Magalia nestles between the outcroppings of Doe Mill Ridge and the western branch of the Feather River, not far from the scenic Magalia reservoir. Its history, natural beauty, and proximity to large population centers make Magalia a popular place to live. At any time of the year, you’ll find the roads busy with residents and tourists traveling to and from the area’s businesses and attractions. Not surprisingly, lots of traffic means more accidents. 

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in an accident in Magalia or anywhere else in Butte County, call our law firm at (530) 392-9400 to discuss your legal options. Our experienced injury lawyers are happy to provide free, friendly advice.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety statistics, 1428 people were killed or injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2016 in Butte County, including 213 injuries or fatalities involving a driver under the influence. More than 75 people were injured or killed in motorcycle accidents, and another 166 involved pedestrians or bicyclists.

Being involved in a car accident, even a “minor” accident, can be a nerve-wracking experience. As the accident occurs, you feel entirely out of control of your future, safety, and even your life for those few moments. After an accident, it can be challenging to know just what to do. Unfortunately, what you do in the moments, hours, and days after an accident can significantly impact your ability to receive compensation for your injuries and other accident-related costs. Here’s a brief primer on the steps you should take if you’ve been in a car accident:

• Be safe. If you can get out of your vehicle, move out of the roadway to avoid being hit by oncoming cars. Check the other vehicle’s occupants to see if you can render assistance, but if they’re injured, don’t move them; leave their care to emergency responders.
• Call 9-1-1. Even a fender-bender can cause serious injuries or injuries that cause delayed symptoms. Calling 9-1-1 means you and other parties will get prompt and appropriate care at the scene and nearby medical facility when necessary. Plus, the police will provide a record of the accident, which can be used later if you need to file a compensation claim.
• Exchange information. Assuming you and the other driver are OK, exchange your address and insurance information.
• Take photos. If you can, use your phone to take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles, the road condition, and the general environment. Make a note of the weather and lighting.
• Talk to bystanders. If other drivers or pedestrians saw the accident, try to collect their names and contact info if their testimony is needed later.
• See a doctor. No matter what accident you’ve been in or how you feel afterward, you need to be evaluated by a doctor. Some accident injuries involve bleeding or nerve damage that might not “show up” until later. Medical care immediately lets your doctor look for early signs of concussion, whiplash, and similar injuries. Plus, it helps establish a “paper trail” to help build a case if you need to seek compensation later. Be sure to keep copies of all test results and medical notes and copies of all your bills.
• Contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will begin processing your claim as soon as you contact them, and they’ll also get the other driver’s insurance company to manage the claim and the compensation. When you call your insurance company, provide them only the necessary information. Don’t provide extraneous details, and don’t hand over your notes, photos, videos, medical receipts, police reports, or any other documents you’ve gathered about your accident. While providing your insurance company with as much information as possible may seem helpful, remember that insurance companies are businesses. Their first consideration is to reduce the industry’s expenditures. In this case, that means attempting to keep your claim compensation as low as possible. If you share extra information, there’s a reasonably good chance that information will be used to support your insurance company’s efforts to reduce your claim. Instead, retain all your records and information privately and share them only with your lawyer. One more warning: Do not sign any forms provided by your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, or any other parties without first speaking to a lawyer. Signing forms or waivers may result in you giving up your compensation claim, which means you’ll be left trying to cover all the costs the insurance companies refuse to pay.
• Call a skilled Magalia car accident lawyer. Car insurance can help cover some of your accident expenses. And if the accident is genuinely minor, insurance may pay for all your costs. Because even the most basic medical care can be surprisingly costly, there’s a good chance insurance isn’t going to cover everything. And it’s just as likely the at-fault party won’t pony up the cash you need to pay for all your accident-related expenses, including medical costs, missed workdays, and pain and suffering. That means that, in most cases, you will have to fight for what you’re owed. Insurance companies have teams of attorneys on their payroll to ensure their interests are protected, and it just makes good sense to have your own accident attorney looking out for your needs. Working with an experienced Magalia personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure your interests are always protected.

The video below details contacting a Magalia personal injury lawyer after a car accident.

Even a minor car accident can cause significant injuries, and often, those injuries can cause symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or years. Nerve damage, fractures, whiplash, and other injuries require immediate medical care and ongoing therapeutic care that can take a long time to take effect. And sometimes, even despite that care and treatment, you can be left with pain and other symptoms that can plague you for the rest of your life and even curtail the type of work you can perform. Depending on the type of injuries you incur, you might wind up with a long-term or permanent disability that can take a considerable toll on your financial well-being and the futures of your loved ones.

But as devastating as they can be, physical injuries are part of the story. Many car accidents can also take a toll on your emotional health, causing nightmares, anxiety attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological impacts that can influence just about every aspect of your life.

A skilled Magalia personal injury lawyer understands the complexities of determining fair compensation. They’ll know how to identify all potential issues related to an accident, including projected costs of care that can continue to mount up for years afterward. That means not only can you afford the care you need but also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing an experienced lawyer is handling all the hassles and headaches of navigating what’s usually an extremely complicated legal landscape.

That’s a big question and a big concern for many accident victims. Fortunately, there’s a simple answer: Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means your attorney won’t be paid until and unless you get paid.

The contingency process has several significant benefits for you as an accident victim: first, you don’t need to worry about paying your attorney out of your savings; instead, your lawyer will be paid from the settlement you receive. Second, because your lawyer will only be paid when your claim is successful, you can feel confident your case is sound and will be handled fairly and aggressively to ensure a positive outcome. After all, since your lawyer will only be paid when you’re paid, it just makes sense they’ll dedicate considerable effort and expertise to ensure your case succeeds. 

With a personal injury lawyer in Magalia who works on contingency, you can start working on your case immediately without worrying about finding a huge retainer fee or paying out of pocket as your case progresses. There’s no financial strain, which means you can use your energy to focus on your recovery while your attorney builds your case.

The effects of an auto accident can be devastating for you, your loved ones, and your future. Having a personal injury attorney working on your side is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your accident-related costs, medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Building a solid case can take time, with timelines and deadlines for filing claims. If you’ve been in an auto accident or have a loved one injured, it’s essential to begin working with an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the sooner your lawyer can establish the strongest case to support your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Working with a skilled Magalia personal injury attorney is integral to gaining peace of mind after a car accident. With a top-rated lawyer, you can feel confident your rights are being protected every step of the way. If you or a family member are hurt in a crash, contact our law firm at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, and compassionate advice. 

^{Editor’s Note: updated 11.1.23 Image by JosepMonter on Pixabay wa kz cha [cs 1611]}