Vehicles Crash Into San Joaquin County Canal
Two vehicles were involved in a crash and went into the San Joaquin County canal on the night of July 23, 2019. The car accident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. along Highway 4 near the Contra Costa County line. A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) suggested that a pickup truck entered the eastbound lane to overtake slower vehicles. A white car also started passing traffic when it reportedly rear-ended the pickup. The impact of the collision propelled both vehicles into the San Joaquin County canal. The two parties riding in the pickup truck were able to exit the car. However, CHP said the occupants of the white car may have been ejected in the crash. A dive team was called to the scene to locate those parties. Information regarding the injuries reported and the discovery of the missing people was not immediately available.
What Do You Do After a Car Accident?
A car accident may be common but rarely expected. In situations such as these, those involved may be traumatized and not know what to do next. The first thing to do after a collision is to make sure that everyone is okay. If there are any injuries, contact emergency personnel to the scene for immediate treatment. Receiving medical treatment is essential for your health. Conversely, failing to seek care promptly can cause insurance claims adjusters to dispute the validity of your injuries. After receiving treatment, take pictures of the cars involved in the crash. Also be sure to take photos of potholes, skid marks on the road, traffic signs, and more. Such evidence is needed to help prove your personal injury claim with an insurance company.
Are Passengers Covered By Car Insurance?
After a car accident, a passenger may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. This is especially true when serious injuries are involved. The situation may become further complicated when insurance companies dispute liability on the part of their insured. However, passengers are usually not at fault for a collision. In other words, passengers who are injured in a crash may have several options available to them for recovery. This includes filing a claim against the driver of the other vehicle who caused the accident or the motorist of the car the passenger was riding in. If there is little to no insurance from such parties to cover the passenger’s damages, the passenger may use their own car insurance for compensation of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is possible so long as they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. For more information on this type of coverage, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Stockton. If you are unsure of what to look for in a reputable attorney, watch the below video. Learn the common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
Is There a Time Limit on Personal Injury Claims?
A statute of limitations is enforced by most states. This is the amount of time a person has to bring a personal injury claim. California only allows a two-year window to file for personal injury from the date of the crash. If the deadline is not met, the case may be dismissed by the court, and the passenger may lose the right to recover compensation.
Do I Need an Attorney?
People who are injured in a car accident are often vulnerable and unable to speak for themselves. This is where the assistance of an experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer can prove invaluable. An injury lawyer can gather and preserve critical evidence to structure an insurance claim for damages incurred. If all attempts at a fair settlement fail with the insurance company, the injury lawyer can prepare and file a lawsuit in civil court. Your attorney will be available for you throughout every step of the way to answer your questions and discuss the status of the case.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Auto accidents can happen for various reasons, some of which may be the fault of others. An experienced attorney can help determine what damages are available to you and how to proceed in your case. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident caused by the negligence of someone else, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
Look at our client ratings and reviews on the following sites:
I am proud to be listed as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates. This forum awards membership to lawyers who have won over $1 million for a client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This group selects less than one percent of attorneys as members who exhibit high standards of legal excellence.
Browse a list of cases our law office has handled at our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image :ab / Vehicles Crash Into San Joaquin County Canal
:ds [cs 834] bw