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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.
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.

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY TO AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY TO AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Chances are the insurance company is going to want to ask you a few questions regarding the accident to see if they’re actually liable for your damages or if they can minimize what they have to pay you later on.

CAN MY LAWYER NEGOTIATE THE REDUCTION OF MY MEDICAL BILLS?
CAN MY LAWYER NEGOTIATE THE REDUCTION OF MY MEDICAL BILLS?

If your lawyer was successful in settling a car accident case for you or was able to get you an award at trial, you’re going to have to pay for any medical services that were provided to you for your injuries.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A LAWYER FOR MY CAR ACCIDENT?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A LAWYER FOR MY CAR ACCIDENT?

If you’ve ever been a victim in a car accident, it’s likely you’ve wondered whether you’d be able to afford a lawyer.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SETTLE A CAR ACCIDENT CASE?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SETTLE A CAR ACCIDENT CASE?

A common question that we often hear from victims of car accidents is, “how long does it take to settle a car accident case?”

WHAT DO ECONOMIC DAMAGES MEAN IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
WHAT DO ECONOMIC DAMAGES MEAN IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

Economic damages, synonymous with the term special damages, is the legal term used to describe the out-of-pocket expenses suffered by...

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M INJURED IN A HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT?
WHAT DO I DO IF I’M INJURED IN A HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT?

A hit-and-run is a crime where a vehicle hits a person or object and the driver knowingly and leaves the scene.

SHOULD YOU FILE A POLICE REPORT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
SHOULD YOU FILE A POLICE REPORT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

In order to be compensated for your property damage and physical injuries after a car accident, the other driver needs to be confirmed liable.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DRIVER THAT HIT YOU DOESN’T HAVE INSURANCE?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DRIVER THAT HIT YOU DOESN’T HAVE INSURANCE?

California ranks at the top of states with the most uninsured drivers. 15% of drivers in CA occupy the roads without auto insurance.

SHOULD I SETTLE FOR POLICY LIMITS OR FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE OTHER DRIVER?
SHOULD I SETTLE FOR POLICY LIMITS OR FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE OTHER DRIVER?

Knowing how to navigate through the process of a car accident can be extremely confusing and daunting to most people. A big question that victims of car accidents have to consider is...

SHOULD I ADD BUSINESS-USE COVERAGE TO MY AUTO INSURANCE WHEN DRIVING FOR DOORDASH?
SHOULD I ADD BUSINESS-USE COVERAGE TO MY AUTO INSURANCE WHEN DRIVING FOR DOORDASH?

Do you drive for DoorDash or a similar company? If so, read this blog before you step into your car to deliver food.

ATTORNEY AMBROSIO SACRAMENTO AWARDED 40 UNDER 40 AWARD
ATTORNEY AMBROSIO SACRAMENTO AWARDED 40 UNDER 40 AWARD

Mercado & Sacramento’s very own, Ambrosio Sacramento, was recently awarded the 40 Under 40 Award for 2020 by his alma mater for his successes and contribution in his community and the field of law.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE TALKING TO A CLAIMS ADJUSTER?
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE TALKING TO A CLAIMS ADJUSTER?

After you’ve been involved in a car accident, expect to be in contact with a claims adjuster. The claims adjuster’s role is to minimize the amount of money they have to pay you. Thus, don’t expect to be treated fairly.

SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT EVEN IF I DON’T FEEL PAIN?
SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT EVEN IF I DON’T FEEL PAIN?

There’s a misconception that if you’re not injured or feel any pain after a car accident, there’s no need to seek medical attention. This is far from the truth.

WHAT TO DO AT THE SCENE OF A CAR ACCIDENT?
WHAT TO DO AT THE SCENE OF A CAR ACCIDENT?

Seven key steps to do at the scene of a Car Accident

WHAT CAN YOU BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
WHAT CAN YOU BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you are typically entitled to recover for the following below:

SHOULD YOU GET AN ATTORNEY FOR YOUR ACCIDENT?
SHOULD YOU GET AN ATTORNEY FOR YOUR ACCIDENT?

The answer is YES, you should get an attorney! Once insurance companies are notified that you’ve been in an accident, they begin the process of evaluating your case with a fine-tooth comb.

HOW DOES UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE WORK IN CALIFORNIA?
HOW DOES UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE WORK IN CALIFORNIA?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is insurance that protects you when you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident by no fault of your own and the at fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages.