Turlock Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer

Turlock perfectly balances small-town charm and accessibility to larger cities such as Modesto and San Francisco. The city's downtown area boasts many local shops, restaurants, and community events, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. With its strategic location, residents can take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities offered by nearby parks and lakes, such as hiking, camping, and water sports. As a city of approximately 72,000 residents, Turlock is intersected by State Routes 165 and 99. The recent surge in retail and housing developments in the area served by Highway 99 coincides with the growing population. However, with the rise in population, the likelihood of roadway accidents increases, posing a significant risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident in Turlock or elsewhere in Stanislaus County, please call our experienced personal injury lawyers at (209) 227-1931 for a free consultation.
Car Accident Statistics in CaliforniaDeath from traffic accidents remains a significant problem across the state. Recent data shows that in 2020, there were over 3,700 motor vehicle deaths in California, a slight increase from 2019. Most deaths from motor vehicles involve passenger cars and light trucks, and motorcycles account for a smaller portion of deaths.
One of the leading causes of traffic deaths is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In 2019, half of all drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents tested positive for drugs, an increase of 8% from 2018.
Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle AccidentsThe types of traffic violations seen with most crashes include:
- Disobeying traffic signs or signals
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving while under the influence
- Ignoring pedestrian safety
- Making improper turns
- Motor vehicle right of way
- Not applying brakes in time
- Tailgating
- Unsafe changing lanes
While the incidence of motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents in Turlock occur less frequently, the damage and injury can be severe. Both bicyclists and motorcyclists have no protection as car drivers and passengers do. In addition, motorcycles and bicycles are often not visualized by motorists.
Motorcycle riders in California can split lanes, riding along the line both on highways and on lesser roads. Car and truck drivers need to be on the outlook for this to avoid an accident. Bicyclists may not be visible, particularly in the dark, if no bicycle lights are used. Special attention is needed on rural roads, especially in Stanislaus County, where street lighting is unavailable.
About the Law Offices of Edward A SmithAs Turlock car accident lawyers, we get to know our clients and remain friends with many long after their cases are resolved. We firmly believe this is particularly helpful at the beginning of our relationship. Claims are not limited to the vehicles involved in a crash or the damage done; they are about the people whose lives were radically changed, at least for a while.
Our injury attorneys love our work and the chance we have to help our clients during difficult times in their lives. Give our legal team a call, and we will offer free, friendly advice no matter the complexity of your car accident.
The video below explains what you can expect in a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Turlock.
What are the Elements of Negligence?Negligence exists when an individual owes a duty to another, such as driving safely on the road, and breaks that duty, and the other person is injured. The injury usually has a financial impact on the victim, such as the cost of hospital and other medical expenses and lost wages at the time of the accident and in the future.
It is an attorney's job to ensure the elements of negligence are proven in the case and to deal with insurance companies to demand a fair settlement, and that does not always happen. The Turlock personal injury attorney must then be prepared to take the case to trial to ensure their client receives full and fair compensatory damages. In addition, it is essential to ensure how the client responds to medical treatment and whether future care might be involved.
What is Considered Wrongful Death?Wrongful death exists when someone dies through the negligence of another, and it can occur after a car accident or surgery. Wrongful death is a particular type of personal injury in that both are caused by negligence.
Medical treatment is not expected in wrongful death cases, although the decedent might have been treated between the accident and death. In this situation, the person might have suffered pain knowing they were dying. This is called survival action and is part of a wrongful death lawsuit, and personal injury damages survive a person's death.
Another way wrongful death differs from personal injury lawsuits is how negligence is perceived. In these cases, the elements of a wrongful death case involve the death of someone due to the negligence of another, with or without a purposeful intent to harm the individual. As a result of the death, family members suffer financial harm.
In both cases, someone needs financial help, either the victim of an accident or the decedent's family. Our Turlock car accident lawyers pledge to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the decedent's family receives a fair wrongful death settlement.
Discuss Your Case with Our Turlock Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured or a family member has been killed due to the negligence of another person, please reach out to our personal injury lawyers in Turlock today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly and compassionate advice.
Since 1982, our law firm has helped Turlock residents and surrounding areas in Stanislaus County obtain maximum compensation for their personal injury and wrongful death cases
We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
See a list of our past cases on our verdicts and settlements page and our client reviews on Avvo, Yelp, and Google.
Editor's Note: updated for accuracy and relevancy. [cha 4.24.23]
Photo by Brandon Randolph from Pexels
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