Planada Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer

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Planada is one of eleven urban communities in Merced County, California. Located on State Route 140, this census-designated place sees a fair amount of traffic for visitors traveling to Yosemite National Park. With such vehicle traffic comes the potential for car accidents. When injured in a motor vehicle collision, knowing your rights and options for recovery is critical.

After a car crash in Planada, you may have many questions. Our personal injury attorneys are available anytime to discuss your case and provide free, friendly legal advice. Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Planada accident lawyers at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Case 

After a serious motor vehicle crash, it is essential to surround yourself with support and legal counsel so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. At AutoAccident.com, our team of injury attorneys understands that our clients may be experiencing some of the most challenging situations of their lives when they come to us after a collision. This is why we put our compassion, skills, and resources to work.

Our law firm has helped injured people and families in Planada recover after severe or fatal accidents, and we want to help you through your difficult situation. Let our legal team help you obtain justice and compensation for your personal injury damages from the at-fault party to help cover your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Types of Accident Cases Our Law Firm Handles

Whatever circumstances are involved in your accident, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to help. We handle many types of personal injury claims, including:

  • Auto Products Liability for Vehicle Defects
  • Bicycle Collisions
  • Car Accidents
  • Cycling Crashes
  • Dog Bites
  • Farming Accidents
  • Motorcycle Crashes
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Premises Liability
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Trucking Collisions
  • Wrongful Death

Whether you were a motorcyclist, pedestrian, cyclist, driver, or passenger injured in a crash, our Planada car accident lawyers can diligently protect your best interests. We can help you seek full and fair compensation in your personal injury claim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As Planada injury attorneys, we aim to help you get your life back on track while holding those financially accountable for their negligence to protect others from experiencing similar circumstances.

Types of Injuries Commonly Caused by Motor Vehicle Collisions

Typical car accident injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, internal trauma, airbag injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and cervical sprain. The type and severity of injuries from a vehicular crash may vary depending on whether the individual was a driver, passenger, biker, pedestrian, or bicycle rider.

Even if you do not feel like you suffered serious injuries in a traffic collision, it is essential to seek medical care immediately after any car accident. Some injuries may not present symptoms for hours, days, or weeks after a crash. Seek treatment immediately and let your doctor know you were involved in a motor vehicle collision, so they know which type of injuries to look out for and decide the best course of treatment.

Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Planada, CA?

In the Planada area, the most dangerous intersections are located at:

  • Cody Avenue and Stanford Avenue
  • East Childs Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue
  • Hayden Road and Route 140
  • Highway 140 and Watt Street
  • Plainsburg Rd and E Childs Avenue
  • Santa Fe Avenue and Stanford Avenue
  • State Route 140 and Plainsburg Road
  • Stanford Avenue and Sutter Street
  • Sutter Street and SR-140
  • Topeka Street and Plainsburg Road

Improper turning was the most common factor of motor vehicle collisions in unincorporated areas of Merced County, causing over 31% of accidents from 2010 to 2019. Other major crash factors were unsafe speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, following too closely, driving on the wrong side of the road, and unsafe lane changes.

How Much Car Insurance Do You Need in California?

Considering these trying times, many people wonder how much auto insurance coverage they need. In California, drivers must carry minimum bodily injury liability coverage limits of $15,000 for injury or death to one party, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one individual, and $5,000 for property damage.

Our Planada personal injury attorneys recommend carrying at least $100,000 per individual and $300,000 per crash in coverage. We also recommend having these same limits in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). The reasoning here is that 15.2 percent of drivers in California are uninsured, according to a 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute (III). It is essential to carry UM/UIM coverage to ensure you are fully covered if you are ever involved in a car accident caused by a driver with little to no liability insurance.

Check your insurance plan to see if you carry UM/UIM protection. If you have this type of insurance coverage, review your policy limits. Contact our Planada personal injury lawyers for free, friendly advice today if you have questions about your insurance contract.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?

The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 allows claimants two years from a motor vehicle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit with the court. Suppose a claimant does not accept a settlement from the insurance company or file a lawsuit within the time limit. In that case, the statute of limitations may expire in their case, and they may lose the right to seek monetary compensation. 

Since the filing deadline may be affected by specific factors, it is best to have an experienced Planada auto accident attorney handle all aspects of your personal injury claim. 

Watch the video below for details on what to look for in an experienced California accident attorney to handle your personal injury case.

How Does the Personal Injury Claims Process Work in California?

If all elements of negligence are met in a compensation claim, your Planada personal injury lawyer will gather evidence to support your case. Your attorney will file a bodily injury claim with the insurance company representing the at-fault party and negotiate a fair settlement based on the evidence provided for economic and non-economic damages

In situations where the insurer cannot agree on full and fair compensation for the claimant, the attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit and take the case to court if necessary.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Planada, CA

Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line and will do so by training claims adjusters to pay as little as possible on injury cases. Insurance carriers may look for reasons to reduce the value of a bodily injury case or deny it altogether. Retaining a Planada car accident lawyer early in the personal injury claims process.

Your attorney will work diligently to ensure insurance claims adjusters and defense counsel will not offer less than you deserve and help recover a fair settlement based on your claim's facts.

If you have been injured in a car accident and have questions about what to do next, do not hesitate to ask for help when needed. Contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers in Planada, California, today to receive free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.

Editor's Note: updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 4.4.23]

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay 

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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
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"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.