Just one careless act can cause an accident that completely changes your life. Even a low-risk activity, such as running errands or driving home from dinner, can unexpectedly leave you facing medical bills, pain, and an uncertain future. When everything is turned upside down, it can be difficult to know how to move forward and who to turn to for help.
At Dunnion Law, we have decades of experience fighting for injured individuals and their loved ones. We are here to advocate for you and help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Our firm has secured record-breaking settlements and verdicts for clients across California, demonstrating our commitment to achieving exceptional results. If you are looking for a Monterey personal injury lawyer, consider reaching out today so we can start building your case.
California’s personal injury law is built upon the principle of negligence. This is the idea that everyone has a duty to act using reasonable care to prevent harm to others. If a person is careless or reckless and that results in someone else’s injuries, they can be held financially responsible for the damage caused (California Civil Code § 1714).
Proving negligence requires all of the following elements to be satisfied:
California also follows what is referred to as pure comparative negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975). That means that even if you are found to be 99 percent responsible for the accident, you are still able to recover compensation for the one percent caused by the other party’s negligence. However, your damages are reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, should you be awarded $10,000 but also found to be 50 percent at fault, you would ultimately receive $5,000 in damages. A Monterey accident attorney from our firm can work to prove that you were not at fault for the accident, preserving your right to full compensation.
After an accident, victims often deal with lengthy medical care and mounting financial pressure. Compensation pursued through a personal injury claim can cover many of these consequences, not just the immediate expenses. Under California Civil Code § 3333, these damages can include:
When someone’s negligence proves fatal, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. In some cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages can also be recovered. These damages are meant to serve as a deterrent for the egregious behavior and are usually only applicable where malice, fraud, or oppression are present.
The state does not have a cap for damages in personal injury or wrongful death cases, with the exception of those involving medical malpractice. This means that our Monterey personal injury attorneys can help you seek compensation that fully reflects the extent of your losses.
No two personal injury cases are the same, and every victim deserves an attorney who provides effective, personalized legal guidance. After an accident, you may find yourself talking to insurance companies whose goal is to limit payouts rather than look out for your interests. You need someone on your side to build a strong case and push for the maximum compensation.
If you have suffered a personal injury because of another’s negligence, call a Monterey personal injury lawyer at Dunnion Law. While no outcome is guaranteed, for over 50 years, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients across California, and we are ready to help you rebuild your life.
