One Injured After Rock Hits Windshield in Stockton
One person was injured after a rock hit a windshield of a moving vehicle in Stockton, CA, on the night of January 20, 2020. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Interstate 5, just south of March Lane. A rock was reportedly thrown and pierced through the front windshield of a vehicle headed northbound on I-5, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The rock struck a front-seat passenger in the head, who was taken to the hospital shortly after for the treatment of unspecified injuries. The CHP has advised that those driving through this area should exercise additional caution as they have received other reports of rocks striking cars. Anyone who has witnessed any suspicious people or behavior in the area is encouraged to call 911.
What to Do if You’re Injured in an Accident as a Passenger
Injuries from broken windshield glass in an accident may be deceiving. You may be under the impression that your injuries are not that serious. However, it is essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to identify and document any potential injuries. Failing to receive medical attention soon after the incident or gaps in treatment may affect you later on, in case you decide to seek damages through a personal injury claim. To learn about other factors that may affect the value of a personal injury case, watch the video below.
Financial Recovery for Injuries Caused by Broken Glass
A driver or passenger who has suffered injuries as a result of a rock being thrown at a windshield may file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. However, this is not always possible. The person who may have thrown the rock may not have significant assets to cover damages incurred, and in other cases, may go unidentified by officials. In such situations, an injured person may be able to seek recourse through the uninsured motorist coverage of their auto insurance policy. This coverage may apply when the injured person was driving their own vehicle or riding as a passenger in another car. Keep in mind that a police report will need to be filed and presented to an insurance company during the claims process. The benefits available under uninsured motorist coverage depend upon the limits of the policy and may compensate an injured person for economic and noneconomic damages, such as:
- Disfigurement: A person who has suffered broken glass injuries may have to deal with other medical issues during their recovery. Broken shards of glass from a vehicle windshield may leave a reminder of the accident through scarring on the hands, neck, face, and other parts of the body. When and if this happens, the injured person may be able to file a claim for the embarrassment and humiliation related to a disfigurement, as well as the costs of cosmetic procedures to correct the scarring.
- Medical Expenses: Expenses for medical treatment associated with accident injuries are recoverable. This includes past and future primary provider visits, therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, medical devices, and surgeries. Keep in mind that future medical expenses in a personal injury claim must be proven through medical records and expert testimony.
- Lost Wages: When a person is injured after an accident and requires time off work to recover, any past and future lost wages may be claimed through a personal injury case. To prove injuries from an accident meet the future wage loss threshold, a wide array of evidence must be gathered by your Stockton personal injury lawyer to help support the claim. Your injury lawyer may use medical records, employer documents stating you missed work as a result of the accident, and expert testimony from medical providers.
- Pain and Suffering: There is no exact way of determining the value of pain and suffering. An insurance claims adjuster or jury may look at specific elements related to the types of injuries suffered when awarding damages. This includes the severity of the injury, types of medical treatment received, and how the injury has impacted the injured person’s life.
Why is a Lawyer Needed After Being Injured by a Windshield in Stockton?
When seeking compensation for medical bills, time away from work, and pain and suffering, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Stockton can be to your advantage. An attorney can investigate the details of your case, collect the evidence needed to prove your injuries and damages, and present a case in court if all attempts with insurance companies are unsuccessful.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. Suffering catastrophic injuries from broken windshield glass in an accident can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured due to broken auto glass after an accident, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
Our client ratings and comments are available for your review at:
I am proud to be a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
Take a look at a list of our past case results listed on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Picture Credit: By “ElasticComputeFarm” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 878]