Motor Vehicle Accident FAQ

Common Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents

A car accident can leave you with questions. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we are dedicated to providing answers. From our office in San Diego, our experienced injury law attorneys have helped thousands of injured people make informed decisions after a crash and recovered more than $2 billion for our clients.

Do I Need to Call the Police After a Crash?

In California, the law requires drivers to report an accident to the authorities if that crash resulted in injuries or death. California law also requires drivers to report collisions to the Department of Motor Vehicles if they led to injuries or damage totaling over $1000. However, even if you do not believe that your accident was serious, you may still want to report that accident just in case the damage or injuries are more severe than you believe.

Should I Collect Information About the Collision?

While the authorities will examine the scene, you should still document the scene yourself. If you or your passenger is able, photograph the cars, their license plates, any additional damage at the scene and other details. It can also be important to write down the other driver’s contact and insurance information, the contact information of any witnesses and valuable information about the circumstances of the crash.

Why Are Truck Accidents Often More Severe?

While any car accident can lead to serious injuries, collisions involving large commercial trucks can be particularly severe. One reason for this is that large commercial vehicles weigh much more than other vehicles on the road. As a result, semi trucks are more difficult to stop and strike other vehicles with much more force than a collision involving two cars.

What Support Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit Offer?

A car accident lawsuit can address the wide-ranging impact that a crash has on an injured person’s life. This may include compensation for medical bills and the cost of future care, property damage, income lost due to recovery and other financial strains. A claim may also provide compensation for the pain that they experience as a result of their injuries, the emotional impact of permanent changes to their appearance and other challenges related to the crash.

If I Was Riding Without a Helmet at the Time of a Motorcycle Crash, Can I Still Make a Claim?

Many motorcyclists wonder whether they can still receive compensation if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Thankfully, you can still file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident even if you were not helmeted at the time.

Making lives better, one answer at a time

Your situation is unique, and you deserve to have guidance based on the specific ways that a crash has impacted your life. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we offer no-cost consultations that can answer your questions and help you explore your options. Call 619-236-9363 or contact our firm online to learn more.