Two Hospitalized After Car Crash in Merced
Two parties were hospitalized after a recent car crash in the Merced area. The wreck occurred shortly after 6:20 p.m. and involved a black Honda.
Details on the Merced Car Crash That Hospitalized Two Parties
According to the Merced Police Department (Merced PD), a single-vehicle accident was reported in the area of Fifth Avenue and East Santa Fe Avenue, close to Hoover Middle School. The Honda allegedly collided with a tree.
The two occupants of the Honda, identified by authorities as a woman and a man in their 20s, were transported to a Modesto area hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. The cause of the auto accident is unknown as an investigation is ongoing.
Types of Compensation in an Auto Accident Injury Claim
Damages in a personal injury case for a car accident are used to reference the loss or harm that a claimant has suffered because of the incident. Economic and non-economic damages in such cases may include:
- Medical Bills: Costs of medical treatment related to the motor vehicle crash are recoverable. This may also include any out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications. Future medical expenses may also be considered and may include costs of future treatment and surgery recommended by the treating physician.
- Lost Income: Lost wages include the earnings lost from missing time at work to recover from injuries connected to the traffic collision. Lost income may also include loss of future earning potential resulting from a permanent injury or disability.
- Pain and Suffering: In a personal injury case, damages for pain and suffering serve to compensate an injured person for the subjective emotional suffering and physical pain they have endured from the car wreck.
- Loss of Consortium: When an auto accident results in damage to the marital relationship, damages for loss of consortium are intended to compensate the injured party’s spouse. They may also include the inability to conceive children in cases of serious injuries like spinal cord damage.
- Disfigurement: Damages for disfigurement provide compensation to the claimant for the lasting physical and visible scars resulting from an accident-related injury. This may include cuts, burns, abrasions, or scans from the crash itself or surgery.
The insurance company representing the other party often conducts its own investigation of the incident to determine fault and damages incurred. Despite liability being clear, the insurer may deny the claim or devalue it. This is when retaining an injury lawyer is essential. An attorney can protect your best interests and advise you of the potential factors that may impact the value of your case. Watch the video below to learn more.
Factors Affecting the Value of a Personal Injury Claim
With damages in mind, there are factors that insurance companies, lawyers, and juries may use to calculate the value of a case. They include:
- Medical Care: Keeping up with medical treatment on a consistent, necessary, and reasonable basis is essential in a personal injury case. Any gaps in treatment or failing to follow orders from the treating physician may impact the value of the claim.
- Amount of Liability Coverage Available: In California, the minimum limits for bodily injury liability coverage are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. If an individual is hurt in a car wreck caused by a driver who has state minimum coverage limits, this may put that person in a predicament, particularly if serious injuries are involved. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play in such cases.
- Property Damage: The value of a case is usually dependent on the amount of damage to the vehicle. If there is minimal damage, it can be challenging to prove that the injuries have resulted from the crash to difficult insurance carriers.
There may be many factors involved in a personal injury case and its value. Working with a lawyer who has years of experience handling such cases is critical. Your attorney will handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on being with your family and the healing process.
Personal Injury Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. Those hurt in crashes may be entitled to financial compensation for losses from the at-fault party. However, the claims process is not always straightforward as insurers do not have the best interests of injured parties at heart. With the assistance of an injury lawyer, the chances of a successful case may increase significantly. At our law firm, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs when you work with us. Learn more about how we can help you after a car accident by calling us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly case advice.
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Proud California member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
Motor vehicle collisions are challenging and stressful. We are here to help injured parties and their families get their lives back on track. To see some of the results we have obtained for past cases, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Credit: Pixabay User ~ “OpticalEssence”
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