San Luis Obispo, CA Auto Accident Lawyers Helping You Recover
A traffic accident occurs approximately every two minutes in California. Thousands of people are killed and hundreds of thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle collisions each year. Car crash injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to disabling catastrophic injuries. Many people are left unable able to work, making it impossible to care for their family. Some suffer paralysis or traumatic brain injuries, permanently affecting their quality of life will never be the same.
California law allows individuals who are injured by another’s negligent actions to recover monetary compensation for the damages that result. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not quick to offer a fair settlement. In fact, they often refuse to pay or pressure unrepresented individuals to settle for far less than what their claim is worth. Therefore, you need an experienced auto accident attorney on your side.
The San Luis Obispo auto accident lawyers at James McKiernan Lawyers represent people all along the Central Coast. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an automobile accident, then you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. We often represent individuals injured in accidents on the 101, Pacific Coast Highway, and 227 coming into the California Central Coast area.
Our experienced trial attorneys always prepare cases as if they will go to trial. It is true that most cases end up settling; however, there is a chance that the insurance company will not offer a fair amount. When this happens, it is up to us to use our litigation skills to help enforce your rights.
What Are Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents?
At James McKiernan Lawyers, our San Luis Obispo auto accident lawyers have successfully handled over 30,000 personal injury claims. We have experience with a wide variety of motor vehicle accident claims, including:
- Auto Accidents. We handle all types of car accidents from rear end collisions to head on car accidents. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation.
- Truck accidents. Our trucking accident lawyers represent individuals injured by negligent truck drivers. Liability may extend to their employer, which means more compensation may be available.
- Bus accidents. Whether you were injured on a bus as a passenger or a bus hit a vehicle you were travelling in, we can help you with your bus accident claim. These types of accidents often involve public entities, which can complicate your case.
- Motorcycle accidents. Victims of motorcycle accidents often suffer catastrophic injury and permanent disability. Therefore, having a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer on your side is essential.
- Bicycle accidents. Car vs. bicycle accidents are common in California and the surrounding areas. Negligent and distracted drivers are most often the cause of these types of accidents.
Who May Be Liable for a Vehicle Accident?
California law requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility in the event they are to blame in causing a motor vehicle accident. Most people meet this requirement by carrying the lowest level of liability insurance available to cover them in case of a crash. The minimum liability limits in the law are 15/30/5 – $15,000 for personal injury to one person, $30,000 for personal injury to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. However, if any kind of serious injury has occurred, then these minimum amounts may not be sufficient to cover the injured person’s medical expenses and other damages.
With truck accidents in particular, the collision often causes significant damage exceeding these minimum policy limits. There are, however, situations where insurers can be liable for more than the policy limits or where your own insurance can make up for an uninsured or underinsured driver. Liability may even extend to a commercial driver’s employer.
Other accidents, such as bus accidents, may involve public entity liability. The process for filing a claim against a public entity differs than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Our experienced traffic accident are familiar with all options available to maximize recoveries for car accident victims.
Please visit our Auto Accident FAQ page for more information about auto insurance.
What If My Injuries Were Caused by Defective Safety Devices?
While negligent drivers cause most traffic accidents, this is not always the case. Sometimes an automobile defect is to blame. A vehicle system may fail at a critical moment, causing or contributing to an accident. Additionally, a defect may cause a serious injury in even a relatively minor collision because of faulty design or ineffective safety features. For instance, a seat back failure or faulty airbag or seat belt can create a severe whiplash injury from a relatively low-speed, rear-end collision.
Possible defective safety devices:
- Seatbelts
- Airbags
- Brakes
- Bike helmets
- Tires
- Steering mechanisms
In order recover compensation from a manufacturer, you only need to prove that the safety device was defective and that, but for the defect, you would not have sustained the injuries you did. Our firm has experience with all types of defective product defects cases and our attorneys understand what it takes to hold automakers accountable when their actions cause injury.
Injured? Contact Our San Luis Obispo, CA Auto Accident Lawyers
At James McKiernan Lawyers, we conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, including identifying all responsible parties and establishing a comprehensive estimate of future medical costs and other damages. We believe everybody has the right to excellent representation, even if the case is going to be difficult. If you have been injured in a California automobile accident, contact James McKiernan Lawyers for a free consultation with top-quality auto accident lawyers to discuss your best options to receive compensation for your injuries.
We Also Focus on the Following Practice Areas:
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