California Fatal Car Accident Lawyers
- PAY NOTHING UPFRONT
- OVER $0 MILLION RECOVERED
- ZERO-FEES UNTIL WE WIN
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our California Fatal Car Accidents Lawyers Offer Legal Guidance For The Moments You Didn’t Plan For.
Car accidents are sometimes life-altering and traumatic. Because of how universal cars are to our lives, drivers often forget just how dangerous they can become and that severe and even deadly car crashes can occur. They sometimes drive recklessly, speed, get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or drive distracted.
Every year, many people are injured in automobile accidents on roads across the United States. Tens of thousands of drivers and passengers lose their lives each year due to crashes. According to the United States Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there were 33,919 fatal vehicle crashes in 2018, which caused 36,835 deaths.
These figures mean there were 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people, 1.14 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, and one death every 12 to 15 minutes in the U.S. When a car accident occurs, the victims, their families, and the entire community can be devastated. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that there were 4,061 car accident fatalities throughout the state in 2023. Thousands of people must deal with grief and sudden loss in the wake of California’s deadly accidents.
If you recently lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you might wonder how you will ever be able to live your everyday life again. It may take time, and there are no quick fixes, but you can learn to cope and rebuild your life. One step that many families find helpful after losing a loved one in a car accident is meeting with a fatal car accident attorney.
United States Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
- The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that an estimated 46,000 people were killed in U.S. motor vehicle accidents in 2022.
- About 711 children 12 years old and younger were killed as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in 2021, and over 63,000 were injured in 2020, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- The lifetime economic total expense to society for each traffic death is $1.4 million, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2015 report. Over 90% of this figure is due to lost workplace and household productivity and legal costs.
- The cost of fatal accidents in California in 2018 was $5.83B.
- Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
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
California’s Most Dangerous Roads
According to one study conducted by OTS, nearly 57% of Californians believe that it is okay to drive 10mph over the speed limit on this state’s freeways. Almost 40 percent of those said their chances of getting a ticket for speeding 10mph over the speed limit were unlikely.
Fatal accidents on certain freeways from 2015 to 2017, as reported by KEYT:
5 Freeway
101 Freeway
99 Freeway
Deadly Auto Accidents Are Common In California
Fatal car crashes frequently occur on California’s large and congested highways. Numerous individuals are killed each year on California’s roads due to traveling at high speeds or colliding with larger vehicles like trucks. You might be surprised to learn that there are fatal accidents that occur at low speeds on side streets. These low-speed accidents could happen because drivers are often less attentive while driving at slower speeds with less traffic. Many of them are distracted by their cell phone.
Fatal motor vehicle accident victims can be of any age. Some may even be following the law and are usually wearing their seatbelts for safety. Many pedestrians are also hit and killed by cars every year in California. If someone else caused or contributed to your loved one’s passing, a fatal car accident lawyer can offer you legal insights about what to do next.
Some of the most common causes of fatal vehicle crashes include:
- Intoxicated Drivers — Nearly 30 percent of all fatal car accidents involve a drunk driver, as per the CDC.
- Reckless Drivers — Reckless drivers can cause deadly crashes by making unsafe lane changes, speeding, and tailgating.
- Distracted Drivers — Many serious and fatal accidents happen when motorist are using their phones, speaking with their passengers, or eating.
- Defective Vehicles — If a car was poorly constructed or built with a malfunctioning auto part, it could result in a fatal crash.
- Exhausted Drivers — Drowsy driving reduces alertness and slows reaction time, increasing the risk of serious crashes. These accidents commonly occur at night, early in the morning, or after extended periods without rest.
Our fatal car accidents attorneys understand that some injured individuals are left with permanent disabilities such as brain damage, paralysis, amputation injuries, orthopedic injuries, and other serious conditions that substantially and destructively affect the lives of crash victims. When a motor vehicle accident leads to death, the family members of those who died may suffer both emotionally and, often, financially.
Car Accident Victims Also Ask:
What Should I Do If I Am A Passenger In An Accident?
Any time you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, your first priority should be getting to safety. Here are some recommended steps to take:
- Move to Safety and Report the Incident — 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 that you are trapped. They will send the proper equipment and responders right away.
- Get Medical Attention — Let the emergency medical personnel on the scene evaluate your injuries and follow any of their recommendations. If you choose not to leave the scene in an ambulance, you should still visit an emergency department or an urgent care facility right away.
- Follow Up with Your Doctor — Even if you think you are not injured at all, it is always important to follow up with your primary care doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not start to show symptoms for days or weeks after an accident occurs. Only a qualified medical provider can determine the extent of your injuries. Whether you think you are injured or not, this documentation will be critical evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Consider Exploring Your Legal Options — Consult an experienced personal injury attorney for case assessment. Try to avoid making any statements about the accident to the insurance company until you have retained a lawyer. Once the insurance company is notified of your attorney’s contact information, your attorney can handle the communications on your behalf.
After A Car Accident, Will I Have To Go To Court?
A claimant may need to go to court only if legal action becomes necessary. Typically, some car accident cases often go through settlement negotiations before considering filing a case. Even if the case has been filed, there is still a chance for the case to get settled without reaching trial. As cases may vary, consulting an attorney is one way to determine whether you are going to court or not.
Additionally, it is essential to understand that very few personal injury cases ever go to trial. The majority of car accident cases in the United States settle outside of court. Whether going to court is a viable option for your case depends on its specifics, and a car accident lawyer can help clarify this. They can also explain the ramifications of going to court.
How Do I File A Police Report After My Accident?
You can either provide your statement to the law enforcement who responded on the scene, or you can go to the nearest police station to report the accident. The law enforcement officers who respond to the scene have the responsibility to prepare a police report about the incident. This report is a critical piece of evidence. The officers will take your statement about what happened. (While you should not discuss the accident with the other driver or bystanders on the scene, you should give your statement to the officers to be used in their official police report.)
How Do I File An Insurance Claim For My Car Accident?
After an accident, parties often exchange insurance information. Depending on the liability, a victim may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. In some instances, victims may also file an insurance claim with their own insurer. If you choose to handle your case without an attorney, you will have to call the insurance company to file your claim. If you have an auto accident attorney, they can help with the claims process. Your attorney can handle the paperwork for you. They can also provide legal advice on what to do and what to avoid while your claim is in progress.
What Happens If I Can’t Get A Fair Settlement Offer For My Accident?
If a fair settlement offer cannot be reached in negotiations, your lawyer might explore other possible legal options, like filing a lawsuit. In some cases, pursuing legal action may encourage insurers to offer a more reasonable settlement. Presenting strong pieces of evidence may also increase the likelihood of a fair offer. However, every case is unique, and what constitutes a fair settlement can be subjective, requiring careful evaluation. It’s advisable to consult an attorney to explore your options based on the specifics of your situation.
What Will It Cost Me To Hire A California Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers work on contingency. Working on contingency means that you don’t need to pay upfront lawyer fees. The attorneys will only get paid if they recover compensation on your behalf.
Some injury victims hesitate to seek representation due to concerns about cost. This fee structure offers them the opportunity to access legal representation without any initial expenses. You may ask about this payment arrangement during the initial consultation with your lawyer.
Does The Size Of My Car Matter In An Accident?
Generally, big cars are considered safer than small cars. There are several important reasons for this. First, in a larger car versus a light car crash, physics favors the more massive vehicle. Momentum is a product of mass and velocity.
Of course, large car versus small car safety is a far more complicated issue than which vehicle has more momentum in a collision. A vehicle’s safety also considers its ability to withstand a crash or even help the driver avoid an accident altogether. The driver’s experience and comfort with the vehicle’s features are also critical components of the safety equation.
Is It Worth The Money Getting A Lawyer For My Car Accident?
When it comes to car accidents in California, it’s almost always a good idea to get a personal injury attorney. It is commonly thought that a lawyer is not needed if the accident is minor and does not cause injury. However, even a fender bender that seems insignificant can present some legal challenges.
Under California law, a car accident case involving speeding can be straightforward in certain situations. 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.
After an accident, you’ll have to deal with the police, your insurance company, maybe someone else’s insurance company, and the medical field. In certain cases, there can be liability issues. Dealing with these problems is what an experienced accident attorney can do for you. Contact a California personal injury attorney as soon as you can after a car accident.
How Do I Find The Right California Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
It is important to find an attorney who has experience with cases similar to yours. It should not be difficult to talk to them about the specifics of your case. You can find an attorney through:
- Referrals from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or other professionals.
- Online searches and legal directories, where you can review client ratings and experience.
Look for these requirements when hiring a California car accident lawyer near you:
- Most or nearly all of the clients they represent are personal injury clients, especially car accident clients.
- They have years of experience in personal injury law.
- They are licensed to practice in your area and familiar with the local and state laws that apply to your case.
- They offer free consultations at their office or a location that is convenient for you.
- They understand the type of injuries you sustained because they work with medical professionals.
What Are The Physical Effects Of Car Accidents?
While some physical effects of a crash can be visible right away (e.g., bruises, scars, and broken bones), others may not be noticeable immediately after the accident. Sometimes, high levels of shock and adrenaline after a car accident keep victims from recognizing injury symptoms and may even mask the pain for hours. That is why it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident to diagnose and document all of the injuries.
In most cases, the aftereffects of a car accident can be divided into two categories:
- Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruises — These are some of the most common injuries after car accidents. Often, victims of car crashes suffer a cut wound 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 at the scene of the accident.
- Tissue Damage — Often, 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 common injuries that can occur after a car crash and may lead to significant physical and financial challenges.
- 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 spine injury can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Loss of a Limb — Although the loss of a limb is not a common occurrence in car accidents, it does happen in devastating crashes. Losing a limb can be traumatizing and may lead to many other severe complications.
- Death — Some car accidents can lead to fatal injuries, particularly for more vulnerable individuals, such as occupants of smaller vehicles, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
What Are The Emotional Effects Of Car Accidents?
A severe injury can have long-term emotional effects after an accident. The emotional effects of a car accident include:
- 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 may be held liable at some point. However, you may not be held entirely responsible, depending on the circumstances.
What Are The Kinds Of Car Crashes?
There are some situations where you won’t have to worry if another driver gets into an accident with your car. However, what you have to worry about may be different in every situation. Here are some examples of kinds of car crashes where your liability decreases:
- Stolen car
- Another driver was at fault for the collision
- All parties are insured
When To See A Doctor After A Car Accident?
If you are severely injured on the scene of an accident, it is easy to make the decision to go to the emergency department in an ambulance and get medical care right away. But it is more challenging to know what to do if your injuries don’t appear to be serious. Just because you were able to walk away from a car accident doesn’t mean you were not injured in the crash. It is essential to see a doctor to be sure that you have not suffered any latent injuries.
Beyond the medical concerns, there are also legal reasons to see a doctor as soon as possible. For instance, the severity of injuries often affects compensation. While you will likely be in touch with a claims adjuster, most of the real insurance adjusting is done by a computer program that will be fed data about your accident and injuries. One crucial piece of data that may influence your claim is whether you sought medical attention in a “reasonable” amount of time after the accident.
When Specifically Should I See A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
As with medical care, it is important to see a legal professional as soon as possible after an auto accident. Any statement you make on the scene or over the phone to the insurance company may compromise your claim. Some insurance companies even go through victims’ social media accounts to try to find evidence that could challenge their claims. A California personal injury attorney can help you avoid these potential issues by providing legal advice once they take on your case.
Of course, you must first tend to your medical needs. See a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Follow their recommendations and get the necessary rest. Then, meet with an auto accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Once the insurance company is notified that you have legal representation, your attorney can manage all communications with them.
It is important to remember that lawyers can begin handling your case even while your rehabilitation is in progress. Let our experienced car accident attorneys handle your legal claim so that you can focus on your recovery.
What a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
If you lost a loved one or sustained a severe injury in a car crash because of another driver’s carelessness and negligence, you may be able to pursue a claim or legal action. When someone loses their life in a car accident due to another’s negligence, surviving family members may have legal options to pursue compensation for their losses. A wrongful death claim may provide recovery for medical expenses and other costs related to the crash.
It can also help those who have lost financial support because of an unforeseen death. Legal action might also help prevent a similar tragedy from happening to other families.
Act Quickly After A Fatal Car Crash
If someone you love died in a car crash, it is advisable to reach out to an experienced fatal car accident attorney. It can be an arduous task to handle a wrongful death claim for a fatal car accident on your own, especially if you don’t have the advantage of having a professional legal background.
It may be beneficial if you had a fatal car accident lawyer working for you and your family. They can gather evidence that may help establish fault in such cases. Additionally, they can assess your losses and assist in determining the types of compensation that may be available to you under California law.
A Fatal Car Accident Attorney Can Advocate For You
Car accidents occur under numerous circumstances. Many of them involve the negligent or irresponsible behavior of another driver. After a deadly collision, an experienced fatal car accident lawyer can serve as your legal guide and advocate. Your fatal car accident lawyer can build your case and guide you through the legal processes applicable to your situation.
Although receiving compensation doesn’t decrease the pain of losing someone, it may ease some of the stress brought about by the loss. It would help if you didn’t have to deal with financial weight at this challenging time.
What Are The Expenses Involved In Fatal Auto Accidents?
After a loved one loses their life in a car accident, you may wonder how you will pay the short-term and long-term expenses and damages. These may include the following:
- Medical Bills — The cost of surgeries, hospitalization, and medications can be overwhelming, especially as the medical bills keep coming in.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses — These costs can add up to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of service and burial chosen by the family.
- Loss of Financial Security — If you relied on your loved one’s wages, health insurance, and other financial benefits, the loss of this financial support could significantly burden you and your family.
- Loss of Companionship — The sudden absence of a loved one is devastating. Being deprived of the companionship and care of your deceased loved one can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Pain and Suffering — The grieving process affects each aspect of your life, including your ability to go to work and concentrate, as well as attend to other obligations. Your pain may leave you vulnerable to a variety of physical, psychological, social, and financial problems.
Reducing The Risk Of Auto Accidents And Injuries
Due to other drivers’ actions and choices on the road, you can never eliminate your risk of being involved in a car accident and suffering injuries or death. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure you and your passengers are safe while on the road in your vehicle.
- Buckle Up Anytime You Are in a Vehicle — Properly using a seatbelt decreases the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by as much as 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-severe injury by up to 50 percent.
- Always Use Car Safety Seats for Children — The NHTSA reports that proper use of child safety seats decreases the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers involved in passenger car accidents.
- Don’t Speed — According to the NHTSA, speeding caused 29% of fatal accidents in 2023, resulting in about 11,775 deaths.
- Monitor and Comply with Safety Recalls for Your Vehicle — Some recalls are related to minor issues, but some are issued to fix genuine safety concerns. For instance, in 2014, General Motors issued a recall for two parts in the ignition system of several of its models that could cause the car to shut off key safety features, preventing the vehicle’s airbag from deploying when it should. Look for recalls by vehicle make and model or by using your vehicle’s VIN in the database.
- Avoid Drinking and Driving — Many people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving drivers impaired by alcohol. On average, one death occurs every 42 minutes due to drinking and driving, as per the NHTSA.
- Watch Out for Pedestrians — Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians, who are considered vulnerable road users under the law.
Our California Fatal Car Accidents Lawyer Can Help
Our team of experienced California fatal car accident lawyers is available to help you after a loved one’s death in a car accident. The Arash Law injury attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have supported injured clients and their families in similar cases. We can represent clients throughout California, including those in San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, and Sherman Oaks, among others.
The sudden, unexpected death of a loved one can be daunting. If you feel overwhelmed about the legal process, a California car accident lawyer from our office can handle the legal issues for you. Reach out to our attorneys for a no-obligation case evaluation at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online.
