Santa Maria Car Accident Lawyers
In 2019, there were 3,316 fatal motor vehicle collisions in the state of California, resulting in 3,606 fatalities. Non-fatal collisions in 2010 totaled 161,094, with 229,354 injuries. For the victims of these accidents, even one car wreck is too many. If you suffer injury in a motor vehicle accident and it wasn’t your fault, seek quality representation from the Santa Maria auto accident lawyers at James McKiernan Lawyers.
The best way to avoid a car accident is to understand how accidents commonly happen. A Santa Maria auto accident lawyer from our firm is ready to explain some of the major causes of motor vehicle wrecks. Knowledge is power, and these tips for the road may keep you safer next time you travel ― whether a short commute to work or a longer trip to visit family and friends. Keep an eye out for these unsafe drivers, and be sure to avoid these behaviors yourself:
- Distracted drivers ― Distracted driving behaviors include texting, talking on a mobile phone, rubbernecking, and adjusting technologies such as radio, GPS, etc.
- Driver fatigue ― Drowsy driving leads to drifting vehicles, varying road speeds, and bad decision-making.
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence ― Drunk drivers kill about 16,000 people per year.
- Speeding ― Speeding increases the risk of crashing and reduces the time necessary to avoid a crash.
- Aggressive driving ― Aggressive drivers tend to tailgate, flash their lights, fail to yield, disregard traffic signals, or display rude or aggressive behavior. Do not engage aggressive drivers, and call 911 if a driver is behaving in an overtly dangerous way.
- Weather ― Inclement weather such as snow, ice, or other hazardous conditions can make driving dangerous. Use your lights and wipers and adjust your speed accordingly.
Important Information About Santa Maria Auto Accidents
California law requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility in the event they are to blame for causing a car accident. Most people meet this requirement by carrying liability insurance to cover them in case of a crash. The minimum liability limits in the law are 15/30/5 – $15,000 for personal injury to one person, $30,000 for personal injury to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. Obviously, if any kind of serious injury has occurred, then these minimum amounts may not be sufficient to cover the injured person’s medical expenses and other damages.
With truck accidents, in particular, we frequently see auto versus truck collisions that cause significant damage exceeding these minimum policy limits. There are, however, situations where insurers can be made to pay more than the policy limits or where your own insurance can make up for an uninsured or underinsured driver. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Santa Maria are familiar with all of the options available to maximize recoveries for victims of auto accidents.
Contact Our Santa Maria Auto Accidents Attorney
At James McKiernan Lawyers, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including identifying all responsible parties and establishing a comprehensive estimate of future medical costs and other damages. We believe everybody has the right to excellent representation, even if the case might be difficult.
Our office has successfully taken on difficult and challenging cases that other lawyers thought could not be won. If you have been injured in a Santa Maria auto accident, contact James McKiernan Lawyers for a free consultation with a top-quality auto accident attorney to discuss your best options to receive compensation for your injuries.
