California Car Accidents And The Law

Car accidents can be personally traumatic and physically damaging. They’re a big deal financially, too: it’s costly to manage all the hospital bills, car repairs, and sometimes even lost wages due to an inability to work. Because of all this, there are strict laws governing car accidents.

Here in California, there are laws on the books governing what should happen before, immediately following, and long after a car accident. Here’s what you need to know about California law and car accidents.

The law’s role in preventing accidents

It goes without saying that there are plenty of laws on the books in California that are designed to prevent and limit car accidents. Every traffic law ever passed by lawmakers in Sacramento is there to protect people, and local municipalities are always tweaking things like bike lanes in order to limit dangers. Then there are laws that mandate things like motorcycle safety gear, seatbelt use in cars, and inspection and maintenance of motor vehicles.

These laws can seem burdensome at times, but they’re great reminders of what it takes to stay safe on the road. Invest in your vehicle with regular maintenance, and strive to drive safely, defensively, and legally. You’re less likely to be hurt in a car accident if you do.

What you need to do after a car accident

Every driver should know what to do in the moments immediately following a car accident. Your safety comes first: evaluate your health and after you’re sure you’re alright, check on others. Consider whether you should move your car or yourself, as you may be better off pulling the car to the side of the road, staying in your car, or leaving your car and taking refuge somewhere safer off the road. The right answer depends on the circumstances, so use your common sense.

And then follow California law. California mandates that you call the police for any accident that injures any person or involves more than $1,000 worth of damages. You can also call the police if you’re not sure whether you have to, or even if you’re sure that you aren’t required to. Getting a police report from the scene of the accident is a good idea, because it will help you out later if you have issues with insurance coverage or a personal injury lawsuit. It doesn’t hurt to document the scene yourself, either.

Personal injury law and car crashes

When you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, your life can change dramatically. That’s not just because accidents can be scary and dangerous. It’s also because you can suffer incredible finance damages from an accident.

After an accident, you may find yourself much worse off. You could be dealing with overwhelming medical bills and lost wages. You could be suffering from pain or depression. If the accident in question was caused by someone else’s negligence, this situation will seem especially unfair. But thanks to California law, you may have options.

You should reach out to trained Sacramento car accident lawyers. In Sacramento and other areas of California, you can file a personal injury lawsuit and attempt to recover funds to help make you whole again. The quality of your case depends on how clearly an attorney can show that your damages stem from the accident, and that the accident was caused by another party’s negligence.

To see if you have a case, reach out to a personal injury lawyer, set up a consultation, and let an expert guide you through your options. The law matters to car accident victims in California.