Non-injury Car Accident—Can I Still Sue to Recover Damages?

If you're not physically injured in a car accident, you may still be able to seek compensation for various types of damages, typically related to property damage and certain economic losses. With millions of drivers on the road every day, car accidents are no longer uncommon, especially in congested cities like Los Angeles. From fender benders to collisions with parked vehicles, minor accidents always happen and may not even result in injuries. So, if this is the case, can you sue for a car accident if you are not hurt? The short answer is yes. However, the specific damages you can pursue may vary depending on the laws in your jurisdiction.

Non-injury Collision

Even if you don't have physical injuries, you may still have medical expenses related to evaluations or check-ups. These could include visits to the emergency room, doctor's appointments, or diagnostic tests. In addition, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident. If the accident causes you to miss work or affects your ability to earn income, you may be able to claim compensation for these losses. If you need a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, you can seek reimbursement for these expenses. Any other expenses directly related to the accident, such as towing fees or the cost of a rental car, might be eligible for compensation. Now, the next question that usually comes up is: how much can someone sue for a car accident? Once again, that depends, but one of the main points to remember is that the at-fault party's insurance policy and coverage limits can impact the amount of compensation you can receive.

California Car Accident Laws

So, how long after a car accident can you sue? The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the incident; claims against government agencies must be filed within six months of the incident. The amount you can sue for in a car accident will depend on various factors, and it's not possible to provide a specific figure without knowing the details of your case.

It's important to consult with a legal professional to get an accurate assessment of your case. They can help you understand the potential value of your claim based on the specific details of the accident, applicable laws in your jurisdiction, and the factors mentioned above.

Autopilot Car Crashes

Since California ranks as the top state for Tesla sales, let's discuss autopilot car accidents. Regardless of whether you're a victim or the at-fault party in such an accident, figuring out insurance liability and coverage limits can be tricky. Drivers are typically expected to remain engaged and attentive while using such features, ready to take control of the vehicle if needed. But as it turns out, this is not always possible. Just recently, Tesla recalled 2 million vehicles over autopilot safety concerns. When manufacturers fail to meet safety standards, they can be held responsible for accidents caused by a system malfunction.

The same rules and regulations may apply to accidents involving driverless vehicles in California. To compete with major ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, Waymo, an autonomous ridesharing company, is offering ridesharing services in California with driverless vehicles. But does machine replacing man eliminate car accidents? Unfortunately, it does not. While autonomous vehicles are designed to minimize human error, they may not always respond appropriately to unpredictable human-driven vehicles or pedestrians. Consulting with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney is crucial in understanding the legal options available to you and navigating the specific details of your case.

California Personal Injury Attorneys

If you're looking for a car accident attorney in Studio City, contact our firm to schedule a free case evaluation. Yepremyan Law Firm has been a trusted legal advisor since 1998, servicing clients all over Southern California. We specialize in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, ridesharing, trucking, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall claims, dog bites, and workers' compensation claims. We work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee!

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.