A car crash can change your life in an instant. It can cause disabling and even life-threatening injuries. And after the accident, you may be facing expensive medical bills and lost wages for weeks, months, or even years. The Modesto car accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers have helped many families get through the tough times after traumatic car accidents, and we understand what you’re going through.
Our legal team is dedicated to helping victims like you get the money they need for their medical bills and lost wages, and we’ll fight for your rights, too. Get in touch with us today by dialing 209 575 3600 or completing our free online form.
IMMEDIATE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN MODESTO
A car accident is a frightening event, leaving victims confused and not sure what to do next. That’s why it’s important to commit the following steps to memory so you can help protect your rights and well-being should you ever experience the misfortune of a car accident:
- Call 911: Immediately contact the police and seek medical attention for any injuries.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, exchange insurance and contact information with all other parties, and gather witness contacts if possible.
- Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Be factual and provide necessary details but NEVER admit fault.
- Call a Modesto Car Accident Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand and protect your rights after an accident. Contact our team for a free consultation to find out if you have a case.
COMMON CAUSES OF MODESTO CAR ACCIDENTS
Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Modesto can help prevent them in the first place. Here are a few reasons accidents frequently occur:
- Distraction: Distracted driving includes behaviors such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, interacting with other passengers, or adjusting the radio or GPS while driving.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit negatively affects reaction times and accident severity. The higher the speed, the harder the impact of a potential collision.
- Intoxication: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses serious risks, including not only serious accidents but also legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment. NEVER drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Other Causes: Adverse weather conditions and poor roads or signage may contribute to accidents. Being mindful and prepared for all conditions is every driver’s responsibility.
COMMON AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES IN MODESTO
Because of the forces and speeds involved in car accidents, drivers and passengers can suffer a variety of injuries that range in severity, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs occur when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain, leading to a range of symptoms from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries result from damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal, often leading to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.
- Internal Organ Damage: Internal organ damage involves injury to the body’s internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys, often caused by blunt trauma or penetration during a car accident. They can be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is common in rear-end accidents and is caused by a sudden and forceful movement of the neck and head. People who experience whiplash often suffer debilitating pain and stiffness and may be unable to work or move without discomfort.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass from windshields and other windows is one of the biggest hazards in an auto accident. Although many car manufacturers design glass to break into tiny pieces, drivers and passengers can still suffer serious wounds from coming into contact with those particles.
- Broken Bones: The forces involved in car accidents often put extreme stress on victims’ bodies. Those forces may result in broken bones, which can take months or even years to heal.
SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Car accidents can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Seeking compensation for damages after a car accident is essential to a victim’s recovery.
Compensation typically includes a couple types of damages, referred to as economic and non-economic damages. Understanding these can help accident victims navigate the legal process more effectively.
Economic damages compensate for tangible and quantifiable losses resulting from the accident. They may include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs associated with hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation
- Property Damage: Expenses for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles and other property
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to inability to work while recovering
- Future Earnings: Compensation for reduced earning power in the future because of long-term injuries
Non-economic damages account for less tangible losses, addressing the emotional and psychological impact of a car accident. They may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and mental pain experienced because of the accident
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for a diminishment in quality of life, personal relationships, or ability to engage in activities enjoyed before the accident
How To Get COMPENSATION FOR YOUR INJURIES
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Modesto auto accident attorneys understand that all accident-related injuries are serious, and that’s why we stop at nothing to get our clients maximum compensation for their expenses. With our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. Give us a call, or stop by our law office in Modesto, and let us help you move forward with your life.
Modesto Law Office
1317 Oakdale Rd. Suite 500
Modesto, CA 95355
Phone: (209) 447-0557
Fax: (209) 575-2812
