Rancho Santa Margarita Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer

Despite all the technological improvements to motor vehicles over the years, simple rear-end accidents are, unfortunately, still a common occurrence. From a minor fender bender to a major collision, a car accident could leave a driver and their passengers with physical injuries and psychological trauma. Recovery from these conditions could be painful, time-consuming, and costly.

If you were injured in such a wreck, you should consult with a Rancho Santa Margarita rear-end car accident lawyer. After reviewing your case, an experienced personal injury attorney could inform you of your legal rights, current options, and the best means to pursue compensation for your damages. An attorney could work hard to build a case on your behalf and advocate for you either before a court or in settlement negotiations with the opposing party.

Relevant Time Limits

If a plaintiff is considering bringing a lawsuit against the driver who rear-ended their vehicle, the first thing they should know is that time is of the essence. First, under California Vehicle Code §20008, an injured driver must file an accident report within the first 24 hours of the incident with either the Department of California Highway Patrol or the police department of the city where the collision occurred.

The second step a plaintiff should take is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 dictates that an action for personal injury must be filed within two years of the underlying incident. By speaking with, and potentially being represented by, a Rancho Santa Margarita rear-end car accident attorney, a plaintiff could more easily avoid this and other applicable deadlines that could derail their ability to bring a claim.

Types of Recoverable Losses

Every car accident and resulting injuries are unique. To make a plaintiff whole, several different damages could be pursued to try and compensate the injured party for the harm they endured. Three types of damages that a plaintiff may be able to seek include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Under Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. §1431.2(b), economic damages are the objectively verifiable financial losses the plaintiff has experienced as a result of their injuries. This includes medical bills, lost wages, future lost earning power, and rehabilitation costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. §1431.2(c) defines non-economic damages as the more subjective and non-monetary losses that plaintiff has undergone, and may continually be subjected to, as a result of this accident. This classification of compensation includes pain and suffering, inconvenience, mental suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship and consortium, and injury to reputation. Because these damages are often more challenging to calculate, a rear-end car accident lawyer from Rancho Santa Margarita may be able to help a plaintiff determine the proper amount to pursue.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are the third, and generally, least-frequently awarded type of damages. While economic and non-economic damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant. A defendant typically must be found to have acted not just negligently, but recklessly or intentionally for these additional damages to potentially be awarded.

Consult with a Rancho Santa Margarita Rear-End Car Accident Attorney

You should consult with a Rancho Santa Margarita rear-end car accident lawyer today. Depending on your case, you may have legal rights, and a means to pursue compensation for your injuries. Furthermore, with the help of a local legal ally, you may be more likely to achieve a favorable resolution to your situation. So, call an attorney today to discuss the details of your case and see what may be possible for you.