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Mercado & Sacramento, PC accident blog post archive
is full of news and information relating to motor vehicle accidents.
Our goal is to help guide you through some tough questions such as personal injury, insurance, and compensation.
Cycle Safely: Preventing Accidents and Protecting Your Rights as a Cyclist

Explore our comprehensive guide on preventing bicycle accidents and safeguarding your rights as a cyclist. Learn practical safety tips and how to protect your legal rights in case of an accident, ensuring a safer cycling experience.

Drowsy Driving: A Silent Culprit in Rising Auto Accident Rates

Dive into the hidden dangers of drowsy driving and its contribution to auto accidents. Understand the risks and preventive measures to ensure safer roads for everyone.

Why Overpromising Attorneys Hurt Your Auto Accident Case?

Discover why selecting an attorney who offers realistic expectations is crucial for your auto accident case. Avoid overpromising attorneys to ensure a fair evaluation and pursue the compensation you truly deserve.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident: A Legal Guide

In the chaotic aftermath of a truck accident, knowing what to do can be crucial for protecting your rights and securing the necessary evidence for your case. Our legal guide provides step-by-step instructions on the immediate actions to take to safeguard yourself legally and ensure you're prepared for the road ahead.

Speed, Evidence, and Accountability: The Role of Speedometers in Auto Accidents

Explore the crucial role of speedometer data in determining fault in auto accidents. This blog delves into how technological evidence, combined with expert legal support, can significantly impact your case.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Attorney for Your Auto Accident Case

Discover the crucial role of an experienced auto accident attorney in your case. Learn how the right legal expertise can significantly impact the outcome of your auto accident claim in California.

What are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Discover the common causes of bicycle accidents and how to stay safe on the roads of the Bay Area. Learn valuable tips and legal insights to protect yourself and your loved ones. If an accident occurs, know that your trusted personal injury attorney is here to help.

How Can Different Types of Evidence Impact Your Personal Injury Claim?

Navigating a personal injury claim can be a complex process, heavily reliant on various types of evidence. The right evidence can profoundly impact the outcome of your case, influencing not only the success of your claim but also the potential compensation.

Electric Bike Accidents: What to Do Next

Electric bikes, are becoming increasingly prevalent on roads and trails. As they gain popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it's crucial to understand the potential risks and necessary steps in case of an accident.

The Lasting Impact of Car Accidents: Beyond the Crash

Car accidents are more than just collisions on the road; they can leave a lasting impact on those involved. Beyond the immediate damage to vehicles, the effects can extend to physical, emotional, and even financial aspects.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage: What California Drivers Need to Know

Driving in California can be a challenging experience, especially when faced with the pressures of traffic congestion and busy schedules. While most drivers navigate the roads responsibly, the prevalence of aggressive driving and road rage incidents is a growing concern.

Navigating New Year Roads: Safety Tips for a Joyous Drive

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, the holiday season brings a sense of joy and celebration. However, with festivities come increased road activity, presenting unique challenges for drivers. In this blog post, we'll explore essential safety tips to ensure your journey into the New Year is both merry and safe.

What Should You Do If The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Keeps Calling?

In the aftermath of a car accident, dealing with the consequences is challenging enough. However, if you find yourself constantly bombarded by calls from the other driver's insurance company, the stress can escalate.

DUI Accident Victims Have Rights: Understanding and Asserting Your Legal Protections

Being involved in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident is a traumatic experience that can have profound and lasting effects on victims. It's essential for individuals who find themselves in this unfortunate situation to understand that they have rights.

Ensuring a Sober and Safe Holiday Season: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Guide
Ensuring a Sober and Safe Holiday Season: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Guide

December is designated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, also known as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. This period aims to raise awareness about impaired driving and promote actions to address this pressing concern.

Emergency Preparedness for Drivers: Safeguarding Your Journeys with Readiness

In the unpredictable realm of driving, preparedness is your greatest ally. Accidents, unexpected breakdowns, or sudden weather changes can turn a routine drive into a challenging situation. Let's delve into the significance of being ready for unforeseen circumstances on the road, providing insights and tips to empower every driver with the tools they need to safeguard their journeys.

Thanksgiving: Navigating Road Risks During the Holidays

Thanksgiving surpasses other notorious holidays, such as the Fourth of July, in its potential for auto accidents. According to the National Safety Council, estimates predict that up to 515 people may lose their lives in auto accidents this Thanksgiving, potentially marking the deadliest Thanksgiving since 2007.

Understanding the Dangers of Speeding and How to Avoid Them
Understanding the Dangers of Speeding and How to Avoid Them

Driving should be a safe experience for everyone on the road. One thing that can make it risky is speeding. In this blog post, we're going to talk about why speeding is dangerous, what can happen if you do it, and some simple ways to make sure you stay safe while driving.

What Could Happen If You Don't Report a Car Accident?
What Could Happen If You Don’t Report a Car Accident?

In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, every decision you make in those crucial seconds can significantly impact your future, affecting your health, freedom, and financial well-being. It's vital to pause, take a breath, and consider your next steps. Reporting the accident is one of the most critical actions, but what happens when you don't report a car accident?

8  Common Myths About Car Accidents

Car accidents can be life-altering events, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many misconceptions and myths about car accidents persist. Believing these myths can have serious consequences.

 The  Dangers of Texting and Driving

Many drivers mistakenly believe they can master the art of texting and driving. However, multitasking at this level poses a severe threat. In reality, no one excels at texting and driving simultaneously, and individuals often pay for this misplaced confidence in their lives.

Should You Pursue a Personal Injury Claim on Your Own?

A common question we encounter is, "Can I handle a personal injury claim by myself?" While it's legally possible to represent yourself, we strongly advise against going it alone.

Understanding Common Car Crash Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe conditions like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Let's delve into some of the most common car accident injuries and their long-term effects:

Navigating the Aftermath: What to Do After a Ride-Sharing Accident?
Navigating the Aftermath: What to Do After a Ride-Sharing Accident

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become a staple of convenience for Californians traveling across the state. However, since 2011, these services have witnessed a concerning trend – an annual increase of approximately 3% in accidents and fatalities involving ride-share drivers.

Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Adverse insurance companies typically try to establish early contact with victims of an auto collision in order to settle for low amount or gather information that may be used against you. Rather, you should consider consulting with an attorney first on how to deal with the other drivers insurance carrier.

Should I Get Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have car insurance. So if you get into an accident caused by someone without car insurance and you're injured, how can you get paid for your medical bills and pain and suffering?

Decoding the Timeline: When Can You Expect Compensation After an Auto Accident?
Decoding the Timeline: When Can You Expect Compensation After an Auto Accident?

"When am I going to get paid?" This is a question we encounter frequently at Mercado & Sacramento, PC. The answer depends on various factors, including the duration required to finalize your case.

Your Own Auto Insurance Is Not Your Friend
Your Own Auto Insurance Is Not Your Friend

Discover the truth about your own auto insurance after an accident. Uncover the misconceptions and pitfalls that could catch you off guard. Our latest blog post sheds light on why your insurance might not always be your ally and what steps you can take to secure the compensation you deserve.

What’s the Value of My Auto Accident?
What’s the Value of My Auto Accident?

It's common for people to ask what the value of their auto accident is, but every case is different and there are a variety of factors that need to be taken into consideration before putting a price tag on it.

How Soon After An Accident Should You Get Medical Treatment?
How Soon After An Accident Should You Get Medical Treatment?

It is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after an auto accident, as health should always be a top priority. While it is possible to go to the doctor on the same day as the accident, it is important to note that the timing of seeking medical treatment can affect the value of your claim.

Stay Off Social Media After an Auto accident

After an auto accident, it's crucial to stay off social media, especially if you're claiming that you've been injured. Posting videos or photos of yourself looking uninjured can severely harm your case and even limit your ability to get the compensation you deserve.

You Don’t Need Money To Hire An Auto Accident Attorney

As an auto accident attorney, it is important to clear up any misunderstandings regarding attorney's fees. Contrary to what some may believe, you do not have to pay anything upfront. I

Lowball Offers by Insurance Company Soon After the Accident

After an auto accident, receiving medical attention should be a top priority. However, it is not uncommon for the other driver's insurance company to reach out with a lowball settlement offer before the injured party incurs significant medical expenses.

Should You Pull Over After Getting Into A Car Accident?
Should You Pull Over After Getting Into A Car Accident?

You see it all the time - people outside of their cars after getting into an accident, talking to the other driver on the phone, collecting information, and interrupting the flow of traffic. This can cause a pile-up because of distracted drivers, and you or the other driver could get run over by cars flying by.

The Correlation Between Property Damage and Personal Injury
The Correlation Between Property Damage and Personal Injury

Often insurance adjusters will minimize your claims based on the severity of the property damage. However, property damage is not a reliable indicator of injury, including in low-speed collisions.

Child car seat
What Happens When a Child Is Involved in an Auto Accident?

A minor child cannot sign a contract or other legally binding agreement. However, a child’s guardian or parent can sign a settlement agreement on behalf of the child if the child has a claim for injuries caused by an accident.

Property Damage and Medical Coverage for Bicycles
Property Damage and Medical Coverage for Bicycles

You can obtain insurance to cover property damage to your bike or medical bills for personal injuries in the unfortunate event you are involved in an accident while riding your bike.

thinking if I can see a doctor even if I don’t have the money
Can I see a doctor even if I don’t have the money?

Many doctors will provide medical treatment on a lien and will request payment only after you collect your settlement. As such, it is possible for you to not have to pay for medical expenses out of pocket.

calculating insurance claim
Calculating the Value of Your Auto Accident Claim

Though the value of cases differ based on specific circumstances, two of the most important factors when determining the value of your car accident claim are the property damage and the medical injuries.

Do Not Delay Filing a Claim or Seeking Medical Treatment

Oftentimes insurance companies reject claims and deny compensation for victims of a car accident simply because the claimant is delayed in filing a claim or seeking medical treatment.

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Seeking Medical Treatment After An Accident

Seeking a thorough medical evaluation immediately after an accident is not only important to your health, but is also crucial in documenting your injuries.

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PRESERVING EVIDENCE OF A CAR ACCIDENT

It is important to preserve evidence immediately after an accident. The quality of evidence will often times determine the amount of compensation.

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INSURING YOUR BICYCLE

If you are an avid cyclist and own a home, you can have your bicycle insured through your homeowner’s insurance policy often at little to no cost.

DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE OTHER DRIVER'S INSURANCE COMPANY
DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY

Often times the other driver’s insurance company will contact you in order to obtain a statement that will lock you into a version of certain events, including the extent of your injuries, in order to minimize your claim.

DETERMINING FAULT AND LIABILITY IN A CAR ACCIDENT
DETERMINING FAULT AND LIABILITY IN A CAR ACCIDENT

The amount of compensation is directly affected by the legal definition of negligence in the state where the accident occurred and the percentage the adjuster assigns to each party.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR A CAR ACCIDENT?

In California, you have two years to file a lawsuit for your injuries from the date of your car accident. California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1.

HOW TO GET COMPENSATED AS AN INJURED PASSENGER IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
HOW TO GET COMPENSATED AS AN INJURED PASSENGER IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

Passengers have the same rights to be compensated for their injuries as drivers in a car accident. However, most passengers will have questions regarding how to get their claim started.

HOW CAN A LAWYER HELP YOU AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
HOW CAN A LAWYER HELP YOU AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

The steps you take after a car accident are crucial, both to your health and your case financially. There are certain steps that an experienced attorney can and should do to ensure you get the most benefit from your case.

SHOULD I SPEAK WITH THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY? CAR ACCIDENT?
SHOULD I SPEAK WITH THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY?

Often times the other driver’s insurance company will contact you in order to obtain a statement that will lock you into a version of certain events, including the extent of your injuries, in order to minimize your claim.

SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN ACCIDENT?

Seeking a thorough medical evaluation immediately after an accident is not only important to your health, but is also crucial in documenting your injuries.

HOW DO I PRESERVE EVIDENCE OF A CAR ACCIDENT?
HOW DO I PRESERVE EVIDENCE OF A CAR ACCIDENT?

It is important to preserve evidence immediately after an accident. The quality of evidence will often times determine the amount of compensation.

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA COULD AFFECT YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?
HOW SOCIAL MEDIA COULD AFFECT YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

Social media is often used to share the greatest moments with the viewers, whether it be a wedding, a basketball game with your children, or even just a nice brisk walk at the park.