The summer is now upon us and the weather is heating up. People are taking time off work and partaking in vacation travel. The number of travelers in California increases significantly during the summer months. Along with this comes an increase in the number of automobile accidents. About one week ago, Seth Costas, 18 years of age, died in a car accident between Kingsburg and Selma. Costas was heading east in his Chevrolet on Mountain View Ave. near Academy Ave. when he rammed into a car. Costas did not see that the car had stopped in front of him. Costas’s car overturned, throwing him out, killing him. He was not wearing a seat belt.
If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident at the fault of another person, it is imperative that you hire an experienced attorney for your case. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of receiving adequate compensation. The Southern California personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea, APC have the experience and skill needed to aggressively take on your case. Contact us today for a FREE consultation and we will quickly analyze the merits of your case and compassionately advise you on your best options. Because we accept cases on a contingent fee basis, we will collect no fees unless you win.
If You are in an Automobile Accident
Being involved in an automobile accident is something that no one wants to experience. If you are involved in one, however, it is important that you follow the following steps. First of all, move to a safe area. Only do so if you are not seriously injured and if it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself in risk of further harm. If you are not able to move to a safe location, you should turn your caution lights on.
Second, you should, if possible, check on the other people involved in the accident. You want to make sure no one is seriously injured. If someone is injured, you should call 911.
Third, call the local police to the scene of the accident. The police will provide you with an accident report. Make sure to cooperate with the police but do NOT admit fault or place the blame on others while at the scene. The police report will be important when dealing with the insurance companies and if will greatly assist your attorney, if one is hired.
Fourth, it is critical that you gather sufficient information at the scene of the accident. You should gather:
● Insurance information of the other driver;
● Driver and passenger names;
● License plate numbers;
● Make and model of the vehicles involved;
● Weather/conditions at the time of the accident;
● Location of the accident;
● Contact information of any witnesses;
Lastly, you will want to file an insurance claim. Automobile accidents almost always settle outside of court. Yet, if a settlement is not reached, you will want to file your personal injury lawsuit with the courts. Please be aware that there is a strict time limitation for doing so. This is termed the “statute of limitations.” Per California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, personal injury claims must be filed with the proper California court within two years from the date of your accident. Nevertheless, if your accident was with a government entity, the statute of limitations period is only six months from the date of your accident.
Take Action
If you or your loved one was injured in an automobile accident at the fault of another person, it is important that you retain an experienced personal injury attorney. The Southern California personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea, APC are here for you. Our attorneys are knowledgeable of the relevant statute of limitations periods and the related rules. We will help get the compensation you need. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
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