Two Airlifted to Hospital After Byron Highway Crash
Two people were airlifted to the hospital after a crash on the Byron Highway on the night of Monday, July 13, 2020. The single-vehicle accident occurred shortly after 8:40 p.m. on the Bryon Highway at Herdlyn Road. A silver Honda Accord sedan reportedly collided with a pole. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), at least three occupants were trapped inside the vehicle. Personnel from American Medical Response were on-site and reported that two patients required severe extrication. By 9:15 p.m., first responders were able to successfully extricate those trapped inside the vehicle. Two parties were taken by air ambulance to the hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. An update regarding their condition was not immediately available.
What to Do as a Passenger Injured in a Single Vehicle Accident
As a passenger injured in a car accident, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation for the harm you have suffered as a result of another party’s negligence. The personal injury claims process for a passenger can be challenging since many different factors must be determined. A Brentwood personal injury attorney can conduct an independent investigation into a car crash to determine what caused it and whether it was the negligent actions of the person who was driving the vehicle in which they were riding or the carelessness of another driver. When this has been done, an injury lawyer will look into the types of compensation available for the injured passenger.
Types of Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury claim is designed to offset the harm a person has suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence. In the case of a car accident, these cases are filed against negligent drivers and their insurance companies for injuries and losses incurred. Some of the economic and non-economic damages available through these types of cases include:
- Past and future medical care and expenses
- Lost income and future earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
The value of an injury case may be affected by specific factors. For more information on what these are, watch the video below.
Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Accident Cases
California allows for punitive damages under specific circumstances. The injured party must prove that the at-fault party acted with malice, fraud, or oppression. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Awards for punitive damages in motor vehicle accident cases are not common, and the standard required is challenging to prove. However, it is a viable option for recovery if the negligent driver acted in a particularly egregious manner, such as DUI or excessive speeding. If this happened in your car accident, discuss your case with an experienced Brentwood injury attorney today.
Is it Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Byron Highway Crash?
A passenger who was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent party deserves to be compensated for their injuries and damages. However, proving the driver of the vehicle the passenger was riding in was at fault for the crash and resulting injuries may be challenging in a personal injury case. Likewise, demonstrating the value of emotional, physical, and financial damages can be complicated. The insurance company, including your own for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, will want to pay as little as possible on your personal injury claim. This is because these businesses are focused on protecting their bottom line. This is one of the many reasons why it is essential to hire a personal injury attorney in Brentwood if you were a passenger injured in a car crash caused by the negligence of someone else. An attorney will work diligently to ensure insurance companies do not take advantage of your vulnerable situation and seek the financial compensation to which you are entitled to.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Brentwood
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer. As a passenger who has been injured in a car wreck, it is sometimes challenging to file a personal injury claim than if you were the driver. This is especially true if the driver of the vehicle you were riding in was a friend or close relative. However, being compensated for the harm you have suffered should not affect your relationship with that party. If you have been injured after a motor vehicle accident in Brentwood and would like to discuss your options for recovery as a passenger, call me at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
See client reviews of our law firm and our past case results listed at the following links:
I am proud to be listed as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/emergency-emergency-services-1137137/
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