Victorville Car Accident Lawyers
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Our Victorville Car Accident Lawyers Are Advocates For The Rights Of The Injured
After getting hurt in a car accident, you may not know the next step, your legal rights, or if you have the right to seek compensation. California law allows accident victims to pursue compensation from responsible parties after a crash.
Backed by years of experience, Victorville car accident lawyers at Arash Law can help accident victims seek accountability from negligent parties. You may be able to pursue compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost income, and future losses that are related to the accident. If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Victorville, contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
Where Do Accidents Happen?
A traffic accident can happen anywhere people share the road. Victorville has a population of 134,810. With that many drivers on the road, traffic accidents may occur. Many Victorville car accidents happen on Interstate 15. I-15 is a heavily populated area, especially during rush hour and peak times.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Victorville Accident Statistics
California has one of the highest populations in the country and the largest number of cars on the road. Therefore, the likelihood of traffic accidents happening is high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a total of 3,563 fatal traffic accidents. The information breakdown of California traffic accidents for the last several years is as follows:
- The number of pedestrian deaths increased by 69 percent.
- The number of motorcycle deaths increased by 33 percent.
- The number of accidents that involved a distracted driver made up 7.8 percent of the total number of fatal accidents across the state.
- The number of accidents that involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident made up 30 percent of all fatal accidents in the state.
- California saw an 8.3 percent overall decrease in the number of traffic accident fatalities.
- Studies show that car accident fatalities are more likely to happen at night.
- Studies show that passenger cars are the most common type of vehicle involved in fatal crashes.
- Studies show that passengers are more likely to die inside the vehicle than outside of it in motor vehicle accidents.
What Is Negligence?
Failure to act with the degree of caution that a reasonable person would have in the same situation is considered negligence. Generally, car accident cases are built on the legal principle of negligence. There are four elements to a negligence claim. The elements of negligence include duty, breach, causation, and damages. The plaintiff in a car accident case must establish each element. Even if a plaintiff can demonstrate one element of negligence but not the others, they may not have grounds to file a claim.
Duty Of Care
Every driver owes others on the road a duty to use reasonable care. Reasonable care in traffic accidents means that every driver must drive carefully to avoid accidents and injuries. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care. This duty is established by the fact that the law requires all drivers to obey traffic laws and use reasonable care.
Breach Of Duty
A defendant breaches their duty of care when they fail to follow the law and drive safely. The plaintiff must prove that the other driver breached their duty of care. Examples of how some defendants breach their duty of care in car accidents include:
- The driver falls asleep behind the wheel.
- The driver runs a red light or a stop sign.
- The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time the accident happened.
- The driver takes their eyes off the road or gets distracted from driving, and takes their mind off driving.
- The driver was texting and driving when the accident happened.
Causation
The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries and losses. The accident victim may argue that their harm would not have occurred if it were not for the defendant’s actions.
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
Damages
Even if a plaintiff can prove that the defendant has a duty, breached that duty, and that the breach caused them harm, without proving damages, their claim may still fail. A car accident victim may suffer various types of losses, which may warrant damages.
Potential Sources Of Compensation After An Accident
Accident victims may be able to pursue compensation from several different sources after an accident, depending on the specifics of the case, such as:
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage — Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage policies can be used to cover an accident victim’s losses if the defendant either does not have car insurance or their policy limits do not cover the victim’s injuries. This coverage is an optional part of your automobile insurance policy and may require you to make a separate claim against your insurer.
- Automobile Manufacturers — Manufacturers are required by law to keep their products safe for consumers. If a car malfunctions due to mechanical failure and causes an accident, there may be grounds for a legal claim against the manufacturer.
- Employers — If you get into an accident with a driver who was working at the time of the accident, then you may have a legal claim against their employer. Through the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, the employer may be held responsible for the negligence of their employee if the negligence caused harm.
- Government Agencies — If the accident happens because of a damaged road, you may have a claim against the city or state for damages. Seeking damages can be difficult if you have a claim against a governmental entity, particularly because it is hard to sue a government agency. These lawsuits are rooted in a particular area of law. If you’re planning to sue a government agency, speak to an experienced attorney to know if you have a viable claim.
Can I Still Pursue Damages If I Am Partially At Fault For The Accident?
There are some circumstances when the accident victim shares some percentage of fault for causing the accident. If that is the case for you, you may still be able to seek damages even if you share some percentage of fault. Under California law, an accident plaintiff who is even 99 percent at fault for causing an accident may be able to pursue some percentage of damages.
However, the potential compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault a judge or jury assigns them. When a jury finds a plaintiff 50 percent at fault for an accident and their damages total $100,000, the compensation is lowered by $50,000.
What Should I Do After A Traffic Accident In Victorville?
The actions you take after a car accident can affect your claim for damages. Consider the following steps to help protect yourself and support your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention — Getting medical treatment promptly after an accident is crucial. The impact may have caused you to suffer from a condition that cannot be diagnosed without a physical examination (i.e., concussion, internal bleeding, etc.). Prompt medical attention is important for your health and can also help document your case. For every car accident, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant caused their injuries. Getting simultaneous medical care can help you connect the accident to your injuries.
- File an Accident Report — Call the police after getting into a traffic accident to file a report. The police report includes the officer’s account of the accident and often provides an initial assessment of liability. The police report can also be used to investigate the facts surrounding the accident, including finding the names and contact information of eyewitnesses. Your automobile insurance policy may also require you to obtain a copy of the police report.
- Get the Drivers’ and Witnesses’ Information — If you are physically able, speak with the other drivers and their passengers. Gather their names and information if you can. Ask about their perspective on the accident. Your attorney will want to know their stories. What witnesses say about the accident can help your attorney build a well-supported case.
- Gather Evidence and Document Information — While at the scene of an accident, you should document information and begin to gather as much evidence as possible. Take detailed notes about the accident. You can begin building your case by taking pictures and videos of the property, physical damage, and the time and location of the accident.
- Contact a Victorville Accident Attorney — Contacting experienced Victorville car accident lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of your case and assist you in avoiding common mistakes that unrepresented accident victims may commit.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Do I Really Need A Car Accident Lawyer In Victorville?
After a traffic accident, working with an experienced accident attorney can guide you throughout the legal process and help you seek compensation for your losses. Depending on the specifics of the case, the responsible party may be held liable. A Victorville car accident lawyer can assist in the following ways:
- Negotiate a Settlement — Every negligence case typically begins with settlement negotiations involving an insurance company. Accident victims without legal representation may have more difficulty receiving a settlement offer that addresses all their losses. If you have been involved in a traffic accident in Victorville, having a legal team can help support your interests during the process.
- Speak to Third-Party Bill Collectors — Our team will handle communications with third-party bill collectors, so you can focus on getting better.
- Prepare for Trial — Victorville car accident lawyers speak with eyewitnesses and expert witnesses to gather accounts of the accident. These perspectives can help build your case and address any potential issues that may arise.
- Answer Your Questions During the Case — Having a legal team means you have a resource that can answer your questions about your case while it is pending. There is no need to do ambiguous legal research online that may not answer your specific questions. An experienced car accident lawyer in Victorville can help you understand each stage of your claim.
How Much Does Hiring A Victorville Accident Attorney Cost?
Many Victorville car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee payment arrangement defers payment of legal fees until the end of a lawsuit. If you do not win your case, then the attorney will not charge legal fees. There are no upfront attorney’s fees. Our payment structure enables clients to pursue compensation after an accident. We will address any questions and concerns you may have about these fees and costs during your initial consultation and before you sign any agreement.
Can I Seek Damages If I Was A Passenger?
Depending on the situation, passengers may also be able to pursue financial compensation after an accident. Passengers in a car accident may have a third-party insurance claim. If you are a passenger, you may need to pursue a third-party insurance claim, as your claim is often secondary to those between the drivers. These cases can become complicated and may require careful navigation of legal procedures. An auto accident attorney in Victorville can help you understand your rights and help you pursue financial compensation after a traffic accident.
Can An Attorney Help Me If I Live In Victorville But The Accident Happened In Another City?
If you suffered an injury in another city, our Victorville car accident lawyers could still assist you. We offer our legal services throughout California and can handle cases that originate in cities other than where the plaintiff resides.
Reach Out To Our Car Accident Attorneys In Victorville
Our attorneys at Arash Law have decades of experience helping our clients seek accountability for their injuries and losses after a car accident. When you suffer losses after an accident, you may need a legal team to assist you as you recover physically. We can take care of the legal procedures on your behalf while you focus on getting better.
Our Victorville car accident law firm helps injured victims across the state. We help Californians in Victorville and surrounding areas, including Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Loma Linda, Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino, Barstow, Crestline, Hesperia, Adelanto, and Apple Valley.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or use our online chat to schedule a free initial consultation.
