Santa Rosa, about 55 miles north of San Francisco, is the largest city in the North Bay region. With a population of more than 175,150 individuals, it offers a little bit of everything. Families and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in beautiful weather, art, music, food, and a sincere tribute to Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the comic, Peanuts. Yet, as is possible in any community, people can become the victims of accidents and resulting injuries.
Throughout California, residents rely heavily on their vehicles. Cars are necessary to get to and from work, run errands, and spend time with friends and family. With so many vehicles on the road at any given time, accidents are bound to happen. When these accidents are serious and lead to injuries, victims should contact an experienced Santa Rosa car accident lawyer at the Brod Law Firm to learn what to do next.
What to do After a Car Accident in Santa RosaIf you were in a car crash in Santa Rosa, there are a few important steps to take. Immediately following the accident, you should gather the other driver’s auto insurance information. If the other driver caused the crash, you may need to file a third-party claim under his or her policy.
Always make sure you and your passengers are safe and healthy. Do not hesitate to go to the hospital after a crash. Even if you refuse to go to the emergency room right away, try and see a physician soon after the accident for a thorough check up. You may think your symptoms are normal, when they are actually signs of a more serious injury like a concussion, broken ribs, or internal bleeding.
After you receive appropriate medical care, you must notify your and the other driver’s insurer of the accident and your intention to file a claim. This is called providing notice and can be important to your ability to obtain compensation. Once you give notice, ask for the insurer’s instructions on filing a claim. During this time, do not admit fault to anyone on the phone and answer as few questions as possible. Once you formally file a claim, you will need to prove your statement. However, you may need to speak with a car accident attorney in Santa Rosa first.
Consider Your Need for an AttorneyIf you were part of a fender bender that did not cause any injuries, you may not need legal advice or guidance. Auto insurers often quickly handle routine matters that only involve property damage. However, if you or your loved one was seriously hurt, you should have the assistance of an experienced and trusted lawyer. You need someone who will protect your rights during this process and ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance companies. A lawyer will also help you obtain the maximum compensation possible under the law. An insurer may try to pressure you into a low-ball settlement. However, a lawyer can explain what your claim is truly worth and negotiate for a higher settlement offer or guide you through the personal injury legal process.
Pursuing Compensation Through a Personal Injury LawsuitNot every car accident can be quickly wrapped up through an insurance claim. With the help of a car accident lawyer who practices in Santa Rosa, you may need to file a personal injury suit if the other driver was under- or uninsured, the insurer wrongly denied your claim, or the policy limit is below the compensation to which you are entitled under the law. In these situations, you can file a personal injury lawsuit during which you must prove the other party’s negligence.
Depending on your situation, proving negligence may be relatively simple or complex. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into what happened and gather evidence on your behalf. This may include obtaining the police report, eye witness testimony, photos and video footage of the accident and its aftermath, and an expert witness. If your accident was unique or complicated, an expert accident reconstructionist can be useful to explain to the judge and jury what happened and why.
Once you prove the other driver’ negligence, you can pursue compensation for your:
If you or a loved one is suffering after being in a collision in Santa Rosa, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at the Brod Law Firm are ready to investigate your case and represent you in your insurance claim or personal injury suit. We want you to obtain the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life.
Call us today at (800) 427-7020 to schedule your free case evaluation.