Temecula Car Accident Lawyer

Temecula Car Accident Attorney

A car accident in Temecula can leave victims with lasting consequences and mounds of medical debt. Whether you suffered injuries or your car was totaled, it’s crucial that you take legal action and hold those accountable who caused your harm. A skilled Temecula car accident lawyer from the Corrales Law Group can help you determine fault, file a claim, and fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Temecula Who Cares About Your Future

The Corrales Law Group is proud to be a pillar in California’s legal community. Our founding attorneys, Peter and Janice Corrales, created our firm with a strong focus on personal injury law. We understand how traumatic accidents can be when you’re left to deal with injuries, debt, and property losses, especially when the crash wasn’t your fault. That’s why we work tirelessly to protect the rights of Temecula residents and their loved ones.

The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Temecula, CA

Residents of Temecula commonly use Interstate 15 and State Route 79 for commuting. In fact, most residents spend an average of 36.4 minutes on the road per day. In 2023, the population of Temecula was 110,404 people, meaning there are thousands of people sharing these roads each day, increasing the chances for potential crashes. In 2021, there were 499 victims of car crashes in Temecula, including those injured and those who died.

After surviving a car accident, understanding the state laws is crucial to ensure you secure compensation and justice. The deadline to file your car accident claim in California can vary depending on the specifics of your case. However, most car accident injury cases have a two-year deadline for filing, which is known as the statute of limitations.

However, for accidents involving a government vehicle, your deadline to file is only six months. This can include crashes involving a U.S. Postal Service mail truck, a highway patrol car, or a garbage truck. While these deadlines may seem long, acting quickly is key to winning your case. Courts believe that evidence tends to fade with time, such as witness memories of the crash and surveillance footage taping over itself, which is why these deadlines are crucial to meet.

Evidence That Can Support Your Temecula Car Accident Injury Claim

Temecula courts rely on the evidence you and the other driver provide to make their final decision on a settlement. Having as much evidence as possible that demonstrates your losses is crucial when trying to prove your side of the story. A lawyer from our firm can assist in gathering:

• Testimony from professionals about what they believe caused the car accident
• Witness statements
• Footage of the crash from dashcams, traffic cameras, and surveillance cameras from nearby homes or businesses
• Copies of your medical records
• Copies of the initial incident report
• A detailed timeline of events
• Photos and videos taken at the time of the crash of the crash site, your visible injuries, and any damage to your car, cell phone, clothes, and other personal belongings

Punitive Damages in a Temecula Car Accident Case

While rare, there is a unique type of damage that can be requested in a severe car accident case in California. These are called punitive damages. Punitive damages in California are not granted in every case and are only awarded when the main offender acted with extreme negligence or malice. These damages were made to punish the main offender and deter them from future harmful behavior while ensuring the victim is compensated.

For example, an egregiously drunk driver may have to pay the victim punitive damages if they caused severe harm or damage. To better understand whether your case may call for punitive damages, you should consult with a lawyer from the Corrales Law Group.

FAQs About Temecula, CA Car Accident Laws

What Kind of Economic Damages Can You Receive From a Successful Car Accident Claim in California?

Economic damages are a type of damage that can be requested in a California car accident case. They are calculated based on all financial losses a victim suffered because of an accident. They can include lost income due to missing work from your injuries, as well as compensation for any damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings during the crash. They also cover all medical bills and treatments.

What Non-Economic Damages Can You Receive From a Successful Car Accident Claim in California?

Non-economic damages are another type of damage that can be requested in a car accident injury case. These damages are calculated subjectively, based on emotional losses and distress that have occurred since the incident. These damages can compensate a victim for loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and mental distress. Your lawyer can review your case and help request the maximum amount of compensation available.

What Is California’s Comparative Negligence System?

California’s comparative negligence system is what courts use to determine fault in a car accident case. After reviewing the evidence provided during the case, your local court will give everyone involved a percentage of fault, even the victim. Any compensation won during your case will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re assigned 20% fault and won $100,000, it would be reduced by 20%, making your final compensation $80,000.

What Steps Should I Take After a California Car Accident to Preserve My Legal Case?

After a car accident in Temecula, there are several steps you should take to preserve your legal case and your rights. Firstly, you should call emergency services as soon as possible. The medical and police records filed from the initial incident will play a critical role in your future claim. At the crash site, don’t admit fault or apologize. Write down the contact information of any witnesses, take photos and videos of the crash site and your injuries, and call a lawyer.

Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers in Temecula

Contact our office in Orange County today to set up your free consultation with one of the skilled attorneys at Corrales Law Group. We also offer Spanish services to clients who are more comfortable conversing in their native language. We value giving our clients the tools they need to take back control of their lives after destabilizing events.