It’s never the plan to leave home in one piece and wind up injured or worse as the result of a car accident. However, in the bustling community of Santa Monica it’s a daily occurrence in the lives of many unlucky individuals. A heavy population commuting to and from Santa Monica for work, a large population of tourists not used to operating vehicles on busy California roads, and a convergence of several busy freeways in and around Santa Monica put residents and visitors to the city alike at particular risk for involvement in car accidents as well as resulting injuries or death. No matter how the accident occurred, it’s wise to speak to an experienced Santa Monica Car Accident Attorney to learn whether your damages may entitle you to compensation from a responsible party. If another party was negligent or failed to obey traffic laws, you may be able to recover for harms to your body, your finances, or even your property.
Santa Monica Car Accident FactsMotor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence, as are the injuries resulting to those involved. More than 2 million people in 2015 alone were injured in car accidents – and this is only the number of victims who reported their injuries. The busy community of Santa Monica is at elevated risk due to the large number of vehicles on the road, proximity to freeways, and high numbers of visiting motorists in the community. In fact, the City of Santa Monica reported 9 roadway fatalities in 2017, the highest number of motor vehicle deaths since 2006 despite a reduction in school-adjacent speed limits. The large number of motorists, in combination with unsafe driving practices in Santa Monica and the surrounding area such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, only increases the already high risk for car accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica car accident victims often don’t realize all the ways they may recover compensation for their injuries. A victim can be compensated by a negligent party for all the injuries they can prove in court. Physical injuries including injuries to the head and neck as well as broke bones are common injuries resulting in awards. Other damages for non-physical injuries including financial harms like lost wages and emotional trauma due to pain and suffering or loss of consortium are also available to victims with adequate proof. Additional damages intended to punish a defendant’s bad behavior and deter repetition of the conduct may also be available if it can be proven the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression in causing the victim’s injuries.
Establishing a breach of duty as well as tying a party’s behavior to the causation of a Santa Monica car accident victim’s injuries can be tricky, so it is advisable to seek out experienced an experienced Santa Monica car accident attorney to avoid potentially costly legal pitfalls and present the strongest case for recovery possible.
If you’re involved in a car accident in or around Santa Monica in Southern California, it may seem overwhelming to take action quickly to help yourself and your case. However, a few simple steps can greatly help you protect your physical well-being as well as any legal claims you may bring.
Many times, car accident injuries are obvious; however, this is not always the case. Some injuries present no symptoms for days or even weeks after they occur. To treat apparent injuries as well as avoid aggravating injuries a victim may not know about, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a Santa Monica car accident. To look after your health as well as the health of any legal claims you may bring, it’s imperative you receive medical care and follow treatment instructions, plans, and follow-up recommendations exactly. This will help create a record of your injuries as well as avoid a potential denial of your claim due to a delay in seeking care or following medical instructions.
Collect EvidenceCollecting valuable information about the Santa Monica car accident and your injuries is usually helpful in showing how the accident and your injuries truly occurred as well as demonstrating the negligence of the party at fault. After the accident, photograph the vehicles and the accident scene if possible, get witnesses contact information if anyone saw the accident occur, and notify law enforcement and cooperate with them at the scene by giving a complete statement for the accident report. You should also keep records demonstrating any harms you suffered – medical bills, hospital records, paystubs showing lost wages, repairs to damaged property, and receipts for incurred expenses are all important. Speaking to an experienced Santa Monica Car Accident Attorney can also help you understand what other records might be useful for your unique case.
Do Not DelayIn Santa Monica, as in the rest of California it’s important not to delay in bringing a personal injury action for your car accident injuries. California has a 2-year statute of limitations to file these cases from the date your injury occurred. If you pass the deadline, you will be permanently barred from filing your case in court and will lose your right to recover compensatory and punitive damages in civil court.
Contact a Santa Monica Car Accident Attorney TodayIf you were injured in a car accident Santa Monica or the surrounding area, contact the skilled car accident attorneys at Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC today. Our highly professional team of attorneys has more than 20 years’ experience providing tailored, compassionate representation for clients just like you. Steven M. Sweat has been designated a “Super Lawyer” by both Los Angeles Magazine and the Thomson Reuters News Service – an honor reserved for only the top 5% California’s car accident attorneys. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866)-966-5240 or through our Contact Page online to set up your no risk, no obligation, consultation today – there is no cost for the initial case review and you pay nothing until we win your case. Let us evaluate your case and start work today to get the best possible result for you from a bad situation.