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Being involved in a car crash can leave you facing many questions and challenges. Selecting an experienced California lawyer to assist with your case is an important decision. With numerous options available, it’s helpful to know what to consider when looking for a car crash attorney.
According to the CDC, there were over 2.6 million emergency department visits for motor vehicle crash injuries in 2022. The highest number of visits occurs in the age brackets of 16-24 and 25-44. Car crashes are an everyday occurrence in America.
Our California accident law firm has years of experience handling car accident cases and is dedicated to guiding clients through the legal process of seeking compensation. We have a team of dedicated California car accident attorneys available to assist victims of car crashes. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Finding The Right Car Crash Attorney For Your Case
A car accident can be so overwhelming that it can feel like everybody is working against you. Some of that may be trauma. Your head may just be spinning in every direction, and you don’t know where to start. The right car crash attorney can provide legal support and guidance as you navigate your case.
Successful car accident cases occur when both the client and their attorney demonstrate a strong commitment to the process. Although you may be feeling overwhelmed by everything you’re dealing with after a car accident, consulting with an attorney can help you better understand your options and provide some clarity. The right car crash attorney can help you navigate your next steps.
Your case may include damages beyond what you initially considered, such as future medical costs or lost earning capacity. Accident attorneys can help you identify potential damages that may be available in your case.
Other than the ones mentioned above, there might be more losses you can pursue depending on your situation. Arash Law has a dedicated team of California car accident and California personal injury attorneys that can assist you.
Car Accident Statistics In California
There are approximately a quarter of a million injuries that come from over 190 thousand car crashes every year in California. Of those crashes, almost 4 thousand people die. Personal injury from car accidents and wrongful death claims are happening every day in this state.
When seeking a California car crash attorney, consider consulting someone who has experience dealing with these cases on a daily basis. Here’s what else we know:
- Approximately 50 percent of injured parties in a passenger vehicle crash did not wear seat belts.
- Approximately 1 in 3 deaths in car crashes in the United States involve a drunk driver.
- According to NHTSA, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, killing 11,775 people.
These statistics underscore the significant impact that car accidents have on individuals and families throughout California. If you or a loved one has been affected by a car crash, understanding your legal rights and options is an important part of the recovery process.
Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a car accident claim and answer your questions as you move forward. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling (888) 488-1391.
Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents
Driving is something that most of us do on a daily basis. We don’t usually think about the chances of getting into a car accident every day, but it can happen. Crashes kill thousands in California every year and injure hundreds of thousands.
Here are common types of traffic violations that may lead to car accidents:
- Speeding is sometimes a fatal traffic violation.
- Drunk driving is responsible for thousands of deaths a year and even more personal injuries.
- Car defects can cause loss of control, leading to accidents.
- Distracted driving was responsible for 3,275 deaths and over 320,000 injuries in traffic crashes in 2023, according to NHTSA.
- Driver errors encompass a range of mistakes, from innocent ones like wrong turns and failure to check a blind spot, to more serious ones like road rage.
An experienced car accident attorney will inquire about the types of distractions involved in a distracted driving case. It’s worth noting that distracted driving isn’t merely texting and driving, although that is one of today’s most common causes. There are three kinds of distracted driving:
- Manual Distractions — When hands are taken from the wheel.
- Visual Distractions — When you take your eyes off the road.
- Cognitive Distractions — When your mind wanders from driving.
Most Common Car Crash Cases Attorneys Handle
Experienced car accident attorneys are familiar with the common elements involved in these types of cases. We have causes of car crashes, types of car crashes, negligence or fault, and the resulting damages. These elements are ordinary and necessary information that every car crash attorney needs to know.
Common types of car accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- T-Bone accidents
- Rollovers
- Sideswiping
- Hit-and-runs
Each of these car accidents has the potential to be deadly or cause injuries that can change the rest of your life. Some of these are illegal and will put the driver at fault in the accident. As experienced California accident attorneys, we can help you understand your options if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
Who Is At Fault In A California Car Accident?
In California, the driver who caused the accident bears the burden of paying for damages, which is considered negligence. In order to get damages in a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you need to show that the other driver was responsible.
It is possible that both drivers are responsible for a car crash. In California, the pure comparative fault law applies. In other words, compensation may be available based on the degree of fault assigned to each driver.
If the other driver is 95% responsible, that driver will be responsible for 95% of the compensation. Your 5% will be deducted from the total damages awarded in the end. This percentage is often determined by a jury in a personal injury or car accident case. Many car crash attorneys will settle your case before it reaches that point.
But if you do end up going to court, a judge or jury will determine from the facts you have presented who is most at fault. Our law firm’s car accident lawyers are prepared to represent you in court. They also have experience evaluating the circumstances of an accident to help identify potentially responsible parties.
How Much Compensation Can You Pursue After A Car Accident?
The compensation you may seek after a car accident depends on factors like your injuries, accident circumstances, and insurance coverage. Every case is unique, so consulting an attorney can help you understand your specific options.
There are several things that you can claim in your car accident case. What follows are the common damages you could see.
Medical Expenses
This expense (past, present, and future) includes specialists’ visits, rehab, home care, and even travel fees if you have to travel.
Lost Wages
You may not be able to work for a while after an accident, and this could be covered. If you are permanently disabled, future lost wages may be included.
Pain And Suffering
Pain and suffering could include mental trauma you endure as a result of the accident, and even if someone prolongs a case to avoid paying.
Property Damage
Property damage includes car repairs, car recovery, or receipt of cash value if your car is a write-off.
When Should You Contact A Car Crash Attorney?
Whether you need an attorney after a car accident depends on the circumstances. When damages are less than $1,000, an attorney will cost you more than the damages you would receive. Those kinds of accidents are typically minor, such as fender benders or rear-end crashes.
Unless you hit a person or animal in any of these situations, you won’t need an attorney. You won’t need one if there is only property damage, and it is minor. The car insurance company will take care of that if the damages are more serious than your deductible. If someone in the vehicle is injured, even if the property damage is minor, it is advisable to consult an attorney, as medical costs can quickly accumulate.
Sometimes it’s easy to use your best judgment and know you don’t need one today, hoping this blows over soon. However, if you are confused or unsure, it’s never a bad idea to take advantage of Arash Law’s free initial consultations.
Start Your Claim With Us
In California, you don’t have a lot of time when you are seeking damages for personal injury, property loss, or malpractice. Each of these things has a different statute of limitations.
Damage to personal property is subject to a three-year statute of limitations. For personal injury, the time limit is two years from the date of injury. Other conditions may extend the two-year deadline. However, claims against government agencies are limited to a six-month deadline.
Our car accident attorneys have experience helping clients file claims and understand the legal timelines involved. Contact our firm today at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free case evaluation.
