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Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Don't Accept a Settlement Offer from an Insurance Company!

If you have been hit by a negligent driver you will most likely be contacted by that driver's insurance company and you may immediately be offered a monetary settlement. At Smolich and Smolich, our Sacramento car accident lawyers strongly advise clients to not take it.

Insurance companies thrive by encouraging motor vehicle accident victims to accept low settlements immediately following an accident. After signing on the dotted line, you will have no legal right to pursue further compensation.

Contact our experienced team of Sacramento car accident lawyers online or call at (916) 571-0400 today!

How Long You Have to File a Car Accident Claim

According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, the statute of limitations in the state of California is two years. This means you have two years from the date your car accident occurred to file, or you will most likely lose your right to file along with your right to pursue compensation.

There are, however, exceptions to this law that can change your filing time period, so it’s important to speak to an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney about the specifics of your case as soon as you can. Beyond the statute of limitations, in the days following your accident, there may be documents or evidence that can be helpful in your case.

By hiring an attorney, you will have a team to investigate the accident, compile important and helpful documents, and work hard to ensure that all important deadlines are met. At Smolich and Smolich, we are here to review your case for free and can help you understand your opportunities for financial recovery following your accident.

Sacramento Attorneys Protecting Victims of Negligent Driving

If you find yourself with costly medical expenses, an inability to work and support your family, and bills piling up after your auto accident, you may have options available for seeking financial compensation, and we are here to help you understand what they are.

Our firm has more than 40 years of experience helping victims of highway and roadway negligence throughout Northern California. You can count on us to determine exactly how much compensation you deserve for your auto accident and to work hard to make certain that you do not get a penny less.

Our Sacramento car accident attorneys handle cases involving:

Did the Negligent Driver Have Insurance?

Unfortunately, there are many drivers on the road with insufficient insurance or even no insurance at all. Our attorneys have the experience to handle uninsured and underinsured motorist accident claims. This may necessitate turning to the victim's own policy for compensation. I

In these types of claims, your insurance company steps into the shoes of the responsible negligent party. A claim is then pursued against your insurance company for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do? 

Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing. Beyond the physical injuries, victims often face mounting medical bills, emotional distress, and the challenges of navigating complex insurance claims. A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in assisting individuals involved in auto accidents. Their goal is to protect your rights, ensure you receive fair compensation, and guide you through the often-complicated legal process. Below, we’ll explain the key roles and responsibilities of a car accident lawyer.

Investigating the Accident

One of the first things a car accident lawyer does is investigate the accident in detail to establish fault and liability. This process can include:

  • Gathering Evidence: Collecting police reports, photographs of the accident scene, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
  • Reconstructing the Accident: Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts to understand how the crash occurred.
  • Evaluating Damages: Assessing the full extent of your injuries, property damage, and other losses.

This thorough investigation helps build a strong case to support your claim.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky, as they often prioritize their own profits over providing fair settlements. A car accident lawyer acts as your advocate during negotiations by:

  • Handling Communications: Managing all correspondence with insurance adjusters to prevent you from saying anything that could harm your claim.
  • Proving Liability: Presenting evidence that shows the other party was at fault for the accident.
  • Demanding Fair Compensation: Advocating for a settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Lawyers are well-versed in insurance tactics and can push back against lowball offers to ensure you aren’t shortchanged.

Filing Claims and Lawsuits

If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, your car accident lawyer can escalate the case by filing a lawsuit. This involves:

  • Preparing Legal Documents: Drafting and filing the necessary paperwork to initiate a lawsuit.
  • Meeting Deadlines: Ensuring all legal actions are taken within the statute of limitations, which varies by state.
  • Engaging in Discovery: Collecting additional evidence and conducting depositions to strengthen your case.

While most car accident cases are resolved through settlements, having a lawyer ready to take the case to court sends a strong message to insurers about your seriousness.

Representing Clients in Court

If your case goes to trial, a car accident lawyer will represent you in court. Their role entails:

  • Presenting Your Case: Arguing on your behalf before a judge or jury, supported by evidence and expert testimony.
  • Cross-Examining Witnesses: Questioning witnesses brought by the opposing side to challenge their credibility.
  • Seeking a Favorable Verdict: Striving to secure the maximum compensation allowed by law for your damages.

Assisting With Compensation

A key responsibility of a car accident lawyer is helping you secure compensation for the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. This can include:

  1. Medical Bills: Covering hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care.
  2. Lost Wages: Recovering income lost due to missed work, as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
  3. Property Damage: Repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the accident.
  4. Pain and Suffering: Addressing emotional distress, physical pain, and the impact on your overall quality of life.

An experienced lawyer ensures that all your losses, both economic and non-economic, are factored into your claim.

A car accident lawyer’s primary role is to support you after a car accident, ensuring you receive fair compensation and alleviating the stress of legal and insurance matters. From investigating the incident and negotiating with insurers to representing you in court if necessary, they handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovering. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, consulting an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing a successful outcome.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident

If you've been seriously injured in a car accident, hiring a lawyer can be a game-changer. Not only can they help you navigate the complex legal process, but they can also ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

At Smolich and Smolich, our skilled Sacramento car accident lawyer can help collect evidence to support your case and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Additionally, we are ready to represent you in court if necessary, increasing your chances at a successful outcome.

The aftermath of a car accident can be a highly stressful experience that can leave injury victims with serious financial and physical burdens. When an accident happens, make sure you consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action.

A high-speed collision between two cars can result in:

  • Injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic
  • Significant property loss
  • Emotional trauma
  • Bereavement

A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to help you in a contested case. Whether you must pursue relief from an insurance provider or directly from the parties that hurt you on the road, our lawyers at Smolich and Smolich will be able to properly analyze all of the facts regarding your case and, if needed, file a compelling claim that truly speaks to the gravity of your injuries.

Let our Sacramento law firm begin work on your case right away by calling us at (916) 571-0400 and scheduling a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our Sacramento car accident lawyers. 

Contact Smolich and Smolich Today!

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  • "Without Smolich & Smolich taking my case I would have never gotten my benefits!!!"
    Without Smolich & Smolich taking my case I would have never gotten my benefits!!! Rob Smolich took my case himself and was so helpful in every step of the way. I cant say anything negative about Smolich & Smolich. I had a lawyer before him and he was way more personable. His office took all the stress off my back and made me feel at ease during the time period of waiting. Have nothing but good things to say about this company. They are completely professional!!!!
    Dustin Walker
  • "You were so proactive and informative, you really did take away so much of my stress during the whole process."
    I sincerely apologize for the delay! I truly thought I had already sent this off to almost 3 months ago! Thank goodness I had someone helping me clean and organize the apartment last week. She found your letter behind my bookcase. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank you for your support and dedication throughout my case. You were a true blessing to me. You were so proactive and informative, you really did take away so much of my stress during the whole process. Just the fact that you returned a call so promptly was a very big deal to me. It let me know that I mattered to you, Sarah, and the firm. Thanks to the two of you I am finally settled in my own apartment and my mom was able to finally retire. So again, thank you from the depths of my heart for everything that you personally and your firm have done for me. You were true angels in my tie of need.
    Mandie O'Malley
  • "I am so happy to have such knowledgeable and helpful people to help during this difficult time. Sam was super responsive and always willing to answer questions, regardless how big or small."
    My circumstances were a bit unusual - my husband applied for Social Security Disability, but unfortunately passed away during the review process. Sam and Sarah worked diligently to see the case through to the end, and provide our family the benefits we were owed. A special thank you to Sam, he was always very responsive, willing to go above and beyond, and willing to answer questions whether big or small. Thank you, Smolich and Smolich!
    Smolich and Smolich is so helpful!
    Sacramento, CA
  • "“You don’t have to worry with Smolich by your side”"
    I want to thank Smolich and Smolich for helping me get my Social Security Disability. The continued support I received from them from beginning to the end help me to stay calm thru the whole process. I couldn’t have done it without them. Marlena Jones, thank you for being so kind when I call the office with questions. I appreciate you. YOU GUYS ARE SO AWESOME !!!!!
    Modesto, CA
  • "Thank you Sarah and team!"
    I needed to apply for disability and knew nothing about how to go about it. Sarah called me and explained the process and assured me everything would be okay. Her staff went online to fill out my application. She and Marlena kept me updated every step of the way. Within a short time a decision was made in my favor. I cannot tell you how many sleepless nights I had prior to meeting with the team. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help in this area. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Without you I could have never done this.
    Andrea
    Stockton, CA
  • "I was blessed the day I contacted this firm!"
    I was blessed the day I contacted this firm! Sarah Greer and Sam Eldaly we're an amazing team while handling my Social Security Disability appeal. They were very proactive, kept me up to date on the status of my case and we're always available to ease my mind. I am so thankful for the help I received from my team! They far exceeded all my expectations!
    Mandie Lou