California Freeway Accident Attorneys
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Our California Freeway Accident Attorneys Are Here For You When You Need Us Most
California freeways have made it possible for motorists to cover long distances more quickly, but they’re also among the deadliest places due to frequent traffic accidents. Arash Law’s California freeway accident attorneys, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have represented injured clients for decades. If you or a loved one were injured on one of California’s freeways due to someone else’s negligence, call (888) 488-1391 for legal assistance in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.
A traffic accident you experienced can be traumatic enough that the memory of it stays with you for a very long time, even if you’re not consciously thinking about it. Having to deal with expenses, recovering from injuries, or the loss of a loved one adds to the stress. Such an overwhelming situation may push you to accept a quick settlement from the insurance company just to be done with it or to admit that you had some responsibility for the crash. But never give in to these demands.
Accident victims may be eligible to recover compensation for their injuries and losses. Despite knowing this, the insurers may try to underpay or outright deny their claims to protect the company’s interests. Experienced freeway accident lawyers in California can help you assess whether you have a valid claim or what its potential value is.
Why Hire Arash Law’s California Freeway Accident Attorneys
Any type of traffic accident on freeways, whether a rollover, a head-on collision, or a rear-end crash, can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. Whatever the circumstances that led to it, negligence is usually a major factor, and victims are unfairly forced to cope with the losses and how the accident affects their lives long-term.
The legal team at Arash Law deeply understands this and is ready to help injured parties navigate their legal options.
Our freeway accident attorneys in California have experience representing clients at the negotiation table or in the courtroom. Our goal has remained the same over the decades of providing legal services, and that is to help clients pursue compensation for their losses.
How Can Our Freeway Accident Lawyers Help With Your Injury Case?
Whether you’re dealing with costly bills and other expenses for your injuries or coping with the loss of a loved one, our personal injury lawyers at Arash Law can help you pursue compensation under California law.
- Legal Support — We can manage freeway accidents and other types of personal injury cases. With in-depth knowledge further honed by extensive experience, our lawyers can offer insightful legal advice.
- Insurance Complexities — We understand the nuances of freeway accidents, the concerns about establishing liability, and the complexities of the associated insurance policies.
- Thorough Investigation — Before demanding a settlement from the insurance providers, your legal counsel needs to build a compelling case on your behalf. Exhaustive investigations and a comprehensive gathering of vital evidence are crucial to support your damage claim.
- Negotiation Skills — Negotiating for a settlement involves more than just talking. A legal counsel who is skillful in bargaining and adept at presenting evidence to reflect the value of your losses is needed.
- Litigation — Sometimes, taking your case to court becomes a necessity, especially when the insurance company refuses to settle. Our California accident lawyers who work on freeway accident cases are prepared to represent you in court.
- Personalized Attention — Our attorneys treat your case with the attention and professional care it deserves, giving you the individualized attention and support you need through the entire legal process.
- Client Advocacy — Arash Law’s freeway accident attorneys in California can advocate for your rights. We are determined to protect your interests and well-being during this trying time.
Marin v. East West Building Services (settled on 8/2/2023) – Third Party Compromise and Release settlement involving a window washer who sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma when he fell from a height. Workers’ Compensation contributed $1,325,000 as part of this global settlement.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Time Limit For Filing A Freeway Accident Case In California?
The statute of limitations sets the time limit for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. In California, the deadline is two years from the accident date or the discovery of the injury. Cases involving property damage have a three-year limit, while claims against any government agency have only six months. Claims and other legal actions brought after the statute expires may be dismissed. This also means the plaintiff may lose the right to pursue compensation.
This deadline is imposed to encourage parties to submit complaints as soon as they can and prevent them from litigating old matters in court. This also helps preserve the evidence, as delaying the submission could damage it. Each legal team is given ample time to prepare and review the claim, while the juries are provided with the best available evidence to resolve the case.
Your California freeway accident lawyers require time and meticulous planning to gather crucial evidence and build a strong case. If you’re planning to work with an attorney, promptly reaching out may be beneficial.
When Should You Look For A Freeway Accident Lawyer?
It is advisable to hire our freeway accident attorneys in California as soon as you are injured in an accident, even before making any settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Getting legally represented as soon as possible may also save you from making a statement that might hurt your prospects of receiving a favorable settlement. Your legal counsel can also connect you with qualified physicians who can accurately make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Should I Get A Lawyer If The Court Finds Me Partly At Fault?
It’s wise to consult knowledgeable California freeway accident lawyers after a car accident, especially if the court finds you partly at fault. Determining who’s at fault can quickly get complicated.
California follows a system of “pure comparative negligence.” Under this system, even if you were found partly at fault for the accident, you may be able to seek compensation reduced by your assigned percentage of the blame. Your attorneys can help assess the case objectively, evaluate evidence of the other party’s fault, and protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
What Is A Fair Settlement Amount For Damages Sustained In A Freeway Accident?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what constitutes a fair amount. The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Liability
- Insurance coverage
The negotiation skills of your freeway accident lawyers also play a huge role when it comes to settlement talks.
Common Causes Of Freeway Accidents
Multiple factors can contribute to an accident, making it daunting for victims to determine which one caused the crash that injured them. If you are hurt, have our California freeway accident lawyers use their in-depth knowledge and experience to assist you with your claim.
Whether you’re driving for personal, professional, or recreational reasons, no matter if you’re staying in your lane and following safe driving rules, vehicle crashes can happen at any time due to various factors. For example, congestion on freeways increases the risk of traffic accidents. However, there are other reasons you should know.
Below are among the most common causes of freeway collisions that the California freeway accident lawyers at Arash Law frequently encounter:
Speeding
Drivers, passengers, and other road users are put at risk when vehicles are speeding, as it’s more challenging to watch out for and respond to road hazards, make a turn, or stop suddenly. Freeways provide a seamless and safe driving experience by setting a speed limit for drivers. Still, some motorists drive at excessive speeds that can prove deadly even in a split second.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving while impaired due to drugs or alcohol poses serious risks of catastrophic or even deadly accidents. Taking these substances and hitting the road can impair one’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Everyone is at risk when a drunk driver operates a vehicle. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that drunk driving is a significant factor in traffic fatalities, accounting for about 30% of all traffic deaths annually.
Distracted Driving
Getting distracted while driving, even for a split second, can be as deadly as drunk driving. Many drivers may take the risk of using their phones to call, text, access social media, play music, or use their GPS while operating a vehicle. Not only does diverting one’s attention from the road endanger everybody’s safety, but trying to multitask while driving can be considered a grave form of negligence.
Driver Error
Many drivers make mistakes due to inexperience or being outright careless. This is yet another risk factor for vehicle accidents. Drivers who lack experience or proper training and those who recently acquired their license can pose a risk to everyone on the road just as much as reckless drivers with no regard for other road users.
Traffic Rules Violation
Many drivers are becoming brazen on the road, running red lights and violating others’ right-of-way. Such reckless driving behaviors endanger the safety of everyone, including the driver themselves. Tailgating, exhibiting road rage, and disregarding traffic signs and signals are significant contributing elements in a lot of vehicular crashes that result in catastrophic injuries.
Poor Weather Conditions
When driving in inclement weather, it is crucial to be aware of the state of the road. Wet roads can become extremely slick and may result in drivers losing control of their vehicles. The risk of traffic crashes and collisions increases if the road is not properly maintained. Driving in bad weather requires you to maneuver carefully and pay great attention to your surroundings. Also, ensure a reliable emergency kit is prepared and your vehicle is correctly maintained.
Some vehicle collisions are caused by flaws in the vehicle design or production errors. Any vehicle, including trucks, buses, and motorbikes, can have auto defects. Auto defects may result in brake failure and malfunctioning airbags and seatbelts, posing serious risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Common Injuries Sustained In California Freeway Accidents
Collisions on freeways frequently lead to moderate to catastrophic injuries, causing victims to be burdened with enormous medical bills and lifelong disabilities. The following are some of the most common injuries victims sustain in freeway accidents:
- Head and Brain Injuries — Trauma to the head can result in extremely serious injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can potentially cause long-term damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Aside from brain injuries, trauma sustained by the spinal cord can be devastating, resulting in partial or extensive paralysis and impaired mobility.
- Neck and Back Injury — The sudden and rapid movement of the neck and back during a crash can result in whiplash and other types of injuries that cause pain and mobility issues.
- Fractures — Moderate to severe broken bones require immediate medical treatment and rehabilitation. Being unable to walk or move properly due to broken bones can impair one’s ability to function daily.
- Lacerations — Sharp objects or debris caused by violent traffic collisions can lead to minor or major lacerations, which, in turn, result in bleeding and permanent scarring.
- Burns — Some accidents can involve fires or chemical leakage and exposure, resulting in burn injuries that lead to permanent disfigurement or scarring.
- Amputations — Some injuries, such as amputations, leave permanent marks. The loss of limbs not only requires extensive medical treatment and lifelong therapy, but it also greatly and adversely affects the victim.
The loss of life is one of the most tragic outcomes of any traffic accident. The grieving family is left not only with emotional trauma but also with extensive financial challenges. While no amount of money can restore the life of a loved one, family members are provided with legal rights under state law to pursue compensation to ease their financial burden. If you lost someone you love in a crash, reach out to our freeway accident attorneys in California for assistance with your wrongful death case.
What Compensation Can Victims Pursue After A Freeway Accident In California?
Victims of freeway accidents and other personal injury cases should know what types of compensation they may be eligible for. Legal representation from an experienced lawyer when filing a claim or lawsuit against the liable party’s insurance provider may be beneficial. Schedule an appointment for a free case review with one of our California freeway accident attorneys to discuss your case and discover what you may be eligible to pursue.
The severity of the injuries and damages sustained and their impact on the victim’s life usually determine how much the claim is worth. The compensatory damages victims can seek through the help of freeway accident lawyers in California are generally classified into economic (monetary losses) and non-economic (non-monetary losses).
Victims may be eligible for the following damages depending on their case’s specifics:
- Medical Expenses — Depending on their specific case, victims may seek compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to the injuries sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care.
- Property Damage — Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of damaged property may also be included in the injury claim.
- Lost Wages — Injuries may cause the victim to miss work and even affect their capacity to earn money.
- Pain and Suffering — Compensation may also be granted for intangible damages, such as loss of consortium, emotional distress, psychological problems, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful Death — The deceased’s family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering through a wrongful death claim.
- Punitive Damages — In rare occurrences, if the accident involves extreme negligence or intentional harm, the court may grant punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
How To Establish Liability In A California Freeway Accident
If you intend to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses after a freeway accident in California, know that the burden of proof is on you. This means that you need to present sufficient evidence proving that another party was at fault for the accident. Vital pieces of evidence include police and accident reports, statements from witnesses, photographs, medical records, and expert opinions.
However, even if substantial proof is provided, insurance companies may sometimes fight back, particularly in cases of big settlement claims, to protect their business interests. Our freeway accident attorneys in California can help you establish liability and deal with the other party during the case.
Proving liability involves demonstrating how the liable party was negligent in directly causing your injuries. This is done by establishing the following four elements:
- Duty of Care — The defendant owed you a duty of care. They had a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm, just like any reasonable person would do in a similar situation.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to act reasonably or acting negligently. Such a breach could include not following the traffic signals or driving recklessly.
- Causation — The defendant’s negligent actions directly led to your injuries and losses. There is a clear connection between their negligence and the harm you endured.
- Damages — You incurred damages as a result of the injuries caused by the defendant’s negligence. This generally includes medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Hiring experienced freeway accident lawyers in California means making sense of all relevant laws and legal complexities applicable to your accident and developing compelling legal arguments to prove the defendant’s liability. With a well-constructed case and proper legal guidance, the odds of recovering fair compensation from the liable parties and their well-resourced insurance providers may be better.
What Insurance Companies Do To Devalue Claims
After suffering injuries and losses in a freeway accident, there’s a strong chance the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster may contact you and try to speak with you. While it’s completely okay to do so, it remains in your best interest not to interact with them before consulting with a lawyer.
Regardless of the extent of your injuries and the obvious compensation you need, remember that insurance companies may use every effort to escape full or partial liability for your injury. Try to keep your interactions with insurers to a minimum.
Our freeway accident attorneys in California recognize the following tactics insurance adjusters use to reduce the value of claims:
- The adjuster may offer you a quick settlement. It may be tempting to accept their offer, but the settlement amount may not be enough to cover the true extent of your damage, and you also risk forfeiting your rights to claim for future amounts. It may take time before the true value of your claim is known. Therefore, politely decline any quick offer without your legal counsel’s awareness.
- The at-fault party and their insurer may deny liability. Since California follows a system called “pure comparative negligence,” the amount you can receive will potentially be reduced if you are found partially liable for the accident. The liable party may try to shift much of the blame to you to reduce their payout as much as they can.
- The adjuster may get you to sign a blanket medical authorization. This document allows them unlimited access to your medical records. They may use this access to deny liability by finding any prior medical conditions or past injuries to claim your present injuries aren’t due to the accident. Sign nothing until your California freeway accident attorneys approve.
What To Do After An Accident On California’s Freeways
Anyone who gets involved in a vehicular accident will naturally feel shocked and possibly disoriented, making it confusing what to do next. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remain calm and collected to perform the necessary steps after an accident that will help preserve critical evidence, which may also help strengthen your case later as your California freeway accident attorneys build it.
- Prioritize Safety — If possible, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location, preferably on the freeway’s shoulder, to prevent further collisions.
- Check For Injuries — Once you’re in a safe location, assess yourself and other passengers for any injuries. Call 911 for medical assistance right away.
- Call Law Enforcement — Call the police and make sure the accident is documented. Their official accident report is vital evidence for your claim, so request a copy afterward. Don’t admit fault or make any assumptions.
- Document the Scene — Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, weather, and any relevant details.
- Exchange Information — Politely ask for the other driver’s contact and insurance information, including their name, phone number, insurance provider, and policy numbers.
- Obtain Witness Information — Gather witnesses’ information, if any, including their contact details and statements to help strengthen your case.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider — Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid signing any documents or making recorded statements that could be used against you without consulting an attorney first.
- Seek Medical Attention — See a doctor immediately for a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Specific injuries may not show any immediate symptoms after an accident and may develop over time.
- Speak To Experienced Freeway Accident Attorneys In California — Consult a personal injury lawyer who focuses on freeway accident cases to know your legal options.
California’s Deadliest Highways And Roads
Living in the country’s most populous state, especially in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, entails using its vast and intricate network of freeways to get around. Unfortunately, some of these roads are among the nation’s deadliest. Three roads are included in the top ten deadliest in the LA metro area alone.
MoneyGeek analyzed the 2017-2019 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a report that discussed the top ten deadliest roads in California:
- I-15 between Exit 138 and Exit 129 in Hesperia (the deadliest in the state)
- I-80 between Exit 14A and Exit 8A in Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, and Albany
- I-80 from Exit 15 to Exit 21 in Richmond, El Cerrito, Pinole, and San Pablo
- I-5 from Del Paso Rd. to Railyards Blvd in Sacramento
- I-215 from Exit 44B to Exit 39 in Colton and San Bernardino
- SR-74 between Melba Ave. and 3rd St. in Menifee
- I-605 from Exit 5B to Firestone Blvd. in Norwalk and Cerritos
- I-280 from Meridian Ave. to Wilshire Blvd. in San Jose
- Bear Valley Rd. between Navajo Rd. and Tamarski Rd. in Apple Valley and Hesperia
- SR-22 from Exit 10 to Exit 5 in Garden Grove
The following are some of their key findings:
- The state’s second and third-most dangerous roads are found in the San Francisco metropolitan area.
- Drunk driving was a factor in 27% of all fatal accidents, while speeding contributed to 28%.
- Four percent of accidents involved distracted driving. California has relatively low rates of distracted driving when compared to other states.
- November saw the highest number of fatal accidents, probably due to travel during Halloween and Thanksgiving.
- More fatal accidents occurred in Los Angeles County than in any other county. Drunk driving and speeding were the main causes of deadly collisions there.
Traffic Accident Statistics In California
A large number of accidents in California occurred on its vast networks of freeways and highways due to the volume of traffic, among other factors. This doesn’t necessarily mean smaller roads are safe, as negligent drivers can drive anywhere.
Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) revealed the following key figures regarding traffic accidents in the state:
- Traffic deaths decreased by almost 11% from 2022 to 2023, from 4,539 to 4,061. The fatalities per 100 million miles traveled were 1.26 in 2023.
- Between 2022 and 2023, fatalities from alcohol-impaired driving accidents (involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration or BAC of 0.08 or higher) decreased by around 4.5% from 1,419 to 1,355.
- Around 50.3% of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 tested positive for legal and/or illegal substances.
- Deaths involving unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants in all seating positions were approximately 780 in 2023.
- In 2023, there were 583 motorcycle deaths, 33 of which involved riders who were not wearing helmets.
- Teen (15-20) driving fatalities decreased approximately 10.1% from 476 in 2022 to 428 in 2023.
- In 2023, pedestrian fatalities reached 1,106, and bicycle fatalities reached 145.
Seek Legal Help From Arash Law’s California Freeway Accident Attorneys
After getting injured in a freeway accident in California, your primary objective should be recovery. The process may take a long time and be very expensive. That is why pursuing monetary reparation for your losses and damages should be prioritized after that. Let our qualified freeway accident attorneys in California assist you in seeking a fair settlement for dealing with someone else’s negligence.
We at Arash Law, spearheaded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are committed to helping you confront all your legal challenges head-on. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us any legal fees upfront. This structure can be discussed in detail during your case review.
Our California freeway accident lawyers can meet with you at home, at work, or anywhere convenient for you. We serve injured clients all over California, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fresno, Riverside, Orange County, Stanislaus County, and Kern County.
