California Car Accident Lawyers
- PAY NOTHING UPFRONT
- OVER $500 MILLION RECOVERED
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California Car Accident Lawyers With Decades Of Experience And Record-Breaking Vedicts
Getting around downtown involves hundreds of pedestrians and bicyclists. Drivers must pay strict attention at all times, as car crashes can occur in the blink of an eye. Driving anywhere in California is risky. The majority of collisions, however, are preventable. In fact, 94% of all accidents are attributed to human error.
Attention to the road, competence behind the wheel, and proper vehicle maintenance can reduce the odds of getting into a collision. However, negligence, recklessness, and breaking the law are at the heart of most “accidents.” Our acclaimed car accident law firm has represented clients in countless car crash cases.
We understand the common causes, defendants, and how to fight for compensation for collision-related injuries. Whether you suffered burns, broken bones, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other damages, talk to our award-winning California car accident attorneys. We have a track record of success, securing over $500 Million in compensation. We can do the same for you. Complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form to know how viable your case is.
How Our California Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Win Your Case
We’ll Investigate Your Case
We’ll Help You Calculate Your Losses
- Medical bills, including past and future medical care costs associated with your injuries
- Lost income
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We’ll Talk To The Insurance Companies
Why Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers In California
Talking to our California car accident attorneys before speaking to an insurance claims adjuster can give you all the information and confidence you need during this difficult time.
The sooner you call us, the sooner you can start the process receiving compensation. Reach out to our experienced car accident attorneys in California quickly to get your case moving.
After a settlement negotiation or court verdict, you will receive a check in the agreed-upon amount. Then, you can focus entirely on healing from your injuries.
Most Dangerous Roads In California
- Interstate 5 – This 800-mile road in California (a total of 1,381 miles, including Oregon and Washington) is notorious for car accidents. As the country’s fourth and California’s most dangerous road, I-5 has seen many severe and fatal crashes. For seven years, the freeway recorded nearly 100 fatal crashes annually. Risk factors include high traffic volume, teenage drivers, and weekend night outs.
- State Route 2 – SR-2 is one of Los Angeles County’s busiest roads. Despite its relatively short length, the highway’s design, where slower and faster traffic merge, creates risks for collisions. Although SR-2 had fewer accidents overall, all but two were fatal. In a single year, 50 of 52 accidents resulted in one or more deaths.
- US Highway 101 – Roughly two crashes per mile occur annually on this heavily traveled road with a high crash rate.
- Interstate 8 – Over 100 people are killed along I-8 in San Diego County each year. There have also been years when the number of fatalities has risen as high as 145. The I-8’s lengthy route (over 170 miles), high traffic volume, and the presence of inexperienced or distracted drivers elevate the risk of accidents.
- State Route 99 – The SR-99 often ranks at the top of the list of dangerous roads. However, its crash rate has decreased in recent years. Modesto sees the highest number of accidents each year, with 1 in 5 crashes linked to drunk driving.
- State Route 78 – San Diego County’s 215-mile SR-78, or Highway 78, sees about 75 deaths each year.
Areas In California With The Most Speeding Citations
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.
What Are The Physical Effects Of Car Accidents?
- 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 some of the most devastating types of injuries after a car crash. The arms and legs are particularly vulnerable due to being more exposed. Ribs, which protect vital organs, can crack under pressure from the seatbelt. Facial fractures, including those of the nose, jaw, and cheekbones, can occur after the face hits an airbag or dashboard.
- 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 like the spleen, liver, and kidneys. The lungs can collapse from a fractured rib puncturing the lung tissue. In severe cases, blunt force trauma can damage the intestines. The signs of internal injuries can be subtle and delayed. Symptoms 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. Although the loss of a limb is not a common occurrence in car accidents, it does happen in devastating crashes. While amputations can result directly from the force of a collision, they may also be medically necessary due to severe tissue damage or uncontrolled bleeding. Losing a limb is one of the most traumatizing and painful types of injury that can lead to severe complications.
- Death. 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.
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
What To Do After a Car Accident in California (10-Step Checklist)
Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. If you’re able, check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm and do not admit fault.
Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details if possible.
Again, do not admit fault, even to the police. This is one of the most important pieces of advice from our car accident lawyers. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer, such as the time or location of the accident. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision, but don’t speculate or express your opinion about what you think happened. Just stick to the facts.
Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company or car accident attorney. You may speak to the claims adjuster but do not give away any more information than is absolutely necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak to a car accident lawyer.
Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.
Following this checklist, you can escape a disastrous car accident with hope for the future. You would have protected your rights, said nothing to place blame on yourself, and sought immediate medical attention for injuries.
These actions can help should you need to file a claim with the California civil courts to pursue damage compensation. Don’t hesitate to immediately seek the best car accident lawyer near you, anywhere in California.
What Can I Do To Protect My Rights After A Car Accident?
What Information Should I Gather From The Scene Of An Accident?
After a car crash in California, you should try to collect as much of the following information from the scene of the accident as soon as possible:
- Make, model, color, year of manufacture, and license plate numbers of all the cars involved in the accident.
- Name, address, phone number, license number, insurance information, and registration information of all the drivers involved.
- Full name, phone number, and address of the vehicle’s occupants, witnesses, and pedestrians involved in the accident.
- Name, badge number, and department of the police officer who arrived at the accident scene.
- The actual location of the accident.
- Photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and damages to your car, if possible.
What If I Get Accused Of Partly Causing My Car Accident?
Can You Sue A Minor For Causing Your Car Accident In California?
- Parental liability – Parental neglect kicks in when a parent’s actions, or lack thereof, directly contribute to their child’s ability to cause harm. For example, knowingly allowing an underage child to drive a car could leave the parent liable for any resulting accidents.
- Negligence on the part of the young driver – Licensed teens are expected to drive safely and follow the rules of the road just like adults. The court will consider their age and experience when evaluating their actions in an accident.
- Willful misconduct – If a minor deliberately causes an accident, like using a car as a weapon, the court may hold the parents or guardians accountable for the resulting injuries.
Car Accident Victims Also Ask:
Who Pays For An Accident When An Uninsured Driver Is Involved?
Uninsured motorists are a big problem across California. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 17% of California motorists are uninsured, which is 3% higher than the national average of 14% in 2022.
What Should I Do If I Am A Passenger In An Accident?
Any time you are injured as a passenger in a motor vehicle accident, your first priority should be getting to safety. Get out of the vehicle and find a safe spot on the side of the road that is far away from the flow of traffic. If you cannot leave the car, call 911 and let them know you are trapped. They will send the proper equipment and responders right away.
After A Car Accident, Will I Have To Go To Court?
How Do I File A Police Report After My Accident?
How Do I File An Insurance Claim For My Car Accident?
What Are Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing A Car Accident Claim?
- Posting photos or updates on social media regarding the accident – This information can be misinterpreted and used by opposing parties.
- Not seeking medical attention promptly – Early diagnosis and documentation will help establish the full extent of your damages.
- Not being honest with your car accident lawyers – Be fully transparent with your attorneys. Any inconsistencies in your account could weaken your case in the long run.
- Discussing the accident with other parties – Avoid discussing fault or any details with anyone other than your California car accident lawyers. At-fault parties can use their conversations with you as a way to undermine your claim.
What Happens If I Can’t Get A Fair Settlement Offer For My Accident?
What Will It Cost Me To Hire A California Car Accident Lawyer?
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.
How Do I Find The Right Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
You could undoubtedly hire an attorney, but not just any attorney will give you the results that you deserve. It’s crucial to the success of your claim to hire someone with experience and knowledge. It should not be difficult to talk to them about the specifics of your case. Look for these requirements when hiring California car accident lawyers near you:
- Most or nearly all of the clients they represent are personal injury clients, especially car accident clients.
- They have a minimum of 10 years of experience in personal injury law.
- They offer free consultations at their office or a location that is convenient for you.
- They listen to you, recall the details you give them, and pay attention to you when you talk.
- They understand the type of injuries you sustained.
- They take your case seriously and care about your pain, it is not just about the money for them.
What Happens If A Car Accident Occurs Due To My Medical Condition?
In California, the law allows for what is referred to as the medical emergency defense, also known as the sudden emergency defense. This law is only applicable if the individual has an unforeseen and legitimate medical condition and all of the following terms have been met:
- The driver was not the cause of the emergency.
- Someone was put in danger of injury due to a crisis that occurred.
- The driver acted reasonably.
This means that for the medical emergency defense to be used, it would need to be proven that the accident was the cause of a sudden health crisis. The car accident lawyers of the driver at fault would have to provide detailed medical evidence that supports their unforeseen medical emergency; and that they acted reasonably, as anyone else would have done. Not all states have the same requirements for this law, but a driver who has suffered from a sudden medical emergency will often be burdened by showing proof that the conditions above were met.
What Are The Emotional Effects Of Car Accidents?
- Humiliation
- Anxiety
- Shock
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Fear (phobias)
- Anger
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Sleep disturbances
- Behavior changes
- Mental anguish
- Mood swings
Am I Liable If Someone Else Driving My Car Gets Into An Accident?
The quick answer to this question is yes and no. California law stipulates that car insurance follows the car, not the driver. If anyone gets into a car accident in your vehicle, your car insurance will be involved. You might even be held liable at some point. However, you may not be held entirely responsible, depending on the circumstances. To learn more, feel free to contact our car accident lawyers in California.
When Should I See A Doctor After A Car Accident?
When Specifically Should I Speak To A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
- We recovered $6,000,000 after a head-on collision killed a beloved wife and mother. The at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol and crossed the double yellow line. Despite attempts by the defense to contest the coverage and liability of the insured, our team successfully secured the maximum policy limits for our client.
- We secured $5,250,000 for our client, who suffered paraplegia after a collision with an inattentive driver. We recovered the maximum policy limits as well as workers’ compensation benefits from our client’s employer since he was working during the accident.
- We won $4,100,000 for our client, who suffered multiple broken bones and other severe orthopedic injuries in a car accident. Heavy fog covered the road when the at-fault driver attempted a left turn in front of our client.
Common Types Of Car Accidents Our California Lawyers Handle
Side-Impact Collisions
We are here to protect the rights of accident victims suffering from physical and emotional injuries. Our side-impact collision injury 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.
Head-On Collisions
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of car accidents. In a typical rear-end accident case, driver “2” hits driver “1’s” completely stopped car from behind, and since driver “1” has no warning of getting hit, driver “1’s” injuries are usually severe and long-lasting.
Intersection Accidents
Our car accident law firm has represented numerous car, motorcycle, bus, and truck collisions that have taken place at an intersection. Most intersection accidents are caused by a driver who was carelessly driving or on their cell phone and not paying attention to the road. Intersection accidents could also occur when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and/or simply speeding and passing a red light.
Hit-And-Run Accidents
Rideshare Accidents
Elderly-Related Car Accidents
Accidents Involving Driverless Vehicles
Rain-Related Car Accidents
What If I Have A Pre-Existing Condition Prior To A Car Accident?
What Happens If You Don’t Report An Accident In California?
Typical Causes Of Car Accidents In California
Speeding
Aggressive Driving
Texting While Driving
- No handheld cell phones. No driver may use a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle to make calls or for any other reason. This law applies to all persons driving in California, whether they live in the state or not.
- No hands-free cell phones for drivers under the age of 18. Drivers 18 and older may talk on hands-free devices or via speakerphone as long as any earpieces do not cover both ears. Drivers under 18 cannot use hand-held or hands-free devices.
- No texting and driving. There is a separate law that bans texting, emailing, social media, and any other use of a wireless device while driving.
Other Forms Of Distracted Driving
- Eating
- Talking to a passenger
- Tending to children in the back seat
- Switching radio stations
- Looking for something that fell on the floorboard
- Applying makeup
Drinking And Driving
According to the NHTSA, an average of 37 people lose their lives every single day in drunk driving accidents. That’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2021 alone, there were over 13,384 fatalities, a 14% increase from the previous year.
Drowsy Driving
Can Dashcam Footage Be Used As Evidence In A Car Accident Case?
Proving Negligence In A Car Accident Claim
How Does Pure Comparative Negligence Impact Car Accident Claims?
How Does The Car Accident Settlement Process Work?
How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take In California?
Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims In California
The statute of limitations is a set of deadlines dictating how long you have to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages. In California, the time limit for personal injury cases, including car collisions, is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver (or their insurance company) to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs.
Car Accident Statistics In California
- California saw a sharp rise in traffic-related deaths, with fatalities climbing 7.6% from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021, according to the OTS.
- Alcohol-related fatalities increased by 16%, with the number of deaths climbing from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021.
- According to Berkeley SafeTREC, there were 751 drug-related traffic deaths in 2021, reflecting a significant 41.4% decrease from the previous year.
- In 2021, 1,509 people were killed in speeding-related crashes, reflecting a 16.5% increase compared to the previous year.
- There were 140 fatalities related to distracted driving in 2021, reflecting a significant 27.3% increase from the year before.
- There were 604 older adults (drivers aged 65 and older) killed in traffic accidents in 2021, representing 14% of all California motor vehicle fatalities.
Should I Hire California Car Accident Lawyers To Settle My Case?
While it’s technically possible to represent yourself in a car accident case, it is not the wisest course of action. Self-representation can put you at risk of making mistakes and missing your opportunity to recover for your damages. Negotiating with insurance claims adjusters is difficult, and the stakes can be high. Protect your rights and your future by hiring the top-rated car accident lawyers California trusts to settle your case or take it to trial if need be. Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you only pay attorneys’ fees if we win you a monetary award.
Should I Get An Attorney For A Minor Car Accident?
Contact Our Expert Car Accident Lawyers In California Today
If you believe you have grounds to file a claim, retain a local California car accident lawyer near you who can help you navigate accident and personal injury laws. Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has decades of experience throughout California and has secured million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Our California car accident attorneys can investigate your crash, identify the potential defendant(s), and file your claim with the civil court system as quickly as possible. Don’t delay – you’re just a phone call away from learning about your legal options. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case evaluation with a reputable California car accident lawyer today!
We offer our services throughout California, including these areas: Fresno, Visalia, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Victorville, Santa Ana, Riverside, Lancaster, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Chula Vista.