Modesto Car Accident Lawyers
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Our Modesto Car Accident Lawyers Provide Experience And Knowledge When You Need It Most
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.
You can count on our Modesto personal injury lawyers to handle your claim and help you recover the rightful compensation for your injuries. Our team, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will fight for your rights and assist you in recouping all your losses. We dedicate ourselves to giving you justice through our efforts.
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 has many decades of experience handling car accident claims in Modesto. We will work hard and use our knowledge and expertise to win you the most favorable settlement. It is through our dedication and skills that we have recovered over $500 Million in compensation for our clients. We can help you win what’s lawfully yours!
- Investigate the car crash
- Identify who is liable for the accident
- Collect sufficient evidence to prove 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
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, you should hire car accident lawyers as soon as possible. Our experienced lawyers will be able to tell you what to do after the accident to keep your rights protected.
Injured victims also generally win larger settlements when they work with an attorney. So, if you want to make sure you get maximum compensation, reach out to our car accident attorneys in Modesto today.
- Assisting in making decisions about what to do next
- Offering persuasive argumentation and the effective presentation of evidence
- Raising the possibility of obtaining a higher settlement or verdict
We believe that every client is a client for life. See the positive feedback we’ve gathered and how we transformed these people’s lives in our client testimonials.
Most 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.
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing-related accidents
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.
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 39 minutes.
Aggressive Driving
This refers to acts that show blatant disregard for traffic rules or the safety of others. Reckless driving includes running the 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.
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.
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 the top specialists in the area so you can get properly examined.
- 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.
- Psychological trauma. 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 dedicate themselves to assisting victims in obtaining sizable settlements.
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 be held responsible. Our skilled car accident attorney in Modesto has the expertise to analyze the evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and determine their respective degrees of fault.
- 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 the ones at fault due to poor maintenance services.
- Government. In car accidents that occur due to roadway issues, the government may be at fault, especially if a road problem has been left unaddressed for a considerable amount of time prior to the accident.
Our Modesto car accident lawyers would always review the sequence of events, evaluate witness accounts, and coordinate with specialists in accident reconstruction. Through this thorough evaluation, we can uncover evidence of negligence. By establishing the at-fault party’s recklessness, our personal injury lawyers in Modesto can hold them accountable for their actions.
Establishing Negligence In A Car Accident
In a car accident claim, you must prove that an irresponsible or inattentive party was at fault to establish liability and seek damages. Fortunately, our Modesto car accident attorneys are skilled in this aspect.
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:
Our Modesto car accident lawyers will assist you with your claim from start to finish. We will review the facts of the case, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. We will do our best to prove the at-fault party’s responsibility for the accident.
What To Do After A Car Accident In Modesto, CA
- 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 is best not to speak with anyone besides the medics and police officers until consulting with a Modesto car accident lawyer. We will advise 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 recovery.
- Property damages. 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 discomfort 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. Courts grant punitive damages when the offender’s action was intentionally harmful. These don’t necessarily compensate the victim but rather prevent car accidents on the road.
The particulars of the incident and the injuries sustained affect the final settlement amount you get. Our skilled Modesto car accident lawyers can help you determine which type you qualify for and ensure you get the maximum 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 should 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.
- Injuries are present at the scene.
- Someone was severely injured or killed.
- The accident resulted in property damage.
Furthermore, the state follows pure comparative negligence laws. In personal injury cases, such as car accidents, victims should be able to prove that another party is completely liable for the accident. Otherwise, if the court finds that they are also partially responsible, the award they receive will be reduced.
These laws may seem dizzying, especially for someone without much legal background. Fortunately, our car accident lawyers in Modesto can explain all these to you. We will make sure you understand so you can decide how to move forward with your case. Our lawyers will help review and justify your claim, minimizing your anxiety and stress in the long run.
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 to recover damages.
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 as soon as possible. We will assess the case’s specifics while ensuring that you take all legal steps within the mandated timeframes. Seeking the services of our lawyers early on can also help preserve crucial evidence and strengthen your case.
Dealing With Insurers After A Car Accident In Modesto, CA
Car accidents are traumatic and devastating events, and navigating through an insurance claim also adds to the burden. Regardless of who’s at fault for it, many insurance companies will undercut victims like you. The job of our Modesto car accident lawyers is to get you the compensation you need to cover the bills and expenses you have incurred in the accident. We are on your side and always have your best interests at heart.
We also have a proven track record of successfully negotiating with insurance providers. In addition, we are skilled at estimating the expenses related to your injuries.
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. What would financially protect you in the long run are uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages.
- 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. Working with our Modesto car accident lawyers guarantees you understand your insurance policies. We will also be your voice against any insurance company trying to lowball you.
Modesto Car Accident Statistics
California has an alarmingly 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. The leading causes of these car accidents were drunk driving, with 235 casualties, and speeding, with 183 cases.
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 street lights, a lot of the recorded car accidents happened at night.
Modesto Car Accident FAQs
What Are The Most Dangerous Roads And Intersections In Modesto?
Be extra careful when driving on these roads in Modesto:
- State Route 99 or Highway 99 (the most dangerous stretch of road 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 significantly reduces 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 so you can 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 would be best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Our Modesto car accident lawyers will handle communications with the insurance company and claim paperwork while you focus on healing and getting back on track.
How Do I Find The Right Personal Lawyer?
- A track record of accomplishments and positive 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 in Modesto, including Arash Law, work on a contingency fee basis. A percentage of the funds awarded or resolved in the lawsuit serves as the basis for the lawyer’s fee.
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 receive essential 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 final settlement amount you will receive. Our Modesto car accident lawyers can help determine the amount of a settlement, aid in winning the case, and take the stress of a lawsuit off your plate.
Contact Our Modesto Car Accident Lawyers Near You And Schedule A Consultation Today!
While your top priority is recovering from your injuries and losses in a Modesto car accident, you should always consider filing a claim. Don’t let the at-fault party get away from compensating you for the damages you suffer from their actions.
Our Modesto car accident lawyers are always ready to help with your case. We will help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and resolve your claim as favorably as possible.
We also offer our services throughout Modesto and its nearby areas, including Ceres, Claribel, Del Rio, Denair, Empire, Grayson, Hickman, Keyes, McHenry, Riverbank Claribel, 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 consultation.
