No matter who you are, getting involved into a car accident can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. This can be true from the smallest fender bender to a huge accident involving multiple cars and catastrophic injuries. Whether the results are several hundred dollars in medical bills, or long-term medical expense to worry about, a car accident is rarely a simple matter.
As a result, many people end up wondering: What are my legal options after a car accident? Do I have legal recourse? Who is responsible? Do I need to file a lawsuit? The answers to these questions will vary based on the specifics of your case. That said, at Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we are happy to offer free initial consultations. Read on to get information on general factors that affect an accident, or just call us directly at 909-982-0707 for advice on your specific situation.
The types of vehicles involved may dictate whether or not it makes sense to file a lawsuit
It may seem as though someone else being negligent is all it should take to be able to file a lawsuit. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The reality is that if another driver is responsible for an accident, and they aren’t a person of means, you may only have the ability to collect the maximum their insurance policy allows.
That said, there may be others you can go after to cover your medical and other expenses. For example, if they were working with the accident occurred, then their employer may be responsible for damages. If the accident involved another type of vehicle, such as a bus, train, or a self-driving car, then other parties may be responsible.
Was the manufacturer responsible for the accident?
You’ll also need to consider the cause of the accident. If it happened because the driver was drunk or distracted, then they may be the only person responsible. If they were driving in a reckless or negligent way, then they may be the only part you can go after. However, if they were driving legally and safely, then the accident may be the fault of another party.
For example, let’s consider that the accident resulted from the at-fault party’s inability to stop their vehicle. If this was due to faulty brakes, or the faulty installation of those brakes, then the manufacturer of the brakes, the manufacturer of the car, or the company that installed the brakes may be responsible.
The seriousness of the injuries will have an impact
Another important factor to consider is how serious and / or long-lasting the injuries will be. If a sprained ankle was the only injury that occurred, and it healed quickly, then it may not make sense to file a lawsuit. On the other hand, if that same sprained ankle prevented the victim from working, or required physical therapy, then it may make sense to file a lawsuit.
As you can see, there are many different scenarios in an accident. The only way to know for sure if you should file a lawsuit is to get the legal advice of an experienced attorney. You can do that by calling Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707.
