Woodland Car Accident Lawyer

The average American will be involved in a car accident three to four times in their lifetime. While the majority of accidents are minor, there is still a strong chance of getting into a serious accident. If you were injured in a wreck caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Triumph Law, we understand the challenges that accident victims face. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Woodland has helped our clients recover millions of dollars in damages. Reach out to us today by giving us a call, completing our online contact form, or using the chat tool on this page to schedule a free consultation.

File Your Woodland Car Accident Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out

When filing a car accident lawsuit to recover financial compensation after a crash, you need to pay attention to the personal injury statute of limitations for the state in which your accident occurred. In California, injury victims typically have two years to submit the necessary paperwork. If you fail to file before time expires, you will likely lose your right to claim damages.

However, it’s vital that you understand that exceptions to the statute of limitations exist that can alter the amount of time you have to pursue damages. Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your accident, you could find the amount of time you have further restricted. Alternatively, the details of your case may make it possible to file after the typical cutoff date.

Hiring an experienced car accident attorney in Woodland shortly after your crash is the best way to ensure you protect your right to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Your lawyer can determine whether any special circumstances apply to your case and prepare and file all the necessary paperwork long before the deadline.

Damages You Can Claim Following a Car Accident in Woodland

Following a car accident in Woodland, you will likely be eligible to pursue several types of damages. The special damages that apply to your case will depend on the circumstances of your accident. All available compensatory damages can be divided into economic and non-economic damages categories.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover all losses resulting from your car accident that are financial in nature. Some of the most frequently claimed economic damages in car accident cases include:

• Property damage
• Necessary modifications to your home or vehicle
• Lost income
• Lowered ability to earn income
• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover every other type of loss that arises as a result of your car accident. Some of the most frequently claimed non-economic damages in car accident cases include:

• Permanent disability
• Loss of companionship
• Scars and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Diminished ability to enjoy life
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are only available in a small fraction of car accident cases. These damages tend to be reserved for extreme cases. A judge will only award punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with the intention of causing harm or if they were grossly negligent in their actions.

Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that they are used as a means of punishment, while compensatory damages are meant to replace losses sustained by the accident victim.

California’s Pure Negligence Rule

When attempting to pursue compensation for damages after an accident in California, you should be aware of the pure negligence rule used in this state. Under this rule, an accident victim can pursue compensation for damages they suffered in a car crash, as long as they were not 100% at fault for the collision.

That means that even if you were primarily responsible for a crash, you may still be able to recover damages. However, the amount of money you can claim will be reduced proportionately to the level of fault you hold for the accident. 

For example, if you were 60% to blame, you would still be eligible to recover 40% of the full value of your claim. In this scenario, if your case is worth $100,000, the maximum you could receive would be $40,000.

Don’t Trust the Insurance Company

When you are pursuing the money you need after a crash, it is essential that you use caution when dealing with an insurance company. Insurers are not your friends, no matter how they may attempt to portray themselves. They will work hard to make you think they are there to help in an attempt to get you to lower your guard so they can take advantage of you.

Insurers do everything they can to devalue or deny legitimate claims. One common tactic is to persuade accident victims to take a lowball settlement offer without talking to an attorney. They will present the offer as though they are going out of their way to get you the money you deserve, while in reality, the offer is for a fraction of the true value of your claim.

If you accept the deal, you will be unable to pursue further compensation down the road when the full value of your claim becomes apparent. The best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Your attorney can review any settlement deal and advise you of your legal options.

Reach Out to an Experienced Woodland Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

Following a car accident, it is critical to secure the services of an experienced attorney. When hiring a lawyer, you need to choose someone with a proven track record of securing favorable compensation for their clients. At Triumph Law, we have helped countless car accident victims recover the compensation they need and deserve.

We are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review.