North Sacramento, Sacramento, CA Personal Injury Lawyers

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Personal injuries are more than physical setbacks. These emotional and financial challenges can derail your life and throw your future off course. Yet, California law offers rights and privileges to help you secure compensation for your losses.

At the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith, we approach each case with the goal of alleviating our client’s legal struggles. Our experienced personal injury lawyers provide support and guidance. Hiring competent professionals can equip you with the expertise and resources to pursue the best outcome for your case.

If you live near North Sacramento, why not meet our California team in person? Stop by our law office nearest you or call (919) 921-6400 to schedule your free consultation with us. We would be happy to explain your legal options and answer any questions you may have.

A lawyer analyzes some photos of personal injury cases.

Determining If You Have Cause for Action

You must have a valid reason to take compensation-seeking legal action. You likely qualify to file a personal injury lawsuit when someone has intentionally harmed you or his or her careless or negligent acts caused you injury.

Examining some of the motor vehicle accident types handled by the AutoAccident.com team can help you understand these reasons.

Road rage accidents

Suppose a motorist uses a vehicle to force you off the roadway. The car gets too close and collides with your motorcycle. You suffer severe injuries, and your bike is wrecked.

The at-fault party could face criminal charges like assault and battery. Even without a conviction, the offender could be held liable for the harm caused to you. Your personal injury claim, based on intentional wrongdoing, could result in significant financial relief.

Impaired driving crashes

Every driver has a duty to operate vehicles safely. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a breach of this duty. If this reckless action causes you injuries, you could take action based on his or her negligence.

Single-car accidents

What if a family member collided with a stationary object, losing his or her life in the process? Accidents like these are not always the driver’s fault.

A thorough investigation could reveal that extenuating factors like a negligent mechanical inspection or defective automobile parts caused the crash. Close relatives could pursue wrongful death action against the liable party (e.g., a mechanic or parts manufacturer).

Damages awarded to surviving family members and dependents could include:

Funeral and burial expenses
Lost wages
Loss of companionship
Emotional distress

Accidental deaths caused by other people might also qualify. Please contact us if your loved one was the victim of a motor vehicle collision, a workplace accident, or a medical error.

Other practice areas handled by our competent legal team are:

If your case type is not mentioned above, don’t worry. This list is not exhaustive. If you have experienced a traumatic injury, please contact our team to determine whether you have a case.

Defining Accident Damages

Accident damages are paid to an injured person whose suffering resulted from another person’s actions.

In Sacramento County, these damages fall into three main categories:

Economic damages: Verifiable monetary losses, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages
Non-economic damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages: Money paid to punish the defendant for particularly reprehensible or malicious behavior and to deter similar actions

Defendants often avoid paying these damages out of pocket because their insurance providers cover the losses.

Assessing Insurance Coverage

Some insurance policies cover the financial losses associated with injuries and wrongful death. Experienced lawyers realize the importance of understanding coverage to maximize your settlement. The main types of insurance that might apply to your case are discussed in this section.

Health

Health insurance pays for routine health care, such as wellness exams and vaccines. However, it can also protect you from the high costs of severe accident injuries.

You could qualify for coverage of the following types of medical expenses:

Hospital stays
Appointments with specialists
Surgeries
Laboratory and diagnostic services (e.g., X-rays, blood tests)
Mental health therapy
Emergency and urgent care
Rehabilitation (e.g., physical, occupation, and speech therapy)
Home health or nursing home care

Your lawyer can help you understand your accident-related benefits and how to take advantage of them. Some services require you to pay a copay or deductible. Reimbursement for these charges could be included in your personal injury claim.

Auto

California is an at-fault auto collision state. The driver determined responsible for an accident is liable for the resulting damages.

In rare cases, motorists cover state liability requirements with cash deposits, self-insurance certificates, or surety bonds. Most registered California drivers must carry motor vehicle insurance policies.

The minimum limits are:

$30,000 for injury or death to one person
$60,000 for injury to multiple people
$15,000 for property damage

This minimal policy compensates the accident victim, not the policyholder. Many motorists buy additional coverage to pay personal accident losses or higher liability amounts. Your auto insurance company might pay for the damages if an uninsured driver hits you.

Home

Residential insurance covers some liability for homeowners and renters.

Common property types covered are:

Dwellings and attached structures like garages and sunrooms
Unattached garages and sheds
The contents of your home
The personal belongings of the policyholder and others who live in the same residence

Homeowner’s and renter’s policies often provide personal liability coverage and medical payments. If the policyholder or a household member is legally responsible for the injury, then the policy could cover the losses. It could also potentially help cover the medical expenses of anyone accidentally injured on your property.

Proving Your Personal Injury Case

Insurers do not part with money easily. Insurance companies require proof of the facts of your personal injury claim.

You will have to meet deadlines for submitting evidence, namely:

Police reports
Accident reports for work-related injuries and health conditions
Medical records of your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care
Bills and receipts for prescriptions, medical devices, and transportation to and from medical appointments
Photographs of injuries and property damage
Witness statements
Pay stubs and employment records showing lost wages or decreased earning potential
Repair estimates or invoices for property damage

The State of California also imposes deadlines. You must file a lawsuit within a strict time window from the date of the injury. If you wait too late, you risk losing your right to seek damages.

Maximizing Your Damages

If you have been injured in an accident, seek legal advice as soon as possible. Timely action can significantly improve your chances of obtaining the financial relief you deserve.

The experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith are ready to help residents of North Sacramento neighborhoods, including:

Del Paso Heights
Dixieanne
Fairbanks
Noralto
Richardson Village
South Hagginwood
Strawberry Manor
Swanson Estates
Wills Acres
Woodlake

First, our legal team needs to understand your specific circumstances and legal needs. Then, our attorneys can provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your future. Together, we can aim for the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Don’t hesitate. Contact us today for a free review of your personal injury case. Call (916) 921-6400 to take the first step toward justice by scheduling your free, no-obligation consultation with us.