Two Hospitalized After Crash in Tuolumne County
Two drivers were hospitalized after a crash in Tuolumne County, CA, on the morning of Thursday, July 16, 2020. The car accident occurred around 5:45 p.m. near the Sierra Conservation Center Prison and Shotgun Creek Road. A 35-year-old Tracy man was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer eastbound on O’Byrnes Ferry Road toward Copperopolis. At the same time, a 33-year-old Angels Camp man was headed westbound on O’Byrnes Ferry Road toward Highway 108. One of the drivers reportedly attempted to overtake a big rig by crossing over the double-yellow lines and was involved in a head-on collision with the other motorist. One driver was transported via air ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, and the other was transported to Adventist Health Sonora. An update regarding their condition was not immediately available.
Is There Enough Insurance to Cover a Serious Car Accident?
Whenever there is a head-on collision, there is no doubt that there may be catastrophic injuries involved. In such situations, injured people may be wondering how their mounting medical bills and time lost from work will be covered, especially if it is high. When the driver responsible for the car accident has state minimum insurance coverage, which is $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident, this may put an injured individual in a financial predicament. Fortunately, there may be viable options for recovery under their own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage may pay for personal injury damages incurred when the at-fault party does not have bodily injury liability insurance. Conversely, underinsured motorist coverage supplements any injuries and losses not fully covered by the negligent driver’s car insurance liability limits. Med-Pay, or medical payments coverage, is an optional auto insurance benefit. It is designed to pay for medical treatment and expenses as they incur by an insured driver and their passengers resulting from a car wreck. For more information on the personal injury claims process and how the value of an injury case may be affected by specific factors, watch the video below.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Injury Case in California?
For recovery of past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering, a personal injury lawsuit must be brought within California’s two-year statute of limitations. This is required if a settlement is not reached with the insurance company within the filing deadline and to protect a personal injury accident case from being dismissed by the court.
Can You Recover Punitive Damages for a Car Crash in Tuolumne County?
In California, punitive damages are allowed in some personal injury accident cases under specific circumstances. The injured party must be able to prove that the driver responsible for the auto crash acted with malice, fraud, or oppression. Punitive damages are designed in a way that they punish the driver at-fault in the accident for their wrongdoing and to deter them and others from demonstrating similar conduct. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, punitive damages may be sought from a driver who has been convicted of excessive speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) in the incident. Since awards for punitive damages in a personal injury claim are uncommon, and they are often challenging to prove, it is best to leave it to an experienced Copperopolis personal injury attorney.
Is it Worth Hiring an Injury Attorney for a Head-On Collision Case?
To recover the financial compensation that fully covers your injuries and damages incurred, you will need the legal representation of an experienced personal injury attorney in Copperopolis. At AutoAccident.com, we have over three decades of experience standing up to auto insurance companies and have recovered full and fair compensation on behalf of our clients. We will fight for you and what you rightfully deserve.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Copperopolis
I’m Ed Smith, a Copperopolis personal injury lawyer. Any serious injury resulting from a head-on collision is inconvenient and stressful, to say the least. Our law firm can help you during this difficult time by holding the driver responsible for your car accident and their insurance company financially accountable for your injuries and losses incurred. To learn more about how we can help you, call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to provide you free, friendly advice on how to move forward with a car accident injury claim.
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