Monterey County Car Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in California for Over 40 Years

Practicing law in California since 1975, Robert (Bob) E. Rosenthal is uniquely qualified to represent auto accident victims. As our lead car accident attorney in Salinas, Bob Rosenthal represents clients across the Central Coast who have been injured in traffic accidents. He and our team are experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, whether they involve automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, cyclists, or pedestrians. JRG Attorneys at Law has handled literally hundreds of personal injury cases and has vast experience in trial, mediation, and settlement of these cases.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, put our experience on your side. Call (831) 228-5619 for a free consultation with our car accident attorney in Monterey County.

Why You Should Contact Our Car Accident Attorney

Personal Injury cases arise from situations in which another person causes you or a loved one to suffer an injury that was neither normal nor expected and was the result of that person’s own fault or negligence. Being rear-ended by another person is the most obvious example, but often you may have more complicated legal rights, rights you may not fully understand. It is for this reason that you should immediately contact a car accident lawyer in Monterey County to review your situation and protect your rights.

JRG handles all types of auto accident cases across California’s Central Coast, including:

• Drunk driving accidents
• Semi-truck and tractor-trailer accidents
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Light truck accidents
• SUV accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents
• Rideshare accidents (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Bus and other public transportation accidents
• Distracted driving accidents

What to Do After a Car Accident

Knowing what steps to take instantly following a car accident can protect your well-being and legal rights:

• Safety First: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call emergency services for medical assistance and police intervention.
• Exchange Information: Get contact and insurance details from other parties involved. Gather witness information if available.
• Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Note weather conditions and road signage.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem small, seek medical evaluation promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the Accident: Make sure to notify your insurance company about the accident. Avoid discussing fault or accepting blame without legal advice.
• Legal Guidance: Consult with an experienced Monterey County car accident attorney at JRG Attorneys at Law. We can assess your case, navigate insurance claims, and seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Common causes of car accidents may include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes is distracted driving, which includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, or modifying the radio while driving.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and coordination.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and icy roads contribute to hazardous driving conditions.
• Reckless Driving: This includes behaviors like tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and disregarding traffic signals.
• Fatigue: Driving while excessively tired can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of proper signage can lead to accidents.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash can cause neck pain and stiffness.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact collisions can lead to broken bones, requiring extensive medical treatment.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other head injuries can result from collisions.
• Back Injuries: Spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and nerve damage are common in serious accidents.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Psychological Injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety can develop following a traumatic accident.

Is California an "At-Fault" State?

While some states follow a "no fault" system in regards to car accidents in which a person's own insurance company covers the damage regardless of blame, California does not. California follows a traditional tort system for car accidents, meaning that aach party is financially responsible for the damage they cause. Injured parties have a right to sue one another for compensation for bodily injury and property damages after an auto accident, though most car accident claims are ultimately settled out of court through negotiations with insurance.

With that being said, determining liability for a car accident is not always black and white, and multiple parties may share part of the blame depending on the situation. Because of this, California also follows a rule known as "pure comparative negligence," which allows injured parties to recover compensation from the other at-fault party at a reduced percentage. For example, if you suffered $10,000 worth of damages in a collision but were found to be 20% at fault, you would still be able to recover $8,000 in compensation (or $10,000 less 20%).

Insurance adjusters understand these rules well and may attempt to shift a greater share of blame to you after a crash in order to limit the insurance company's liability. It is important to work closely with an attorney after a wreck to ensure your rights are protected and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your car accident case will vary depending on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of damage to your vehicle, the long-term effects of your injuries, and the specific events that led up to your collision. Since every case is different, it is best to consult with an attorney to get a more accurate representation of your potential monetary award.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Present and future medical expenses
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Lost wages and other income
• Physical therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)

What Happens If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

If the driver that hit you was uninsured or had insufficient coverage to pay for your damages, you may be able to turn to your own auto policy for compensation if you have elected to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM / UIM) coverage. California requires auto insurers to offer this coverage, though it is not mandatory and may be declined. Since California has more uninsured drivers than any other state, purchasing this coverage is usually a good idea.

While you may still sue an uninsured driver for damages, uninsured and underinsured drivers tend to have fewer assets and income than drivers with insurance. This means that you will likely encounter difficulty collecting any judgments you may receive. It is best to consult with an attorney to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Contact Our Monterey County Car Accident Attorney Today

When you work with JRG Attorneys at Law, we will usually try to settle your case without having to file suit, but if that is not possible due to a disagreement on who was at fault, the severity or worth of your injury, or insurance availability, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and pursue your rights in court. While very few cases proceed to trial after a suit has been filed, Bob Rosenthal is a seasoned trial attorney and will be prepared to fight for you before a judge or jury if needed.

All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay hourly fees or any other attorney fees unless and until we obtain a judgment or settlement for you. We will advance on your behalf all costs we require to prepare the case for settlement or trial. If we do not obtain a settlement or verdict for you, you do not pay us any attorney fees.

Contact our Monterey County auto accident lawyer at (831) 228-5619 today.