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Tahoe City is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, with busy roads and seasonal traffic that can increase the risk of accidents. Car crashes in the area can result in serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other significant losses.

If you or a loved one were injured in a Tahoe City car accident on State Route 28, Highway 89, Lakeshore Blvd., North Lake Blvd., or any other roads in the area, the attorneys at Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our Tahoe City car accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and handling your case with the experience and attention it requires.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tahoe City

When someone is injured in a car wreck, they have the duty of proving that the at-fault party was legally negligent if they wish to seek compensation. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, which, in turn, causes harm to someone else. It is the foundation of any personal injury claim, including one involving an automobile accident.

Here are some of the most common causes of accidents, and how negligence can play a role:

Distracted driving

A distraction is anything that takes a driver’s focus away from safely operating the vehicle. One of the most common distractions comes from cell phone use, especially texting, but other examples may include eating, drinking, talking to passengers, or operating in-vehicle devices like radios or a GPS.

Impaired driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law and can put other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone else who travels on or near the roads in danger. Even if the drug is legal or is a prescription medication, the driver has a duty not to get behind the wheel if they are impaired.

Speeding

Speed limits in certain parts of Tahoe City are fairly low. Drivers who exceed the limit can easily get into a crash and cause serious, potentially irreversible injuries. Forensic analysis and other evidence can help investigators determine whether speed was the cause of a car wreck. If so, the victim will be able to use this fact to prove negligence against the at-fault driver.

Violating traffic laws

Speeding isn’t the only way in which drivers can violate traffic laws. Failure to use a turn signal, tailgating, cutting drivers off, road rage, and plenty of other unsafe actions are common throughout the Tahoe City area. Evidence that the at-fault driver broke one or more traffic laws is a strong indication of negligence.

Poorly maintained roads

The roads coming off of Lake Tahoe and through Tahoe City offer some of the most scenic views imaginable. However, they are not always properly maintained. When poor road work is the cause of an accident, governmental entities and road construction crews can sometimes be held liable. However, it’s important to understand that different procedural requirements apply when suing the government, so consulting an attorney quickly is essential in these cases.

Mechanical issues with the vehicle

Not all car crashes are purely due to driver error. Sometimes there are mechanical defects with the vehicle due to poor design, negligent manufacturing, or shoddy repair work. This may be evidence of liability on the part of manufacturers and other parties.

Understanding Car Accident Liability

Liability refers to the party that is responsible for a car accident victim’s damages. Some cases are fairly simple in terms of liability, but others can be more complex, particularly when more than one party is liable.

These are some of the parties that may be liable in a Tahoe City car crash:

• The other driver
• The other driver’s employer
• The governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roads
• A road construction contractor
• The manufacturer of the vehicle or a defective component
• A repair shop or mechanic who did poor work on the vehicle
• A pedestrian, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or other person who caused the crash

It is also important to note that in some situations, the victim themself may be partially to blame for the accident. For example, if they were making an illegal turn and were struck by a drunk driver. In these cases, the victim may still pursue damages, but the principle of comparative negligence will apply.

This system allows injured drivers a path to compensation even when they share responsibility, but it also creates a strong incentive for the opposing party to blame the victim and attempt to shift as much liability as possible to them. Having a lawyer on your side can help protect you against unfair accusations and pursue maximum compensation.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible to Recover After a Tahoe City Car Accident

The compensation that auto accident lawyers seek on behalf of their clients is known as damages. The nature and amount of damages will vary from one case to another, but may include the following:

• Medical bills: These include expenses for ambulance care, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drug medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, adaptive medical equipment, follow-up treatments, and more. Not only can this cover bills that the victim has already incurred but also reasonably estimated future medical costs.
• Lost income and decreased earning capacity: While recovering from their injuries, the victim is likely to miss substantial amounts of time from work. These losses can be claimed. But the victim may not be able to work at the same productivity level, costing them future income, bonuses, promotions, and benefits. If so, they can also claim reduced earning capacity.
• Non-economic damages: So-called non-economic damages are more subjective in nature, but are still eligible for compensation. They may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and more.
• Property damage: The victim’s vehicle will be damaged or destroyed as a result of the crash. They may also lose other personal property in the accident. They can include the cost to repair or replace property in the damages claim.

How Our Tahoe City Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we focus on handling the difficult work for you so you can focus on recuperation. While every case is unique and may follow a different path, the typical steps we take when handling a car accident claim include:

• Investigating the accident to obtain evidence and identify the potential at-fault parties.
• Determining the value of your damages by consulting expert witnesses.
• Establishing fault by way of expert witness testimony (e.g., accident reconstructionist opinions).
• Fighting any attempt to shift liability for the crash to you.
• Handling all communications and negotiations with the at-fault parties’ insurance companies.
• Representing you during mediation, an out-of-court settlement procedure that can save you time, money, and stress.
• Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

The Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers Difference

We know you have options when choosing a law firm, and it helps to work with a team that understands this region and the realities of local injury cases. Our car accident attorneys have served clients throughout Tahoe City and the greater Lake Tahoe region for 50 years, giving us practical insight into the road conditions, seasonal traffic patterns, and challenges that often shape these claims.

Over the decades, we have built a personal injury practice grounded in experience and connections with trusted medical professionals, investigators, and other local experts who help strengthen our clients’ cases. Our team is experienced in both negotiation and litigation, and we work to protect your interests whether we are pursuing a fair settlement or preparing for trial. With millions recovered for our clients, trust Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers to give you the advantage after a crash.

Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Claim After a Crash in Tahoe City

Tahoe City Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tahoe City?

You do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a car accident lawsuit. Thanks to a deadline known as the statute of limitations, you only have two years from the date of the crash to file. If you do not do so, the court will dismiss your lawsuit. Two years may seem like a lot of time, but the deadline will approach faster than you realize. Don’t delay; the strongest cases are filed long before the two-year statute of limitations expires.

Can I file a car accident claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes, you can. You can even file a claim if you were mostly at fault. The court will assign a percentage of liability to you, and your damages will then be reduced by this percentage. However, your attorney will work to refute allegations that you were partially at fault and preserve the maximum amount of compensation for you.

Can I recover compensation if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the other driver does not have insurance, there are several possible alternative ways to recover compensation. First, if you have uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may be able to recover compensation that way. Second, you might be able to sue the driver personally for your losses. Finally, third parties like the auto manufacturer may bear some responsibility, and you can pursue a claim against them. We work to utilize all available means of compensation on behalf of our clients.

How much does an auto accident lawyer in Tahoe City cost?

Our firm offers a free case consultation so you can better understand your legal rights and options after being in a car accident. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid a percentage of the money we recover for you.