Contra Costa Car Accident Lawyers
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Our Accident Lawyers In Contra Costa County Offer Determined And Relentless Representation
Car accidents caused by negligent drivers injure and kill more and more people each year. These crashes have a traumatic impact, causing not only physical and emotional suffering but also lasting damage to the lives of the victims’ families. If you get injured or lose a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 today and get a free initial consultation with our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers.
Contra Costa, located in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, is a flourishing county that houses over 1.1 million residents, making it the ninth densest in the state. It is also famous for its magnificent natural landscapes, like the Mount Diablo Summit and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Bay Area views from these locations.
A number of roads connect nearby locations to the county as well. These include Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bike Lane, George Miller Regional Bike and East Ridge Trails, the SF Bay Oakland-Richmond section, Ohlone Greenway, and Meridian Ridge Road. With vehicles going in and out of the county through these roads, car accidents are bound to happen.
Nevertheless, you have our lawyers in Contra Costa County who can handle your car accident case. Our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will advocate for your rights and help you obtain the highest compensation for your losses and damages. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Hire Our Award-Winning Contra Costa County Car Accident Lawyers To Represent Your Claim
You can rely on our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers to handle your case efficiently and effectively. Our law firm is passionate about providing high-quality legal services to injured clients and their families. We have a team of top-rated personal injury lawyers who understand how catastrophic and life-changing car accidents are. We are dedicated to guiding you on how to recover from such a tough experience.
Our lawyers have in-depth legal expertise. We will conduct a rigorous investigation and decide on the best legal action for your case. Every situation has distinct details, and we will be all ears to create a tailored solution for you. Additionally, we will keep you posted about the legal process and respond to any concerns you may have. If you’re a victim of a car accident, let our Contra Costa County lawyers help you recover what you’re owed.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation
You may need to undergo strenuous legal procedures to get a settlement for your damages. Our experienced Contra Costa County car accident lawyers will work on your behalf to get maximum compensation. We can successfully resolve your claim by investigating your case, calculating your losses, negotiating hard with insurance companies, and litigating if a settlement isn’t reached.
- Utilizing our legal expertise and strategy – Our top-notch personal injury attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of personal injury law. With our knowledge in the field, we can create a strategic approach tailored to your case. We also specialize in various practice areas.
- Building a strong case – Our car accident lawyers in Contra Costa County can build a compelling case against the negligent parties. We perform meticulous investigations, gather evidence and testimonies, and draft records to back your claim.
- Negotiating for a maximum settlement – Our car accident attorneys can assist you in determining the value of your case. We will take into account different factors, like medical bills, missed wages, emotional suffering, and future expenses. Then, we will negotiate with negligent parties and insurers to ensure you acquire the most favorable settlement amount. We will take your case to court if necessary.
Our law firm guarantees that our services are not only reliable but also accessible. We operate on a contingency fee basis. Thus, we won’t ask you for any upfront fees until we successfully win your case. Our top priority is your welfare, and paying us won’t be a burden.
If you’re injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Contra Costa County lawyers. We are always ready to cater to your legal necessities.
Common Types Of Car Accidents In Contra Costa, CA
Rollovers
These accidents happen when cars flip over onto their roofs or sides. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says rollovers may lead to neck and head trauma as drivers and passengers are thrown around, especially if they don’t have a seat belt on. These kinds of crashes also have a greater possibility of ejecting occupants from their automobiles, which can lead to devastating injuries.
Rollovers account for the majority of traffic collisions in the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A study noted that roughly 220,000 light vehicles and 350,000 vehicle occupants get involved in rollovers annually. Out of these figures, authorities recorded 9,000 fatalities and 14,100 serious injuries. Meanwhile, 224,000 people are suffering from minor to moderate physical harm. In 2021, 7,640 passenger fatalities were recorded in rollover accidents.
Head-On Collisions
These involve the front ends of two vehicles crashing directly into each other. Victims of head-on collisions sustain serious bodily harm, such as severe head trauma, broken bones, and permanent or temporary disabilities. These injuries require costly and long-term medical care.
In the worst cases, head-on incidents result in the deaths of drivers or passengers. An example is the car wreck in Antioch, Contra Costa, which killed two drivers. As per the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a blue Scion TC was traveling west along the eastbound lanes when it struck a black Mazda 3 head-on.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), these types of accidents make up almost 11% or 4,295 of the fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2021.
T-Bone Collisions
These happen when cars hit the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These incidents are also known as side-impact collisions and are often reported at busy intersections where drivers fail to yield the right of way.
T-bone collisions are one of the most catastrophic types of car accidents because the sides of vehicles offer minimal protection against the force of the crash. Those seated near the car doors get the brunt of the forceful impact. A car’s speed, the angle of impact, and its safety features contribute to the degree of injury. Victims often sustain broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and brain trauma. Unfortunately, these accidents can also lead to death.
Rear-End Collisions
These collisions happen when a car hits the vehicle in front of it. These accidents are due to various reasons, including distracted driving, tailgating, sudden slowdowns, and sudden stops by the car in front. Victims may experience whiplash, headaches, dizziness, and body pain from the collision, which may have long-term adverse effects.
Multiple Car Pile-ups
Multi-vehicle accidents are typical occurrences along the streets of Contra Costa. These take place when several cars collide with each other in a chain reaction. Such situations often arise when traffic is congested. These can also happen when drivers are unable to avoid hitting other vehicles due to the high speed and lack of space on the road. Typically, multiple car pile-ups can cause various damages to vehicles and their occupants.
NHTSA data show fatalities in multi-vehicle wrecks have increased by 16%. Moreover, these incidents are also one of the most common work-related crashes in the U.S.
What Are The Usual Injuries In Car Accidents?
- Whiplash – This injury happens when the head and neck get jolted back and forth with sudden force. Such injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the neck. In some cases, these may result in headaches and dizziness.
- Head Traumas – They can be in the form of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These may also result in other complications if left untreated.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Among the most common consequences of car wrecks are spinal cord injuries. These happen when a sudden jolt or force causes the spine to move beyond its typical range of motion. Mild cases cause temporary pain and discomfort, while severe ones lead to permanent disability.
- Lacerations – The soft tissues of the body, like the skin, muscles, and tendons, are torn or cut open. Lacerations happen because of different external factors, such as sharp objects, blunt force trauma, or strong forces that cause damage to these tissues.
- Broken Bones – Fractures are also common in car accidents when the force of the collision breaks the bones within the body, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. As a result, varying degrees of physical disability, emotional distress, and financial burden emerge.
Typical Causes Of Car Accidents In Contra Costa, California
The following are the typical reasons for car accidents our lawyers see in Contra Costa County:
- Distracted Driving – Accidents can occur when the driver’s attention is diverted from the road. They may get distracted because of their phones or fellow passengers.
- Speeding – Going beyond the speed limit is a common reckless behavior that leads to drastic results. Speeding increases the risk of accidents as drivers have reduced reaction time, difficulty controlling the vehicles, and limited visibility of the road ahead.
- DUI – Alcohol and drugs negatively impact people’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Once intoxicated or drugged, drivers can cause accidents, which may lead to injuries or death to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
- Tailgating – Driving too closely behind other cars, or tailgating, affects drivers’ reaction time to sudden changes on the roads. As a result, they may not be able to brake in time to avoid clashing.
- Other Reckless Drivers – Negligent drivers can make poor choices and display bad behaviors, such as running red lights and ignoring stop signs. They not only put their own lives in danger but also the lives of other road users.
- Poor Road Conditions – Another factor behind traffic accidents is poorly maintained roads, which can also cause collisions. Examples are potholes, faded signage, road debris, and insufficient lighting.
- Bad Weather Conditions – Driving when the weather is bad increases accident risks for road users. It is easy to lose control of the vehicle and crash into other cars, especially when the driver is going fast. When it rains in California, the speed limit is minus 10 mph.
How Can We Prove Negligence In A Car Accident Claim?
To successfully win car accident cases, our Contra Costa County lawyers present pieces of evidence that establish the liable parties’ negligence. In particular, we help victims prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty Of Care – All drivers have a duty of care. It means they must exercise all precautions to prevent harm from happening.
- Breach Of Duty – Victims must show that the responsible driver didn’t act reasonably on the road. As they breached their duty of care, they also displayed negligence.
- Causation – Plaintiffs must demonstrate that they incurred injuries after the defendants breached their duty of care. Here, we assert that if the defendants had only acted with reasonable care, the harm would not have occurred.
- Damages – Injured parties must confirm that they sustained actual damages and losses due to the accident. These may come as physical, emotional, or financial losses.
Car accidents can have varying degrees of consequences, depending on the specifics of your case. Our Contra Costa County car accident attorneys can confidently help you establish the at-fault’s negligence through a thorough investigation. Choose our expert legal representation, and we will advocate for your rights.
What Compensations Can You Claim After A Car Accident In Contra Costa?
Victims may get compensation for both monetary and non-monetary damages from the responsible parties’ insurance company. If you get hurt in a car accident, our Contra Costa County personal injury lawyers can negotiate for the following settlements:
- Economic Damages – You can ask for reparation for all the economic damages you have incurred. These are intended to help you cope with your out-of-pocket expenses, which are quantifiable and easily calculated. Monetary damages may include medical bills, further treatment plans, rehabilitation, missed income, and property repairs or replacements.
- Non-Economic Damages – When a car accident occurs, there are often losses that go beyond physical damage. These are intangible and not easily measured in monetary terms. However, it is essential to get compensated for these to help you fully recover. These may cover your pain and suffering, disfigurement or disability, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages – These damages can only apply to car wrecks caused by malicious intent or gross negligence. The judiciary system of Contra Costa awards punitive damages with the goal of punishing the liable parties for their grave offenses.
A road accident may leave you overwhelmed and confused about the compensation you can get. Our Contra Costa County attorneys specializing in car accidents can quantify and calculate all of your losses. We will be your ally in presenting a strong legal case to maximize compensation.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What You Should Do After A Car Accident In Contra Costa
As much as you would like to avoid accidents, you must still prepare for them. Knowing what to do after one can help protect your rights. Aside from prioritizing your safety and calling 911 as soon as possible, here are some more steps you can take following a car accident:
- Move to a safe spot – When you’re in an accident, the last thing you want is to get hit again. If you can, move your car to a safer spot, away from moving traffic.
- Get medical assistance – Seek immediate medical attention, no matter how minor you think your injuries are. Health experts can assess your overall condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Also, secure a copy of your medical report, as it’s vital in establishing the damages and losses you incur after a car wreck.
- Cooperate with law enforcement authorities – Answer their questions with honesty, but don’t admit fault. They can provide you with an official incident report, which will be helpful for insurance purposes. If you are having trouble getting an incident report from your local police, our lawyers can help expedite the process.
- Record details of the accident – Exchange information with the other parties. Get their names, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, which can serve as solid proof.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 – An auto wreck entails a complex legal procedure for the settlement of your damages and losses. Contact the experienced car accident lawyers Contra Costa County offers as soon as possible to get legal representation. We will explain your rights and advise you on what to do next.
Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims In California
Contra Costa, like the rest of California, follows a two-year statute of limitations for car accident cases. Under this doctrine, plaintiffs may file their personal injury claims within two years from the date of the collision. If they didn’t initially find out their sustained injuries, they have one year to initiate their settlements after the discovery.
Further, there are also exceptions to the rule that may affect the set targets. For instance, the time limit pauses for defendants who are minors, out-of-state, in jail, or recognized as mentally incapacitated. It may only recommence once the liable parties reach the legal age, return to the state, are discharged, or regain sensibility.
These provisions can sometimes be a source of uncertainty. However, our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers will ensure document submissions are done on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Contra Costa County Car Accidents
What Happens If The Responsible Party Has No Insurance?
In case you get hurt by a driver with insufficient or no insurance at all, your insurer can step in and cover your damages via uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
In California, including Contra Costa, drivers are obliged to carry sufficient insurance policies. It is to ensure that they, and those who may be affected by their actions, get protection in times of inevitable accidents. However, despite this strict law, some drivers still choose to ignore it, meaning they have inadequate or no insurance at all.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the minimum liability insurance requirements in California are:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
Our Contra Costa County lawyers can help you understand these insurance requirements and all the facets of your car accident case.
What To Do If An Undocumented Immigrant Like Me Gets Hurt In A Car Accident
You may still file a claim even if you’re an undocumented immigrant living in Contra Costa County. No one can invoke the status of your residence just to lessen the settlement you’re claiming. Responsible parties must compensate you for your damages and losses when you’re injured in a car accident.
This matter may be complicated, but you can always get help from our car accident attorneys in Contra Costa County. Our law firm is available 24/7 to attend to your concerns. We also have staff that speak Spanish, Italian, Farsi, Korean, French, and Hebrew.
How Often Do Car Accidents In Contra Costa County Happen?
Based on the data issued by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in 2021, the county logged 4,454 victims who were killed and injured on the roads. It was a 10% increase from the 4,023 fatalities and injuries in 2020. Of the total, 612 involved alcohol, while 1,048 were speed-related. Meanwhile, 410 were hit-and-run cases.
Consult With The Car Accident Lawyers Contra Costa County Relies On!
Has a car accident in Contra Costa injured you or someone you know? We can help. From filing insurance claims to dealing with legal proceedings, our Contra Costa County car accident attorneys can give you the right guidance and support during this difficult time.
If you need legal assistance, contact us now. We are here to assist you with the details of the tragedy and advocate for the settlement that you must receive. Don’t worry about upfront fees because we won’t ask for any – we implement our “No Win, No Fee” policy. We will only get paid once we win your case. Additionally, our initial consultation is free. We can talk about your claim without any obligations on your end.
Our Contra Costa law firm also extends help to other nearby locations, including San Francisco, Stockton, Fremont, San Jose, Modesto, Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Turlock, Sonoma, Napa, Fairfield, Elk Grove, Lodi, Valley Springs, Atwater, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sutter Creek, and Plymouth.
