Two Hurt in Head-On Crash in Stanislaus County
Two residents from Patterson were seriously hurt in a head-on crash on a rural road in Stanislaus County on the morning of Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The traffic collision happened shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Howard Road, between the town of Westley and Interstate 5, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported. A 39-year-old man was driving a Chevrolet pickup truck westbound on Howard Road. At the same time, a 22-year-old woman was driving a Mercedes-Benz sedan eastbound on Howard Road. For unknown reasons, the Mercedes-Benz driver reportedly entered the oncoming traffic lanes and collided head-on with the Chevrolet. Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Further details on the injury incident, including the identities of those involved, were not immediately available by CHP traffic investigators.
Types of Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case
Under California law, those hurt in car accidents caused by someone else’s negligence may receive financial compensation for losses incurred. Most of the financial costs to consider after a traffic collision falls under the category of economic damages. Among the most common types of economic damages a Patterson personal injury attorney may recover in a motor vehicle accident case include:
- Bills for emergency transportation such as ambulance or life flight helicopters
- Ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitative care
- Lost wages due to missing work to recover from an auto accident
- The potential loss of future earning capacity due to permanent disability
- The cost of household services you were able to perform before the wreck
Non-economic damages may also be recovered after a Patterson car accident. While there is no way of determining an exact value of non-economic damages since they are subjective in nature, injured parties may still collect financial compensation for them. With compelling evidence, claimants may recover the following non-economic damages:
- Emotional and mental distress
- Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for effect on marital relationships
- Pain and suffering
In motor vehicle accident cases where the at-fault party acted in a way that was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded by the court. These are awarded to solely punish the negligent individual and to deter any similar wrongdoing in the future.
When to File a Lawsuit for a Stanislaus County Head-On Crash?
There is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases for car accidents in California, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. This means a claimant must file a lawsuit with the court within two years or they may lose their eligibility for recovery of personal injury damages. It is essential to note that the deadline may not apply to motor vehicle accidents where a government agency is involved. The amount of time to bring a lawsuit against a government agency is shorter, with six months or 180 days from the date of the incident.
Working with an Attorney on Your Auto Accident Case
Our Patterson personal injury attorneys at AutoAccident.com deal with difficult insurance companies and take the stress out of negotiating and settling a personal injury claim. When you hire us to represent you and your case, we are your advocates. We work diligently to protect the best interests of our clients throughout the personal injury claims process. If you have been hurt in a crash and have questions about your legal rights and options for recovery, contact our injury attorneys anytime to schedule a free case evaluation.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Patterson
I’m Ed Smith, a Patterson personal injury lawyer. After getting into a head-on collision in Patterson or elsewhere in Stanislaus County, you may need a car accident lawyer to represent you and protect your best interests. At our law firm, we represent injured parties across California. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a crash through no fault of your own, we can help recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to discuss your car accident case and provide free, friendly advice.
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