Monterey Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyers Are Committed to Listening and Advocating
Car accidents are far too common in Monterey. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident, our Monterey car accident lawyers at Arash Law can help you seek damages. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or via our online chat to schedule a free initial case evaluation.
Having car accident lawyers by your side can be beneficial in many ways. The attorneys who handle car accidents at Arash Law can guide you through your legal options based on the details of your case. If you have a valid claim, we can help you develop a tailored legal strategy. Reach out to our Monterey car accident attorneys to understand your rights in these situations.
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
Why Do You Need Our Experienced Monterey Car Accident Lawyers?
You might consider not hiring an attorney, especially if you think that your accident was not very serious. However, pursuing financial compensation after an accident without retaining legal counsel may have certain disadvantages. You may have extensive legal rights that might get set aside during negotiations. To have someone advocate for your rights after a car accident, contact our Monterey car accident lawyers.
Lawyers who work on car accident cases can provide the necessary legal support for your case. It may also be beneficial to hire personal injury attorneys who are part of a law firm that can handle a wide range of accident cases.
Our Monterey injury law firm comprises experienced attorneys who have handled a wide range of accident cases. We work to help victims pursue claims and advocate for their rights when negotiating with other parties.
How Can Our Car Accident Attorneys Help Your Case?
Going up against insurance companies alone puts you at risk of getting settlements that may not address your actual losses. Through our Monterey auto accident lawyers’ negotiation and litigation skills, our attorneys will work to pursue the compensation available for your case.
Our Monterey car accident attorneys can help manage your case by:
- Meticulously examining the police report and other documents to identify and challenge any inaccurate claims made by the other party.
- Analyzing witness testimonies and uncovering crucial details that support your case.
- Accounting for all damages (medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, etc.) to be included in your claim.
- Handling communication with the insurance company and pushing for a fair settlement offer.
- Exploring other possible legal options, such as taking your case to court when necessary
Car accidents are already stressful, and legal proceedings can amplify that. Our Monterey personal injury attorneys, who focus on car accidents, can handle the complexities of your case.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Monterey, CA?
The steps you take after an accident are critical because they could affect your legal rights to compensation. To protect your safety and your right to file a claim, it is recommended to follow these crucial steps:
Call 911
After a car crash, contacting first responders is crucial. The police will investigate the scene, interview witnesses to determine fault, and gather evidence. Your lawyer can use evidence from the police in the future to support your case. Additionally, an ambulance will be dispatched to treat any injuries.
File An Accident Report
After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling emergency services, file an accident report with the responding law enforcement officer. This report documents the details of the crash, including the parties involved, the location, weather conditions, and initial observations at the scene. The report will be crucial evidence for insurance companies and potential legal cases.
Exchange Information With The Other Driver
Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved in the accident. This includes names, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers. Take pictures of their insurance cards and license plates if possible. This information is essential for filing insurance claims and determining faults.
Limit Your Statements To Others
Be cautious about how much information you share with police, insurance companies, other drivers, and witnesses at an accident scene. Overly disclosing details early on could hinder your potential recovery. Allow your attorney to speak on your behalf when dealing with insurance companies or other parties. Additionally, do not provide any recorded statements to anyone, such as the other driver or an insurance company, or sign any documents without consulting a lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
You should see a doctor after a crash, even if you do not think that you are seriously injured. Some injuries do not manifest until days or weeks after an accident, and some cannot be diagnosed without a medical examination.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Check your insurance policy for deadlines for reporting accidents. Meeting these time limits is crucial to avoid losing coverage. While reporting promptly is important, avoid making any official statements until you speak with an attorney, as your words could impact your claim.
Call Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyers
Contact one of our Monterey car accident attorneys after an accident to learn more about your rights and options. We can provide legal insights that can help you make informed decisions about your case.
How Do I Prove Negligence In A Monterey Car Accident Case?
Being the victim of a car accident can be stressful, especially when figuring out who’s responsible. Often, the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. Examples include driving while intoxicated, speeding, breaking traffic laws, making unsafe lane changes, or using their phone while driving.
However, proving the other driver’s negligence can be challenging. You need physical evidence linking their actions (or inaction) to your injuries or financial losses. Understanding what evidence helps your case can be difficult, but an attorney can help you with this process.
In proving liability, your attorney must establish the following:
- The at-fault driver had a duty of care to keep you and others safe on the road. This includes not engaging in reckless driving behavior and obeying traffic rules.
- The driver breached their duty of care through negligent actions or inactions.
- There is a direct link between the resulting accident and your injuries.
- You suffered actual damages due to the sustained injuries.
Remember, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to minimize your losses. Our Monterey accident lawyers can advocate for your interests in such cases. We can also assist in gathering crucial evidence that may help substantiate your claim.
Recoverable Damages In A Monterey Car Accident Claim
The damages available in your accident case depend on the surrounding facts and circumstances. California law allows personal injury victims to recover accident-related damages from the liable party. There are three general categories of damages that an accident victim may recover, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Under California Civil Code Section 1431.2 (b)(1), economic damages include any “objectively verifiable monetary losses” suffered by an accident victim. Examples of economic damages include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses, and the cost of rehabilitation and medical equipment
- Current and future lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Loss of business opportunities
- Repair costs for property damage (This is not limited to the cost of repairing a vehicle. Repair costs can include the cost of repairing fencing, for example)
- The value of any lost use of the property
- Funeral and burial costs
Non-Economic Damages
Under California Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(2), an accident victim may recover for “subjective, non-monetary losses” they suffered. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Humiliation
- Mental health struggles
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Inconvenience
- Injury to reputation
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are available only in specific circumstances. In California, this applies when clear evidence shows the defendant acted with fraud, malice, or oppression. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff; rather, they aim to deter the defendant and others from similar wrongdoing in the future.
Our Monterey car accident lawyers will help you understand your rights to compensation and help you with the legal process of filing a claim.
Common Causes Of Accidents In Monterey, CA
While Monterey offers a secure environment, the risks of accidents remain a reality. Car accidents are among the most common risks both locals and tourists continually face due to the high volume of vehicles on the road. Many of these accidents occur due to preventable driver errors. If you’re injured in a crash, you face not only physical pain but also financial burdens. Consulting with our Monterey car accident lawyers can help protect your legal rights to compensation.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Monterey are:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe left turns
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Dangerous road conditions
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
Common Injuries Suffered By Car Accident Victims In Monterey
Car accidents in Monterey can happen for many reasons, some causing minor damage while others leading to serious injuries or even death. Even if you feel okay after a crash, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Monterey lawyers for car accidents highlight the importance of this process when victims plan to file claims. Delaying treatment can hurt your chances of proving injuries to insurance companies.
Here are some common injuries sustained by car accident victims:
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured nose
- Fractured collarbones
- Wrist fractures
- Broken ribs
- Leg fractures
- Arm fractures
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Car Accident Statistics In California
California sees a concerning number of car accidents each year, causing injuries and, sadly, fatalities. According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2019 alone, there were over 269,000 injuries and 3,737 deaths.
While recent data suggests a slight decrease in injuries, fatalities are on the rise, with over 4,000 lives lost in 2022. Our team of experienced Monterey car accident attorneys understands the risks and represents victims professionally. If you’ve been affected by a crash, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey Car Accidents
What If The Other Driver Is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
It can be disappointing to learn that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. If you find out that the other driver does not carry car insurance coverage, you may be able to turn to your insurance policy.
California drivers can opt for uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage when they sign up for insurance. These additions to your policy provide some financial protection if you are involved in a crash with a driver who does not have adequate coverage. Car accident lawyers in Monterey can assist you with this type of claim if legal challenges arise.
What Can I Expect If I File A Car Accident Claim?
Car accident cases can be overwhelming, especially if you have no experience with the court system. Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved. If the parties cannot reach a satisfactory settlement agreement, your lawyer may consider filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation on your behalf.
With the right attorneys working on your side, you can expect the support you need for your claim. Your attorney will help you by answering your questions, speaking to insurance companies, and handling any other details of your accident case.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Car accident cases can be overwhelming, especially if you have no experience with the court system. Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved. If the parties cannot reach a satisfactory settlement agreement, your lawyer may consider filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation on your behalf.
With the right attorneys working on your side, you can expect the support you need for your claim. Your attorney will help you by answering your questions, speaking to insurance companies, and handling any other details of your accident case.
Speak With One Of Our Car Accident Attorneys In Monterey
Car accident injuries can leave you with overwhelming medical bills and lost wages, making financial recovery a daunting task. Our Monterey car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing injured victims and their families following a crash.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we obtain compensation on your behalf. You do not owe us money unless we recover a settlement or jury award for you. However, certain case costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our team will explain the fee structure to you before proceeding with your case.
Our legal services also extend to Monterey’s neighboring communities, including Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina, Salinas, Watsonville, Gonzales, Aptos, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Soquel, Scotts Valley, Hollister, Gilroy, Soledad, and Morgan Hill.
Focus on healing while we work to pursue compensation. We want to help you get back to your normal life after an accident. Schedule a free initial consultation at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat, and let us work together!
