Item: Edward A Smith Law Offices
Rating: 5
Author: Alex & Dinah M.

Waterford Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer

Waterford is one of nine incorporated cities within Stanislaus County, California. Located 13 miles east of Modesto on the Tuolumne River and Highway 132, this growing city has approximately 8,619. While Waterford is the eighth-largest city in the county, it still sees its fair share of car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured after a vehicular crash in the Waterford area and finds yourself at a loss when dealing with insurance companies, you should consider hiring an injury attorney to represent your best interests.

At AutoAccident.com, our lawyers have been helping Waterford residents with their personal injury cases since 1982. For information on how our law firm can help you, call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to speak with one of our car accident attorneys and receive free, friendly case advice today.

Our legal team has the resources and experience to prove your injury claim to insurance claims adjusters, defense lawyers, and jury members. This way, we can obtain the full and fair financial compensation you are entitled to under California law. We handle personal injury cases under a contingent fee arrangement. You will only have to pay lawyer's fees if we win your car accident injury claim.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in the City of Waterford?

Intersections connect many roads and traffic coming from different directions together. It is no wonder that they are the site of most car accidents. Some of the intersections that have the most traffic crashes in Waterford, CA, include:

Bentley Road and Tim Bell Road
Bonnie Brae Avenue and C Street
Cinnabar Way and Bonnie Brae Avenue
Dorsey Street and G Street
E Street and SR-132
Highway 132 and Reinway Avenue
Riverside Drive and Yosemite Boulevard
State Route 132 and Tim Bell Road
Tisdell Drive and Bentley Street
Yosemite Boulevard and Hickman Road

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision at one of these intersections, you may have a viable civil case for driver negligence or dangerous road conditions. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Waterford to learn more.

Watch the video below for top tips on what to look for in an accident attorney.

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

A claim for personal injury is intended to compensate a claimant for the financial hardship and intangible harm an accident has had on their life. If not for the negligence or carelessness of the at-fault party, the person would not have been injured in the accident and experienced losses incurred. While a personal injury accident case may not always put the injured party in the same position they would have been in if not for the traffic collision, it is designed to make them whole again.

Types of Serious Injury Cases Our Legal Team Handles

At AutoAccident.com, our law firm handles the following types of injury cases arising from accidents:

Bicycle Crashes
Brain Injuries
Car Collisions
Dog Bite Injuries
Farming Accidents
Motorcycle Collisions
Pedestrian Accidents
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Truck Accidents
Wrongful Death

Types of Car Insurance Coverages Required in California

Auto insurance is required by law in California. All drivers in California must carry the following:

$15,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per individual
$30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per motor vehicle accident
$5,000 in property damage liability coverage per auto collision

Importance of UM and UIM Protection in California

Not having car insurance is illegal and can result in penalties for drivers caught operating an uninsured vehicle. Uninsured drivers are breaking California law but are also at a personal liability risk if they cause a motor vehicle accident without auto insurance to cover it. When a person is injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may come into play to cover losses incurred up to the limits of their insurance policy.

Will Car Insurance Cover Injuries in an Accident?

When a negligent driver causes an auto crash, their car insurance company is liable for personal injury losses. Compensation in a car accident case comes in two types, economic and non-economic damages, such as:

Medical Expenses: In California, a personal injury claimant may seek financial recovery of medical bills paid for injuries from an accident. Common types of medical treatment after a vehicular crash include ambulance rides, stays at the hospital, surgeries, doctor's visits, consultations or prescription medications, follow-ups with specialists, therapy, physical rehabilitation, and more. The medical treatment must be deemed reasonable and necessary for reimbursement. Costs of future medical treatment may also be recovered. However, future medical expenses must be proven through a medical expert witness to an insurance company, defense attorney, or jury.
Loss of Income: When an injury from a car accident causes a person to miss work, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. To prove a claim for lost income, it must be shown that the at-fault party was responsible for the injury, the injury prevented the claimant from working, a doctor's note for missing work, and a letter from an employer stating the number of hours missed and lost income during recovery of an accident. In cases of lost future earning potential, testimony from an expert medical witness may be necessary to prove the extent and lasting effects of permanent disability on a person's ability to make a living. A Waterford car accident lawyer can retain a finance expert to calculate the loss of future earnings because of a permanent injury.
Loss of Consortium: If the negligence or recklessness of someone else caused a spouse to suffer catastrophic injuries, the uninjured spouse might be entitled to loss of consortium damages. These are intended to compensate the spouse who was not injured in the car accident for the damage caused by a marital relationship. A loss of consortium claim may also compensate for the inability to conceive a child due to an accident-related injury, such as a spinal cord injury.
Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage considers the emotional pain and physical suffering a personal injury has had on a claimant's life. The truth about pain and suffering calculators is that they are entirely useless regarding the value of a car accident settlement. Insurance companies do not use these to calculate pain and suffering compensation. Auto insurance carriers use many strategies and software, such as Colossus, to calculate the value of pain and suffering damages. Insurance claims adjusters often set Colossus to intentionally create a lowball settlement offer for a personal injury claim. To overcome this insurance defense tactic, a Waterford personal injury attorney can collect medical records, retain medical expert witnesses, and financial experts like economists to prove general damages' full and fair value for pain and suffering.

Work with a Personal Injury Attorney in Waterford, California

A personal injury claim might arise from an accident that causes catastrophic injury or wrongful death if it results from someone else's negligence or recklessness. Those who are hurt or lost a loved one may have a legal right to seek financial compensation. However, time is of the essence in these cases, and a two-year statute of limitations generally applies to them in California.

It is essential to take quick action after a catastrophic accident. Call our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation. A Waterford auto accident lawyer from our office can discuss the facts and circumstances of your case to discuss your best options for financial recovery. You will not have to pay attorney's fees for our legal services until we win your personal injury accident case.

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★★★★★

"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.

"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly

"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.

"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.

"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.

"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.

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