Home  »  Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Dan McCrary' | McCrary Accident Injury Law Firm

Our Trusted Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer is here to help you get Maximum Compensation

Our team of Sacramento car accident lawyers at McCrary Accident Injury Law Firm is committed to assisting you if you have been injured in a car accident. Without an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer and a seasoned legal team behind it, it can be difficult to understand your rights and easy to make mistakes. Some Insurance providers will even attempt to reduce their financial obligation. Auto vehicle crash injury victims may need to hire an auto accident attorney to get the insurance company to cover their damages fully. In some cases, the attorney will need to file a personal injury lawsuit to make the liable party pay for money damages.Contact our accident injury law firm to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. There is no cost unless we win your case.

Auto accidents can happen for any number of reasons. Just a few of these reasons include:

  • Inattentive drivers
  • Mechanical issues
  • Poor road conditions
  • Impaired drivers

Have a question?
We’re here to help 24/7.
Call or Text Us Now (855) 752-6326

Before dealing with the insurance company or taking a settlement check, talk to our California car accident lawyers about your case. Our legal team of the best car accident lawyers has been advocating tirelessly on behalf of the victims just like you. We’re ready and willing to fight to maximize your recovery.
Contact our experienced Sacramento car accident lawyers at (855) 752-6326 for a free case review.
Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions you might have.

Car Accident Statistics In California and Sacramento

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of personal injuries in the United States. Every year, nearly 2 million people are injured in motor vehicle crashes. More than 200,000 people are injured each year just in California.

Sacramento county has 1.55 million people. So, it’s really no surprise to learn that Sacramento has its fair share of congested roads. Jam-packed roads can, and often do, lead to traffic accidents. But, while fatal accidents throughout California continue at a relatively steady rate, they increased dramatically in the Sacramento area.

There were 12,122 fatal (injured & death) accidents in Sacramento in 2018. In 2019 there were 12,518 fatal accidents in Sacramento County. That is an increase of about 3% in just one year.

Part of the issue is likely Sacramento's unusually high rate of fatal pedestrian accidents. In California, Pedestrian fatalities decreased by 5.0 percent from 940 in 2017 to 893 in 2018. In comparison, there were 37 fatal pedestrian accidents in Sacramento county in 2018.

What Roads And Intersections Are The Most Dangerous In Sacramento?

A total of 797 drivers lost their lives at California intersections in 2015. Furthermore, Sacramento was recently ranked the second worst California city for traffic accidents behind Los Angeles.

Problem Corners and Intersections

The Sacramento Police released their list of the worst intersections in 2012, and these continue to be problematic today.

Folsom Boulevard and Howe Avenue

This corner tops the list and has about thirty collisions per year, according to a Sacramento Police interview with FOX40. Roughly 77,000 vehicles pass this area every day. Doug Morse of the police department said that the traffic volume alone is partially responsible for the high incidence of crashes.

12th Street and B Street

Plans for a 2016 construction improvement project for the “North 12th Street Streetscape Improvements Project” were designed to improve lighting and gutters, remove barriers, and generally upgrade the roadway, starting from this corner. Hopefully the improvements will show progress in the form of saved lives.

Elder Creek Road and Stockton Boulevard

With eight crashes per year, Stockton could use an upgrade. It used to be called Highway 99 and is still laid out like an old state highway. Not only does this corner see many crashes, but ten months ago there was a road-rage incident that originated in the parking lot at a fast-food restaurant on this corner. Occupants of one vehicle began throwing trash at each other, and then someone opened fire and hit a person in the other vehicle.

Franklin Boulevard and Mack Road

There were nine crashes here for the time reported. August 2016 even saw a fiery four-car pileup that resulted from one car striking a median and going airborne.

Mack Road and Valley High Drive

There were eight crashes here, and with a total of sixteen lanes intersecting, it’s probably fortunate that the tally wasn’t higher.

Runners Up

Meadowview Road and 24th Street, Franklin Boulevard and Fruitridge Road, Cosumnes River Boulevard and Bruceville Road, and finally, Stockton Boulevard and Fruitridge Road are all intersections that also see a heavy amount of traffic and collisions.

Why Should You Hire an Attorney For Your Car Accident Claim In Sacramento, CA?

A trusted car accident attorney in Sacramento can help you get through the aftermath of an accident. We know the ins and outs of traffic collision and personal injury law. By applying our knowledge of Sacramento roads and California law, we are adept in seeking the highest compensation for car accident injuries. Contact the attorneys who put you first. Schedule a free consultation by calling our office.

When you enlist our Sacramento law firm for assistance, we will:

  • Provide you with the support and guidance you need during this very overwhelming time
  • Conduct an exhaustive examination into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding your car accident
  • Gather and scrutinize relevant evidence – including police reports, photographs and video footage, medical records, and witness statements – as we work to determine causation, fault, and liability
  • Take care of all communication with interested parties, including insurance providers
  • Work to disprove or minimize the effect of any claims that you share responsibility for the crash, and
  • Consult with accident experts and injury specialists throughout the process, particularly as we work to determine what your accident claim is worth.

How To Deal With Insurance Companies After A Car Accident In Sacramento, CA?

Being in a traffic accident is a lot to deal with. After the fact, you and your insurance provider will need to agree on a proper reimbursement for damage to you and your property. The insurance company usually has the advantage here because they process claims every day. If this is your first traffic accident or your first time going through an insurance claims negotiation, continue reading as we go step by step on how to deal with insurance after an accident.

1. Gather as Much Evidence As Possible

The evidence you are able to gather following an accident will play an important role in substantiating your claim. Take pictures, make notes, obtain witness statements and document every aspect of your accident. This will increase your chances of being able to prove fault and pursue the full value of your claim.

2. Keep Strict Records Of Everything

Keep strict records of every accident-related transaction and communication between you and your insurance company. Keep copies of medical records, diagnoses, doctor recommendations, repair estimates, the police report, and any other documentation or evidence relating to your accident.

3.Communicate Clearly

What you say to your insurance company or its adjuster when filing a claim can be used against you to deny coverage, reduce the value of your claim or prove your negligence. It is important you communicate clearly in each conservation you have with your insurer. Do not admit fault. Do not make accusations. Provide the facts of the accident and details. Other questions or information for which you are not prepared to provide should be referred to your attorney.

4. Be Very Wary of Documents You Are Asked To Sign

After an accident, it is extremely likely your insurance company will ask you to make a statement or sign documents pertaining to the accident. You need to be cautious and wary of any documents you are asked to sign. In many cases, such documents will limit or restrict your legal rights and could prevent you from being able to pursue the full value of your claim. Always have legal counsel review any documents or settlement offers you are asked to sign BEFORE you sign.

5. Retain Legal Counsel To Find The True Value Of Your Claim

Insurance companies will often only offer compensation for expenses related to physical injuries. Medical bills, vehicle repairs and loss of income are also some of the main costs which insurance companies may offer to cover following an accident. Insurance companies tend to avoid emotional damages stemming from the accident, even though you may have a legal right to pursue those damages. Working with an attorney can help make sure you are able to accurately determine the true value of your case. A Sacramento car accident lawyer can aggressively pursue all of the damages you have a right to, based upon the facts in your case.

What Causes Car Accidents In Sacramento, CA ?

The City of Sacramento Police Department cites the causes listed below as the most common reasons that traffic crashes occur. Several of these relate directly to intersection situations. “VC” stands for “vehicle code,” and a complete list can be found here.

1. Following Too Closely – VC 21703

2. Running Red Light – VC 21453

3. DUI of Drugs or Alcohol – VC 23152

4. Speeding – VC 22350

5. Left Turn (especially misjudging the oncoming car) – VC 21801

California Car Accident Laws

Below, you'll find a table breaking down important aspects of California's car accident compensation laws, including time limits, limits on damages, and more.

Statute of Limitations 2 years for personal injury lawsuits (Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 335.1)
3 years for property damage lawsuits (Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 338)
6 months for claims involving a government agency (Cal. Gov’t Code § 911.2)
Limits on Damages No non-economic damages for uninsured drivers (Prop. 213, codified at Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 3333.4)
Other Limits Non-economic damages limited to $250,000 (Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 3332)

Can I Recover Compensation If I Share Some of the Blame For a Car Accident in Sacramento,CA?

California is a comparative fault state. That means that if a plaintiff bears any responsibility in an accident, their damage amount is reduced by their percentage of fault.

If you were in a car accident that wasn't your fault, you can still be found to have some liability, even if it's a small amount. For example, if the other driver swerved into your lane and caused a head-on collision, the court could find that if you'd acted a moment sooner to get out of the way, the accident could've been avoided.

Even though it's clearly the defendant who caused the accident, you could be liable for that small responsibility you had to act faster. The court or insurance company would reduce the amount of your damages by that liability.

If you are 5% liable and the damages totalled $50,000, it would reduce by $2,500 to $47,500.

Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer | McCrary Accident Injury Law Firm

What Happens If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

If you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have any car insurance at all, you'll likely have to turn to your own insurance company to cover your losses. Your best bet is uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which is usually an add-on protection. UIM coverage is only required in a handful of states, while insurance companies are required to offer it to customers by law in most states. Uninsured motorist coverage usually can't exceed the amount of your standard liability coverage. So, if you've got $75,000 in total liability coverage per accident, you can't typically carry more than $75,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. Learn more about different types of car insurance coverage. Despite the fact that car insurance is mandatory for registered vehicles in operation in most states, the fact is that there are many drivers who drive without insurance, and the best way to protect yourself is making sure you have plenty of UIM coverage. But note that UIM coverage usually only applies to your car accident injuries; you'll probably need to purchase separate add-on coverage (called "Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage" or something similar) in order to cover vehicle repair/replacement after an accident with an uninsured driver.

What Damages Are Available If I Am Injured In A Car Crash In Sacramento, CA?

In car accident (as well as most personal injury) claims, there are generally four types of damages that may be recovered. Those damages include special, general, wrongful death, and punitive.

Special compensatory damages may be filed for any financial hardships endured following a car accident. These damages typically go towards covering the cost of immediate medical bills, future medical care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and more.

Special damages also cover any costs that accumulate if the car accident victim is unable to work as a result of their injuries. Lost wages, lost earning capacity, rent and mortgage payments, and even costs associated with home renovations or required relocation (whether due to medical care or special arrangements) can be covered by special compensatory damages.

Essentially, any economic losses sustained after a car accident would fall under the category of special compensatory damages.

General compensatory damages are more intangible and are meant to cover losses of the non-economic variety. Pain and suffering, mental trauma, psychological anguish, and diminished quality of life are examples of the broad terms that can encompass general compensatory damages.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth In Sacramento, CA?

Calculating a reasonable settlement amount for a car accident requires careful consideration of several different factors. Some of the most important factors include:

1. Who was At Fault in the Accident?

One of the most important factors for determining a reasonable settlement amount is who was at fault in the accident. In order to obtain a settlement, you must be able to prove that someone else (i.e. the other driver) was at fault in your collision. If you were at fault, then you are not entitled to a settlement (though you may be able to file a claim under the “no-fault” portion of your insurance policy).

2. How Much are Your Financial and Non-Financial Losses?

Another crucial factor when negotiating a settlement is the amount you have lost (and will lose) as a result of the collision. In the vast majority of cases, car accident settlements are intended to provide compensation only. As a result, a reasonable settlement will reflect the amount of your financial and non-financial losses.

Victims’ losses from car accidents can range anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars. The severity of your injuries, your age and income, your family circumstances, and various other factors will all be taken into account in determining what constitutes “just compensation” for your collision.

3. What Auto Insurance Coverage is Available?

In many cases, the amount that car accident victims can recover is limited by the amount of auto insurance coverage that is available. This is why you may have heard the term “policy limit settlement.” Even if your losses are $20,000, if the at-fault driver only has $15,000 in liability insurance coverage (the minimum amount required under California law), then you may be limited to obtaining a settlement of $15,000.

4. What are Your Options for Seeking Damages Outside of Auto Insurance?

In some cases, car accident victims can seek damages outside of auto insurance. If a vehicle manufacturer, dealership, or other “third party” is liable for your collision, substantially more insurance coverage may be available to you. This means that your settlement is more likely to cover the full amount of your accident-related losses—and you will need to work with an experienced car accident attorney in Bakersfield to make sure you seek the maximum compensation available.

5. How Much are You Willing to Accept?

Finally, when it comes to determining what constitutes a reasonable settlement for your car accident, you also need to consider how much you are willing to accept. In most cases, it isn’t possible to calculate an exact settlement amount. Instead, your Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer will calculate a reasonable settlement range. If you receive a settlement offer at the bottom of the range, will you be satisfied? Or, will you want to keep fighting for more?

What Should I do After a Car Accident in Sacramento,CA?

  • Check yourself and passengers for injuries: Don’t ignore wounds that might seem minor or that don’t hurt. These can become serious injuries later, and shock from an accident can prevent you from feeling pain in the moment.
  • Call 911 or report the accident: If the accident is serious and there are injuries, call for emergency services. If the accident is minor and the vehicles are off of the thruway, alert police so that they can make a report.
  • Collect details: Get the details of anyone else involved in the accident, from motorists to pedestrians. Be sure to collect relevant insurance information from the other drivers. Take photos if you can and get the names and number of any witnesses.
  • Be careful what you say: Don’t admit fault or discuss your actions immediately prior, during, or after the accident. Don’t apologize, as others may see that as acknowledging fault. Do give the important details to law enforcement.

When it comes to your auto accidents, our goal is to ensure you receive the highest settlement for your claim. We carefully examine all the accident ‘s details and work with you to determine the best course of action. We offer:

  • A zero-cost preliminary consultation to review your accident
  • Understand your rights
  • Be protected throughout your case
  • Have the resources to receive the medical care needed
  • Be compensated for lost wages and damages to your property
  • Reduce the stress and worry of managing your own case

Whatever the cause of your car accident, we will aggressively pursue your claim to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and the damages caused to your property.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento,CA?

There are NO UPFRONT FEES ! We handle all car accident injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means that we do not get paid until you get paid. Our practice is exclusive to serving accident victims.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

If you have been injured in a Sacramento auto accident, you may be thinking about filing a personal injury claim for damages. An unexpected injury can be incredibly expensive, and the money you recover from your claim can go a long way to relieve the financial burdens with which you are faced.

When our personal injury attorneys meet with prospective clients to review a new case, there is one question that tends to pop up more often than not: how long will my case take to settle?

What Affects My Car Accident Settlement in California?

Personal injury cases can be resolved rather quickly or drag on for years. The timeframe in which your case is resolved will depend on:

1. Determinations of fault

2. Calculation of damages, and

3. Your road to recovery.

Contact Our Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Today For A Free Legal Consultation!

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Sacramento, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from our experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer right away. Let us handle your personal injury claim while you focus solely on making a full recovery from your injuries. With our help, you can secure the full amount of compensation you are entitled to by law.

LEGAL SERVICES OFFERED BY MCCRARY LAW FIRM IN SACRAMENTO

FREE CONSULTATION 24/7, NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN .
Call or Text Us Now (855) 752-6326

SCHEDULE YOUR
Free Consultation