Car Accident Attorney in San Luis Obispo

Being in a car accident is one of the most terrifying experiences anyone can go through. You are suddenly thrust into a life-threatening situation, where you must act quickly to avoid becoming another statistic. In addition to the physical pain and injuries you sustain, you have to deal with the emotional trauma of knowing that you were in a crash, and that someone else's negligence caused it. The last thing you need is to have to worry about the financial burden of your injuries, but unfortunately, car accidents often lead to expensive medical bills that can easily overwhelm those with preexisting financial problems or those without health insurance.

Fortunately, you can turn to a car accident lawyer at James McKiernan Lawyers to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our firm has the resources and experience to effectively represent you in your case, and we can help you get the compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Schedule a consultation with our team today; call (805) 222-7654 or use our online case submission form. We serve clients in San Luis Obispo and throughout California's Central Coast.

What Is Considered a Car Accident?

The vast majority of Americans drive to and from work, go out to do errands, and take their kids to school. This means that the majority of Americans are driving when they are involved in car accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there are over 1.3 million car accidents every year in the United States.

The reality is that being in a car accident is not a rare occurrence in the United States, but that does not mean that every accident is your fault. The law recognizes that accidents are a part of driving, and that they are a normal and expected part of the transportation system that allows Americans to go about their daily lives. As a result, the law does not require you to prove that you were not at fault for a car accident in order to receive compensation.

Instead, the law requires the insurance company to prove that you were at least partially at fault for the accident. If they cannot prove this, then they are legally obligated to pay you compensation for your injuries.

How much you are entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries. If you suffered a mild injury, then you might only be entitled to a few thousand dollars. If you suffered a severe injury, then you might be entitled to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What Are Some Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents can be caused by a wide variety of factors, and the amount of damage they cause can vary just as widely. Some car accidents cause minor damage, while others cause catastrophic damage. In some cases, a car accident can cause the death of one or more people.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Driver negligence: This is the most common cause of car accidents. Driver negligence occurs when a driver makes a mistake that leads to an accident. For example, if a driver runs a red light and causes a car accident, then they are at fault. This is because running a red light is negligent. Other examples of driver negligence include driving while intoxicated, speeding, texting while driving, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
• Poor road conditions: The government is responsible for maintaining the roads in your area. If a road is poorly maintained, then you might be able to hold the government liable for your injuries. Poor road conditions can include potholes, poor signage, and poor lighting.
• Dangerous vehicles: The manufacturer of a vehicle can be held liable for injuries if their vehicle is defective. Defective vehicles can include vehicles with poor brakes, poor handling, and poor visibility. If you are injured because of a defect in a vehicle, then you might be able to hold the manufacturer liable.
• Hit-and-run accidents: Hit-and-run accidents are common, and they can cause severe injuries. If you are hit by a driver who does not stop to help you, then you might be able to hold that driver liable for your injuries.

Call Our San Luis Obispo Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been in a car accident in San Luis Obispo or anywhere else along California's Central Coast, don't hesitate to reach out to our professional team. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact James McKiernan Lawyers at (805) 222-7654 today to speak to a San Luis Obispo car accident attorney.