Auto Accident Frequently Asked Questions

At Drivon, Turner & Waters, our auto accident attorneys serve Sacramento, Stockton, San Joaquin County, and all of California with exceptional, trustworthy representation.  We present the answers to the following frequently asked questions as an educational resource for our prospective clients.  For answers to specific questions regarding your auto accident case, we invite you to contact our car accident lawyers in Stockton today.

• Should I communicate with the other driver’s insurance company?
• What if I failed to gather information important to my case at the time of the accident?
• What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
• What if the other driver is under- or uninsured?

Should I communicate with the other driver’s insurance company?

Chances are that if you have been involved in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, you have already been contacted by a representative of the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company.  On the surface, accepting a settlement may seem preferable to pursuing legal action; however, this is almost never the case.  Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses, and they generally are not interested in protecting the best interests of victims.  Rather, they often make absurdly low offers, hoping that in the confusion and frustration victims experience after a catastrophic accident, they will be inclined to settle for much less than their claim is worth.  It is important that, even if you feel an offer is reasonable, you speak to an experienced attorney before you divulge any details to an insurance company representative.  Auto accident attorneys can provide you with a thorough analysis of your case and familiarize you with costs related to your accident that you may not even have considered – costs that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is hoping you won’t consider.

What if I failed to gather information important to my case at the time of the accident?

Many legal websites inform you of what you should do in the event of an accident: gather personal information from witnesses, take pictures of the scene, make no statement that could be construed as an admission of fault, and so on.  While this is perfectly good advice, it is likely of no use to you as your accident has already happened.  Hopefully, you have strong documentation to support your claim and have not divulged any potentially incriminating details to law enforcement or insurance company representatives.  In any event, contacting our auto accident attorneys in Stockton as soon as possible will help to ensure that you are able to present a strong case on your behalf.  Our car accident lawyers can help you to piece together whatever details you may not have gathered at the time of the accident, in addition to reconstructing the accident scene.  Time is of the essence, however; the longer you wait to seek legal counsel, the more difficult it will be to construct a solid case.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

It is dangerous to make assumptions regarding your possible fault in an auto accident.  Indeed, many auto accident victims who believe that they are partly at fault can be proven to have shared little to no fault in an accident.  Even if you were somewhat at fault, a qualified attorney can argue for partial damages based on your degree of fault under the doctrine of comparative liability.  As with any injury accident, it is wise not to arrive at any conclusions before discussing your case with an attorney.

What if the other driver is under- or uninsured?

In the state of California, drivers are required under the law to carry auto insurance; however, even among insured drivers, many policies do not provide proper coverage for injured victims.  If you were involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, our auto accident attorneys in Stockton, California, may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries.  This may come as a result of seizing the at-fault driver’s assets under court order.  We may also be able to pursue compensation through underinsured or insured motorist coverage provided by your own policy.

Contact Our Sacramento, Stockton, and San Joaquin, California-area Auto Accident Attorneys

If you have been severely injured or have lost someone you love in an auto accident, our car accident lawyers are here to give you the guidance and trustworthy legal representation you need.  Please contact our auto accident attorneys, serving San Joaquin, Sacramento, Stockton, and other California communities, such as Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Modesto, and Turlock, to schedule a consultation today.