Being that California is such a large state, most people rely heavily on their cars to get around. It is no secret that the more people there are on the road, the greater the propensity there is for a car accident to happen. Cars are also forced to share the road with buses, trucks, and other vehicles, which may result in a serious auto accident. At The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we proudly represent accident victims who have suffered severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens as a result of a car accident. If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you must retain the services of an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer for assistance with your case. Contact The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes today to schedule a free initial consultation with an El Dorado car accident lawyer you can trust.
Types of Car Accidents in California
Various types of accidents can be seen on the road in the state of California, including the following:
- Rear-end collisions: These tend to occur when drivers do not pay attention and crash into the car in front of them. In these situations, it is important to know that the vehicle that is rear-ended vehicle is rarely at fault.
- Low-speed collisions: These are often seen in locations such as parking lots when one car backs into another.
- T-bone collisions: These are common in intersections when one driver goes through a traffic light at the same time as another driver.
- Single-vehicle collisions: These occur when a driver goes off the road, possibly because of dangerous road conditions, and crashes on the side of the road.
- Head-on collisions: Unfortunately, these are generally the most devastating types of car accidents, and they typically happen when one motorist is driving on the wrong side of the road, or the wrong way down a one-way street.
Causes of Car Accidents
There are a number of factors that may contribute to a Sacramento car accident. Some of these may include the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: One of the most dangerous behaviors on the road, impaired driving drastically reduces a person’s reaction time and judgment. Whether under the influence of alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal substances, a driver operating a vehicle while impaired puts everyone around them at serious risk.
- Distracted driving: From texting to adjusting the radio, even a split-second distraction can have devastating consequences. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents in California, particularly with the increased use of smartphones behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Speed limits exist for a reason. Driving too fast not only reduces the time a driver has to react to sudden obstacles but also increases the force of impact in a crash. Speeding is a common factor in both fatal and non-fatal collisions.
- Reckless driving: This includes aggressive behaviors such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signs. Reckless drivers tend to make unpredictable moves that catch others off guard, often resulting in serious accidents.
- Illegal turns: Making turns without signaling, turning from the wrong lane, or ignoring posted signs can easily lead to T-bone or side-impact collisions—especially in busy intersections.
- Dangerous lane changes: Failing to check blind spots, not signaling before switching lanes, or attempting to squeeze between cars at high speeds can lead to sideswipes and multi-vehicle crashes.
- Tailgating: Following another car too closely leaves virtually no time to stop if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly. Tailgating is a frequent cause of rear-end collisions, especially in heavy traffic or during sudden slowdowns.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue impairs focus, slows reaction times, and can even cause a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel. Driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving under the influence and is a serious yet often underestimated hazard.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, and high winds all reduce visibility and road traction. Even experienced drivers can struggle with hydroplaning, black ice, or reduced stopping distances during adverse weather.
- Poor visibility: Driving at night, through heavy fog, or during low-light conditions without proper lighting can drastically increase the risk of a collision. Accidents frequently occur when drivers fail to see pedestrians, cyclists, or road hazards in time.
- Uneven pavement: Potholes, loose gravel, or poorly maintained roads can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle—especially at high speeds or on curves. These conditions can also increase the risk of tire blowouts or suspension damage, contributing to a crash.
- Road construction: Construction zones are often marked by narrowed lanes, abrupt stops, and confusing detours. Drivers unfamiliar with the area or inattentive to signage can quickly become involved in a collision, especially when workers or heavy machinery are nearby.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
When a person becomes injured as a result of negligence, they often want to hold the party liable for their suffering. This can be accomplished by filing a claim with the help of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer. However, one of the biggest challenges of any personal injury case is that the injured party is required to fulfill the burden of proof. Some of the ways that you can fulfill the burden of proof start with the scene of the accident. Before leaving, assuming you can, you should try to take photos and videos of the damage, collect contact information from witnesses, file a police report, and have emergency services document your injuries. These acts can prove to be tremendously helpful in the long run.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case?
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation to offset some of the hardships of your accident. If you were hurt by the actions of another driver, you may be considering a lawsuit against the negligent party. A Sacramento car accident lawyer can help you recover significant compensation for the burdens that you have faced as a result of the accident. Some of the damages that you may recover include the following:
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- The cost of rehabilitation
- Lost wages or future lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of independence
How long do I have to file my claim?
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you mustn’t hesitate to file your claim for too long. Be sure to contact a Sacramento car accident lawyer as soon as possible, for if you fail to meet California’s statute of limitations, you may be ineligible to recover the compensation you need to offset your physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by the accident. The statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the accident. Give us a call today so we can get started on your case.
Why Choose a Car Accident Lawyer from The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes?
Car accidents in the Sacramento Valley happen every day. If you are injured in a car accident, don’t hire an attorney hundreds of miles from home. You need an attorney who knows the Sacramento law enforcement community and the legal system in the Sacramento area. Attorney Dale R. Gomes has more than 20 years of experience fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Good outcomes start with sound advice, but they end with good judgment and aggressive, yet targeted, advocacy. Without good judgment, your attorney can’t give you good advice. And without good advice, you cannot make the smart decisions that result in great outcomes. Give our firm a call today to learn more about how we can help.
Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you must have a strong legal team on your side. For decades, The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes has proudly served clients across California. Our firm will work to recover the compensation you are entitled to after being seriously injured in an accident. Contact The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes today to discuss your case.
