Two Injured After Rollover Crash in Valley Springs
Two people were seriously injured after a rollover crash on Highway 26 in Valley Springs, CA, on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The car accident occurred around 9:50 p.m. on westbound CA-26 just east of Quail Oaks Road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a driver of a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette reportedly misjudged a curve in the road and veered into the oncoming traffic lane. This caused the driver of the Chevrolet to lose control, travel off the north shoulder, and overturn onto its roof in a grass field. The Chevrolet driver, a 34-year-old Rio Linda man, and his passenger, a 32-year-old Valley Springs woman, were allegedly ejected from the car. Both suffered serious injuries as a result and transported via air ambulance to separate hospitals in South Sacramento and Modesto, the CHP said. An update on their conditions was not immediately available.
Investigation of the Valley Springs Rollover Crash
A preliminary investigation by the CHP determined that driving under the influence (DUI) was a contributing factor to the collision. The driver of the Chevrolet was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. It is unknown whether the Chevrolet driver will face additional charges related to the accident.
Options for Recovery After a Car Accident
Few things in life are as traumatic and stressful as a motor vehicle collision, particularly when you are the passenger. However, if you were not behind the wheel of a vehicle at the time of a crash, you may be able to seek compensation for any injuries or losses you incur. There are two types of damages an injured passenger may receive as part of a personal injury accident case filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company. These include economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses for treatment related to the auto accident
- Lost income due to time missed at work while seeking medical treatment for injuries suffered from the crash
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional trauma suffered as a result of a motor vehicle collision
What if the Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?
In situations where the driver responsible for a car accident does not have enough insurance or none at all to cover injuries and losses incurred, those injured may seek recourse through their own car insurance policy. This is a viable option under their circumstances so long as they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). UIM coverage helps pay for injuries and damages caused by a driver who does not have enough insurance to fully cover them. UM coverage comes into play when the at-fault party does not have bodily injury liability coverage to compensate those injured by their negligence. For more details on uninsured motorist claims, watch the video below.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in California?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury accident case in California is two years from the day of the incident. This means that an injured individual has two years to either file a personal injury lawsuit or settle their case with the insurance company representing the negligent driver. With that being said, passengers injured in motor vehicle accidents should retain an experienced Valley Springs personal injury attorney to handle their case as soon as possible. The longer an injured passenger waits to hire legal representation, the more complex it can be to gather the necessary evidence for proving negligence and damages incurred in a personal injury case.
Should You Hire a Valley Springs Lawyer for a Rollover Crash?
In some rollover collision cases, there may be more than one party responsible for damages incurred. This may include the automaker of the vehicle involved in the rollover. Vehicles manufactured in the United States are expected to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 216 on roof crush resistance. FMVSS 216 states that the roof of a car must be able to withstand at least 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle in the event of a rollover. If a car fails to do so, the automaker may be held liable for enhanced injuries and resulting losses through an auto products liability claim. That is why it is essential to preserve your wrecked vehicle. An attorney can conduct an independent investigation of your accident to determine whether other parties may be liable for your damages to build a strong case for fair compensation.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Valley Springs
I’m Ed Smith, a Valley Springs personal injury lawyer. The consequences of injuries suffered in a car accident are often traumatic and severe. You may find yourself in a position where you are temporarily or permanently out of work due to your injuries, making it challenging to make ends meet all while paying for your medical treatment and expenses. Fortunately, California law recognizes that and provides a way for people injured in car accidents, including passengers, to hold drivers financially accountable for their wrongdoing. If you have been injured after a car accident in the Valley Springs area or elsewhere in Calaveras County, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on your situation and how to move forward.
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See our past case results listed on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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