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When you are driving in a car, you do everything you can to stay safe, but there’s no accounting for other drivers. When you drive alongside negligent drivers, their behavior may cause an accident with you that results in considerable injuries. You’ll have to pick up the pieces.
The steps you take after a car accident in Oceanside occurs makes a big difference in the outcome of your case. If you are in a wreck, call Sargent Law Firm Oceanside car accident injury attorneys first. We promise to get you the best possible results.
Potential Causes of Car Accidents in Oceanside
There are many things that can potentially cause a car accident. These include:
- Impaired Driving: Impaired driving is a common cause of car accidents. While drivers will be considered at-fault if they are driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or above in California, they may exhibit unsafe behavior before reaching that limit. Drugs can impair driving as well.
- Distracted Driving: In today’s busy world, there is so much that can take a driver’s attention off the road. Electronic mobile devices are a main culprit. But drivers can also be distracted by billboards, by multi-tasking in the car such as eating or doing their makeup, and by their own thoughts.
- Road Hazards: Not all accidents are a driver’s fault. For example, there may be debris in the road or a pothole that causes the car to swerve leading to a hazardous situation. In these instances, a contractor or the city may be to blame for the crash.
- Mechanical Defects: Mechanical defects such as failing brakes, or a loss of suspension steering can make the road a dangerous place to be. When these occur, the mechanic or car manufacturing company may be liable for damages.
The Sargent Law Firm has reliable Oceanside car accident lawyers that can analyze what caused your accident and evaluate the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After an Oceanside Car Accident Occurs?
The steps you take after a car accident in Oceanside can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Get yourself and others to safety
Stay at the scene. If possible, get your vehicle out of the way of traffic. If you see any liquids that may be combustible, move away from them. If someone seems badly injured, do not move them unless you are doing so to save their lives. Moving them can worsen their injuries.
Call the police
Law enforcement will provide a police report that can serve as a valuable piece of evidence.
Call for medical assistance
It’s important to call for medical assistance, even if you don’t think you are badly hurt. A provider will create a medical report that documents your injuries and ties them directly to the accident. If you don’t call for medical help, and injuries worsen later on, the defendant may try to say they weren’t caused by the accident.
Do not say anything that implies guilt
Never do anything to establish guilt such as saying, “I’m sorry” or “It’s my fault” to the driver or the police. If the police ask you what happened, only provide details that you are sure to be accurate.
Gather evidence
It’s advisable to gather evidence directly after the accident happens. If you are feeling well enough, take pictures at the scene doing your best to capture all angles and all signs of damage. You should also get the contact information of all the other parties involved as well as any witnesses. Use a pen and paper or your phone to jot down recollections of what occurred.
Call Sargent Law Firm
Our Oceanside accident lawyers will assist you in gathering evidence ensuring you build a strong case.
What are Common Car Injury Accidents?
There are several types of injuries that can occur in a car accident. Some injuries are more common others depending on whether you were in a rear-end accident or a T-bone crash. Here are some of the most common:
- Broken bones: Car accident victims often fracture their arms, knees, legs, and ribs. While some fractures are minor, others require extensive surgery and can cause permanent damage.
- Chest injuries: Chest injuries can be caused by impact with the airbag, seatbelt, or dashboard. More serious types of chest injuries include organ damage, collapsed lungs, and broken bones.
- Facial injuries: Facial injuries can occur due to flying glass or metal or impact with the front window. They can lead to scarring and disfigurement.
- Head injuries: Head injuries can happen when the victim’s head collides with the steering wheel, dashboard or front or back window. They can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can do long-term cognitive damage.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries typically affect the heart, liver, or kidneys. They can cause internal bleeding and can be deadly.
- Mental trauma: Car crash victims may deal with emotional pain and suffering.
- Neck and spinal injuries: Car accidents often result in neck injuries such as whiplash which occurs when the neck moves forward and then suddenly snaps back on impact. They can be severe enough to affect the spine and even cause paralysis.
What Kind of Damages Can I Collect in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
There are several types of damages you can collect in a car accident lawsuit. These include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of potential future earnings
- Medical expenses
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (these are typically only awarded in drunk driving cases)
- Wrongful death
How Our Auto Accident Attorneys in Oceanside Can Help
A car crash can leave you with property damage, physical injuries, and emotional pain and suffering. If you were injured due to someone else’s neglectful behavior on the road, call the Sargent Law Firm first.
The Sargent Law Firm can provide you with an Oceanside car accident lawyer you can count on. We will help you gather evidence to receive compensation from a third party’s insurance company. We will fight relentlessly to make sure you get the compensation you need. Contact us online today to start your car accident case.