Turlock 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 Turlock Accident Lawyers Offer Focused Legal Representation For The Injured
Car accidents are becoming more frequent in Turlock, often leading to otherwise preventable injuries. Collisions that cause severe damage can keep people in the hospital for months, requiring additional time for recovery. If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation after a car accident, our Turlock car accident lawyers are here to help. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Turlock is the second-largest city in Stanislaus County, with a population that has steadily grown over the years. It offers a unique blend of a quality learning environment and a relaxed rural lifestyle. The city prides itself on cultural art experiences, sports activities, numerous parks, schools, and a range of medical facilities. Despite these positive aspects, the increasing population and the city’s connection to surrounding areas, such as the Mother Lode, San Francisco Bay, and the Sierra Nevada area, may contribute to a higher likelihood of road accidents in the region.
Car accidents happen for various reasons, including population growth, increased traffic, and diverse commuting patterns. Unfortunately, these accidents can lead to severe injuries and legal headaches. Our Turlock car accident attorneys have years of experience handling various cases and have assisted injured victims in pursuing legal claims against negligent parties. When you need legal representation after a car accident in Turlock, our lawyers at Arash Law are ready to assist you throughout the process.
Our client was parked on the side of the road and was struck by the defendant driver traveling at a high rate of speed– ARASH KHORSANDI
What Can Our Turlock Car Accident Lawyers Do
Our car accident lawyers in Turlock work to help you seek damages, such as your medical bills and other losses, incurred from an accident. The insurance company will be provided with your complete and accurate medical records to help justify the costs incurred and show the full extent of your injury.
Victims are often asked to make a statement about the accident as insurance companies investigate claims and send claims adjusters to conduct interviews. The things you say during this interview can be used during the claims process. Our car accident attorneys can handle all communications with them to help you make informed decisions about your case.
Additionally, we take all of our cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you will only have to pay for legal representation if your case results in a fair resolution. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us attorney’s fees. Other case-related costs that are charged separately regardless of the outcome will be discussed during your initial consultation and before you sign any agreement.
Contact us to find out whether you have a claim.
Common Types Of Car Accidents In Turlock, CA
Our Turlock car accident attorneys handle a wide variety of car accident cases. No two car accidents are ever the same, so we give each case an independent investigation to determine fault and help victims seek compensation that covers their actual losses.
The types of car accidents that we handle include:
- Rear-End Collisions
- Head-On Collisions
- Side-Impact Collisions
- Angle Collisions
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Single-Vehicle Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- T-Bone Accidents
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Turlock, California
Most people drive carefully, follow traffic laws, and make active efforts to help avoid possible accidents. Some drivers, however, disregard the dangers their driving poses and end up jeopardizing the safety of others. The following are some of the common causes of car accidents that our lawyers in Turlock handle:
- Driving Under the Influence — In California, driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common forms of driver negligence. As you get older, your tolerance for alcohol decreases, making it even riskier to drive after drinking.
- Distracted Driving — Distracted driving remains another common accident risk nowadays. Using mobile phones while behind the wheel, be it for calls, texts, social media, or even browsing, significantly increases the risk of crashing.
- Speeding — Speeding is another common cause of car accidents, and many drivers in California tend to drive above the posted speed limits.
Some other examples of risky behavior that can lead to car accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs.
- Failing to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Driving while fatigued or exhausted.
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs.
- Making illegal turns or maneuvers.
- Failing to use turn signals or other signals to indicate intentions.
- Driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy or adequately maintained, such as one with worn brakes or bald tires.
- Failing to properly secure cargo or equipment that may fall off or become a hazard to other drivers.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
In car accidents, people can suffer injuries that range from very minor to severe. As a result, victims may incur varying medical expenses, lost income, and other non-economic damages.
These are common injuries for which our Turlock car accident lawyers at Arash Law help victims pursue compensation:
- Fractures Or Broken Bones
- Concussions
- Crush Injuries
- Closed Head Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Arm Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Skull Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Permanent Nerve Injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Severe Burn Injuries
- Wrongful Death
Determining The Liable Party For Your Car Accident
Determining who’s responsible for a car accident in Turlock and establishing their liability involves examining the specific circumstances of the incident. Here are the potentially liable parties in a car crash:
- Negligent Drivers — The most frequent scenario involves a driver who acts negligently, such as by speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way. If a driver’s actions directly lead to the accident, they may be held responsible.
- Manufacturer — If a malfunctioning or defective vehicle part causes an accident, responsibility may be shifted to the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty component.
- Government — Government entities responsible for road maintenance, such as government agencies or private contractors, may be held accountable if poor road conditions, lack of signage, or poor road maintenance contributed to the accident.
- Employers — If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes, their employer may be held responsible under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.
When car accident cases go to trial, our car accident attorneys in Turlock can represent you in court and advocate for your rights. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to know more about your case.
What Damages Can I Pursue?
Personal injury claims allow victims the ability to seek accountability for their injuries and losses after an accident. Our Turlock car accident lawyers work to help you seek the following damages:
Economic Damages
- Coverage for medical expenses incurred due to injuries sustained in the accident. This may include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, medication expenses, ongoing treatment, and future fees.
- Compensation to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged car and other properties. This can include repair bills, replacement parts, and other related expenses.
- Reimbursement for expenses related to renting a vehicle while your car is undergoing repairs. This helps you maintain your daily activities despite your vehicle being temporarily out of commission.
- Financial recovery for income lost during the period of recuperation from injuries sustained in the accident. This may include wages, bonuses, or other income sources that are affected by the inability to work. This also includes any reduced capabilities to earn future income.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms, but are equally crucial in a personal injury claim.
- Compensation for physical and emotional pain experienced as a result of the accident. This includes mental anguish, distress, and the overall impact on the quality of life.
- Reimbursement for psychological trauma and emotional suffering caused by the accident. The long-term impact on mental health and overall well-being is also considered in your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not focused on compensating the victim but rather on punishing the responsible party for their reckless or intentional actions. This is awarded in rare cases involving extreme negligence, intentional harm, or misconduct.
Wrongful Death Damages
Our Turlock car accident lawyers will provide legal guidance in filing wrongful death claims. These cover:
- Compensation for the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident.
- Reimbursement for costs associated with funeral arrangements and burial services.
- Compensation for the emotional and financial losses suffered by the surviving family members due to the death of a loved one.
- Monetary recovery for the economic support the deceased would have provided to their dependents.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Statute Of Limitations In Turlock, CA
In California, you generally have two years to bring legal action against the person responsible for your accident. This applies to everyone involved in the crash, whether you were driving, riding in a car, riding a bike, on a motorcycle, or even walking.
However, here are some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations for car accidents:
- The statute of limitations differs if you wish to file a claim for property damage only and not injuries. In this situation, a person can file their claim three years from the accident date.
- For an accident with a government entity, the statute of limitations to bring legal action is six months from the collision date. Common claims against a government entity include dangerous road conditions or when a government employee’s negligence led to an accident that caused injuries and property damage.
Additionally, the statute of limitations may be tolled or paused at specific times under certain circumstances.
- Minor Child — If a minor sustains injuries in a car accident, the statute of limitations begins running when they reach the age of 18.
- Mental Incapacity — The statute of limitations for mentally incapacitated people does not start running until they regain their capacity.
- The Person Dies — If the injured party dies within six months of the statute of limitations ending, the lawsuit may be filed by the personal representative of their estate as long as it is filed within six months of the plaintiff’s death.
- Plaintiff Is in Prison — In situations where the individual pursuing a claim is in prison, the statute of limitations may pause until their release from prison or for two years, whichever occurs sooner.
- The Defendant Left California — If the defendant in your case leaves California, the statute of limitations may be paused until they return. Once the defendant returns to California, the statute of limitations begins again.
- Delayed Discovery of Injuries — The statute of limitations may begin to run once a person discovers their injuries. This can occur for certain conditions that do not manifest immediately.
Speak to our Turlock car accident attorneys to learn more about the filing deadlines in your case and whether any exceptions may apply to you.
Things To Do After A Car Accident In Turlock, CA
If you suffer injuries in a car accident, there are steps you can take to help protect your well-being and your potential claim, such as:
- Seeking Medical Attention — You should seek medical attention after an accident for treatment and to document your injuries, even if you feel fine.
- Following Your Doctor’s Orders — Follow your treatment plan as closely as possible. If your doctor recommends physical therapy, go to your appointments and do your exercises. Failing to follow your treatment plan may affect your claim.
- Not Accepting a Settlement Offer — Only accept a settlement offer from an insurance company after speaking to a lawyer, as they have the experience and knowledge to evaluate your claim’s worth properly. Accepting a settlement offer without consulting an attorney can result in receiving compensation that may not be enough to cover your actual losses.
- Calling Turlock Car Accident Lawyers — Finally, contact an attorney to help evaluate your case and determine if you have a viable claim.
California Car Accident Laws
California car accidents can inflict severe injuries. If you have been involved in an accident, you may be able to pursue monetary compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. California’s car accident laws will impact any legal claims if you decide to file. It is essential to understand your obligations as a driver, how fault is determined, and what can affect your ability to seek compensation.
Our personal injury attorneys have experience navigating California’s complex laws and procedures. Call our accident attorneys in Turlock for a free initial consultation.
California Financial Responsibility Requirements
Minimally-Acceptable Car Insurance Coverage
Any car that is registered with the State of California must have insurance or other proof of financial responsibility. Purchasing a car insurance policy is the simplest way to satisfy your legal requirements as an owner of a registered vehicle.
There are specific minimum insurance coverage requirements in California. According to California Insurance Code §11580.1b, these minimums help cover any costs incurred because of an accident, personal injury, or property damage. It requires all drivers to maintain a minimum coverage on all registered vehicles, which includes:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
- $15,000 for property damage.
You must have valid proof of insurance readily available. California law requires that you provide proof of insurance when:
- Requested by law enforcement.
- Renewing vehicle registration.
- Involved in an accident.
Failing to provide proof of financial responsibility can result in fines and possible revocation of your license if you are involved in an accident.
Underinsured And Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Your car insurance provider is legally required under California law (California Insurance Code §11580.2) to offer uninsured motorist bodily injury and underinsured motorist coverage. These insurance policies help to cover your injuries and property damage in the event you are involved in a crash with a driver who does not have valid or sufficient insurance.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage — Pays for the cost of damages sustained by you and any passengers in your car when an uninsured driver injures you. Compensation is limited to the amount of your liability coverage.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage — When you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to pay for the total cost of your damages, this policy can help make up the difference.
Other Suggested Car Insurance Coverage
The minimum coverage required by the state may be insufficient to cover the full extent of the injuries and damage caused in an accident. Purchasing the following types of insurance can help protect you and anyone affected by the accident:
- Medical Payments Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Collision Coverage
- Theft Coverage
It is important to note that these policies do not meet California’s 30/60/15 minimum liability insurance requirement. However, they can still provide valuable coverage if you are involved in a serious accident.
Alternative Methods Of Establishing Financial Responsibility
While purchasing minimally acceptable car insurance coverage is the simplest way to establish financial responsibility, there are also alternative methods. The state accepts any of the following proof of financial responsibility for a registered motor vehicle:
- A cash deposit of $35,000 was paid to the DMV.
- Self-insurance certificate issued by the DMV.
- Surety bonds of at least $35,000 issued by a company licensed to do business in the state.
- Accident Reporting Requirements.
If you are involved in an accident in California that results in property damage exceeding $1,000 and any personal injury, you are legally obligated to report the crash. California Vehicle Code §16000 requires that these accidents be reported to the DMV by you, your attorney, or your insurance company within 10 days.
Form SR-1
The accident report, which is filed on form SR-1, must include the name(s) and address(es) of anyone involved in the accident who complains of a bodily injury and:
- Time, date, and location of the accident.
- Your personal information.
- Personal information of all other involved drivers (name, address, birth date, driver’s license information).
- Insurance information for all involved drivers (company, policy number, expiration).
- Explanation of injuries and damage.
Car Accident Statistics
There is a significant increase in traffic fatalities across various categories in 2021. The California Office of Traffic Safety data reveals a 7.6% rise, translating to 4,285 lives lost compared to 3,980 in the previous year.
One of the most alarming data points reveals a 16% increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, rising from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021. These fatalities involve crashes where the driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. This spike emphasizes the urgency of addressing the issue of driving under the influence.
A concerning 52.9% of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who were tested had positive results for legal or illegal drugs. Although this represents a slight decrease of approximately 5.5% from 2020, it underscores the ongoing challenges associated with drug-impaired driving.
Moreover, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 41 percent of the driver-related critical factors were not paying attention, distractions, and inadequate vigilance. Another common reason was using poor judgment, such as speeding or reckless driving.
Research studies of critical pre-crash events showed that:
- About 36 percent of the cars involved in accidents were making turns or passing through intersections right before a crash.
- About 22 percent of the vehicles ran off the edge of the road.
- Around 12 percent of the vehicles were stopped.
- About 11 percent of the vehicles failed to stay in the proper lane.
- About 9 percent lost control of their vehicle before the collision.
Need Legal Advice? Consult With Our Car Accident Attorneys In Turlock
Don’t rely solely on your word, witness reports, or a police report. Establishing another party’s negligence may require additional steps. A lawyer can assist with the process and in determining liability in a Turlock car crash.
At Arash Law, we examine accident reports and other data when needed to help support your claim. Our Turlock car accident lawyers have years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases and have assisted clients in pursuing compensation for their injuries and losses. We provide focused legal representation and are committed to advocating for your rights through negotiations and litigation. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to learn how we can help you.
Our legal services extend to clients in other areas near Turlock, including Hatch, Montpelier, Cortez, Ballico, Denair, Keyes, Monterey Park Tract, Cowan Tract, and Delhi.
