Auto Accident FAQs

I've been injured -- what should I do first? Why do I need to contact an attorney? Why should I consider having the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith represent me? How do I know if I have a claim worth pursuing? What kind of factors may affect the value of a claim? Do I have a time limit in which to bring a claim? What if the at fault party did not have auto insurance at the time of the accident? What if the at fault party has very little, or minimum, insurance coverage? What is a wrongful death claim? Do I have to go to court to receive a settlement for my injuries? Do I need to pay back my health insurance after my case is settled? Do you even need a lawyer? You've hired an attorney...what's next? The importance of Uninsured-Under insured Motorist Insurance coverage. What Does the Phrase “Comparative Fault” mean? Personal Injury Damages- What you’re able to recover. Can I recover for lost wages after being injured in a car accident? Can I recover from income I’ll likely lose in the future? Can I be compensated for lost income if I am self-employed? If self-employed, how is lost income calculated? What if my doctor releases me to return to work, but I’m still in too much pain to do so? Loss Of Consortium Damages. Can I recover for my medical expenses? What is Med-Pay Coverage? How long can I receive med pay benefits? Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist Protection (UM) ERISA Regulated Medical Insurance Coverage Out of Pocket Expenses. In-Home Nursing Care/Attendant Care. Household Chores/Replacement Services. Home Modifications and Accommodations After an Auto Accident Who pays to get my car fixed? Can I get my car repaired at any body shop? My car’s totaled...what will I be paid? If the car is a total loss does the insurance company pay the whole value? Help! I need a rental car! What if the other driver’s insurance company and I disagree on property damage issues? Loss of Use - You’re entitled to it! Can I keep my car, even if it’s totaled? The accident was my fault. What is the benefit of hiring a lawyer? Can I recover for lost wages? I used vacation pay on the days I took off due to my injuries. Do I still have a claim for lost wage? Can I be compensated for lost income if l am self-employed? If self-employed, how is lost income calculated? Two of My Recent Cases - Factors and Variables Involved in Each 72 Ways Insurance Companies lie, cheat and steal from people injured in car crashes Out of State Accidents and Out of State Clients Are you a Canadian Resident Injured in the United States? We can help! 28 percent of accidents involve talking, texting on cellphones Spine Fractures and Whiplash Be Aware of Brain Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident Disc Replacement What is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage? What is Property Damage Liability Coverage? What is Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage? What is Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury Coverage? What is Medical Payments Coverage? What is Comprehensive Coverage? What is Collision Coverage? If uninsured motorist coverage is optional, why should I buy it? I already have health insurance. Why should I get medical payment coverage on my auto insurance policy? Should I buy a personal umbrella insurance policy? I was injured and the person who struck me has no insurance. How can I recover for my damages? What is a reasonable amount to accept for my case? I was hit on the freeway in the rear by a drunk driver with no insurance. I have UM insurance up to $50,000.00 Do I decide whether my car is to be repaired or replaced? Why does the insurance company repair some cars but pay the replacement value for other cars? Should I allow any body shop that is associated with the insurance company look at my car? Who is responsible for the towing and storage bills? Who pays for a rental car while my car is being repaired? My car was determined a total loss. How can I determine if the actual cash value offer the insurance company is offering is fair? I am still making payments to the bank on my car but it was declared a total loss in the collision. Who will get the money from the insurance company, me or the bank? The money the insurance company has given me for my vehicle will not completely pay off my car loan. What is going on? What's Tailgating? Can they prove I was following too close? What's the 3-Second Rule? I Was Paying Attention, it just jumped out at me I Just Missed it, People Make Mistakes, Right? What If a Traffic Sign Was Blocked, and Not Visible? What If a Traffic Sign Was Only Partially Blocked? The Other Driver Broke the Law I Was Breaking the Law, But So Was the Other Driver Who is at fault in an accident? Questions and Answers about Auto Insurance Questions and Answers about Property Damage Questions and Answers about the Rules of the Road Sacramento Car Accidents - Children on the Road Sacramento Pedestrian Accidents & Crosswalks Sacramento Accidents & Street Laborers Sacramento Car Accidents: Legal Liability & Pedestrians with Disabilities Auto Insurance Recommendations How can I get the most money on my wrecked car? In a car crash. Insurance won’t total my car. What’s next? Do I have to repay Health Insurance after Car Accident Settlement? My insurance is totaling out my car, but the amount offered won't get me a similar vehicle. What can I do? Medpay wants medical bills paid back after settlement What effect do my past medical conditions have on my claims from a more recent auto accident? Texting and Driving in California (with Infographic) I’ve been in a car wreck. What sources are available to pay my medical bills? I purchased a 2015 Cadillac which I am financing. The dealer wanted to sell me “Gap Insurance”. Should I buy it? Are the street lights in Elk Grove synchronized? Auto Accident Lawsuit - At Fault Party had Minimal Insurance Arden Arcade High Speed Chase Elk Grove Airbag Recall How To Get a Car Accident Report in Sacramento CA How To Get a California Highway Patrol Accident Report Should I talk to the other party's insurer after an accident in Elk Grove? Injured by Hit and Run Driver in Sacramento? Underinsured Motorist and Medpay Injury Offset Question I have a Professional Degree but have not used it yet. How are my lost earnings calaculated? Bus Accident Injury Liability - Act of God? Dump Truck Involved in Elk Grove Tanker Truck Slurry Oil Spill
Client Reviews
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.
★★★★★