Murrieta Car Accident Lawyer

Murrieta Car Accident Attorney

Every car accident comes with setbacks, but when your property is damaged and you’re left with injuries to recover from, the aftermath of a crash can be more than overwhelming. Luckily, an experienced Murrieta car accident lawyer from the Corrales Law Group can serve as your legal advocate while you navigate the legal complexities that follow an accident. We can help you file a strong claim, advocate for your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Murrieta’s Trusted Car Accident Injury Firm

At Corrales Law Group, we know how difficult life can become after a car accident. If you’ve suffered extensive injuries, emotional trauma, or severe property damage, navigating what comes next can be difficult. That’s why our firm works tirelessly to protect the rights of Murrieta residents who have been harmed in car accidents. Founding personal injury attorneys, Janice and Peter, have dedicated their professional lives to helping our clients secure justice.

How Comparative Negligence Impacts Car Accident Claims in California

Most car accident cases in Murrieta are overseen by the Southwest Justice Center, located at 30755-D Auld Road. After reviewing the evidence provided by both sides in the case, courts will give each person involved in the crash a percentage of fault, even the victim. Courts assume that there’s typically no blameless victim in an accident, and allow victims to seek compensation even if they’re found to be largely at fault for the crash.

However, any compensation awarded during your case will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were texting while driving, you may be assigned 40% at fault for the crash. If the other driver ran a red light while speeding before they crashed into your car, they may be assigned 60% at fault. This means that if you’re awarded $100,000 as your settlement, it would be reduced by 40%, making your final compensation $60,000.

Comparative negligence becomes more complex when multiple drivers are involved in the crash, as multiple parties may be assigned fault. For example, one driver may have to pay 60%, while the third driver may have to pay the remaining 40%.

It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you during your case. They can not only help you collect strong evidence, but they can also factor in your losses since the incident and your estimated percentage of fault when requesting compensation during your case.

Damages That Can Be Awarded After a Murrieta Car Accident

Residents of Murrieta use Interstates 215 and 15 for daily commuting, with the average daily commute for a resident being 37.1 minutes long. Being on the road for that amount of time significantly increases the chance of a crash occurring, especially during high-traffic hours. In 2021, there were 295 victims of car accidents in Murrieta, both those who were injured and those who passed away. In that same year, there were 42,939 car crash fatalities in the entire state.

In California car accident cases, victims can request damages when filing a personal injury claim. These damages will result in compensation if the claim is successful, and are calculated based on the victim’s real losses suffered after the incident. There are two main types of damages you may receive:

1. Economic Damages: These are calculated based on the victim’s financial losses, and can cover:
   • Medical bills, including physical therapy, surgeries, medications, and mental health counseling
   • Damage to the victim’s vehicle and other personal belongings during the crash
   • Lost income due to missing work from injuries
2. Non-Economic Damages. These are calculated based on the victim’s emotional losses, including:
   • Pain and suffering
   • Loss of enjoyment of life

Combined, these damages are meant to help the victim recuperate from the car accident. There is also a chance that punitive damages may be awarded in your case if a driver acted with severe malice or recklessness. Punitive damages in Murrieta are designed not only to compensate a victim but also to punish an offender and deter them from the same behavior. While compensation can’t take away the pain of the crash, it can ease your financial burdens.

FAQs About Murrieta, CA Car Accident Laws

Should I Speak to an Insurance Adjuster Without My Attorney Present in Murrieta?

While you can legally speak to an insurance adjuster without your attorney present, you should be cautious about what you say. In general, it is highly recommended that you do not enter negotiations without your attorney by your side, as they have the knowledge and negotiation skills needed to ensure you’re not taken advantage of. Because insurers often look to pay as little as possible, it’s crucial that you have an attorney fighting for what you need.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing My Car Accident Case in Murrieta?

The statute of limitations for car accidents, which is a legal deadline in Murrieta that allows you to file valid claims, is generally two years from the date the crash happened. However, if the other vehicle involved in the crash was a government vehicle, your deadline is only six months. While these timelines may seem long, you should begin collecting evidence and filing a claim as soon as possible to increase your chances of success.

What Evidence Do I Need to Win a Car Accident Injury Claim in California?

Having extensive and diverse evidence can help you win your car accident injury case in California. Courts rely heavily on evidence to make their decisions, which includes eyewitness and professional testimony, surveillance footage of the crash, medical records, police reports, and more. Your lawyer can help you gather the strongest evidence available and help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation available in your case.

What Should You Do If the Other Driver Refuses to Share Their Contact and Insurance Information After a Crash in California?

If the other driver refuses to give you their information directly after a crash in Murrieta happens, don’t argue with them. Doing so will only escalate the situation. Instead, wait for the police to arrive on site. Explain the situation to them, and they’ll be able to get the information on your behalf. If the other driver attempts to flee before law enforcement arrives, take a photo of their license plate and car to provide to the police.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer From Corrales Law Group

Contact the Corrales Law Group today to schedule your free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers and begin building your Murrieta car accident claim. We also provide Spanish services to those who are more comfortable communicating in their native language.