Merced Car Accident Lawyers
Unfortunately, Merced City is no stranger to car accidents. Highway 99 is even quite infamous for this, with CHP data showing 556 crashes on the highway in Merced County in 2020, 817 crashes in 2021, and 773 crashes in 2022.
Other factors, such as the city’s growing population and reputation as the “Gateway to Yosemite,” have increased traffic, leading to accidents in other parts.
If you’ve been in any such car accident in Merced, it could be a shocking experience that leaves you with physical, emotional, and financial scars. Navigating its aftermath could also be confusing, but a good car accident lawyer is exactly what you need to get back on your feet. With their expertise, they can ensure you get due compensation for the experience.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved In a Car Accident in Merced
You should do certain things immediately after an accident to ensure your health and increase your chances of getting compensation. They are:
Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services
The first thing you should do after a car accident is check to ensure you and everyone involved are okay. If no one is injured and the car(s) can be driven safely, move them out of traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if you notice any injuries.
Once you call, officers will be dispatched to investigate the circumstances leading to the accident. The officers will subsequently detail their findings in a report, which you or your attorney can obtain later to support your claim.
To get a police report in Merced, you must fill out this form and take it to the police department at 611 W 22nd St or request the report by mail through a letter sent in a self-addressed envelope.
Move to a Safe Location and Exchange Information
Regardless of the accident’s severity or whether the other driver admits fault and offers to compensate you, it is always best to notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Notifying your insurer is especially important since, depending on your coverage, you may be able to claim with your insurer.
You may also have to claim with your insurer if the circumstances of the accident demand it, e.g., your accident is with an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
Document the Accident and Gather Potential Evidence
Write down a detailed account of the accident while it is still fresh in your memory. Your account of the event must Include specifics such as the date, time, and location of the incident.
It should also include details like the direction you were driving and your position on the road when the collision occurred. A voice recording with all these details will also suffice if you find that easier.
Additionally, note any other factors that might have influenced the accident, such as the weather or road conditions. Identify witnesses and get their names and contact information. Your attorney may need to contact them later to corroborate your accident account.
Finally, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved, property damage, traffic signals, and skid marks, if there are any.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Seek medical attention right away if you feel even the slightest discomfort. And even if you feel no pain after the accident, it is still best to undergo a medical checkup within a month because some injuries are not immediately evident.
Delaying treatment risks your health and allows insurance companies to claim that you are responsible for aggravating your injuries.
While going through this process, you should also preserve as much evidence as possible. Make copies of diagnosis reports, prescriptions, and bills.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Merced
Contact a Merced-based car accident lawyer immediately after the accident. If you sustained significant injuries or property damage, do not sign any documents from the other driver’s lawyer or insurance company without your lawyer.
How Can A Car Accident Lawyer in Merced Help?
A local Merced car accident lawyer can help you:
Understand Your Legal Rights
Understanding your rights is crucial to successfully navigate the road to recovery, and a skilled Merced car accident lawyer can guide you.
For instance, with an initial case evaluation, you can gain clarity on the merits of your case, a likely timeline, and your claim’s worth.
During this initial evaluation, your lawyer will ask pertinent questions to fully understand the details of your accident. Then, they will explain the available legal options and guide you to make well-informed decisions.
Negotiating with insurance companies
Once you retain an attorney, their first task will be to gather all the material evidence you need to prove the other driver’s liability.
To select key evidence of your damages, they will thoroughly review your records, receipts, and bills and ensure those demonstrate the severity of your injuries. Your lawyer will also enlist experts to conduct accident scene reconstructions that will clarify any disputed details.
If necessary, they will challenge a police report they believe to be inaccurate in light of new findings. Finally, your lawyer will gather all the evidence they’ve reviewed and eyewitness statements to create a narrative that strengthens your compensation claim.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Successfully negotiating a car accident settlement requires a refined skill set, and an attorney is likely better equipped than you to manage these discussions. Do not negotiate or accept any offer from the other driver or their insurer without consulting your lawyer.
With their in-depth understanding of your claim’s worth and extensive negotiation experience, they will reject low-ball offers from insurance adjusters, consistently seeking the maximum possible compensation.
Take Your Case to Trial
Although most car accident settlements are successful with negotiations, your lawyer may recommend litigation if several rounds of talks do not yield any results.
Strong legal representation is crucial if your case goes to trial because the law is complex, and the other driver will likely have an experienced attorney. A skilled Merced car accident lawyer is best suited to advocate for you in court.
How Much Is My Merced Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a car accident claim is not fixed in Merced. It varies depending on different factors, such as the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the at-fault driver’s insurance status.
A claim will likely be worth more if it results in:
- Pain and suffering.
- Diminished future earning potential.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability.
How Are Pedestrian Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
In California, the major difference between pedestrian and car accidents is that the driver is generally presumed to be at fault whenever a pedestrian is hit by a car. California has enacted several laws to protect pedestrians and improve road safety.
For example, Cal. Veh. Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in marked crosswalks. However, despite these legal protections, pedestrian accidents remain alarmingly frequent.
According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, roughly 14,000 pedestrians are injured on California’s roads annually. In Merced, pedestrian accidents also seem to be on the rise. Although drivers are often at fault, pedestrians can also share responsibility for failure to adhere to traffic laws.
To illustrate, Cal. Veh. Code § 21955 requires pedestrians to use crosswalks at designated intersections, and when failing to do this causes an accident, the pedestrian will be partially responsible.
However, even if pedestrians are partially at fault, they can still recover compensation under California’s comparative fault practice, which awards damages proportionately with each party’s degree of responsibility.
If a reckless driver has hit you in Merced, you have the same rights to compensation as drivers involved in car accidents. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Contact the Accident Helpers Today
If you have been the victim of a Merced car accident, don’t hesitate to contact The Accident Helpers. Our services provide you access to Merced’s best car accident lawyers and won’t cost you a penny.
Call 1-855-461-4193 or fill out our form to schedule a free consultation with us, and after getting the facts of your case, we will connect you to the lawyer most suitable for you.
