Watsonville Car Accident Lawyers

The reality is car accidents are an everyday occurrence. However, when they happen to you or someone you love, they can be terrifying. Any auto accident injury is serious, no matter its extent. Whether you suffered minor injuries or catastrophic ones, you should seek the advice of skilled counsel immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you were recently involved in a car accident in the Watsonville area, contact Silva Injury Law to discuss your options.

Common Causes Of Watsonville Car Accidents

There are an infinite number of causes of car accidents. However, there are some that are more common than others.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Distracted driving can include any activity the driver is engaging in other than driving the car. It can be as simple as looking at emergency vehicles on the side of the road, applying makeup, or texting while driving. Whatever the activity, taking your eyes off the road for even a second can lead to disastrous consequences.

Speeding

Speeding is a second common cause of car wrecks. In the everyday hustle and bustle of life, drivers are often in a hurry to get to their destination. Driving at a speed greater than the speed limit can result in an inability to stop quickly or loss of control. Often these car crashes have significant damage and injuries due to the high rate of speed.

Driving Under the Influence

DUI is another all too common cause of car accidents. A DUI car accident can have some of the most tragic outcomes, including significant damage, severe injury, and even death.

Other common causes of car accidents include:

  • Disobeying traffic signals (e.g. running a red light or a stop sign);
  • Poor road conditions (e.g. large potholes); and
  • Vehicle malfunctions.

No matter the cause of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries

Any car crash can be scary, especially if you or someone you love is injured. Injuries can range from minor to catastrophe. It is also common to suffer multiple injuries as a result of a car crash. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Minor lacerations,
  • Fractures,
  • Back and neck injuries,
  • Spinal cord injuries,
  • Burns, and
  • Disfigurement.

If you were in an auto accident and suffered injuries, you should not have to risk financial struggle to pay for treatment or any other accommodation you may need. Speak with an experienced Watsonville car accident attorney as soon as possible to learn your options.

Am I Entitled To Compensation?

If you were not at fault for the car crash you may be entitled to compensation. Generally, the person that causes the accident is liable for the damages that ensue. If the other driver was negligent, you may be entitled to damages. However, the burden of proving negligence is on the plaintiff.

Proving Negligence

In California, everyone is financially responsible for their intentional or negligent acts. To prove a negligence claim, plaintiff must prove:

  • The other driver owed them a duty of care,
  • The driver breached that duty,
  • The breach of duty caused the accident, and
  • They suffered damages as a result.

If you can show these elements and prove the other driver acted negligently in causing the crash, you may be entitled to damages.

Damages

Generally, an injured plaintiff is entitled to compensatory or actual damages. These damages are for the actual loss suffered including:

  • Medical bills,
  • Lost wages,
  • Lost future earnings,
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement,
  • Pain and suffering, and
  • Compensation for disfigurement.

Under especially egregious circumstances, a court may award a plaintiff punitive damages. Punitive damages go beyond actual damages and are meant to punish the defendant for particularly wrongful actions. Punitive damages are typically awarded at the court’s discretion and will be dependent upon the specific circumstances of the case. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys at Silva Injury Law to discuss whether you may be entitled to punitive damages.