A multi-vehicle crash resulting in a car fire shut down a San Diego Highway ramp.
California – January 26, 2021
A multi-vehicle crash shut down the westbound I-8 ramp to SR 163 after vehicles became disabled in the left lane of the ramp where one of them was on fire according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash involved a Ford F150 pickup truck, a Honda and a possible third vehicle. An ambulance was called to the scene to respond to the medical needs of the drivers. A car accident attorney can answer question regarding options for damage compensation after personal injury and property damage resulting from a car crash in San Diego involving multiple parties.
Fault determination.
Trucks, even those that are not commercial carriers, or semi-trucks, can cause more extensive damage because they are still larger than most passenger vehicles. In some crash situations, the difference in height can result in significant property damage to a vehicle. California is considered a fault, or tort state with regard to motor vehicle accidents and the no fault portion of a driver’s insurance may address immediate expenses surrounding medical visits and car rentals for example. A California accident lawyer can review a driver’s policy to collect information to secure immediate payments until insurance claims and/or legal actions can be processed. California follows the pure comparative negligence law. This method allocates fault between parties and will reduce any recovery accordingly. Each party’s negligence is compared to the others and damages are awarded based on that percentage of fault assigned to each driver.
Parties.
When an accident involves multiple parties, a preliminary investigation of fault must be undertaken. The results of that investigation will determine what parties are viable options for damage awards based on negligence that will need to be proven. Insurance claims can be processed against all parties, but some companies may not pay, if it is determined that their policy holder was not at fault for the accident. Personal injury attorneys can guide legal action after responsible parties are identified. If drivers leave the scene of a multi-vehicle accident, they are breaking California law.
Statute of Limitations.
In California, the statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents is two years, starting on the date of the accident, unless the accident resulted in the death of the victim. This timeline may change if governmental vehicles are involved, or special circumstances prevail and an accident attorney can ascertain the time limitations for each case.
Hire an attorney.
Seek legal counsel immediately after a car crash involving multiple vehicles. An experienced attorney who is familiar with California motor vehicle and insurance laws should be contacted at the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates as a viable resource toward comprehensive damage recovery.
Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation
501 West Broadway, Suite 1650
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-233-8021
Fax: 619-233-3730
Sources:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=20001
