Contra Costa County Accident Attorneys
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Contra Costa County Accident Attorneys Dedicated To Client-Focused Representation
Accidents happen every day across California. As a result, Californians suffer from various injuries and, maybe, some resulting losses. An accident that was not your fault may entitle you to seek compensation through an injury claim.
Our established injury firm has decades of experience helping residents of Contra Costa County move forward after accidents. Our lawyers can assist you in filing a claim seeking the financial and emotional burdens you’re facing due to your injuries. Call our Contra Costa County accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391.
How Are Californians Injured?
Injuries can happen due to accidents caused by simple mistakes or intentional actions. Contra Costa accident lawyers understand that injured victims want to know whether they can file a claim. How do you know if your injury can make a good case? Take a look at these examples:
- The at-fault driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol or was driving irresponsibly.
- The accident happened at a construction site.
- A misdiagnosis led to further illness or death.
- A store failed to de-ice or clean a walkway, and you slipped and fell.
- You got burned by a defective product.
Our Contra Costa County accident attorneys can help victims pursue personal injury claims in California, including San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sherman Oaks. Here are some of the practice areas that Arash Law has had decades of experience with:
- Car accidents
- Wrongful death
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bites
- Construction accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– Arash Khorsandi
2020 Saw A Drastic Decrease In California Car Crashes
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, California experienced significant changes in driving patterns. During that year, the Golden State saw a substantial decrease in driving due to pandemic-related restrictions and remote work policies.
Still, traffic fatalities at that time remained a serious concern in California, even with fewer vehicles on the road due to the pandemic. Traffic safety officials continued working to address road safety concerns throughout this period.
The fatal crashes included passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. Even after the pandemic, traffic accidents remain a significant safety concern for Americans throughout their lifetime, making defensive driving practices essential.
After the country has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and begun sharing the roads again, we have to watch out for different kinds of accidents and their causes once more. This article discusses car accidents and other types of personal injury accidents.
What Usually Causes Motor Vehicle Accidents In Contra Costa County?
Lots of factors can cause an accident. For example, drunk driving is a significant cause of accidents across the country. While drunk driving is an essential contributor to car accidents every year, virtually anything can cause accidents.
Other causes of car accidents in California and across the country include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Bad weather
- Running intersections
- Design defects
- Unsafe lane changes
- Improper turns
- Driving the wrong way
- Cars in your blind spot
California law allows victims to seek compensation regardless of whether a driver is under the influence of drugs and alcohol, falls asleep at the wheel, or is otherwise negligent. We are here to help. Our injury law firm has the experience assisting clients in seeking monetary recovery for their losses.
What Happens If I Hit A Car In My Blind Spot?
A blind spot is an area where your view is blocked. This is a risk many drivers take every day as they aren’t able to see everything or everyone on the road. When driving, a blind spot is the part of the road that the driver does not easily see.
The car’s rearview mirrors help eliminate the dangers created by the blind spot. However, blind spots are still a problem. Accidents can occur when drivers fail to see another motorist approaching. So, whose fault is it when you are involved in an accident that is caused solely by being in another driver’s blind spot or another driver being in your blind spot?
The driver who merges or changes lanes will often create the risk of being in a blind spot. As a result, the driver who changed lanes or merged may be responsible for the accident.
However, every case is different. The attorneys at Arash Law can thoroughly investigate your case and help you build a claim. If you are involved in a car crash caused by someone in your blind spot, we are here to help you.
Whether you were the driver who had the blind spot, or you attempted to change lanes or merge, it is important to determine who is responsible. After an investigation of the accident, it is possible that both drivers are at fault. California law allows a driver who is partially at fault to recover.
Arash Law has decades of experience helping people pursue compensation even if they are partially responsible for the accident. Our Contra Costa County injury firm is dedicated to helping our clients pursue the damages necessary to move forward after an accident.
What Are Common Types Of Car Accidents That Occur In California?
Rear-End Accidents
These accidents are usually caused by closely following the vehicle ahead of you. Rear-end accidents occur when a driver hits your car from behind. Common injuries related to rear-end accidents include concussions, whiplash, broken ribs, etc.
Even with a rear-end accident, liability may not be clear. For example, there may have been more than one driver at fault. Having legal representation can be helpful if you are involved in a rear-end accident.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on accidents are often caused by distracted or negligent driving, including driving under the influence. A head-on collision is caused when two or more vehicles travel in different directions and hit their front ends. Common injuries resulting from a head-on collision are broken bones, internal injuries, cuts, bruises, etc.
An attorney in Contra Costa County can help you navigate the process of assigning liability. Contact our injury attorneys to get assistance for your case.
Rollovers
Rollovers are often the result of distracted driving or failing to account for poor weather conditions. A rollover accident happens when a large vehicle loses control and flips over on its side or topples all the way over. Typical injuries for rollover accidents include spinal cord injuries, broken bones, concussions, etc.
It may be difficult to determine liability in these types of cases. However, our legal team offers its experience to help you navigate the legal landscape and pursue compensation.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents can be caused by negligent driving. A T-bone accident happens when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another car. Injuries that commonly occur as a result of T-bone accidents can vary.
However, blunt force trauma commonly occurs after an accident of this type. Other injuries can include concussions, whiplash, broken bones, cuts, and bruises.
Largest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021; client suffered spinal and wrist injuries.– Judd Ross Allen
What Are Some Common Types Of Personal Injuries?
Your injuries can vary depending on the type of accident you were involved in. Although any damage disrupts your life, some injuries can cause life-altering results. The Contra Costa accident lawyers at Arash Law have represented clients in seeking damages for injuries like the following:
- Severe neck pain
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bone fracture
- Injury to internal organs
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
What Are Some Common Car Accident Injuries?
Although every car accident is unique, some common injuries can occur. Car accident victims may suffer anything from cuts and bruises to severe injuries that require multiple surgeries to heal. Some common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Knee trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Arm injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Neck injury
- Broken clavicle
- Broken shoulder
- Ruptured or herniated discs in the back
- Broken jaws and other dental injuries
- Loss of the ability to speak
- Tinnitus
These accidents can be caused by multiple factors, and this list is not exhaustive. Our Contra Costa firm is ready to assist clients seeking recompense for the injuries and other losses they have suffered.
What Should I Do If I Get In A Car Accident?
Step One: Check for Injuries
Make sure you and your passengers are okay after a car accident. Seek medical attention right away if necessary. If you have serious injuries, call an ambulance.
Step Two: Observe the Scene
It is essential to preserve the scene as much as possible. Talk to the other driver if they do not have injuries that need immediate medical attention. Take pictures of the damage, vehicles, and anything else you think should be documented. Then call the police to create an accident report.
Step Three: Call Our Contra Costa Firm
Consider consulting with a qualified injury attorney in Contra Costa County to help you understand your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. Contact Arash Law, and our legal team will help you understand your rights and navigate insurance claims and property damage issues.
How Can A Contra Costa County Accident Attorney Help Me?
If you get involved in an accident, you may need legal options for pursuing compensation for your injury. Medical bills, property damage, and even mental anguish have a dollar value. Our personal injury firm will work to investigate the accident to help you claim damages for your losses.
We collaborate with various experts, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and vocational specialists, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your case. The expert opinions help us evaluate the potential damages in your case.
To get a clearer idea of your case’s value, we can take the following steps:
- Review police reports.
- Consult with doctors who specialize in treating the type of injury you may have.
- Research the safety history of the vehicles involved.
Some of the areas where we have represented clients are as follows:
- Poor road design or dangerous roads
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Adverse weather conditions
- Vehicle design defects
- Rear-end accidents
- Uninsured/ underinsured motorists
- Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing accidents
What Happens If I Am Involved In A Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run happens when a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene. The driver who committed the hit-and-run does not exchange insurance or contact information and usually does not report the accident. Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating because you have no information about the person responsible for causing you harm.
A hit-and-run driver may have what they see as valid reasons for leaving the scene. Sometimes drivers believe they will be charged with multiple criminal charges, like driving without a license or driving under the influence. The driver may even be afraid because the car is stolen.
Whether or not the at-fault driver has valid reasons for the hit-and-run, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. So, what do you do when you do not have any information about the responsible driver? Call Arash Law for legal assistance. Founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our law firm also assists hit-and-run victims in claiming damages for their losses.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you will likely use your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance policy to help with your financial reimbursement. In some cases, your very own car insurance company may even deny your claim or make a lowball offer. However, we advocate for your right to seek compensation, even if your insurance provider resists.
My Vehicle Is Defective. What Do I Do If I Get Hurt?
We all know that companies are concerned with their bottom lines. Car manufacturers are no exception. However, with so much attention to the bottom line, car manufacturers often forget important details about making a car correctly. But lax standards in manufacturing can cause tragic events. Our firm has relevant experience handling cases involving vehicle manufacturing defects.
Our firm has represented clients seeking damages caused by the following vehicle issues:
- Defective brakes
- Defective door latch
- Fuel tank defects
- Automatic seat reclining mechanism failure
- Defective airbag design
- Rollovers caused by a bad design
- Defective tires
- Transmission defects
A scary realization is knowing that a manufacturing defect can cause an accident without warning. What do you do when you are hit with an accident because of a design defect? Contact the attorneys at our Contra Costa firm. We’ll handle the legal process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your medical recovery.
California has a lemon law in effect for poorly manufactured vehicles. California’s lemon law allows customers to be compensated for defective car parts that impair the use, value, or safety of a new car purchased in California. The lemon law covers severe defects that the car manufacturer cannot repair, or any defect that causes the vehicle to be unable to be used for at least 30 days since it was purchased. If both conditions are met, then the car is considered a lemon, and the vehicle owner may be entitled to compensation.
If an owner has a defective vehicle, they can be compensated in one of two ways. First, the owner can choose to have the manufacturer replace or repair the car, or the owner can request a refund from the manufacturer. It is not just vehicles that are subject to pay compensation. Any manufacturer of a defective product is strictly liable for damage caused by the product.
A company is strictly liable for the harm, meaning it does not matter whether it was negligent; it still must pay. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident and create a strategy for your case throughout our investigation. We’ll identify who is responsible for your harm and preserve any evidence, including any proof that exposes design flaws and negligent maintenance leading to your injuries. We are here to advocate for your rights and pursue compensation for your losses.
What If I Have A Car Accident Because The Roads Are Dangerous?
If you are injured because of a dangerous road in California, call our personal injury law firm. Way too often, Californians are hurt because of poorly maintained roadways or roadways that are just poorly designed. California is a densely populated state. Because of the bustling roads, it is of the utmost importance to have well-maintained and well-designed roads.
The state or county may be liable for injuries caused to its citizens by negligent maintenance or design. Arash Law works to identify who is responsible and advocate for your compensation. Some of our clients’ cases have involved injuries due to:
- Poor visibility because of overhanging vegetation.
- Lack of warning signs.
- Lack of guardrails.
- Failure to warn drivers about crosswalks.
- Short entrance and exit ramps that make merging difficult.
- Improper banking of roads.
- Lack of reflective markings.
- Lack of road surface variation (e.g., rumble strips) to warn drivers of hazards or upcoming changes in the roadway.
- Inadequate shoulder.
- Allowing passing with visibility restricted by weather, hills, or curves.
You have recourse if you are hurt after having an accident on a dangerous road. If you are injured on a public road, you must file a claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of your injury. If you are hurt on a private road, you must file a lawsuit against the private entity within two years of having the accident.
When it comes to suing government entities, lawsuits can get complicated. It can be helpful to have qualified legal representation to navigate these complex matters. We have the experience assisting clients and advocating for their rights against prominent defendants and government agencies. Call our Contra Costa accident attorneys if you have been injured due to a dangerous road.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Expect?
When you are injured in an accident, your injuries can take many forms. And just like your injuries can be in many different forms, the damages can also be various. Damages typically take one of two primary forms. Injuries are either economic or non-economic.
Economic Damages Include:
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Bills for medical procedures, such as surgery, pharmaceuticals, and rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages Include:
- Pain and suffering
- Physical pain
- Disability
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
California allows injury victims to seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and usually go above and beyond typical economic damages. Punitive damages are used to deter the defendant and others from acting in the same way.
Understanding what compensation you may qualify to claim can be complex. That is why you should contact us after an accident. The Contra Costa County injury attorneys at Arash Law take on the challenge of complicated cases. Our focus is on achieving a fair settlement for our clients while providing thorough legal representation.
What Happens If I Am Partially At Fault?
Even if you share some fault for the accident, California still allows you to claim damages. This is because California is a pure comparative fault state. That means you may still receive some compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party, even if a judge finds that you are 99% at fault for the accident.
No matter the cause of the accident, California requires that the correct percentage of fault be assigned in every personal injury case. For example, if the potential award is $100,000, but the judge finds that you are 20% at fault, you may still qualify to claim up to $80,000.
If you believe you can pursue compensation but have little to no idea of the damages you may claim, our experienced attorneys can help estimate your losses and answer your questions about your rights. Call us if you have been injured in a California accident.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Injury?
An accident can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some injuries are moderate, like whiplash or fractures. Some injuries are significant and can alter your life permanently. However, you may have never considered the catastrophic effects of these severe injuries. Examples of potential injuries you may suffer resulting from an accident include:
Paralysis
Paralysis is the inability to make bodily movements voluntarily. The condition is caused by nerve damage. Nerve damage is usually caused by a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries are typically caused by high-impact accidents or jolts to the spine.
The severity of paralysis varies. It can be partial or complete paralysis. A paralysis accident can cause a person to be:
- Monoplegia (unable to move one limb)
- Paraplegic (unable to move both legs and torso)
- Quadriplegic (unable to move limbs from the neck down)
In case of a paralyzing accident, you might not be able to do the same type of work or work in the same industry. You may have to hire a caregiver. The expense is not your fault. Our team of attorneys at Arash Law can help you pursue compensation if you suffer this kind of injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically caused by a catastrophic blow to the head. A TBI causes progressive brain dysfunction. Car accidents can cause a TBI due to the strong impact on any part of the vehicle or being thrown from the car. This injury can have life-long effects that can range from unstable mood, depression, memory loss, amnesia, and loss of the ability to create new memories.
Some of the more common types of TBI include:
- Concussion
- Contusion
- Penetrating
- Injury
- Anoxic brain injury
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a common injury to the brain caused by traumatic events. This is another type of brain damage seen in professional football players. This is caused by repeated head trauma. CTE cannot be diagnosed until after an autopsy.
Loss Of Hearing Or Vision
The inability to hear or see will cause your life to change completely. It will more likely than not cause your work to change. It will change how you interact with family and friends and how you navigate the world. The significant changes you will suffer may be grounds for seeking recompense. Our experienced Contra Costa accident attorneys can help you pursue claims for such losses.
Amputation
Amputation of one or more limbs or body parts has physical and emotional effects. Aside from the physical limitations, some of the emotional consequences of amputation include:
- Phantom limb pain
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional side effect after suffering extreme trauma. Symptoms of PTSD vary from person to person. Some symptoms may include agitation, irritability, hostility, flashbacks, irrational fear, and severe anxiety.
Experiencing these symptoms may make you feel like a different person than before the accident. In this case, emotional trauma may warrant compensation. Our legal team has experience helping clients who have PTSD start their road to recovery.
Call Us To Speak With A Contra Costa County Accident Lawyer
A qualified legal team can provide valuable assistance in managing your claim after an accident. The lawyers at Arash Law are ready to review your case. Our approach addresses the legal aspects of your case while supporting your recovery from your injuries. We handle each case with professional legal advocacy.
There is no fee for your initial consultation. Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay attorney fees only if we can help recover compensation for your damages. Note that you may still have to pay for case costs and other expenses regardless of the outcome. If you have been in an accident, call us at 1-(888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your free initial case evaluation with an accident attorney in Contra Costa County.
