$250 MILLION+
Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
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).
After a serious collision, you may face mounting medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and pressure from insurance adjusters. Knowing your legal rights early can make a significant difference in your financial recovery.
An experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
This guide explains what to do after a car accident, how fault is determined in California, important filing deadlines, the insurance claims process, and when it may be beneficial to work with a personal injury attorney.
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After a car accident, the insurance company’s goal is often to resolve your claim for as little as possible. RMD Law works to protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation available under California law.
Our firm has recovered over $250 million in personal injury settlements and verdicts, including:
When you hire RMD Law, we handle every stage of your claim, including:
Most car accident claims settle before trial, but preparing every case as though it may go to court often strengthens settlement negotiations. While every case is different, the timeline may range from a few months to more than a year depending on the severity of injuries, disputed liability, and insurance issues.
There are no upfront attorney fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but a handful of factors account for most serious crashes in Sacramento. Understanding what caused the collision can also help establish liability during an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Many Sacramento crashes involve one or more of the following factors:
Determining the cause of the accident is an important part of proving negligence and identifying who is financially responsible for your injuries.
Recent crash data highlights the risks drivers face on Sacramento roads:
While statistics provide context, every accident is unique. The facts of your collision, your injuries, and the available evidence ultimately determine the strength and value of your claim.
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:
1. Speeding
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.
2. Alcohol or drugs
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.
3. Tailgating
Following too closely behind another car can give you little time to react to sudden stops or other hazards, leading to rear-end collisions.
4. Failure to follow right-of-way rules
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.
5. Ignoring stop signs and stoplights
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.
6. Distracted driving
Texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving diverts attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
7. Road rage incidents
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.
Broken or fractured bones
Bones can crack or break from the force of a collision, affecting various parts of the body. Typically, these injuries that impact mobility and function require medical treatment.
Traumatic brain injuries
Sudden impacts or jolts can cause severe brain injuries, leading to cognitive and physical impairments. These injuries may result in long-term memory, thinking, and coordination difficulties.
Whiplash
In some cases, your neck may abruptly jerk forward and backward as a result of a car accident, causing pain and stiffness. It often leads to chronic discomfort and can affect daily activities.
Aortic dissection
This condition involves a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing severe internal bleeding. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Scarring or disfigurement
Car accidents can result in noticeable skin injuries or tissue damage, leading to permanent scars. These injuries can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being since an altered appearance may affect self-confidence.
Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord damage can impact your nervous system, resulting in loss of sensation or movement. It can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting your independence and quality of life.
Nerve damage
Nerve injuries from accidents can cause pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected areas. You may need therapy and physical rehabilitation to regain the feeling in your nerves.
Amputations
Severe accidents can lead to the loss of a limb or body part. Amputations often require prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation to adapt to life with the loss.
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Serious collisions can cause bleeding inside the body or damage vital organs, which may be life-threatening, especially if left unchecked.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You may experience anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress after being in or witnessing a car accident. You may need to undergo professional mental health treatment to manage your daily routine.
Death
Some people lose their lives from a car crash. In particular, Sacramento had 171 car crash casualties in 2023. The impact of such losses is profound, affecting families and communities.
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.
The actions you take after a collision can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Follow these important steps:
Call 911 if anyone is injured. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a medical provider as soon as possible. Prompt treatment creates medical documentation that may support your claim.
Notify law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report if one is prepared. This report often becomes important evidence during the claims process.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, visible injuries, and anything else that may help explain how the crash occurred. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information.
Report the accident promptly, but avoid speculating about fault or giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company before understanding your legal rights.
If your injuries are significant or liability is disputed, consulting an attorney early can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and prevent costly mistakes during settlement negotiations.
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover damages even if you were partially responsible.
Evidence commonly used to determine fault includes:
In most California car accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims against government entities often have much shorter deadlines, so acting quickly is important.
An attorney can help gather evidence, calculate damages, negotiate with insurers, and ensure all filing deadlines are met.
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.
1. Notify your insurance company
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.
2. Check your policy for coverage
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.
3. File your claim
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.
4. Be aware of claim deadlines
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.
5. Gather necessary documents
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.
6. Learn about the repair procedures
Understand how your insurance company handles repairs, including whether they require specific repair shops or if you can choose your own.
7. Complete the claim forms
Fill out all necessary claim forms accurately and thoroughly by including all relevant details to avoid processing delays.
8. Confirm your claim number
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.
1. Medication management
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.
2. Therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis
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.
3. Exercise therapies
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.
4. Splints and braces
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.
5. Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help restore movement and strength for severe injuries through exercises and treatments like massage or heat therapy to alleviate pain.
6. Physiotherapy
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.
7. Traction
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.
8. Myofascial release
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.
9. Electrical muscle stimulation
This therapy uses tiny electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and improve circulation. It reduces pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms while promoting healing.
10. Strengthening and conditioning
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.
11. Massage therapy
Massage therapy can relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain to help treat soft tissue injuries, muscle tension, and stress after an accident.
To protect your claim:
If the insurer disputes liability, delays your claim, or offers less than your case is worth, legal representation may help level the playing field.
An attorney can manage the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Depending on your case, your lawyer may:
Many claims settle without going to trial, but having an attorney prepared to litigate can strengthen your negotiating position.
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:
1. Expert legal representation
An experienced lawyer can offer advice and protect your rights. Your lawyer will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of a car accident case.
2. Fair and unbiased representation
A car accident 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.
3. Effective negotiation
Lawyers skillfully negotiate with insurance companies. They can secure a settlement that reflects the extent of your injuries and damage to your car.
4. Proving liability
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.
5. Accurate damage calculation
An experienced Sacramento automobile accident 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.
6. Initiating legal action
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.
Before hiring an attorney, consider asking:
If you believe fault was assigned incorrectly, you may be able to challenge that determination by providing additional evidence, obtaining witness statements, requesting available video footage, or consulting an attorney. California’s comparative negligence laws allow fault to be shared among multiple parties, making a thorough investigation especially important.
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.
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Ensure everyone’s safety first, then call 911 to report the accident and get the necessary medical assistance. Next, exchange contact and insurance information with other relevant parties, take photos of the scene and injuries or damage, and avoid admitting fault. Finally, contact your insurance company to report the accident.
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.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, having legal representation can significantly help in navigating the complexities of car accident claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and battling for fair compensation. An auto accident attorney in Sacramento can provide expert assistance in gathering evidence and building a strong case.
Learn more about car accidents here.
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Determining liability in multi-car accidents is complicated. However, proving who’s responsible may require accident reconstruction experts, detailed evidence, and skilled legal guidance to untangle the sequence of events.
Your body’s natural stress response can mask pain in the moment, making it easy to overlook serious injuries. But ignoring symptoms, or waiting too long to get checked out, can have serious consequences for both your health and your legal rights.
Recently involved in a car accident?
Need help with your next steps?
Feel free to get in touch with us and we will get back to you as soon as possible
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
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.
Shabnam’s passion for the law began with a simple goal: to help people who may not know their rights and stand up for those who need a strong advocate on their side.
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.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
$250 MILLION+ Settlements and Cases Won in California
99% Win Rate
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
We are Sacramento personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
Get the recovery you are entitled to regardless of what the police report may say.
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No matter the complications in your case, we know how to get results.
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Life-changing injuries need experts in their corner.
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