The effects of a car accident in California aren’t limited to just physical injuries. There are a number of complications that can come up because of these devastating accidents.
An often-overlooked aspect is what happens to your job. Sometimes, you’re forced to miss so much time taking care of your medical or psychological issues that you lose your job. Other times, you may be left permanently disabled and unable to work. When that happens, it only adds to the financial strain you and your family can feel. Fortunately, you do have legal options.
Work With Experienced and Knowledgeable California Personal Injury Lawyers
Getting fair treatment and support for the expenses of your car accident is difficult to do by yourself, especially if you don’t know California’s personal injury laws. At Maison Law, our California personal injury lawyers know these laws well. We can help you come up with a plan to win your case and get your life back on track. If you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today.
How Common Are Car Accidents in California?
When you or someone you care about gets into a car accident, the situation can be challenging in various ways. You may need to recover physically from injuries, and there can also be mental and emotional effects, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental injuries due to the shock of the accident.
On top of that, car accidents in California can strike at any time. Given the population and the state’s crowded roadways, there is a very high likelihood that you will be involved in one of these accidents. Statistically, California sees thousands of these accidents every year. According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWITRS), California has averaged 242,909.6 car accidents per year over the last five years.
In California, the value of a car accident injury case varies depending on the specific circumstances involved. Each car accident case is unique, but certain factors are commonly considered by insurance companies and courts when assessing the damages:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The specific body parts or areas affected by the accident.
- Any permanent disfigurement or scarring causing emotional distress.
- The likelihood of full recovery from the injuries.
- The impact of the injuries on your quality of life and enjoyment.
- How the injuries affect your loved ones.
- Your occupation and the impact on lost wages or earning capacity.
How Will a Car Accident Affect Your Ability to Work in California?
Obviously, just how impactful a car accident is on your ability to work depends on what your job is and the nature of your injuries. Still, there are a number of different ways that your car accident may specifically hamper your job or occupation. Typically, this includes the following:
- Physical injuries – Serious injuries from the accident may limit your physical capabilities, making it challenging to perform certain job tasks or even prevent you from working altogether.
- Medical treatments – Frequent medical appointments, therapy, and rehabilitation sessions can disrupt your work schedule and productivity.
- Temporary disability – If your injuries require time off work to recover, it can result in lost wages during that period.
- Permanent disability – In severe cases, the accident may cause permanent disabilities that alter your career options and earning capacity.
- Emotional impact – Car accidents can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD, which might affect your ability to concentrate and perform well at work.
- Transportation issues – If your vehicle is damaged or you are unable to drive due to injuries, simply getting to work may become challenging.
- Reduced productivity – Even if you can work, pain, and discomfort from injuries might reduce your productivity.
If a car accident affects your ability to work, you’ll definitely want to explore your legal options. In order to do this, it’s helpful to consult with our team of personal injury lawyers. We know how the law works and what you need to do to get compensation for your injuries and job loss.
Personal Injury Case Process After a California Car Accident
In California, the first step in a personal injury claim is proving negligence. Negligence, in terms of a car accident, has four elements:
- The other driver was responsible for ensuring your safety and preventing the accident or injury.
- They failed in their responsibility and caused the accident.
- As a consequence of their actions, you sustained an injury.
- There is a direct connection between their negligence and your injury.
Once negligence is established, our lawyers can assist you with your personal injury claim. The process typically includes:
- Collecting and analyzing evidence, such as medical records, reports, photos, and videos.
- Identifying all responsible parties and filing insurance claims against them.
- Negotiating with insurance providers to seek compensation through a settlement.
- If necessary, filing a civil complaint and litigating your case in California’s court system, which may involve going to trial.
At Maison Law, we take pride in representing our clients against at-fault parties and insurance companies. Moreover, we prioritize communication and emotional support for our clients throughout these challenging times. We consider every client as a member of our family, and we are dedicated to supporting them throughout the legal process.
How Does the Legal System Handle Losing a Job After a Car Accident in California?
When it comes to filing a car accident claim, there’s a specific procedure to follow. While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer for your claim, it’s generally not advisable to handle it on your own. Experienced lawyers, like our team at Maison Law, has expert knowledge of the legal process and how to approach it. We can provide insights into the expected timeline for your case, which largely depends on the circumstances involved. Regardless of the strength of your claim, it’s crucial to file within the statute of limitations.
You have two years from the accident date to file the lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you can’t sue and seek damages from the at-fault party. Getting legal help ensures your claim is handled on time.
With that hurdle cleared, you can begin the process of getting the compensation you deserve. In legal terms, this is known as “damages.” While it includes your medical expenses and compensation for the pain and suffering you experience because of the accident, it also covers the impact of your losing your job. Generally speaking, this category o damages is known as “lost wages,” and includes things like:
- Past lost wages – Compensation for income lost from the time of the accident until the resolution of the case or trial, covering the period when you were unable to work due to the injuries.
- Future lost wages – If the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn a living, future lost wages may be awarded to cover the estimated income you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
- Reduced earning capacity – In cases where the injuries partially limit your ability to work or reduce your future earning potential, the compensation may account for the difference between your pre-accident earning capacity and your reduced capacity after the accident.
- Lost job opportunities – In some situations, you may have missed out on career advancements, promotions, or opportunities due to the accident and resulting injuries. Lost opportunities may also be considered in the damages.
Calculating lost wages damages can be complicated because it needs detailed proof of the income lost due to the accident. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers can gather the required information and build a strong case to ensure fair compensation for lost wages and other related damages.
Maison Law Will Support You After a California Car Accident
If you got hurt in a car accident and lose your job, you might worry about paying your bills and other expenses. While this is an incredibly difficult situation, don’t lose hope. At Maison Law, our skilled California personal injury lawyers know how to handle car accidents and get you the compensation you deserve.
Once we have all the information about your situation, we will discuss your concerns and give you guidance on the next steps. You can trust our team. Contact us today to start the process with a free consultation.
