West Hollywood 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 West Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers Offer Dedicated Legal Representation
Although the city of West Hollywood may seem small, it experiences a high number of accidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Our dedicated West Hollywood car accident lawyers are here to advocate for your interests as you heal from your injuries. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a complimentary initial consultation and learn how we can help you move forward in this challenging time.
West Hollywood, a popular tourist hub and celebrity hotspot, sees millions flocking to its streets each year. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash in West Hollywood, our team offers legal representation and support. We can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Settlement in a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident; client, suffered facial and spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Our West Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers Do To Help Your Case
Our attorneys understand the challenges that may follow after a car accident in West Hollywood. Our dedicated lawyers are committed to protecting your rights at every stage of the legal process.
Our West Hollywood personal injury lawyers can provide the following services:
- Investigate the Accident — We’ll uncover the cause of your crash and identify the at-fault party to help you pursue the compensation available under the law.
- Handle Insurance Claims — We’ll guide you through filing insurance claims and negotiating with adjusters to pursue appropriate compensation for your losses.
- Gather Evidence — We’ll collect and preserve crucial evidence that can help your case.
- Consult With Professionals — We’ll work with various professionals, such as accident reconstructionists or medical practitioners, to develop a comprehensive understanding of your case.
- Calculate Your Damages — We’ll assess your financial losses (medical bills, lost wages) and non-financial losses (pain and suffering) to help estimate the potential value of your claim.
- Take Your Case to Court — If fair compensation isn’t reached through negotiations, we’re prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights.
Our West Hollywood car accident lawyers provide legal representation and guidance throughout the claims process. We can help you seek an appropriate settlement from all potentially responsible parties.
What To Do After A Car Accident In West Hollywood
The chaotic moments after a car accident can be overwhelming, often making people overlook crucial steps for protecting their rights and well-being. Working with a West Hollywood car accident lawyer can help you navigate this difficult time.
The following are the essential steps you can take following a car accident:
- Check for Injuries — Assess yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. Regardless of whether your injuries seem minor, call emergency services right away.
- Secure the Scene of the Accident — Turn on your hazard lights and move your car to a safe location out of traffic if it is safe to do so. If you can’t move your car, set up flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers.
- Call for Help — Dial 911 for paramedics and police assistance.
- Identify Witnesses — Ask for the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Avoid discussing details with them. Save that for the police report.
- Communicate Clearly — Be truthful and accurate when speaking with officers, but don’t speculate on the cause of the accident. If you’re unsure of something, simply say so.
- Document the Scene — Take pictures of all vehicles, damage, and the surrounding area with your phone. Get license plate numbers for all involved vehicles.
- Exchange Information — Share insurance details and driver’s licenses with other drivers involved, but keep discussions about the accident to a minimum. Obtain badge numbers of attending officers for future reference.
- Contact Your Insurance — Promptly inform your insurance company about the accident and review your policy details.
- Seek Medical Attention — Get checked out by a doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and internal injuries may not be apparent on the accident scene. Consider an ambulance, ER, urgent care, or your primary care physician based on the severity of your suspected injuries.
- Protect Your Legal Rights — Consult one of Arash Law’s car accident lawyers in West Hollywood. Our attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, advocate for your interests, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
What Causes Car Accidents In West Hollywood, CA?
Everyone wants accident-free roads. However, collisions can happen at any time. Even when drivers follow all the rules, unforeseen circumstances or the negligence of others can cause crashes. Some key factors behind these incidents include:
Distracted Driving
Cell phones, eating, adjusting music, and even passengers can draw attention away from the road. Distracted driving can result in delayed reactions and poor decision-making.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair reflexes, judgment, and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
Road Rage And Reckless Driving
Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and reckless maneuvers put everyone at risk and can result in serious collisions.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit, particularly on narrow streets, can reduce control and reaction time, making collisions more likely and severe.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Running red lights or stop signs disrupts traffic flow and creates dangerous situations for all road users.
Risky Lane Changes
Abrupt or improper lane changes without proper signaling or checking blind spots can easily lead to side-swipe collisions.
Tailgating
Following too closely leaves little room for maneuvering or sudden stops, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.
Vehicle Defects
Faulty brakes, worn tires, malfunctioning equipment, or lack of proper maintenance can contribute to accidents, highlighting the importance of regular vehicle checks.
Pedestrian Collisions
West Hollywood’s lively streets attract both tourists and residents to walk around the area, and drivers must be vigilant to avoid collisions with pedestrians, especially at night or in crosswalks.
Car collisions can leave you disoriented and unsure of how things went down. This is completely understandable, especially with how quickly these accidents can occur. If you’re seeking answers about your crash, our car accident lawyers in West Hollywood are ready to assist you. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Common Injuries Sustained After A Car Accident In West Hollywood, CA
Among the unfortunate consequences of West Hollywood car accidents for our clients are catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Head and Brain Injuries — The sudden forces at play in car accidents can take a severe toll on the head. Brain injuries like concussions include symptoms like dizziness and headaches. More serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impact cognitive function, motor skills, and even personality.
- Paralysis and Nerve Damage — Spinal cord injuries caused by an immense impact or debris penetration can result in partial or complete paralysis. Nerve damage, affecting the peripheral nervous system, can lead to numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
- Neck and Back Injuries — Whiplash, a forceful jerking of the head and neck, is a common outcome of rear-end collisions. It can cause muscle strains, pain, and reduced mobility. More severe back injuries, like herniated discs or spinal fractures, can necessitate extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones — The impact of a crash may shatter bones, causing fractures ranging from minor to life-altering. Limbs, ribs, and even the delicate bones of the face can be affected, requiring surgery, casts, and physiotherapy.
- Internal Bleeding and Crushing Injuries — Blunt force trauma can cause internal organs to bruise and bleed. This can lead to internal bleeding, which will require immediate medical intervention. Crushing injuries, often seen in high-impact collisions, can damage muscles, bones, and organs, presenting severe and complex medical challenges.
- Burns — Vehicle fires or exposure to hot engine parts can inflict burns from superficial to deep, requiring specialized burn care to prevent infection and scarring.
- Facial Injuries — Facial lacerations, fractures, and dental damage are not uncommon in car accidents. Reconstructive surgeries involving reconstructive surgeons may be necessary to restore function and appearance.
- Wrongful Death — In tragic situations, car accidents can result in the loss of life. Wrongful death claims help surviving family members cope with the emotional and financial burdens of such an irreversible loss.
What Damages Are Available To Car Accident Victims In West Hollywood, CA?
If your car accident case in West Hollywood is settled or goes to trial, you may be awarded compensation, known as damages. These damages fall into three categories, and you may be able to pursue one or all depending on the circumstances and available evidence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses incurred due to an accident or injury. These tangible losses are the most common type of damages awarded in court.
- Lost Wages — Compensation for income missed due to the accident and health treatment period.
- Medical Bills — All costs associated with medical treatment, including doctor visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost Earning Capacity — If your injury impacts your future earning potential, we can seek damages for this loss.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses — Any additional costs related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, childcare, or household help during healing.
- Property Damage — Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle or other personal belongings.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the unseen suffering caused by the crash. While more challenging to quantify than a broken windshield, this damage can be just as real and debilitating.
Non-economic damages seek to acknowledge invisible burdens, potentially covering:
- Pain and Suffering — This encompasses both the physical agony of injuries and the emotional distress of the accident, including fear, grief, and depression.
- Loss of Companionship — The accident may affect your ability to maintain healthy and fulfilling relationships with family and friends, which can create a sense of isolation and loneliness.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — Activities you once found pleasurable may be overshadowed by pain, anxiety, or fear, diminishing your overall quality of life.
- Emotional Trauma — Witnessing or experiencing the violence of a crash can leave lasting scars on your mental well-being, potentially resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health conditions.
- Loss of Quality of Life — The accident may cause limitations in your physical or mental abilities, impacting your ability to work, pursue hobbies, or maintain relationships, resulting in a diminished sense of well-being.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, unlike the first two types, are awarded less frequently. They’re not guaranteed, as they aim to punish the defendant for outrageous behavior, not simply compensate you for losses.
In California, pursuing punitive damages requires proving the defendant acted with fraud, oppression, or malice. This “clear and convincing” evidence standard is stricter than other damages, making it challenging, especially in car accidents. Examples where it might be appropriate include drunk driving or road rage.
Consulting with West Hollywood car accident lawyers is crucial to determining your eligibility for punitive damages. Proving them can be difficult, but also sends a strong message to prevent future wrongdoing.
Determining Liability In West Hollywood Car Accident Cases
Being involved in a severe accident, either personally or with a loved one, naturally raises the question of compensation for the pain and suffering endured. In California, two routes exist to hold the other party accountable: proving their negligence under common law or demonstrating a violation of state traffic laws.
Common-law negligence requires establishing four elements:
- Duty of Care — The other driver was responsible for operating their vehicle safely and responsibly, adhering to traffic regulations, and avoiding harm to others.
- Breach of Duty — The driver’s actions fell short of this expected standard, exhibiting a lack of reasonable care in the given situation.
- Causation — The driver’s negligence directly caused the accident and any resulting damages.
- Damages — The accident resulted in physical or mental injury or financial loss for you.
Alternatively, establishing statutory negligence may be simpler, involving proof that the other driver violated a specific provision of the California Vehicle Code or another relevant law. If this violation is proven in court with admissible evidence, a presumption of the driver’s negligence can be created. The burden may then shift to that driver to prove they were not at fault.
Morales v. Construction Group Staffing (settled on 7/23/2020) – settlement involving a client who was catastrophically injured when he fell from a height of 4 stories down a shaft. This is a record breaking California Workers’ Compensation settlement. Read more about this case on Yahoo! Finance News– TINA ESHGHIEH
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Car Accident Lawsuit In West Hollywood, California?
There’s no time to waste when suing after an accident. The statute of limitations for car accidents is generally two years from the crash date or the date you discovered your injury to file a lawsuit. Time flies, and you’ll likely need to deal with insurance companies and the other driver before you file. Consulting Arash Law’s West Hollywood car accident lawyers can help you avoid missing the deadline. If you file too late, your case may be dismissed.
FAQs About Car Accidents In West Hollywood, California
Should I Accept The Insurance Company's Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies have business considerations that may influence their approach to injury claims. They may offer settlements that do not fully cover a claimant’s expenses and losses.
In such cases, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial. A car accident lawyer in West Hollywood can review settlement offers and advocate for a fair evaluation of your injuries and losses.
Should I Take Legal Action If The Defendant Blames Me For The Car Accident?
California’s “pure comparative negligence” law allows you to pursue compensation even if you’re partially at fault. However, any damages you may receive will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re 25% responsible, you may only get 75% of your total damages.
Our car accident lawyers in West Hollywood can review the facts of your case, evaluate how fault may be allocated, and gather evidence to support your claim.
Contact Our West Hollywood Car Accident Attorneys
Every day that passes after a car accident can make it harder to gather evidence crucial to your case. Don’t let your injury claim get tangled in paperwork. At Arash Law, we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply.
Call us at (888) 488-1391. We’re here to listen, understand your story, and advocate for your rights throughout the process.
Our West Hollywood car accident lawyers serve clients throughout West Hollywood and surrounding communities like Whitley Heights, Hollywood, Hollywood Dell, Fairfax, Greater Wilshire Hancock Park, Central LA, La Brea, Brookside, Miracle Mile, Little Ethiopia, Beverly Hills, Beverly Grove, The Flats, Beverly Crest, The Bird Streets, and Trousdale Estates.
