Huntington Beach Auto Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes Of Auto Accidents In Huntington Beach

Collisions happen daily for many reasons. As such, the first question many people may ask is “How did the collision happen?”

Here are the most common contributing factors to auto accident that our Huntington Beach auto accident lawyers encounter:

• Moving violations — These violations occur when motorists fail to drive reasonably according to the law. Speeding, failing to signal, and failing to stop at a stop sign or red light are all moving violations.
• Driving under the influence — Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol increases the risk of people being in accidents. Drivers may face both civil and criminal penalties. Some involve license suspension, fines, and jail time.
• Distracted driving — California has zero tolerance for cell phone use behind the wheel. If a driver has a situation where they must use their cell phone, they must use a hands-free attachment so they can maintain control of the vehicle.
• Mechanical failures — Drivers should stay current with vehicle maintenance, which can cause an accident. A mechanical failure may also be attributed to a manufacturer who creates or sells the defective part. The party responsible for the mechanical failure might face liability for the accidents it causes.
• Fatigue — Driving while tired has the same effect as driving intoxicated. Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or are too groggy to see what’s in front of them can cause severe injuries to those around them.
• Inclement weather — If there is snow, rain, or another hazardous weather condition, it is a driver’s responsibility to adjust. Doing so can mean slowing down below posted speeds or turning on their headlights in low visibility. Failure to adjust can cause a collision.
• Poor road conditions — Construction, potholes, and broken lights are common hazardous road conditions you can encounter in Huntington Beach. When these conditions are present, the local government is responsible for fixing them. They may face liability for their contribution to your accident when they do not maintain the road.

These are a few examples of factors that contribute to auto accidents. There are many others. Sometimes, liability will fall onto more than one party. Since California has pure comparative negligence laws, the plaintiff can seek damages in a civil claim even if they are partially at fault. It also means victims can seek compensation from multiple parties.

Common Injuries Sustained In Huntington Beach Auto Accidents

Proving your injuries is another critical factor in your Huntington Beach auto accident claim. The amount of compensation you may be able to pursue can partially depend on the injuries you suffer. In high-impact collisions, victims are taken from the scene to be evaluated by medical professionals. In minor collisions, it is encouraged but not required. Our Huntington Beach auto accident lawyers may be able to better assess your injuries if you seek medical attention after any type of accident.

Here are a few examples of injuries that can be sustained in Huntington Beach auto accidents:

1. Whiplash — This occurs when there is a sudden back-and-forth jerking motion of the head. Symptoms are often delayed and can include dizziness, nausea, numbness, and blurred vision. You must seek medical attention immediately after a collision to diagnose and document your injury.
2. Broken bones — Vehicle occupants can be thrown about in an accident, striking other objects. That can lead to multiple broken bones or fractures. These breaks can take months to heal and require ongoing physical therapy for maximum medical improvement. Most often, broken bones happen in the hips, ribs, pelvic bones, clavicle, arms, and legs. If the break is severe, it can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
3. Head injuries — The head is susceptible to injury, meaning multiple areas can suffer damage. You can suffer a closed head injury like a concussion. Another outcome is an open head wound, like a linear skull fracture. Traumatic brain injuries can have serious, long-term consequences in many instances. Without medical attention, they can worsen over time. According to The Bangor Daily News, 13.5 million Americans suffer from brain injuries.
4. Herniated or bulging discs — Aside from your head, your spine is another sensitive part of your body. You can suffer many spinal injuries, but the most common is bulging or herniated discs. Bulging discs are typically considered minor. However, a herniated disc is severe and can rupture a significant part of your spine. If you have a debilitating herniation, you may need diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, spinal injections, and possible surgery.
5. Sprains — A sprain happens when there is stretching or tearing of ligaments. A ligament sprain is rated from grade one to three. The physical recovery will depend on the severity of the damage. It can take anywhere from three to six weeks to heal a sprain.

Other car accident injuries include:

• Burn injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ damage
• Lacerations or puncture wounds
• Facet joint syndrome
• Fractures
• Cuts or scratches
• Bleeding
• Wrongful death

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 272,000 traffic collision injuries occurred during their latest reporting year. Worsening the situation is the fact that you must prove the injury resulted from the crash and not something else.

Financial Damages You Can Seek In An Auto Accident Claim

Victims often ask how much they can pursue when they file an insurance claim. There is no standard amount for every client to seek after a collision. Any potential compensation amount will depend on various factors. The majority of the claim will depend on your medical costs and future prognosis.

Vehicle damage, time away from work, transportation costs, rental cars, towing expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs can also be considered in your claim.

Here are several types of damages victims can pursue:

• Special Damages — These are tangible expenses you incur from your collision. We can calculate these losses by tabulating your bills, pay stubs, proof of self-employment income, surgery expenses, receipts, and auto repairs. This category is all-encompassing and covers many areas.
• Medical Expenses — These expenses are included in special damages, but they are very extensive. Your initial medical treatment, follow-up appointments, and ongoing care are all tabulated under medical expenses. Our Huntington Beach auto accident lawyers help victims pursue damages for medical costs, such as:
  
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription drug costs
  • Physical therapy
  • Hospitalizations
  • Surgeries and invasive treatments
  • Massage therapy
  • Medical devices
• Lost Income — Your job can be one of the first places you experience financial burdens. You might have to take time off the day of the accident and for follow-up appointments and procedures. Depending on the severity of their injuries, some victims may not be able to return to work for extended periods or at all. Lost income can potentially bankrupt families. Such considerations can be factored into your claim.
• Property Damage — Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or to purchase a replacement. It also includes payment for personal effects that were damaged during the collisions, including clothing, laptops, cell phones, shoes, etc.
• Pain and Mental Anguish — The physical and financial impact a collision can have on you is only the beginning. There is also the mental anguish that an accident has on victims. Some damages victims can seek include:
  
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Psychological care

While these are some of the most common types of compensation victims can seek, not all of them may apply to your case. Others can be relevant but might not be listed here.