How Common are Accidents in Bonita, CA?
In 2018, there were 3.5 deaths due to traffic collisions in California. However, the number of fatalities decreased by 2.8% compared to 2017. There were 3,568 traffic deaths in the state in 2018. Of those, 1,099 occurred in San Diego County.
Over 1,000 individuals were fatally injured in Bonita during motor vehicle crashes in 2018. These include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and passengers.
According to the National Safety Council, over 15 million Americans are involved in car accidents every year. Traffic fatalities increased by 4.2% nationwide in 2018. Between 2009 and 2016, the total number of fatal traffic accidents increased by 8.7%.
The most common types of accidents involve vehicles colliding into one another. Other accident scenarios include pedestrians being struck by cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles. Others slip and fall while walking along roads, sidewalks, parking lots, etc.
Types of Cases We Handle in Bonita, California
The Law Office of Ron McMinn handles a variety of personal injury cases in San Diego County. Our attorneys are experienced in handling a wide range of personal injury cases, ranging from car accidents to trucking accidents. We understand the laws regarding personal injury claims in California, and we know how to maximize compensation for you.
We know what it feels like to be hurt in an accident. This experience helps us provide compassionate representation to those who suffer serious injuries.
Our firm focuses on helping people recover damages caused by negligent parties. For example, we help victims of auto accidents get medical treatment and compensation for lost wages and property damage. If you or someone you love has suffered due to another person’s negligence, call us today.
What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
It’s difficult to determine the worth of your case without a thorough review. There are a number of different elements to consider and take into account in placing a dollar value on a personal injury case.
In most cases, it is impossible to tell how much money you might receive from a personal injury claim without having a lawyer look over your case. While there are many factors to take into consideration such as the severity of your injuries, cost of medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., one of the biggest determinants of the amount you will receive is the settlement offer you receive from the insurance company. This is because the insurer generally offers a settlement based upon what it thinks the jury will award you. You don’t want to accept less than what you deserve just because you’re too scared to ask for more. If you do decide to go it alone, make sure you have enough information about your case to know whether or not you are getting fair market value.
What Types of Damages Are Available To Accident Victims in Bonita, California?
In California, personal injury victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. Non-economic damages include things like loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, etc.
Compensation for non-economic damages is often harder to calculate because it depends heavily upon the specific circumstances of each case. For example, if you suffer serious injuries while riding a bicycle, you might receive compensation for medical expenses associated with those injuries. However, if you suffered minor injuries while playing basketball, you might not be able to prove that your injuries caused you any additional costs.
Steps To Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
Negligence is defined as failing to use ordinary care. Ordinary care is used to determine whether a party acted reasonably under the circumstances. There are four basic elements that must exist to prove negligence:
1.) A legal duty;
2.) An obligation imposed upon one individual to conform his/her conduct to a certain standard for the benefit of another;
3.) A breach of that duty; and
4.) Actual loss or damage resulting from a violation of that duty.
In personal injury lawsuits, plaintiffs usually allege that defendants breached some sort of legal duty owed to them. These duties include the following:
• Common Carrier – Carriers owe a duty to transport passengers safely. If a carrier fails to do so, it could be held liable for damages suffered by the passenger.
What Happens if I’m Partly To Blame for the Accident?
California law says that you can still receive monetary damages in cases where you are partially responsible for an injury. But it doesn’t say how much money you’ll collect.
In most states, including California, there is no cap on liability awards. So, if you’re found liable for $100,000 in medical bills or lost wages, you could end up paying out over $100,000.
However, under California’s Comparative Negligence Statute, you’re entitled to recover damages based upon your fault, rather than the fault of another party. If you’re 50% to blame for an accident, your recovery is limited to half of what you would otherwise owe.
This means that if you’re 35% responsible for causing an accident, your recovery will be reduced by that portion (35%), and you’ll walk away with 65%.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bonita Personal Injury Case?
California law requires that you file a claim within two years after your accident occurred. If you don’t do it, you won’t be able to recover damages. Other certain types of claims against government entities must be filed within six months of the accident.
The following types of claims must be filed within the initial two-year period:
— Medical malpractice
— Wrongful death
— Negligence
— Product liability
— Motor vehicle accidents
This is why we stress to contact us as soon as possible after an accident has occurred so if filing suit is necessary we’ll be well prepared in advance, which may result in a better outcome for you.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
At the Law Office of Ron McMinn, our clients are always our priority. We understand how difficult it can be to find a lawyer who truly cares about your case and is willing to work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation.
We offer free consultations and no up-front cost, regardless of whether or not we accept your case. We never charge anything unless we win for you, and there are never any hidden fees.
If you think you might have a claim for damages, please call us today at 619-996-1911. Our lawyers are ready to help.
How Our Bonita Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You After an Accident
At the Law Office of Ron McMinn we’re committed to helping injured clients get the compensation they deserve. We know what it means to help people who’ve been hurt get the justice they deserve.
We understand that no matter how large or small your case is, hiring an attorney is a big decision. That is why we want to make sure you choose the best possible lawyer to represent you. To do that, we invite you to learn about our background and qualifications, and read testimonials from satisfied clients.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Bonita Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in an auto accident due to another’s negligence, our Bonita car accident attorneys at the Law Office of Ron McMinn can help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, income losses, property damage, and more.
We know how hard it is to cope with such a tragedy, and we want to make sure you don’t go through life wondering what could have happened differently. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges facing victims of accidents caused by others’ negligence.