Maison Law helps people that have been injured in accidents in Chico. Even with all the many different kinds of accidents there are, by far the most common we see involve cars and drivers. Whether you’re driving or riding along as a passenger, the injuries that come with a car accident are very real. Our team will be there to help you through the next steps. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
A car accident can turn your life upside down in a split-second. It’s not just the physical injuries—you may also face emotional stress, missed work, and mounting medical bills. Maybe it happened on East Avenue while driving to work, at a busy intersection near Chico State, or while heading home through California Park. Even a short drive through downtown carries risks.
When someone else caused the accident, you have the right to hold them accountable–even though you’re not legally required to get a lawyer to do it. Here’s where our team can be vital:
- Investigating the accident – Whether a driver ran a stop sign downtown, cut across Highway 99, or was distracted near Chico Mall, we determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible.
- Gathering evidence – Accident reports, medical records, and even security footage from local businesses strengthen your claim.
- Interviewing witnesses and experts – People who saw the crash or accident reconstruction specialists can provide critical testimony.
- Handling communication – We deal with insurance companies and other lawyers so you can focus on recovery.
- Negotiating settlements – Our goal is to get you the financial support that covers medical bills, lost income, and the broader impact on your life.
We tailor our approach to your needs, offering free consultations and working on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. But even before you can get to the claims process, it starts right at the scene–getting the right information.
What Information is Going to Help My Car Accident Claim?
Strong evidence is essential to recovering the full range of damages when you file your claim. But every car accident is different. In some cases, you might be too injured to get what you need (at least initially.) At the same time, though, the information is universal, and includes things like:
- Medical records – Be sure to keep all records of your treatment, including doctor visits, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and any follow-up care. These documents are huge for showing the full impact of your injuries.
- Pictures and videos – Take clear photos or videos of any vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries you sustained. Visual evidence can make your claim much stronger.
- Receipts – Keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident, like medications, transportation to doctor’s appointments, or changes you’ve had to make. These help show the financial impact of your injuries.
- Witness information – Write down the names, phone numbers, and statements of anyone who saw the accident happen. Witness accounts can be critical in proving what happened.
- Journals – Consider keeping a journal to note your pain levels, mobility issues, and how the accident affects your daily life. This helps demonstrate the ongoing impact of your injuries.
Even if you haven’t collected everything yet, our team can guide you. We know what evidence matters most and can help fill in gaps to strengthen your claim. And this information is key for another reason–it helps you narrow down who pays for your damages.
Who Pays For My Damages in a Car Accident Claim?
Throughout Chico, there’s everyday scenarios that could result in a car accident. Our Chico personal injury team has seen a lot over the years, including things like:
- A minor fender bender outside Chico Mall causes whiplash and lost workdays.
- A big rig on Highway 99 collides with you, leaving months of medical bills and repair costs.
- A distracted driver runs a stop sign downtown, t-boning you and sending you to the hospital.
What this amounts to is negligence, and it’s what sets the legal responsibility for paying for your damages when you file a claim. While the amount and other circumstances are important, it’s equally important to nail down who all might be involved. In most car accidents, this is going to fall on:
- Other drivers involved in the accident.
- Local or state government if road conditions, signage, or intersections—like those near Cohasset Road or Mangrove Avenue—played a role in what happened.
- Businesses or property owners if a hazard contributed to the collision.
- Vehicle owners or employers if the driver was on the job.
- Car or parts makers, if there was a defective or malfunctioning part (like faulty brakes) that caused the accident.
It’s hard to fully pin down liability in a typical car accident. The more people that are involved, the more fingers there are to point at the other. And your actions can also be called into question if you were speeding or something like that. But the fact remains that, when someone else’s negligence causes your car accident, they have to pay for your damages. To get those damages, though, you need to actually file a claim.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Car Accident?
Every accident is different, and no two situations are exactly alike. Even a small fender bender can feel overwhelming when you’re dealing with injuries, car repairs, and missed work, while a more serious collision can leave you juggling medical bills, insurance calls, and months of recovery. Knowing your options can make the whole process a little less stressful and help you feel more in control. Here’s what they are:
- Insurance claim – Many car accident claims start with filing an insurance claim with the other driver’s auto insurance company. Once the claim is filed, adjusters begin their investigation and eventually move on to offering a settlement. They often start with low offers, but negotiation can result in a better offer that covers your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, a personal injury lawsuit is the next step. A lawsuit takes longer and requires preparation, but it can result in higher “damages.” If a settlement isn’t reached, your case may go to trial before a judge or jury, where they decide the outcome.
No matter which option you choose, our team guides you through every step—from filing paperwork and meeting deadlines to negotiating settlements or representing you in court. But ultimately, your claim isn’t just about paying bills—it’s about recovering the full impact of the accident on your life. And once your claim is filed, your damages will be built around your:
- Medical expenses, both current and in the future
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
Remember, California law sets a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. Waiting too long could jeopardize your recovery, and possibly mean you won’t get anything–no matter how strong your claim is.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Happen in Chico?
You probably already know that a car accident could happen to you anytime you get behind the wheel of your car in Chico, but that doesn’t necessarily tell you what kind of accident you might be in. In fact, knowing the most common types of accidents–and how they happen–in Chico can help you be prepared and understand your options if and when you are in one:
- Rear-end collisions – These happen a lot on busy streets like East Avenue or around Chico State when students are coming and going between classes.
- T-bone or side-impact collisions – These often happen at intersections, such as near the Chico Mall or Nord Avenue, when drivers fail to see oncoming traffic.
- Head-on collisions – These are among the most serious kinds of accidents, and they usually happen on Highway 99 or Skyway, often with severe injuries.
- Single-vehicle accidents – Sometimes drivers lose control on winding roads near Bidwell Park or in residential neighborhoods, leading to accidents even without another car involved.
- Multi-vehicle pileups – These tend to happen on highways or during bad weather when traffic is heavy and visibility is low.
- Sideswipes – These usually happen on narrower streets or when cars merge without enough space between them.
- Parking lot accidents – Even small accidents in parking lots—like outside grocery stores, coffee shops, or Chico Mall—can cause injuries and frustration.
Obviously, there’s a lot that can go wrong in a car accident scenario. But again, it’s about understanding the how and why of these accidents, and knowing what you can do from there. Acting quickly is key to protecting your rights, and that’s where our team can guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report the accident to the police?
You don’t have to report every small fender bender, but it’s always a good idea to call the police if anyone is hurt or there’s significant damage. Even minor accidents are worth reporting to make sure your rights are protected.
What if the other driver flees the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are scary, but you still have options. Try to remember as much as you can about the car and driver, call the police right away, and file a report. You can still file a claim, usually through your uninsured motorist coverage.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. The sooner you reach out, the better, because acting quickly helps make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
How much is my claim worth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of your claim depends on your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, who’s at fault, and even your own role in the accident. Our Chico lawyers can look at your situation and give you a clear idea of what your claim could be worth.
Contact a Chico Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents might be common, but they’re still stressful, upsetting, and often painful. At Maison Law, our Chico car accident lawyers guide you through the claims process and help you put together the strongest case possible.
Whether your accident happened on Highway 99, near Chico State, or in a neighborhood like California Park, we’re here to help you figure out your options and get back on track. Reach out today for a free consultation to talk through your next steps.
