Injuries Reported After Atwater Car Accident
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported injuries after a car accident in Atwater, CA, on the morning of May 4, 2020. The multi-vehicle crash occurred around 5:25 a.m. on Santa Fe Drive and Shaffer Road. Four vehicles were involved in the collision, according to the CHP. One of the four cars reportedly sustained major rear-end damage, and another ended up on its roof. Four separate tow trucks were called to remove all vehicles from the collision site. An ambulance was also requested at the scene to assist at least one party injured in the crash. Information, including the sequence of events leading up to the car accident and the conditions of those injured, was not immediately available.
Does Insurance Cover Multi-Vehicle Accidents?
People injured in car accidents caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver are often unsure of what to do next. This is especially true in cases involving multiple vehicles and injured parties. Unfortunately, if the at-fault party does not have enough insurance to cover losses incurred, it may be up to the injured person to seek compensation through their insurance policy. This is a viable option, so long as they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of coverage is not required by California state law. However, it is extremely useful to have, particularly in situations like these. For UM coverage, the injured individual may be able to recover the compensation they need from their insurance company to help pay for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Conversely, UIM coverage works to supplement any damages not fully covered by the at-fault party’s bodily injury liability insurance. This can prove particularly vital when the liability policy limits of the at-fault party need to be apportioned among all injured victims. To ensure you are able to successfully file an UM or UIM claim with your insurance carrier, it is crucial to enlist the assistance of an experienced Atwater personal injury lawyer.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Case in California?
There is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases in California. This means that your case can expire if you do not file a lawsuit within the deadline. To avoid being left with high expenses to pay with your own, do not hesitate to retain experienced legal representation to ensure all filing criteria and deadlines are met. To learn what to look for in the best personal injury lawyer in Atwater, watch the video below.
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Atwater Car Accident?
In car accident cases where a person has suffered catastrophic injuries, they may face problems down the road with insurance companies as they take specific actions to minimize the severity of the injury and related losses. In other cases, it may be challenging for the injured party to prove that their injuries were exacerbated by a vehicle defect like insufficient roof crush resistance in a rollover accident. Since drivers are responsible for operating motor vehicles safely and automakers are expected to manufacture vehicles that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, any of these parties may be held liable for an accident and resulting injuries. Keep in mind that a defective vehicle must be kept and preserved to pursue an auto products liability claim. Not having experienced legal representation in these situations can be stressful and overwhelming when working with insurance companies and dealing with the defense tactics they use for your personal injury claim. At AutoAccident.com, our Atwater personal injury attorneys can help you in your case by conducting an independent investigation, retaining medical and accident reconstruction experts, and trial preparation if your case is not settled with the insurance company before trial.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Atwater
I’m Ed Smith, an Atwater personal injury lawyer. With several vehicles involved in a car accident, determining the exact cause of the incident may be complex, if not impossible. When the at-fault party has insufficient insurance or none at all, it may prove even more challenging for injured people left with car repair bills, medical expenses for accident-related injuries, and time lost at work. If you or a loved one has been injured after a car accident in the Atwater area, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
If you would like to see what former clients and peers have to say about working with our law office, visit the following sites:
I am proud to be listed as a California member of the following legal organizations:
Since 1982, our personal injury law firm has dedicated our time to helping people injured in car accidents and their families by helping them get their lives back on track and obtaining the fair compensation they deserve. To see how we have helped clients in the past with their personal injury cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Picture Source: By “Elastic Compute Farm” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 864]