Although you may be disoriented and experience excruciating pain following an accident, it may benefit you if you speak with a lawyer early on. Our Modesto car accident lawyers will handle communications with the insurance company and claim paperwork while you focus on healing and getting better.
How Do I Find The Right Personal Lawyer?
Selecting the right lawyer is a crucial choice that can affect your case. Seek out car accident lawyers in Modesto who have experience navigating the legal system. Here are all the additional factors to take into account while selecting an accident attorney for your case:
- Experience handling similar cases and has reviews from past clients.
- Availability and accessibility.
- Strong communication skills.
- Personalized attention.
What If I Can't Afford To Hire A Lawyer?
Most law firms that handle car accident cases, including Arash Law, work on a contingency fee basis. In this arrangement, they only get paid if they obtain compensation on your behalf. The exact amount depends on the complexity of the case, and some related expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome. You can discuss this fee structure with your attorney during the consultation.
You can also get legal advice and representation even if you can’t afford to hire a lawyer. Several legal practices provide free initial consultations. It enables you to evaluate possible next steps, discuss your case, and get legal guidance.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect From A Car Accident?
Accident claims do not have a set amount. The specifics of your case will determine the compensation you may be able to seek. Our Modesto car accident lawyers can evaluate your case and determine its potential value.
Contact Modesto Car Accident Lawyers Near You And Schedule A Consultation!
While your priority is recovering from your injuries in a Modesto car accident, you should consider your possible legal options. By working with a car accident lawyer, you may be able to seek compensation from the potentially at-fault party for the damages you incurred from the crash.
Our Modesto car accident lawyers are ready to help with your case. We will help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.
We serve clients throughout California, including Modesto and the surrounding areas. These include Ceres, Claribel, Del Rio, Denair, Empire, Grayson, Hickman, Keyes, McHenry, Riverbank, Riverdale Park, Salida, Twin Rivers, Waterford, Westley, and West Modesto.
Arash Law is with you in seeking justice. Connect with us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case consultation.
