How Long Do I Have To File a Claim In Pasadena After a Car Accident?

Common Types of Car Accidents in Pasadena

Understanding the nature of your accident can help determine how to proceed with your claim. Our firm has represented clients in all types of car crash cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions – These accidents often occur due to distracted or aggressive driving and can cause serious whiplash and spinal injuries.
• Intersection accidents – Crashes at intersections typically involve failure to yield, running red lights, or other violations of traffic signals.
• Hit-and-run incidents – When a driver flees the scene, it complicates the claim process and may involve uninsured motorist coverage.
• Truck accidents – These collisions usually involve commercial vehicles and, due to their size and weight, can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries, even in low-speed crashes caused by inattentive drivers.
• T-bone and sideswipe crashes – These side-impact accidents often occur when a vehicle fails to yield or changes lanes without checking the blind spot.
• Cases involving negligent drivers or driving under the influence – Accidents caused by reckless or impaired drivers often result in serious harm and may warrant punitive damages.

Each scenario may present different legal challenges. Our attorneys will help you identify the fault party, assess damages, and seek maximum compensation.

Determining Fault in a Pasadena Car Accident

California follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you share responsibility for the accident. To prove fault, you’ll need to show the other party was negligent, such as:

• Speeding or reckless driving – Driving aggressively or over the speed limit increases the risk of serious collisions and is a clear sign of negligence.
• Distracted driving (texting or calling while driving) – Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a moment can lead to preventable crashes.
• Driving under the influence – Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction time and impairs judgment, making accidents more likely.
• Ignoring traffic signals – Running red lights or stop signs puts others at risk and often results in high-impact collisions.
• Failing to yield – Not giving the right of way can cause dangerous accidents at intersections, merges, and pedestrian crossings.

Our attorneys will investigate the accident scene, collect medical records, review police reports, and work with experts to establish liability.

Dealing With the Insurance Company

You are not obligated to speak with the other party’s insurance company, and doing so could jeopardize your case. Insurance adjusters may try to:

• Offer you a lowball settlement – They might propose a quick payout that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term needs.
• Get you to admit partial fault – Adjusters often ask leading questions designed to get you to accept some blame, which can reduce your compensation.
• Use your statements against you later – Anything you say can be twisted or taken out of context to weaken your claim in future negotiations or court.

Let a Pasadena accident lawyer from Babaians Law Firm handle all communication with the insurer. We protect your rights and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

The Role of Medical Records and Treatment

To build a solid personal injury lawsuit, documentation is key. Your medical treatment records serve as proof of your injuries and the impact on your daily life. Make sure to:

• Seek medical care immediately after the accident, even if you feel fine. Early medical attention creates an official record and can catch hidden injuries before they worsen.
• Follow all treatment plans and keep receipts. Following your doctor’s recommendations shows that you’re taking your recovery seriously and helps you track medical costs.
• Attend all follow-up appointments. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers demonstrate the ongoing nature of your injuries and recovery.
• Save records of prescriptions, diagnoses, imaging, and procedures. These documents provide objective evidence of your condition and the care you’ve received.

Delaying treatment can be interpreted as a sign that your injuries were not serious, which may hurt your claim.

What If the Accident Involved a Truck or Motorcycle?

Accidents involving large commercial trucks or motorcycles often result in severe injuries or even death. These cases are typically more complex due to:

• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, manufacturer) – Responsibility may be shared among several entities, making it essential to investigate each one thoroughly.
• Extensive federal and state regulations – Trucking companies and commercial drivers must comply with strict laws that can impact liability and your claim.
• Higher insurance policy limits – Commercial policies often involve larger payouts, which means insurance companies may fight harder to deny or minimize your claim.

Our firm has experience navigating these high-stakes cases. We’re prepared to take on powerful trucking companies and fight for your rightful compensation.

The earlier you speak to an attorney, the better your chances of securing justice and compensation.