This Ultimate Guide to Compensation for a Santa Cruz County Personal Injury goes into California’s personal injury law. Anyone injured in an accident in Santa Cruz, CA, can file claims and lawsuits against the parties at fault for their damages, so let’s get into it.

Santa Cruz County Personal Injury?

However, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is just two years from the date of the accident, so claimants must move swiftly to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.

When it seems like no one is on your side and even your insurance company blames you for your injuries, your personal injury attorney will be by your side, providing you the support and legal counsel you need as you recover and pursue justice.

To find out more or book a free consultation. Contact our trusted Santa Cruz County personal injury attorneys today!

What Is Considered a Personal Injury in Santa Cruz, CA?

According to state law, a Santa Cruz personal injury lawsuit is a specific type of civil case brought when a person experiences loss or harm due to a psychological, emotional, or physical injury.

Get Legal Assistance from an Award-winning Team of Lawyers!

The Victim Is Responsible for Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

If the injured party can demonstrate that the other party was either purposely or inadvertently responsible for their injuries, they may be able to sue them for compensation.

However, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is just two years from the date of the accident, so claimants must move swiftly to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.

When it seems like no one is on your side and even your insurance company blames you for your injuries, your personal injury attorney will be by your side, providing you the support and legal counsel you need as you recover and pursue justice.

To find out more or book your free consultation, get in touch with our trusted Santa Cruz County personal injury attorneys today!

What Is Considered a Personal Injury in Santa Cruz, CA?

According to state law, a Santa Cruz personal injury lawsuit is a specific type of civil case brought when a person experiences loss or harm due to a psychological, emotional, or physical injury.

Get Legal Assistance from an Award-winning Team of Lawyers!

The Victim Is Responsible for Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

If the injured party can demonstrate that the other party was either purposely or inadvertently responsible for their injuries, they may be able to sue them for compensation.

Suppose a company’s product causes someone harm. In that case, that company may be held liable in court. The injured person will probably be able to recover certain compensatory damages if they successfully demonstrate that the company’s defective product caused them physical harm.

California’s Comparative Fault System

It’s important to remember that California uses a comparative fault approach when it comes to personal injury cases.

As a result, the victim’s compensation will be reduced by a certain percentage, determined by the part they played in causing the accident that led to their injury.

What Causes Personal Injuries?

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Whether it’s a car accident caused by a drunk driver or negligence in a medical setting, personal injuries may occur for a variety of reasons.

Fortunately, our Santa Cruz, CA personal injury lawyers specialize in personal injuries and a number of other related practice areas.

Here are some of the most common causes of personal injuries in Santa Cruz County:

• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle and motorcycle accidents
• Bus collisions

What Is Negligence, and How Will Your Personal Injury Lawyer Prove It When Presenting Your Case?

In order for a case to be eligible for a personal injury claim, the at-fault party must have done something careless that caused harm to you. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an intentional act.

Your Santa Cruz Personal Injury Attorney Will Have to Prove the Following:

• Duty of Care – The defendant had a responsibility to provide reasonable care
• Breach of Duty – He or she failed to provide this duty of care
• Causation – This breach of duty led to an accident that caused the plaintiff harm
• Damages – The accident caused the victim loss or harm

What Damages Are You Entitled To?

Suppose you were involved in a car accident while traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway or working at the office when disaster strikes, and you’re left to pick up the pieces. In that case, you may be entitled to economic or non-economic damages.

Average Settlements in California

According to a report from Jury Verdict Research, the average settlement awarded in personal injury cases in California is $150,000. This is substantially higher than the national average of almost $40,000.

However, every personal injury case is different, so the damages you may be entitled to depend on the unique facts surrounding your personal injury case.

We Can Help You Determine What a Fair Compensation Is for Your Case

If you would like to learn more about the settlement you may be entitled to, call us today to book a free consultation.

One of our friendly personal injury attorneys will walk you through the process and help you obtain the maximum compensation.

In the section below, we’ll discuss the difference between economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable damages or losses that a victim incurs as a result of a personal injury.

Your lawyer will fight for past and future damages to ensure that your medical bills are covered for as long as it takes for you to fully recover.

Here are some of the economic damages you may be eligible for:

• Medical expenses (including rehabilitation and time spent at a nursing home)
• Lost income
• Property damage

Non-economic Damages

These damages are paid for the changes made to a victim’s quality of life. Unlike economic damages, they are a lot harder to quantify.

Here are some examples:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

Common Personal Injuries in Santa Cruz, CA

All personal injury cases are different, with their unique set of facts, which is why victims may suffer various injuries.

Here are some of the most common personal injuries we’ve seen in Santa Cruz, CA:

• Back injuries
• Neck and spinal injuries
• Lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Broken bones
• Fractured or displaced ribs
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations.

The truth is that an accident can change your life forever, leaving you with lasting injuries or lifelong disabilities.

Let a personal injury attorney help you take legal action to receive the medical treatment and compensation for lost wages needed to get back on your feet.

Sometimes Negligence Leads to Wrongful Death

If someone else’s carelessness caused your loved one to die suddenly, you might be entitled to financial compensation.

The legal basis for this kind of lawsuit is wrongful death, and while it might seem difficult, having an accomplished personal injury lawyer in Santa Cruz guide you through the proceedings can provide you the comfort you need during a difficult time.

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death?

When someone passes away due to someone else’s careless, reckless, or deliberate act, California’s wrongful death law allows eligible surviving family members or a representative of the deceased’s estate to sue for damages.

Where to Start Pursuing Compensation for Wrongful Death in Santa Cruz County

An insurance claim may, but need not, be the first step in a wrongful death action. Even though a criminal investigation may still be active at the time, this kind of claim can still be brought.

Contact a personal injury attorney in Santa Cruz, CA, to determine whether you qualify for compensation. During the initial consultation, we will discuss the case details to determine whether it qualifies as wrongful death and provide you with the legal advice you need.

What If You Were Partially At Fault?

In a stressful situation, it can be challenging to make the right decision, so if you’re partially to blame for the accident, can you still file a personal injury claim?

The short answer is yes. However, because California uses a comparative negligence approach, your compensation will be reduced to the extent that you were found to have contributed to the accident.

Knowledgeable personal injury lawyers in Santa Cruz, CA, can ensure that your rights are protected and you are not victimized for the part you played.

To ensure that you do not wind up taking on more responsibility than is necessary, Ehline Law Firm can assist you in gathering crucial information and conducting an extensive independent investigation into the circumstances leading up to your accident.

What a Santa Cruz Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You

Wondering whether you need a lawyer for your claim? The truth is that hiring a legal representative can have more benefits than you might think.

Here’s how an attorney can help you:

• A personal injury lawyer will help you file a lawsuit to claim damages for your damages
• He or she will conduct an independent investigation to determine who was at fault
• You’ll receive legal counsel and advice on how to pursue compensation
• An attorney will gather supporting evidence, which includes medical bills, pay slips, witness statements, and more
• Lawyers also explain the legal rights that victims have, ensuring that they aren’t taken advantage of or bullied into accepting unfair settlements
• You will have a trusted legal representative who will take your case to court if need be and defend you before a jury.

Why Choose Ehline Law Firm for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit in Santa Cruz, CA?

There are so many personal injury lawyers in Santa Cruz County; knowing which one to choose can be challenging.

However, having a strong legal team to file your personal injury claims is crucial to the success of your case.

Here Are Some of the Reasons Why Ehline Law Is the Right Law Firm for the Job:

• We will fight for the best possible outcome because we care
• Our team knows personal injury law like the back of their hands, so you have the assurance that you’re getting outstanding legal representation
• You won’t pay us unless we secure a settlement
• Unlike other law firms in Santa Cruz County, Ehline Law is an award-winning team
• We have a proven track record and have secured over $150 million in settlements for our clients
• Your health is our primary concern, so we will take care of the hard work and handle your insurance company dealings so you can focus on your physical and mental recovery.

Let us help you recover compensation!

The Practice Areas We Cover

• Car-Motorcycle Accident
• Bicycle-Auto Accidents
• Pedestrian-Car Accidents
• Bus-Car Accidents
• Delivery Truck Accidents
• Lyft Accidents
• Uber Accidents
• Turo Accidents
• Driverless Car Crashes
• Loaner Accidents
• Freeway Construction Neglect
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Cruise Ship Mishaps
• Dog Bites.

Let a Motivated Santa Cruz Personal Injury Attorney Take Care of Your Case!

If you or a loved one were involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you can take action and bring the person at fault to justice. Contact us today to book your free consultation by dialing (833) LETS-SUE. You can also use our convenient online website contact us form to send us an email.