Lakeport Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer

lake house

Lakeport offers scenic views overlooking the beautiful Clear Lake. Conveniently accessible via California State Highway 29, Lakeport attracts visitors from nearby cities who are eager to explore the town's diverse establishments. The bustling community hosts notable events like the Lake County Fairgrounds and the Oktoberfest Lakeport Festival, drawing in thousands of visitors annually. However, increased tourism and population increase the likelihood of traffic accidents.

If you or a loved one has experienced an unfortunate accident in Lakeport or any other location within Lake County, it is crucial to seek the assistance of experienced injury attorneys. At our firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll such incidents can have on individuals and their families. That is why we are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim.

Helping Residents of Lakeport and Lake County

We're proud lawyers who help injured people receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Right from the start, we realized a need in California for an attorney who could take on the most challenging cases. These accidents leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. 

By contacting our dedicated team at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400, you can schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. Our experienced injury attorneys will attentively listen to your story, evaluate the circumstances surrounding your accident, and provide you with valuable guidance. We strive to offer personalized and compassionate legal representation tailored to your specific needs.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Lakeport

As a small community, Lakeport should not see many car accidents, but it isn't unusual for two or more cars to be pulled to the side of the road with damage. Collisions have many reasons, including mere carelessness, recklessness, speeding, and other risky behavior.

In 2016, 28 people were injured in killed in Lake County. Three of those victims were injured in accidents that involved alcohol. In a population of only a few thousand, this is a tragic number of injuries.

Some common types of car accidents in Lakeport include the following:

  • T-bone collisions
  • Sideswipes
  • Head-on collisions
  • Rear-end crashes
  • Rollovers

These accidents leave victims with serious injuries that require thousands of dollars of medical care and often keep them out of work. That's why it's a good idea to meet with a Lakeport car accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

We Only Handle Serious Injury Cases

Over 95% of our practice is devoted to car accidents and other personal injury disputes. This focus allows us to keep up with changes in the law and refine our approach to compiling the most robust cases for our clients.

Aside from auto accidents, we also represent clients injured by:

We help clients who have suffered severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and burns. We found that our experience is most useful in extreme cases. 

How to Pay for Medical Expenses After an Injury

Even if it is evident that someone else is to blame for your injuries, you still might need to pay out of pocket for your medical care, at least initially. 

Car accidents and other personal injury cases take quite a while to settle. It's never wise to demand compensation too early, so you generally need to wait until you've reached maximum medical improvement before sending a demand letter to an insurer.

A severe fracture, concussion, or back injury might take six months or longer before you reach maximum recovery. Unfortunately, doctors and hospitals will not wait long for payment, so you need to cover the cost of your medical care before your settlement comes through. In California, you have some options for going about this:

  • Use your health insurance. You might have insurance from a job, or you might have Medi-Cal coverage. You could also have bought an insurance policy through Covered California. If you use your health insurance, you'll be responsible for your deductible and copays, but the insurance should pick up the rest.
  • Tap your medical payments coverage. This type of insurance, med pay, will cover medical care for car accident injuries. Medical payment coverage should have no deductible but might not cover all your expenses.
  • Pay out-of-pocket with savings. You can pay out of pocket if you have enough money, but most clients don't.
  • Obtain treatment on a doctor's lien. This is a little-known option. You find a doctor who will provide medical care, and in exchange, they take a lien on your settlement, which is a right of payment.

If you use your health insurance, you need to know that most insurers have a right to be reimbursed out of your settlement for any medical care they cover, and this is called a "right of subrogation."

We can help you think through how you can make your medical payments if you call our office. Knowing which insurance or policy to use is often tricky, so get help.

The video below explains how to contact a personal injury attorney following a car accident.

Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Lakeport, CA 

If you have suffered severe injuries in an accident, we can help you. Since 1982, our law firm has obtained favorable settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. Please contact our Lakeport personal injury lawyers today at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly case advice. You can also reach us on our online contact form.

Editor's Note: updated 11.1.23 Photo by Pixabay.com da cha [cs 953]

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.