California Car Accident Lawyers
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California Car Accident Lawyers Experienced Legal Guidance After A Crash
A car accident in California can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, pain, and car repairs. Our California car accident lawyers help you seek compensation for your losses. We represent clients in crashes involving uninsured drivers, rideshares, wrongful death, distracted driving, and serious injuries like brain or spine damage. Call (888) 488-1391 for your free initial consultation.
If you sustained injuries in a California car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and legal paperwork. You do not have to handle it alone. Our California car accident lawyers help injured clients pursue compensation for their damages and navigate complex claims.
California roads see heavy traffic daily, leading to many preventable crashes. According to research, 94% of accidents happen because of human error. At Arash Law, we investigate every detail of your accident and tailor legal strategies to your situation.
The earlier you speak with a lawyer, the easier it is to gather evidence, preserve your claim, and avoid common mistakes that may hurt your case.
How Our California Car Accident Lawyers Build A Strong Case
After a crash, it can be hard to know where to start. We handle the legal process so you can focus on getting better.
Here’s how we support your case:
- We Investigate The Accident — We collect police reports, review crash scene evidence, interview witnesses, and may visit the location ourselves. Our legal team preserves key evidence and tracks your medical records and bills. We also work with independent experts, like accident reconstruction specialists, to support your claim.
- We Calculate Your Damages — Accidents often cost more than you expect. We help identify all losses tied to your injuries, including:
- Medical bills for past, ongoing, and future care.
- Lost income and work benefits from missed work or disability.
- Car repair or replacement costs.
- Pain, emotional distress, and daily disruptions.
- Strained personal relationships.
- Reduced quality of life and limited activities.
Pain and suffering compensation considers how your injuries affect your daily life, emotional well-being, and ability to enjoy activities. Medical records and expert opinions help determine a fair amount.
We take the time to document every loss so your claim reflects the full impact of the accident.
- We Deal With Insurance Companies — An insurer may try to resolve a claim for the lowest possible amount. They may question your injuries or offer a quick settlement. We handle all communication, paperwork, and negotiations carefully so we don’t overlook anything.
If an insurance company delays or denies your claim without a valid reason, we can also review whether their actions may amount to bad faith under California law.
If clients have concerns about paying for medical care while their claim is pending, we can discuss how treatment on a medical lien basis works.
Why Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers In California
Searching for experienced “accident lawyers near me?” When you work with Arash Law, you work with a team built for complex personal injury cases in California. Our firm brings the following to the table:
- We understand how California law and insurance rules apply to your case.
- We’ve handled car accident claims for Californians statewide for decades.
- Our statewide team knows the local courts, doctors, and investigators who often play a role in these cases.
- We have the resources to work through complicated situations, including cases with multiple drivers or serious injuries.
- We keep you informed and explain your legal options clearly at every stage.
- We know how to navigate legal and insurance challenges that can come up in serious accident claims.
We handle different car accident cases, even when the crash involves complicated facts or more than one driver. We focus on the evidence and follow California law to build your claim.
Common Types Of Car Accidents Our California Lawyers Handle
Our lawyers in California have handled numerous types of car accidents, from minor fender benders to severe cases like rollovers. We take a meticulous approach to providing victims with strong legal representation, going beyond the surface to uncover details that strengthen a case.
Our California lawyers for car accidents have handled the following common types of car crashes:
Speeding Accidents
Speeding-related collisions are common in California. They tend to occur in the same places consistently. The areas where speeding citations are most commonly issued include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, and Sacramento. Speed cameras were installed in certain cities to curb speeding-related accidents.
Out of the 4,285 traffic fatalities recorded in California in 2021, 1,509 were speeding-related. Due to the increasing number of speeding accidents and deaths, vehicles in the state will be required to have “speed governors” by 2027. These devices use GPS technology, cameras, and sensors to verify the speed limit in an area and slow down speeding vehicles.
Side-Impact Collisions
A side-impact collision happens when the front of an automobile hits the side of another vehicle. The danger comes from the lack of protection on the sides of most cars compared to the front and rear. Side impact car accidents most commonly occur in the middle of intersections due to people’s failure to yield at a stop sign or red light.
These accidents can result in severe injuries that require expensive medical treatments, surgeries, therapies, and other special injury-related care. You and your family might incur serious debt and make sacrifices to pay for these costly yet necessary healthcare treatments.
We are here to protect the rights of accident victims suffering from physical and emotional injuries. Our car wreck lawyer in California can recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Fatal Car Accidents
Arash Law specializes in car accidents resulting in death. Family members are entitled to receive damages for wrongful death, medical bills, loss of financial support, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. Fatal car accidents are grave tragedies that impact the lives of so many people. Although a wrongful death lawsuit cannot reverse your loss, it is a small step toward holding negligent people accountable.
As car accidents continue to be a major cause of untimely deaths, the best car accident lawyers California offers are advocating for improved road safety and helping families of deceased victims get justice from negligent parties. We understand the intricacies involved in handling these severe and emotional cases, and we cater to all of our client’s needs. As we take all of our personal injury and wrongful death cases on contingency, you do not pay for anything until and unless your case is resolved successfully.
Head-On Collisions
The dependable car accident attorneys from our firm are experienced in handling head-on car collisions in California. A head-on accident is defined as the front end of any two vehicles hitting each other. This type of crash happens mainly at traffic lights, stop signs, blind intersections, and on freeways.
Head-on crashes at intersections occur when drivers disregard traffic laws and signals, such as red lights, stop signs, or yield signs. Freeway head-on collisions usually happen when drivers enter the wrong way on on-ramps or off-ramps, sometimes due to intoxication or drug use. At our law firm, our goal in a head-on collision case is to help clients in every way.
We will fight to recover the financial resources they need for lost income due to the injuries caused, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Also, we will assist with getting you the best health care, physical therapy, and mental health needs. Head-on automobile accidents are complicated cases, and we have the experience to get you the best recovery.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are common and often result in severe injuries because the driver being hit has no warning. Arash Khorsandi and his team of personal injury lawyers can represent victims of rear-end car accidents in California. Our attorneys are dedicated to securing the best results for drivers and passengers. Don’t settle without consulting our experienced rear-end car crash lawyers.
Intersection Accidents
Our car accident law firm has helped many clients involved in car, motorcycle, bus, and truck collisions at intersections. These accidents often result from driver negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding through red lights. Severe injuries can lead to extensive medical bills and special care needs. Our California car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover their damages.
Hit-And-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without reporting it or exchanging information. This can involve pedestrians or cyclists as well. Often, drivers flee to avoid responsibility if they are uninsured or intoxicated. Law enforcement uses witness accounts, debris analysis, and traffic camera footage to identify the driver. If you’ve been harmed in a hit-and-run, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your damages.
Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a popular and convenient way to travel. Compared to traditional taxis, they’re usually cheaper and cleaner. But what happens if you are injured in an Uber crash or a Lyft accident?
Ridesharing companies provide insurance coverage for drivers when they are logged into the app. However, the type and extent of coverage can vary depending on the situation (e.g., actively waiting for a ride request, driving to pick up a passenger, etc.).
The claims process can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if there are disputes over liability. Consult our California car accident lawyers, who specialize in rideshare injuries, as soon as possible. They will face these rideshare giants head-on just to obtain the compensation they deserve.
Elderly-Related Car Accidents
According to the NSC, adults over the age of 75 have the highest fatality rate in motor vehicle collisions. Car accidents can be particularly dangerous for seniors. With age comes a natural decrease in bone density and organ function. This vulnerability makes even seemingly minor collisions more likely to result in serious injuries.
Injured seniors tend to take longer to heal than young, healthy adults. Some elderly people may never fully recover, depending on the circumstances of the accident. In the worst-case scenario, their injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical bills.
Unfortunately, insurance companies might argue that the injury stemmed from a pre-existing condition and not from the accident. This tactic helps them dodge a larger payout.
Our California car accident lawyers can review medical records to establish a clear timeline of the victim’s health before the accident. They will gather witness statements and police reports and work with medical experts to build a strong case proving the accident caused the injuries.
Accidents Involving Driverless Vehicles
Self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles (AVs), hold immense potential to transform transportation. The development of self-driving vehicles by businesses like Tesla and Google promises to improve road safety and efficiency.
However, the testing and development phase raises concerns about their readiness for public use. Several fatalities and injuries have been linked to collisions with driverless cars. There are also reports of test vehicles spontaneously combusting while they were parked.
One of the biggest issues in claims involving driverless cars is determining liability. Was the accident caused by a malfunction of the self-driving system, a programming error, or the human driver failing to take control when necessary? Our car accident lawyers in California can help you dissect the evidence to establish liability and hold all the at-fault parties accountable.
Rain-Related Car Accidents
When it rains, California roads often witness trucks in ditches, cars in highway pileups, T-bone collisions at intersections, and rear-end incidents at traffic stops. Driving during a rainy day is already risky, but some commuters make matters worse by driving recklessly, getting distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence. These actions significantly increase the risk of rain-related accidents.
In California, renowned for its sunny climate, rainfall is a seasonal occurrence typically observed between October and March and eagerly anticipated by residents as a distinctive feature of the state, especially in the north. During this time, driving on wet and slippery roads can pose considerable challenges, especially for drivers unaccustomed to such hazardous conditions. The combination of rain or snow and slick surfaces greatly hampers a driver’s control of their vehicle, leading to difficulties in maneuvering.
If you’re injured in a rain-related accident, our California car accident lawyers can help you determine who’s at fault and pursue compensation for your damages.
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
Common Questions After A California Car Accident
You may have questions about how California law works, what insurance covers, and what steps apply to your situation. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people after an accident.
How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Claim In California?
In California, strict time limits apply if you want to file a lawsuit after a car accident. This is called the statute of limitations.
- In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
- If the accident caused a death, the clock usually starts on the date of your loved one’s passing.
- You typically have three years from the accident date for property damage claims, such as vehicle repairs.
There are some exceptions. For example, the deadline may be extended if you were under 18 at the time of the accident. If a government agency is responsible, much shorter deadlines apply, sometimes as little as six months.
Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case is. The sooner everything is reviewed and organized, the better your chances of avoiding delays or problems later in the process.
Even if you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, a lawyer can review your situation and explain your legal options. Many people have a case, even if they share some fault or were unsure at first.
Can Dashcam Footage Be Used As Evidence In A Car Accident Case In California?
Yes, dashcam video can serve as proof in a car accident case. We review it to help understand how the crash happened and who may be at fault. In California, dashcams are allowed if installed in approved spots that don’t block the driver’s view. Insurance companies may also consider it when reviewing your claim. If you have footage, we can review it and explain how it may help your case.
Who Pays For An Accident When An Uninsured Driver Is Involved?
If the other driver has no insurance, you may still get paid through your uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2023, 20% of California drivers had no insurance, higher than the national average of 15%.
UM/UIM helps cover your medical bills and other losses when the at-fault driver cannot. Suing uninsured drivers often doesn’t help because many don’t have the money to pay. We can check your coverage and explain your options.
Can You Sue A Minor For Causing Your Car Accident In California?
In general, a person under 18 cannot participate in litigation. If you want to take legal action against a minor, you usually file a lawsuit against their parent or guardian. Parents may be liable in these situations:
- Parental Liability — This occurs when a parent’s actions or inaction help their child cause harm. For instance, if a parent knowingly lets their underage child drive, they could be liable for any accidents.
- Negligence By The Young Driver — Licensed teens must drive safely and follow traffic rules, just like adults. When assessing their actions in an accident, the court looks at their age and experience.
- Willful Misconduct — If a minor intentionally did something they knew was likely to cause harm, such as purposely crashing into another car or driving recklessly on purpose.
During the investigation, our car accident lawyers can help establish a timeline of events and analyze the driver’s behavior to determine if the minor driver breached their duty of care.
After A Car Accident, Will I Have To Go To Court?
Most car accident cases settle before trial, but some may still go to court. If that happens, there may be hearings before trial to handle scheduling or disagreements about evidence. You usually won’t need to speak at these hearings. If your case goes to trial, we will explain each step so you know what to expect.
How Do I File An Insurance Claim For My Car Accident?
You can file a claim by contacting the insurance company and providing details about the accident, your injuries, and vehicle damage. However, even small mistakes in what you say or how you fill out forms may affect your claim. Working with a lawyer can help you gather the right paperwork, organize documents, and handle communication with the insurance company to reduce the risk of delays or disputes.
Should I Get A Car Accident Lawyer Near Me For A Minor Collision?
Even minor crashes can lead to injuries that don’t show up right away. Some problems, like back pain or soft tissue injuries, may take days or weeks to appear. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly before the full cost of treatment is clear.
A lawyer helps you document your injuries, track medical care, and include any future expenses in your claim. Legal help also makes it easier to deal with the insurance company, gather the right evidence, and avoid mistakes that could affect who is held responsible for the crash.
What Are Most Lawyer Fees For A Car Accident?
The total cost really depends on the details of your case, since every accident is different. We handle cases on a contingency fee arrangement. We only collect an attorney’s fee if we win your case, but it’s important to understand that clients may be responsible for case-related expenses. When you reach out to us, we’ll take the time to review your case and explain everything clearly, so you know exactly what to expect.
Is It Worth The Money To Get A Lawyer For My Car Accident?
When it comes to car accidents in California, it’s almost always a good idea to get a car accident attorney. Even a fender bender that seems insignificant can turn into a major headache without trusted car accident lawyers in California.
Take speeding, for example, which contributed to over 12,000 traffic deaths (29% of all traffic crash fatalities). Speeding was a factor in 13% of all death or injury-related crashes and 9% of property damage-only crashes. That same year, car accidents caused 46,980 fatalities and 5.4 million medically-consulted injuries across the country. A California car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal mess that can be an unavoidable outcome of an accident.
Under California law, a car accident case involving speeding would be an easy case to show where negligence is indicated. California is an at-fault state, meaning whoever is at fault in a car accident bears most of the burden of responsibility, if not all of it. If you don’t know this, you may try to negotiate your insurance claims. But doing this can quickly become a nightmare.
After an accident, you’ll have to deal with the police, your insurance company, maybe someone else’s insurance company, and the medical field. Sounds daunting? It is! Dealing with these problems is what experienced California car accident lawyers can do for you. Contact one of our reputable California car accident lawyers as soon as you can after a traffic collision.
When Specifically Should I Speak To A Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
It’s often a good idea to speak with a lawyer once your medical condition is stable. Insurance companies usually start collecting information soon after the crash, and having legal guidance early can help you avoid mistakes that may affect your claim. You don’t need to wait until the end of your treatment. Many people still receive care while their lawyer reviews the case, explains the legal process, and helps with the next steps.
What If I Have A Pre-Existing Condition Prior To A Car Accident?
Car accidents can get more complicated if you already had health problems before the crash. These may include old injuries, chronic illnesses, or any medical issues you had before the accident.
California uses the “eggshell skull” rule. Under this doctrine, the at-fault driver is still responsible for all your injuries, even if your pre-existing condition worsens the injuries. Even with existing health issues, you may still qualify for compensation if the accident caused further harm.
It’s important to tell your car accident lawyer about any pre-existing conditions. Hiding this information can make your claim harder to prove.
What Documents Do I Need To Reimburse Medical Expenses?
Medical bills after a car accident can add up quickly. If someone else caused the crash, their insurance may cover these costs. You’ll need certain documents to support your claim and show your medical expenses:
- Bills and invoices for ambulance rides, emergency care, tests, and medications.
- Medical reports, like test results, scans, and injury photos.
- Treatment plans that show your recovery process, including physical therapy or ongoing care.
A California car accident lawyer can help collect and organize these records for your claim.
How Are My Lost Wages Reimbursed?
A car accident injury can force you to miss work and lose income. You may be able to recover these losses through a personal injury claim.
To calculate lost income, a car accident attorney in California may look at:
- Time missed while recovering or getting medical care.
- Time missed for doctor visits or treatments.
- Lost work benefits.
- Future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work.
To prove lost wages, you may need documents like:
- Pay stubs or salary records.
- A written statement from your employer.
- Medical reports showing why you couldn’t work.
- Recent tax returns.
If you have the right documents, your lawyer can help file a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your lost income.
What Happens If You Don’t Report An Accident In California?
California law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. File a report with the California Highway Patrol within 24 hours and submit an SR-1 form to the DMV within 10 days.
Failing to report can result in fines, license suspensions, or misdemeanor charges and may complicate insurance claims or compensation.
Reporting an accident creates an official record, which is essential for resolving disputes and claims. Even minor accidents should be reported to protect your rights and ensure proper documentation.
Can I File A Claim Without A Police Report?
Yes. You can still file a claim because the police report isn’t required to start the process. Other evidence can help show what happened, such as:
- Photos from the scene
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage reports
A police report can still be helpful because it includes the officer’s notes, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer’s view of who caused the crash.
How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take In California?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim depends on how serious the injuries are and how complicated the case is. Some claims may settle in a few weeks, while others may take months or longer.
Working with a car accident lawyer in California can help make sure your claim moves forward properly and nothing important gets missed along the way.
Here’s how the process usually works:
- Medical Treatment and Recovery — While you can start your claim right away, it’s often best to wait until your medical condition has stabilized or your doctors have a clear plan for your future care. This helps make sure your settlement includes both current and future costs.
- Investigation — Evidence is collected, such as the police report, medical records, witness statements, photos, and insurance information.
- Demand Letter — Once treatment is complete or future costs are clear, your lawyer sends a demand to the insurance company explaining your injuries and the amount you seek.
- Negotiation — Both sides may go back and forth with offers and counteroffers to reach an agreement.
- Settlement or Lawsuit — If both sides agree, the case settles. If not, your lawyer may file a lawsuit.
- Mediation — Before trial, both sides may meet with a neutral person to try to settle.
- Trial (If Needed) — If parties don’t agree, a judge or jury decides the case. Most cases settle before trial.
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
The amount you may receive depends on many factors. A California auto accident lawyer can help review your case and explain how these factors may apply.
Some of the key things that affect your settlement include:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The medical care you need now and in the future.
- How much work you’ve missed and the income you’ve lost.
- Damage to your vehicle.
- The strength of the evidence in your case.
- Insurance coverage limits.
- Whether your case settles or goes to trial.
Should I Hire California Car Accident Lawyers To Settle My Case?
You’re allowed to handle your claim on your own, but the process can be stressful. Insurance companies look for ways to pay less, and it’s easy to miss important details if you’re unfamiliar with the system. A California car accident attorney helps gather the right documents, handles the insurance company, and keeps everything on track.
Hurt In
A Car Accident?
Car Accident Injuries
Car collisions can result in minor to catastrophic injuries. An attorney for car accident victims helps clients get treatment for:
- Cuts, Lacerations, And Bruises — These are some of the most common injuries after car accidents. Often, victims suffer cuts or wounds due to shattered glass, broken plastic parts, and metal fragments from vehicles.
- Burn Injuries — Car crashes are also likely to result in burn injuries due to hot metal vehicle parts, fires, and explosions.
- Tissue Damage — Usually, tissue damage is not immediately apparent after a collision, which is why accident victims need to go to a doctor to diagnose this type of injury.
- Fractured Bones — Fractured and broken bones are among the most severe car crash injuries. Arms and legs are especially vulnerable due to exposure. Ribs can crack under seatbelt pressure, and facial fractures (nose, jaw, cheekbones) can result from impacts with airbags or dashboards.
- Back And Spine Injuries — Spinal cord and back injuries are some of the most significant effects of car accidents. Depending on the severity of the crash, a spinal cord injury can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Internal Injuries — The force of a collision can rupture organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys and cause lung collapse from rib fractures. Blunt force trauma can damage the intestines. Internal injury symptoms, often subtle and delayed, include bruising, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, and difficulty breathing.
- Head Trauma And Brain Injuries — Concussions, the most common type of brain injury from car accidents, occur when the brain is jostled violently within the skull. More severe conditions involve internal bleeding or bruising of brain tissue. These injuries can cause a range of symptoms, including slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a coma.
- Loss of A Limb — Limb loss, though rare in car accidents, can occur in severe crashes. Amputations may result directly from the collision or be medically necessary due to severe tissue damage or uncontrolled bleeding. It is one of the most traumatic and painful injuries, often leading to severe complications.
If you sustained any of these injuries and are faced with high medical bills, a California car injury lawyer from Arash Law can help you recover compensation. We can also connect you with the best medical experts in the state to help evaluate and treat your injuries. With our expert car accident attorneys by your side, you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Furthermore, car accidents are responsible for approximately 100 deaths per day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim with the help of our California car accident lawyers can provide some financial security and a sense of justice for those left behind.
Special Situations That May Affect Your California Car Accident Claim
Some crashes involve unique situations that can make your claim more complicated.
- Self-Driving Vehicles — If your accident involved a self-driving car, figuring out who’s responsible can be tricky. Sometimes it’s the technology, the company behind it, and sometimes the person who was supposed to take control. Manufacturers build these cars to improve safety, but tests have reported crashes and system failures. We would need to look closely at how the system worked at the time to understand what caused the crash.
- Rain-Related Accidents — If your crash happened in the rain, you’re not alone. Many drivers in California aren’t used to wet roads, and slippery streets make it easy to lose control. Some drivers also make poor choices by driving too fast, not paying attention, or failing to slow down for the conditions. Most rain-related crashes happen during the rainy season between October and March.
- Medical Emergencies While Driving — If the other driver had a medical issue, like a heart attack or seizure, it can complicate the case. In some situations, drivers may still be responsible if they knew about the condition and chose to drive anyway. These cases often require a closer look at the driver’s medical history and whether the crash was preventable.
How To Prove Liability In California Car Accident Claims
If you suffered injuries in a crash, a California car accident lawyer can help you prove who was responsible and build your claim for compensation. We call this process establishing liability.
In most cases, negligence forms the basis for liability. To prove this, the following four elements must exist:
- Duty of Care — The driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty — The driver failed to meet that responsibility, such as by speeding, texting, or driving under the influence.
- Causation — The unsafe behavior directly caused the accident.
- Damages — You suffered injuries, financial losses, or other harm as a result.
While negligence is the most common basis for car accident claims, some cases involve additional legal issues. Depending on the facts, other types of liability may apply:
- Product Liability — If a faulty part, like bad brakes or tires, caused the crash, the manufacturer or repair shop may be held responsible.
- Vicarious Liability — An employer may be responsible if an employee causes an accident while driving for work.
- Premises or Roadway Liability — Government agencies or contractors may be responsible if unsafe roads, poor maintenance, or construction hazards contributed to the crash.
- Strict Liability — In some situations, certain parties may be held responsible even without proof of negligence, such as for certain dangerous activities or unsecured animals.
Even with pre-existing conditions, we work to show how the accident worsened your condition to support your claim fully.
California uses a pure comparative fault system. If you were partly at fault, you can still get compensation. The percentage of fault assigned to you reduces the amount you receive.
Strong evidence, like police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and medical records, can help prove who was responsible.
What To Do After A Car Accident In California
If you are recovering from a car crash and are unsure what to do next, know that there are still important steps you can take to protect your health and your claim..
Here are the recommended steps to take:
- Continue Medical Care — Keep all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Some injuries may take time to fully diagnose or treat. Medical records from these visits will help support your claim.
- Gather Accident Information — Collect anything you already have from the accident, such as police reports, photos, medical bills, repair estimates, and contact information for any witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company — Make sure your insurance company knows about the accident. Keep your statements simple and stick to the facts.
- Keep Track of Expenses — Hold on to receipts and records for medical care, prescriptions, vehicle repairs, and any time missed from work. These can all become part of your claim.
- Avoid Speaking With The Other Driver’s Insurance Company — If their insurer contacts you, be careful. You don’t have to give a recorded statement or sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
- Talk To A California Car Accident Lawyer — Every car accident leaves questions about medical care, insurance, paperwork, and what happens next. You do not have to sort it out on your own. A California car accident lawyer can help you get answers, understand your options, and guide you through the process, no matter where you are in your recovery.
California Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents remain a serious problem across California. The numbers help show just how often these crashes happen and how many lives they affect.
In 2021, California saw a sharp rise in traffic deaths:
- NHTSA data shows there were 4,285 traffic-related deaths, which was a 7.6% increase from 2020.
- Alcohol played a role in 1,370 deaths, which was a 16% increase from the year before.
- Drug-related traffic deaths dropped by 41.4%, with 751 reported in 2021, according to UC Berkeley SafeTREC data.
Distracted driving continues to be a growing problem:
- SafeTREC further shows there were 140 fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2021. That was a 27.3% increase from the previous year.
Some groups face higher risks than others:
- Older adults are especially vulnerable. In 2021, 604 drivers aged 65 and older were killed in crashes. That group made up 14% of all motor vehicle deaths in California.
Some California roadways are known for higher accident rates, including Interstate 5, which stretches across much of the state, and State Route 99, which has seen frequent crashes, especially near Modesto. Heavy traffic, speeding, and poor road conditions often contribute to these accidents.
These numbers are more than just statistics. Every one of these accidents involves real people, families, and lives changed in an instant. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a California crash, legal help is available to explain your options and help you move forward.
Speak With A Knowledgeable California Car Accident Lawyer
Every crash is different. At Arash Law, we help people injured in car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. No matter what kind of crash you’ve been through, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and insurance questions that feel overwhelming.
You do not have to handle it alone. The team at Arash Law can review what happened, explain your options, and guide you through the process. We help clients across California, including these areas: Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Eureka, El Centro, Monterey, Salinas, Chico, Redding, Stockton, Modesto, and other locations in the state.
To get started, call (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
