RMD Law is here to secure the highest compensation for you after a car accident.
Learn your next steps here and get the maximum compensation with our step-by-step walkthrough
Sacramento’s stunning parks, thriving arts scene, and rich history make it attractive to visitors. However, with its growing population and increasing traffic, the risk of car accidents is also on the rise. This is something you must watch out for.
According to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, Sacramento County recorded 8,011 car crashes in 2023, mostly due to unsafe speeding and improper turning. In the past three years, the average number of car accidents involved alcohol (1,275), distracted driving (474), and drug-related causes (124).
Even if you’re fortunate enough to avoid severe injuries from a crash, the costs of medical treatments, car repairs, insurance claims, and legal issues can add up fast. That’s why you need a car accident lawyer in Sacramento to know your options in getting the compensation you deserve.
This guide shares valuable information about the legal process after a car accident in Sacramento. It discusses common types of accidents, injuries, and the steps to file a claim. Understanding these aspects lets you take the proper action to protect your rights and seek justice.
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RMD Law has a long history of representing those involved in personal injury cases. We focus on providing exceptional legal services and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Don’t just take our word for it—let the numbers do all the talking. We’ve won over $125 million in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients, including:
When you choose RMD Law, you’re partnering with a firm with a strong history of success in Sacramento car accident cases. We’ll guide you through the legal process, handle your claims efficiently, and fight for the compensation you deserve. From the initial consultation to the final settlement, an RMD Law auto accident lawyer in Sacramento will be with you every step.
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. To stay safe on Sacramento roads and know your rights if you get into a crash, take note of the following types of car collisions.
A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to tailgating or sudden braking. In 2023, Sacramento saw 2,443 rear-end crashes—67 involving motorcycles, 24 for bikes, and 13 for pedestrians. Over 30% of this type of collision happened on major highways.
This accident happens when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in severe injuries due to the high impact. Sacramento witnessed 472 cases in 2023, killing 10 and injuring 735 individuals.
A car may lose control when speeding, swerving suddenly, or colliding with an obstacle. As a result, the vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. In 2023, Sacramento had 178 rollover accidents, with 76 involving motorcycles and 5 for bikes.
Also known as “T-bone” accidents, this type of collision happens when a vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections. In 2023, Sacramento reported 2,534 side-impact collisions, killing 30 people and injuring 3,838. Over 300 accidents also involved a bike, most likely due to limited protection.
This type of accident occurs when a vehicle veers off the road, often due to loss of control, tire blowouts, or wildlife encounters. Sacramento recorded 904 off-road crashes in 2023, resulting in 46 casualties and 1,022 injuries.
Crashing into an object or hazard, such as debris, animals, or road obstacles, may damage your vehicle and put you or your passenger’s lives in danger. Single-vehicle accidents are often due to factors like poor weather, driver fatigue, or even the actions of another party.
One accident can lead to a domino effect. A multi-vehicle accident typically involves three or more vehicles, often caused by a chain reaction where one car hits another, triggering further collisions. It frequently occurs on freeways in poor weather, leading to increased property damage and injuries.
Driving instructors emphasize checking your blind spot when merging or changing lanes for a reason. If you don’t, you might collide with a vehicle you didn’t see, often causing a sideswipe. Smaller vehicles like motorcycles are especially vulnerable in these situations.
Unfortunately, accidents can happen even at low speeds. This type of accident often results in injuries such as whiplash, bruises, or broken bones and can endanger pedestrians and cyclists.
A merging accident occurs when drivers entering a busy lane fail to check their blind spots, match the speed of other vehicles, or drive recklessly. It often happens at high speeds and can lead to serious injuries due to fast-moving traffic.
Most collisions in Sacramento occur on the following roads, causing several deaths in these areas from 2020 to 2022:
Most of these accidents and fatalities happened due to high speeds on highways and reckless driving on surface streets. These behaviors also started during the early pandemic when roads were less busy.
Sacramento roads have seen different reasons for car crashes, and if you are behind the wheel, it’s your responsibility to avoid these common causes of car accidents. Collisions in Sacramento often occur due to the following:
Excessive speed is a leading cause of car accidents. It reduces reaction time, increases the severity of impacts, and makes it more difficult to control a vehicle.
DUI significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making accidents more likely. TIMS data shows that 888 alcohol-related car accidents happened in Sacramento in 2023, resulting in 58 deaths and 1,226 injuries.
Following too closely behind another car can give you little time to react to sudden stops or other hazards, leading to rear-end collisions.
Ignoring right-of-way rules can lead to collisions at intersections or merging lanes, as drivers may not yield appropriately. In Sacramento, 2,565 car accidents happened at intersections.
Stoplights are crucial for road safety, and not following them can increase the risk of T-bone or side-impact crashes as drivers fail to yield to crossing traffic.
Texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving diverts attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
It’s crucial to drive with a clear mind. Otherwise, aggressive driving and road rage can lead to intentional collisions and other dangerous behaviors.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a car accident. Even minor collisions can lead to the following injuries and should be checked by a medical professional.
Stay informed about the prevalence and severity of car accidents in Sacramento. Here are the trends and patterns to watch out for so you can proactively protect yourself on the road.
Being in a car accident can cause undue stress, but staying composed is crucial. Here’s what you should do after a car crash in Sacramento.
First, assess yourself and the others involved for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, stay calm and call for help immediately.
If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. Then, keep your hazard lights on as a warning for other drivers.
Contact emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance. The police will also document the scene, which can help establish your case.
Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with other drivers. Take note of their license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions.
Take photos of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles, skid marks, and traffic signs or signals. Note the location and time of the accident, too. These pieces of evidence can help support your insurance claim and legal case.
Even if you feel fine, get a doctor to check on you. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms but could become serious later.
Inform your insurance company about the accident to begin the claims process. Provide them with all the collected information and evidence to support your claim.
You need to have solid evidence when seeking compensation after a car accident. Here’s the essential information and materials to gather.
Take clear pictures of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and other factors that could have contributed to the accident. These photos provide a visual record of what happened and can serve as the basis for some important details in the case.
Check if any businesses or homes near the accident have security cameras. Their footage might show the crash and help clarify how the car accident occurred.
If you or another driver has a dashcam, the footage can show what happened before, during, and after the crash. It’s a reliable form of evidence for determining fault.
Gather contact information and statements from anyone who saw the accident. Their accounts may provide an unbiased perspective on the events.
Record what the involved drivers and passengers say at the scene. These statements can give insights into how they perceived the accident and who they believe is responsible.
After calling 911, the responding officers will document the accident in a police report. This official record must include an assessment of the accident and other vital details to help determine who may be at fault.
Being in a car accident can be expensive, so it’s essential to understand the car insurance claim process to manage costs effectively. These steps can guide you.
The standard operating procedure is immediately reporting the accident to your insurance provider to begin the claims process. Provide details about what happened and cite injuries or vehicle damage.
Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage, including repair costs, medical expenses, and liability. This step previews what to expect in terms of compensation.
You can file a claim through various methods, such as online, by phone, or via a mobile app. Choose the option that works best for you to initiate the process quickly.
Since deadlines for submitting claims can vary between insurers, make sure to ask your insurance company about their timeframe. Submitting your claim late might make you ineligible for compensation.
Collect all requirements—such as the police report, photos of the damage, medical bills, and repair estimates—to support your claim and speed up the process.
Understand how your insurance company handles repairs, including whether they require specific repair shops or if you can choose your own.
Fill out all necessary claim forms accurately and thoroughly by including all relevant details to avoid processing delays.
Your claim must be assigned a unique number to easily track its status. Keep this number handy for future reference and communication with your insurer.
Car accidents can result in various injuries; the treatment plan will depend on the injuries sustained. Here are some you may get.
Doctors may prescribe medications to manage pain, reduce inflammation, or treat infections. You may have to take over-the-counter drugs, prescription painkillers, or anti-inflammatory medications.
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to reduce pain and increase blood flow to injured areas to improve healing. Phonophoresis enhances this process by delivering medication through the skin using sound waves.
Physical exercises help restore movement, strength, and flexibility after an injury. These activities are tailored to your condition and aim to speed up recovery while preventing stiffness.
If you sustained broken bones or joints, you might need splints and braces to support and stabilize the injured areas. They help immobilize the area, reduce pain, and promote proper healing.
Physical therapy can help restore movement and strength for severe injuries through exercises and treatments like massage or heat therapy to alleviate pain.
Similar to physical therapy, physiotherapy emphasizes manual therapies and specialized equipment to treat injuries. It can include exercises, joint manipulation, and other techniques to aid recovery.
This treatment involves gently stretching the spine or other parts of the body to relieve pressure on nerves or muscles. It’s common for neck and back injuries.
Myofascial release involves applying gentle pressure on the connective tissue (fascia) to relieve tension and pain. It is beneficial for treating muscle stiffness after an accident.
This therapy uses tiny electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and improve circulation. It reduces pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms while promoting healing.
Strengthening and conditioning exercises aim to rebuild muscle strength and improve overall fitness. This treatment is crucial for restoring physical health and preventing future injuries.
Massage therapy can relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain to help treat soft tissue injuries, muscle tension, and stress after an accident.
Claiming insurance for a car accident can be tricky. You must report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can. Gathering important details like the other driver’s info and any witness statements to show who was at fault is also necessary.
Part of the SOP also requires taking pictures of the scene, car damage, and injuries, as these will support your claim. Even if you feel well, seeing a doctor immediately is best to document any injuries. Having a police report can also make your case stronger.
When talking to your insurance provider, be careful about saying anything that might suggest you were at fault. Knowing your policy is also essential so you can make smart decisions as you move through the process. If matters get too complicated, contacting a lawyer may be necessary to help protect your rights and ensure you get fair and reasonable compensation.
From medical bills and property damage to the complexities of legal proceedings, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be tedious. That’s where a skilled car accident attorney in Sacramento can make a big difference. Here are reasons why you should partner with one:
Sacramento auto accident lawyers know traffic and personal injury laws. They can help you build a solid case for fair compensation.
A Sacramento car accident lawyer can guide you through understanding your rights and options. Here’s what a car accident attorney can do for you:
An experienced lawyer can offer advice and protect your rights. Your lawyer will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of a car accident case.
An attorney in Sacramento can push back against biased treatment from insurance companies or other parties, ensuring your case gets a fair evaluation. They’ll stand up for your rights to get a just outcome.
Lawyers skillfully negotiate with insurance companies. They can secure a settlement that reflects the extent of your injuries and damage to your car.
Determining fault in a car accident can be complicated. A Sacramento car accident lawyer will gather evidence and build a solid case to prove who was responsible, ensuring you have the best chance of winning your claim.
An experienced lawyer will ensure all your current and future expenses are considered. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma, so you’re compensated fairly.
Your lawyer can file a lawsuit if negotiations don’t make a fair settlement. They’ll represent you in court, fighting to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Not every auto accident lawyer in Sacramento will be right for you. Check their experience, work ethic, and dedication to your case to find the best fit. Here are vital questions to ask before you choose.
It’s important to find someone who focuses solely on personal injury rather than an attorney who handles a mix of different cases. Otherwise, you might be unable to claim compensation or file a case properly.
Your chosen lawyer must have handled similar cases. For example, if you were injured in a car accident in Sacramento, you’d want someone with experience in auto accidents. For serious injuries—such as brain or spinal cord damage—consider seeking an attorney who has successfully dealt with complex cases.
You deserve a lawyer who will prioritize your case and fight for maximum compensation. Be wary of attorneys taking on too many cases to settle quickly. You need someone committed to getting you the best outcome, not just a fast one.
While most personal injury cases settle before going to court, it helps to have a lawyer ready to take your case to trial if needed. A strong courtroom presence ensures you’ll be in good hands should your case go to trial.
A good lawyer will give you realistic expectations about your case, not false promises. They can’t provide an exact number but should offer honest advice based on experience. Make sure your attorney is upfront and transparent about what you can expect.
To assess a lawyer’s track record, check reviews, ask for references, and inquire about their past results. Working with a lawyer with a winning history can make all the difference in your case.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. This structure is often beneficial for clients since there are no upfront costs. Look for a lawyer who offers a free consultation so you can discuss your case and assess if they’re the right fit for you.
If you were wrongly accused of causing the car accident, you can dispute it through the following steps:
Being in a car accident is never easy, but knowing what to do next can help ease your worries.
At RMD Law, we’re here to guide you through the challenges of dealing with auto accidents. Our Sacramento car accident attorneys are committed to helping you recover in every way—physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Reach out today for a no-cost case review, and let us help you get back on track with your life.
The distance between Sacramento and LA is approximately 402 mi, depending on which part of LA it is.
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you must know where to get help and medical care. Here are some Sacramento facilities that can assist you.
Phone Number: 800-282-3284 (24-hour operator: 916-734-2011)
As a Level 1 trauma center, UC Davis Medical Center provides specialized care for car accident victims with complex injuries. It serves patients from Northern California, Western Nevada, and Southern Oregon with expert, high-quality treatment.
Did your car sustain scratches and dents? Have these autobody shops repair those for you.
To prove negligence, you must show that the other driver’s breach of duty of care directly caused the accident. Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, and medical records to support your claim.
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to consult with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.
The comparative negligence system allows you to pursue a claim despite being partially at fault. Your compensation may be reduced depending on the extent of the fault.
Car accidents caused by weather situations are a problem in many cities worldwide, including Long Beach, California. Long Beach can experience different weather conditions throughout
Check out this article to learn how a car accident settlement agreement works, including its nature and contents.
Being in a car accident is never easy, especially when medical bills come in. Here’s what to do after a car accident.
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Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
We are Orange County personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
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RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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