Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

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Recovering from injuries in a car accident in Sacramento, California, is stressful. You are dealing with property damage repair, facing mounting medical bills, and being temporarily or permanently out of work. On top of that, you must figure out how to handle other obligations and make ends meet. An auto accident attorney can simplify the process, protect your rights, and seek full compensation.

At AutoAccident.com, we have proudly represented Sacramento residents since 1982. Our experienced car accident lawyers handle personal injury and wrongful death cases for people across California. Call our legal team for free, friendly case advice today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At our California personal injury law firm, we dedicate our careers to our clients. We represent people involved in all types of accidents. Insurance companies and defense counsel often take advantage of claimants with low settlement offers. With the help of our experienced Sacramento car accident attorneys, claimants can secure maximum compensation for their losses.

What are the Statistics for Car Accidents in Sacramento, CA?

Unfortunately, car accidents are a daily occurrence in the City of Sacramento. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety ( OTS ), there were 3,205 injury and fatal accidents on Sacramento roads in 2020. Of these auto collisions, there were:

  • 528 speed-related crashes
  • 318 collisions involving alcohol
  • 355 hit-and-run accidents
Intersections With a High Rate of Crashes in Sacramento

The ten most dangerous intersections in Sacramento, based on recent traffic collision data, include:

  • Arden Way and Interstate 80
  • Fair Oaks Boulevard and Howe Avenue
  • Franklin Boulevard and Broadway
  • Fruitridge Road and Franklin Boulevard
  • Highway 99 and US-50 Interchange
  • Power Inn Road and Folsom Boulevard
  • State Route 99 and 12th Avenue
  • SR-160 and Richards Boulevard
  • Sutterville Road and Franklin Boulevard
  • West El Camino Avenue and Northgate Boulevard
Common Causes of Car Accidents

Human error causes approximately 94 percent of vehicle crashes every year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides this estimate in statistical reports. Some of the common reasons for traffic collisions include:

  • Drunk driving
  • Falling asleep behind the wheel
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Texting and driving
  • Weaving in and out of traffic
What Should I Do After Getting Into a Traffic Collision?

If involved in a car accident, follow these steps to protect your well-being and right to compensation:

  • Stay at the crash site
  • Gather any evidence at the scene
  • Check yourself and others for injuries
  • Report the incident to local law enforcement
  • Take pictures of visible injuries from the collision
  • Exchange contact details with other involved parties
  • Look for eyewitnesses and get their contact information
  • Contact your insurance carrier to report the car accident immediately
  • Order a copy of the police report once it is ready and provide it to the insurer for the insurance claim
  • Maintain consistency with medical treatment, including following orders from the doctor
  • Contact the best Sacramento car accident lawyer to discuss your case in a free consultation
  • Do not post about the traffic collision on social media until your personal injury case has resolved
Why You Should Seek Prompt Medical Treatment After an Accident

Immediate medical attention is of utmost importance in bodily injury claims. There are crash-related injuries that are not immediately apparent and may worsen without prompt treatment, such as spinal cord injuries, internal trauma, and more. As such, do not delay and seek medical care right away to ensure that your health, well-being, and potential personal injury case are in good standing.

Who is Responsible for Injuries and Losses in a Motor Vehicle Crash?

Here at AutoAccident.com, our legal team routinely conducts independent investigations to identify all at-fault parties for car accidents occurring in Sacramento and throughout California. In addition to the motorist that caused the traffic collision, we may file a claim for damages against others for their contribution to the incident:

  • A government entity that was responsible for insufficient roadway maintenance or unsafe road design.
  • A distributor or manufacturer of faulty vehicle parts and equipment, such as a defective steering system, faulty airbags, acceleration issues, etc.
  • A bar, restaurant, or other establishment that overserved alcohol to a patron they reasonably should have known was drunk and that patron later caused a motor vehicle collision while under the influence.
What is the Minimum Auto Insurance Required by Law in California?

If personal injury damages exceed the minimum liability insurance coverage required by California law, this may be an issue. Minimum auto liability limits required in California include:

  • $15,000 per person for serious injury or wrongful death
  • $30,000 for all parties involved in the traffic accident
  • $5,000 property damage
What is the Personal Injury Claims Process in California?

Civil cases are subject to strict criteria and filing deadlines. Below is an overview of the legal process for personal injury cases arising from auto accidents in California:

  • Bodily Injury Claim : It is essential to notify the insurer immediately after a severe accident. Most insurers require notification of an incident within 48 hours. The insurance contractual language may vary from carrier to carrier.
  • Personal Injury Lawsuit : A claimant has two years from the date of a car wreck to file a lawsuit. The injured party must settle the claim or file a case in civil court within two years of the accident date. Failure to file within the two-year statute of limitations may result in the loss of the right to seek damages.
  • Government Entity Claim : If a car accident injury case involves government agency negligence, there is less time to file a claim. Under these circumstances, a claimant has six months or 180 days to file a notice of claim.
What Losses Can You Claim in an Automobile Accident Case?

The personal injury lawyer handling the Sacramento car accident case will prepare a demand letter to the insurance company. The demand package will consider current and future projected economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:

  • Medical costs
  • Long-term medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent injury or disability
  • Loss of consortium
  • Other out-of-pocket losses
Our Law Firm Offers Legal Assistance for Veterans

Here at our law office, we offer veterans a 25% attorney's fee for cases settled without litigation. Our firm's owner and founder of AutoAccident.com, attorney Ed Smith, served in the United States Air Force in the airborne division in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Our honor would be to provide legal representation to fellow veterans injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers.

Sacramento Car Accident FAQ

Who is responsible for my injuries in a motor vehicle accident?

The insurance company representing the at-fault party is generally responsible for compensating individuals harmed by their insured's negligence. However, some motorists may have insufficient liability coverage for bodily injury or none. Under these circumstances, an injured party may be able to access their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) under their insurance policy. UM coverage may also cover an insured policy member who is injured in a hit-and-run accident


How does comparative fault laws in California affect bodily injury claim?

In California, fault or negligence determines who is responsible for paying damages after an accident. California's comparative fault laws decide how negligence is apportioned in an accident case. A jury chooses what percentage of the plaintiff's fault contributed to resulting damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Contact a knowledgeable Sacramento auto accident lawyer to learn more about how comparative fault may play a role in your case.


Does California allow punitive damages?

The court awards punitive damages at its discretion under specific circumstances. Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, serve as a punishment and discourage similar behavior in the future. To recover punitive damages under California Civil Code 3294, substantial evidence must prove that the other side acted egregiously. This may include proof of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) or excessive speeding.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento Today

If you were injured in a crash in Northern California due to someone else's fault, our legal team at AutoAccident.com can help. Our experienced automobile crash attorneys in Sacramento will seek the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. We have a history of obtaining successful results for our clients across California.

If you are interested in bringing a case, call our knowledgeable Sacramento car accident lawyers today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com accepts many different types of cases in California, including:

Editor's Note: updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 7.21.23] Image by “ Josh Hild ” on Pexels ds [cs 1830] cha
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.