Chico Car Accident Lawyers

Over a Century of Advocacy for Car Accident Victims in Chico

While automakers have improved car safety in recent decades, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported that over 40,000 automotive fatalities took place in 2017. This is up 6% from 2015, and many are calling this a public health crisis that cannot be ignored. Motorcycle and truck accident fatalities are also on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truckers make up 6% of the fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for 13% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2016. After a vehicle accident, it is important that you work with an attorney who understands your personal injury case. An experienced attorney should be familiar with insurance settlement negotiations and recognize the importance of accident investigations. If you were involved in a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, then our attorneys are here to help you throughout the legal process.

Legal Support for Chico Car Accident Claims

At Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP, we have experience handling a wide variety of accident litigation cases. Our Chico car accident attorneys believe that working with a lawyer should reduce your stress levels, not add to them. We accomplish this by avoiding litigation and quickly resolving cases whenever possible. However, if a trial is inevitable, then our firm can advocate for your rights and strive for a positive legal outcome. With decades of litigation experience, our attorneys understand the nuances of wrongful death and personal injury law. Although you may be tempted to forgo legal representation, having an attorney will give you a better chance of receiving a fair settlement offer. We can also improve your chances of receiving a favorable jury verdict. If you were involved in a vehicle accident, then our firm is here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Types of Injuries in Vehicle Accidents and How We Can Help

A wide range of injuries can occur depending on the nature of the car accident. A car accident caused when a car driving at less than 25 miles an hour rear-ends another car, for instance, may cause more minor injuries like whiplash, while a collision that occurs after a speeding vehicle runs a red light and strikes the side of another car can result in catastrophic injuries and even death.

Common injuries suffered in car collisions include:

• Whiplash
• Bruises and abrasions
• Sprains and fractures
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Spinal cord and neck injuries
• Brain injuries
• Loss of limbs

Maximize Your Compensation with Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

In the event of an automobile accident, you are entitled to get fair and complete compensation for your losses. With over a century of collective expertise, our team of skilled Chico auto accident attorneys at Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP has defended drivers injured in auto accidents throughout California.

Our legal team can help you navigate the complexities of car accident claims and seek maximum compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical care

Never accept less than what you are entitled to. After a car accident, put your trust in our skilled lawyers at Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP to stand up for your rights and get the money you need to move on.

Understanding California's Vehicle Accident Compensation Laws

Like many other states, California has a tort system for insurance claims. When making a personal injury claim, you must prove that the other driver shared some fault for the vehicle accident. If your case heads to trial, then it is important to know that California vehicle law operates under pure comparative negligence. The judge or jury will determine the level of fault for both drivers and reduce each driver’s liability accordingly. For example, let us say that you were involved in an accident and suffered $20,000 in damages. The judge or jury determined that you were 20% at fault for the accident. Your recovery would be limited to 80% of the damages, and you would receive $16,000. Our attorneys can conduct accident investigations and look to minimize your fault for the accident.

Along with determining fault, California has specific rules about recovering damages in personal injury or car accident cases. Unlike many other states, there is no cap on damages for a car accident case in California. However, there are limitations placed on compensation for particular cases involving vehicle accidents. In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 213. This states that a driver without insurance cannot recover non-economic damages.

Non-economic damages include items like pain and suffering or emotional distress. Economic damages, such as lost wages or medical expenses, are still recoverable if fault can be shown. Also, there is a chance that your personal injury will lead to an extended hospital visit. If your injury worsens because of medical error, then a cap on medical malpractice damages will affect your injury claim. In this instance, your non-economic damages would be limited to $250,000.

Speak With with Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

It is essential to have experienced legal counsel on your side after being involved in a serious automobile accident in order to help you through the difficult legal process and get the most money possible. With more than a century of collective experience, our team of skilled Chico car accident attorneys at Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP has defended the rights of drivers injured in collisions in Chico and the surrounding communities.

When you choose us to represent you, you can expect the following:

• Thorough investigation of the accident to determine liability
• Negotiation with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation
• Representation in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
• Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process

You don't need to handle the aftermath of an automobile accident by yourself. For a free consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to, get in touch with our Chico car accident attorneys as soon as possible. We’re ready to answer your questions.

Contact Our Chico Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Although vehicle accidents happen every day, you should take the situation seriously and hire an experienced attorney. By not doing so, you could end up with a reduced settlement or have to pay damages to another driver. Our Chico vehicle accident attorneys can make sure that you are treated fairly and receive a fair amount of compensation for your injuries. This compensation can be used to cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Schedule a free consultation with our caring Chico car accident attorneys at (530) 342-3593. We can assess your situation and answer all your questions about accident litigation.

What NOT to Do After a Vehicle Accident

Immediately after a vehicle accident, people are quick to give you instructions on how to behave. For example, if you have a camera, then you should take photographs of the damage and the accident scene. You should also get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the other drivers and any witnesses. However, there are actions to avoid after a vehicle accident.

They include:

• Arguing with other drivers and passengers. While it may feel good to argue with the other parties involved, you should avoid this whenever possible. Saving your story for the police and your insurance company is the smartest move. Antagonizing the other parties involved in the accident will only make things more difficult for you when negotiating a settlement.
• Failing to notify the proper entities. If you are injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750, then you are required to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must report the accident within ten days. Failing to inform the DMV could result in your driver’s license being suspended.
• Signing something releasing a driver from further responsibility. After an accident, the negligent party may offer to pay your deductible. However, it is important to not sign anything releasing him or her from further responsibility. If you sign a document, then you could endanger your insurance company’s subrogation right. They may refuse to pay for the damage to your car.

Contact us online or by phone at (530) 342-3593 to schedule an appointment today with our caring, capable team. We offer our consultations in English and Spanish for your convenience.