Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Dedicated Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento, CA

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer in Sacramento can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. At Arnold Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be, especially when facing medical bills, insurance claims, and property damage.

Our team of dedicated car accident attorneys in Sacramento is committed to guiding you through this challenging time, ensuring your rights are protected at every step. With years of experience handling many car accident cases, Arnold Law Firm provides personalized attention to each client, fighting for fair settlements and maximum compensation. We know how to navigate the complexities of car accident law in Sacramento and are ready to put our skills to work for you.

Our car accident lawyers charge no upfront costs and your initial case review is also free of charge. We have recovered more than $250,000,000 in compensation and our award winning founder – Clay Arnold – has received numerous industry accolades and is a member of the Sacramento County Bar Association and the State Bar of California.

Visit our testimonials page to learn more about how we’ve helped others, and call us today at (916) 777-7777 to discuss your case with an expert attorney.

Contact Us Via Our Free Online Form

Am I Eligible For Compensation After a Sacramento Auto Accident?

While there can be many different circumstances that cause an accident, when filing for a compensation claim you will need to meet two primary criteria to help validate your claim:

• The accident was caused (completely or in part) by the negligence of the other party
• The accident was the cause of your injuries

The attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm have many years of experience and can help to review the specifics of your accident in great detail. Our goal is to build a strong argument for your damages claim and to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for you.

What Should You Do When You Get in a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience, but knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a significant difference in protecting your health and legal rights. Follow these steps to ensure you’re prepared:

• Check for injuries: First, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance right away. Prioritize safety above all else.
• Move to safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid causing additional accidents. If the car is not drivable, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside until help arrives.
• Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s essential to file a police report. The report will be necessary for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
• Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Also, take down their vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, any visible damage, and your injuries. This evidence can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or consulting a car accident lawyer in Sacramento.
• Avoid admitting fault: Be mindful of your words when talking to the other driver or police. Admitting fault can complicate your ability to seek compensation, even if you’re not entirely to blame.
• Seek medical attention: Some injuries may not manifest immediately, even if you don’t feel injured. It’s crucial to get checked by a doctor.
• Contact a car accident lawyer: Navigating insurance claims and negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging. A car accident lawyer in Sacramento can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights.

Avoid mistakes like delaying medical treatment or failing to report the accident to your insurance company. Contact Arnold Law Firm today for expert legal advice if you’ve been in a car accident and need help.

Do You Have To Call The Police After a Minor Accident in California?

In California, you are legally required to call the police if the car accident results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. For minor accidents where no one is hurt and the damage is minimal, you may not need to report it to the authorities. However, it’s often a good idea to call the police even for minor accidents.

A police report can be beneficial when filing an insurance claim, as it provides an official accident record. The police report may include essential details about the crash, such as who was at fault and the extent of the damage. This can help prevent disputes with the other driver or the insurance company.

If you’re unsure whether to call the police after an accident, consulting with a Sacramento car accident lawyer can help ensure you take the proper steps to protect yourself and your claim.

What Happens If I’m at Fault in a Car Accident in California?

If you’re at fault in a car accident in California, there are several legal steps you should take. First, you must report the accident to your insurance company, as California is a fault-based state. 

This means the at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers damages for the other party involved. Depending on the coverage limits of your policy, your insurance may pay for property damage, medical bills, and other losses through liability coverage.

However, even if you’re at fault, you still have legal rights. Working with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento, California, is essential to understand your options and protect yourself from excessive claims. Your lawyer can also help negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you aren’t held responsible for more than you should be.

Contacting a Sacramento car accident attorney promptly can help you navigate the legal process, avoid unnecessary penalties, and ensure you know all your legal options.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company?

You should report a car accident to your insurance company in California immediately. Most insurance companies require policyholders to report the accident within 24 to 72 hours. While California law doesn’t specify an exact time frame, your insurance policy likely includes strict guidelines, and failing to comply can result in denied claims.

Missing this reporting window may lead to complications with your insurance claim, including delays or even a complete denial of coverage. If you’re involved in an accident in Sacramento, contacting your insurer is crucial to protect your right to compensation. Whether in a minor fender bender or a severe crash, acting quickly can help ensure you receive the coverage you’re entitled to.

Consider speaking with a Sacramento car accident lawyer for more guidance on navigating insurance claims after an accident.

How Should I Handle Questions From The Insurance Company After a Car Crash?

In most serious injury cases, the insurance company of the at-fault motorist will send out an appraiser to assess the damages and determine a value for those damages.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that these investigators are NOT your friends. As highly skilled workers in their field, they are trained to obtain information from crash victims when they are most vulnerable.

Thankfully, the attorneys at our firm are already aware of the tricks and tactics that these people will employ and can warn you in advance along with providing ways for you to handle their questions. Quite often, we will simply ask that all questions be deferred to our team, so that we can deal with them directly.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

Based on the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, in the state of California there is a two year statute of limitations for auto accident claims.

This means that injury victims have up to two years from the date of their accident to file a damages lawsuit.

In California, there is a two year statute of limitations for auto accident claims.

Shortly after your accident you may like to consider hiring a lawyer to help explain your legal options and to begin the process for filing a claim. There are a number of reason for this:

1. It establishes a record for the incident.
2. In the event that the insurance company does not offer a fair and just settlement amount, your attorney can use the filing as leverage in the negotiations – knowing that they can take the case to court in an effort to obtain more compensation for your injuries &/or property damages.
3. Some insurance companies also have specific time frames that an insurance claim must be submitted. As time can pass quickly, having everything in order helps to prevent any last minute issues should you need to pursue a compensation claim.

Not Sure If You Have A Claim? Contact Us Today

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento?

Hiring a car accident attorney in Sacramento can be crucial to ensuring your rights are protected after a vehicle accident. Navigating the legal and insurance complexities on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and emotional stress. 

Without the proper legal guidance, you may risk receiving less compensation than you deserve or facing challenges in proving fault. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring you don’t face these risks alone.

Here are several benefits of hiring an attorney for your car accident claim:

• Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount possible. A car accident attorney in Sacramento knows how to negotiate with insurers and ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Determining fault: Proving liability can be complex. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to establish fault and strengthen your case.
• Handling medical bills: With mounting medical expenses, an attorney can help you pursue compensation that covers your current and future medical needs.
• Maximizing compensation: Skilled lawyers will fight for compensation that includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
• Filing legal paperwork: A car accident attorney ensures all necessary legal documents are filed correctly and on time, avoiding mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
• Navigating complex laws: Personal injury laws can be confusing. An attorney understands Sacramento’s legal system and how it applies to your case.
• Negotiating settlements: Most cases settle out of court, and having an attorney to handle negotiations can result in a higher payout.
• Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to represent you and fight for your rights.

By hiring a car accident attorney in Sacramento, you can focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal work. Contact Arnold Law Firm today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Is It Too Late To Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Sacramento?

It’s never too late to get a lawyer for a car accident in Sacramento as long as your case remains active. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have up to two years to file a lawsuit, but waiting too long can weaken your case, as evidence may become more challenging to gather and witness memories may fade.

Even if significant time has passed, consulting with a Sacramento car accident lawyer is still important. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best action. However, the sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances are of building a solid case and securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t delay—acting promptly can make a big difference in your case’s outcome.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take with a Lawyer in California?

The timeline for a car accident settlement in California can vary significantly, depending on several factors. The case’s complexity, the severity of injuries, and negotiations with the insurance company can all affect how long the process takes. Sometimes, a settlement can be reached in a few months, while more complicated cases involving extensive medical evaluations or disputed liability may take longer.

Working with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can help streamline the settlement process. Your attorney will gather evidence, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and ensure all medical documentation is in order. 

This can prevent unnecessary delays and help you pursue compensation more efficiently. While the process can’t be rushed, having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can help you navigate the legal system and potentially expedite your car accident settlement.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any upfront fees; your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. The attorney’s fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or award so that the cost will depend on the outcome of your case.

At Arnold Law Firm, we offer free consultations to evaluate your claim. You don’t have to worry about legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without the financial burden of paying out-of-pocket for legal representation. If you’ve been in a car accident in Sacramento, contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer at no cost to you.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Vehicle Collisions in Sacramento?

Despite many newer vehicles being equipped with the latest accident-avoidance and braking technology, simply due to the large volume of vehicles on our roads today, there can be many factors that contribute to a serious automotive crash.

In fact, the collision records that have been kept by our government and automotive research agencies for many years reveal that there are some common causes that seem to be recurrent year after year – despite the best attempts of automakers to limit the chances of a collision occurring.

Some of these include (but are not limited to):

It must be noted that driver error is not ALWAYS a contributing factor to a crash, and in those situations, an injury victim has other options and alternative ways to seek compensation for their injuries.

Click To Contact Us Online 24/7

What Are The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Sacramento?

In many instances, factors like speeding, bad weather, vehicle malfunction and simple driver error can be the cause of a serious crash.

Keeping this in mind, the point of impact of the crash can greatly determine the nature and extend of any injuries that may be sustained by the occupants in the vehicles involved.

An example of this would be a rear-end accident, where the driver and/or passengers of the vehicle that has been hit are often pushed forward very rapidly, thus creating a whiplash-effect on their neck and spine.

Some common types of crashes include (but are not limited to):

While aggressive driving and impatient driver error has also been known to contribute to many of these collisions, it’s always best to be as alert as possible when driving on our roads, and to drive defensively at all times.

What Injuries That Can Be Sustained In a Car Accident?

While the type of auto accident can often determine the severity of the injuries that a driver might receive, in most non-fatal collisions, there is a familiar list of damages that can be inflicted upon a motorist.

In many instances, these injuries may not necessarily be life-threatening however, they can often cause lingering pain that requires treatment long after the accident has taken place.

Unfortunately for some victims, the recovery of these injuries can last from months to years and the related medical expenses and treatment costs can simply be too much for them to bear.

Some of these injuries include:

At Arnold Law, we understand that such injuries can be devastating to victims and their families medical costs, outpatient care, mental scarring and other types of trauma usually require expensive medical treatment that many families simply cannot afford.

If you cannot make it to our office to discuss your case, we can also arrange for one of our staff to come to you.

Why Choose Arnold Law Firm As Your Car Accident Attorney?

At Arnold Law Firm, we have built a strong reputation for successfully representing Sacramento residents in car accident cases. With decades of experience and a proven track record of winning substantial settlements for our clients, we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. 

Our high success rate is a testament to our commitment to delivering results, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized, compassionate legal services tailored to each client’s needs.

Navigating insurance claims and legal issues after a car accident can be complex and overwhelming. Attempting to handle these matters alone may lead to reduced compensation or a denied claim. That’s why having an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney from our firm by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Why Hire Arnold Law Firm?

• Client-Centered Approach: At Arnold Law Firm, we put our clients first. We understand how challenging life after a car accident can be, so we take the time to listen to your concerns, keep you informed, and provide individualized attention to every case.
• Proven Results: Our attorneys have successfully negotiated significant settlements and won cases in court. Whether through settlement or litigation, we fight aggressively to maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Expert Negotiation Skills: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, but we are skilled negotiators who know how to push back when insurers try to minimize or deny claims. Our firm’s experience with complex insurance claims ensures we pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

By choosing Arnold Law Firm, you’re choosing a dedicated team that works tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve after a car accident. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve justice.

Contact Our Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured by the carelessness or negligence of another driver, contact an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer at our firm today.

The founding partner of the Arnold Law Firm – Clay Arnold – is an award winning attorney that was admitted to practice law in California in 1975. Clay is also a member of the Sacramento County Bar Association and a Past President of the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association (CCTLA). Our experienced team is dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve through negotiation or litigation. With a proven track record and a client-centered approach, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Our office is centrally located in Sacramento – less than 10 miles from the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento – and our team have recovered more than $250,000,000 in compensation for our clients.

We do not charge an upfront free, we offer FREE case reviews and only get paid when we obtain a recovery or settlement for your case.

Need Some Help? Click To Call Us Today