San Clemente Car Accident Lawyer

With more cars on California roads than ever before, the risk of a motor vehicle collision is present every time you get behind the wheel. When you suffer an injury in a car accident caused by someone else, you may be able to recover monetary compensation through the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.

Recovering damages is not an option in every case, however. It is not enough to not be responsible for an accident. You have to prove to a court of law or an insurance company that you were not responsible. To learn how to pursue compensation for your losses, contact a San Clemente car accident lawyer today.

Responsible Parties in a Car Accident Lawsuit

The most common response after a car accident is to assign blame to the driver that initiated the collision with an injured driver. However, there are a number of parties that may ultimately be responsible for a collision. A San Clemente car accident attorney could assist in identifying all of the parties responsible for a crash.

Other Drivers

In many cases, an accident results from the negligence of another driver. This negligence could include distracted driving, drunken driving, or simply inattentiveness behind the wheel. Common evidence used to show another driver was negligent includes violations of the California Rules of the Road. This could include anything from following too closely to speeding.

Manufacturer Defects

In some cases, a defective vehicle or part causes a collision. In those cases, no amount of careful driving could prevent a crash should the vehicle fail at an inopportune time. If a defect leads to a crash that results in injuries, the company responsible for the defect may have some liability. This could include anyone that manufacturers, repairs, transports, or sells a vehicle. A San Clemente car accident attorney may be able to determine where a defect stems in order to hold that company responsible.

Governmental Entities

It is also possible that defects or safety issues with the road itself are to blame for an accident. City, county, and state governments are responsible for maintaining their roads and highways in a safe condition. If roadways are damaged or contain loose gravel, the risk of a car accident may increase. It is also possible that a road was designed improperly to begin with. If a roadway is too steep or uneven by design, an injured driver may have a viable claim against the entity responsible for that stretch of road.

Time Limit to File a Car Accident Lawsuit

California law sets a limited timeframe in which you may file a personal injury lawsuit. This law is known as the statute of limitations. If an injury lawsuit is filed after the period set out by the statute of limitations expires, the court might prevent the claim from moving forward.

The statute of limitations in California for personal injury claims is two years. Any lawsuit filed more than two years after the date of the accident is at risk of dismissal.

Call a San Clemente Car Accident Attorney Right Away

Injury victims hurt in a San Clemente car accident are entitled to file suit against the person responsible for their injuries. These lawsuits may seek recovery for medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and even pain and suffering. To discuss your legal options with a professional, contact a San Clemente car accident lawyer today.