Under California law, the driver who is at fault in an accident must use their auto insurance to compensate others for injuries and damages. All drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $15,000 for personal injury to one person, $30,000 for injuries to more than one person and $5,000 for property damage. Despite this, approximately 20 percent of drivers do not carry insurance. Insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to make up for this fact, which can protect you in the event the at-fault driver does not have insurance. Auto accident lawyers in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have the practical experience and professional reputation to help you recover compensation. By gathering evidence and witness testimony and reconstructing the accident, McCarthy & Kroes can help you determine fault. We may even be able to help you recover a portion of your damages if your negligence contributed in part to the accident.

What to do after an accident

After any car crash, it is important to stop your vehicle or you may be charged with a hit-and-run. If you or anyone else was injured in the accident, take the following steps:

• Obtain immediate medical help by dialing 9-1-1, calling an ambulance or going to the hospital.
• Prevent further automobile accidents by calling the police, moving involved vehicles off the road or placing cones in the road.
• Document the accident scene by taking notes, witness’ information, information from other drivers, and photos or video, and diagramming the accident.
• Even if you think you were partly at fault, you should not say so without talking to a car accident lawyer.

In addition, it is never a good idea to speak to an insurance company without first talking to an attorney. While insurance adjustors may seem professional, they have ways to get you to admit fault even when you are not actually at fault. Even a simple statement such as, “I guess I could have driven slower,” can be used against you. Our auto accident attorneys protect you from insurance tactics so you can obtain the compensation you deserve. We guide you through every aspect of your insurance negotiation or lawsuit, even when someone other than the driver may be liable, such as in construction vehicle or commercial truck accidents.

Feeling injuries after the accident

In many cases, the symptoms of serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. For example, a brain injury may not cause symptoms for days or even weeks after an accident. Because of this, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention and follow-up treatment. Through complete medical records, expert testimony, evidence from the scene and accident reconstruction, our injury attorneys assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve for your car accident injury.

Accidents causing death

There were more than 2,790 fatal car accidents recorded in California in 2011. If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash, an attorney can help you sue for wrongful death to collect damages from the liable parties. If no one was at fault, you may be able to recover death benefits if you have UM/UIM coverage or other optional insurance coverage.

Contact trusted attorneys to recover compensation from insurers and negligent parties

Although factual and legal issues may be the same when suing an unrepresented individual rather than one with insurance, efforts at recovery and the strategies employed are often vastly different. In either case, professional legal assistance is required. Even when dealing with your own insurer, consult an attorney to make sure you receive the full value of your claim. To learn more about how we can assist in your case, contact McCarthy & Kroes online or call 805.564.2085 today for a free initial consultation.