Whittier Car Accident Lawyers
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Our Whittier Car Accident Lawyers Help Protect The Rights Of Injury Victims
Whittier is one of the Gateway Cities in Southeast Los Angeles that serves as a gateway from Los Angeles County to Orange County. According to the 2020 United States Census, Whittier had a population of 87,306, with 65.7 percent of residents being Hispanic or Latino, 64.6 percent being white, 24.4 percent being other races, 4.4 percent being two or more races, 3.8 percent being Asian, 1.3 percent being Black or African American, 1.3 percent being Native American, and 0.1 percent being Pacific Islander.
California State Route 72 (SR 72 or CA 72) is the major thoroughfare running through Whittier, and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that there were 406 fatal and injury accidents in the city in 2020 that included 17 motorcycles, 17 pedestrians, and 22 bicyclists.
Motor vehicle accidents can be incredibly stressful situations for most victims to manage, as there can often be a multitude of concerns victims are dealing with following most crashes, making it important for a victim to seek legal support. Our Whittier car accident lawyers at Arash Law provide legal representation in court if needed and assist you in pursuing compensation after an accident.
There were 43 alcohol-involved crashes in Whittier in 2020, resulting in 76 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests, and three cases involved drinking drivers under 21 years of age, while 10 crashes involved drinking drivers 21-34 years of age. OTS reported 44 crashes were speed-related, 35 were nighttime crashes (9:00 p.m. – 2:59 a.m.), and 37 were hit-and-run accidents.
Our firm is well aware of the many issues victims are dealing with following most accidents, with many of them having concerns about obtaining necessary medical care, repairing their vehicles, or understanding how injuries will impact a person’s ability to return to work.
In such cases, a skilled Whittier personal injury lawyer can help victims who sustain severe injuries in car accidents seek compensation to cover the costs incurred due to the crash.
When you suffer serious injuries or your loved one is killed in a car accident in the greater Whittier area, consider reaching out for legal assistance. A lawyer can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. They can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be eligible for.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Car Accidents In Whittier
Most people rely on motor vehicles to get around locations all over California, including Whittier. The frequency with which many people drive increases the likelihood of car accidents because there are more people on the road.
According to the 2019 California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) report, 3,737 people were killed, and 269,031 people suffered an injury in motor vehicle accidents in California. The total included 187,211 injury crashes and 3,438 fatal crashes.
Major Traffic Accidents In Whittier
KABC-TV reported in November 2022 that a wrong-way driver slammed into a group of law enforcement recruits out for a training run in Whittier, leaving 25 recruits with injuries ranging from head trauma to loss of limbs and one being hospitalized on a ventilator. That same month, KTLA-TV reported that one person was killed in a deadly collision near 2050 South Workman Mill Road.
KABC also reported in February 2023 that one driver ran over and killed another driver who allegedly pointed a gun at him during a road rage incident in Whittier near Cullen Street and Parise Drive. KCBS-TV reported that one person was killed, and a mother and a child were transported to a hospital for treatment of their injuries following a two-vehicle crash in Whittier.
Dangerous Roads In Whittier
People can travel along many different roads throughout California. As a result, accidents can happen literally anywhere in the state. That said, there are certain locations in the Whittier area that can be more dangerous than others.
Some of the more common locations for motor vehicle accidents in Whittier include, but are not limited to:
- California State Route 72 (SR 72 or CA 72)
- Interstate 605
- California State Route 60 (SR 60 or CA 60)
- Imperial Highway
- Whittier Boulevard
- Slauson Avenue
- Rockne Avenue
- Calmada Avenue
- Colima Road
- Beverly Boulevard
- Villaverde Drive
- Whittier Boulevard and Pounds Avenue
- Norwalk Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard
- Deveron Drive and Beverly Boulevard
- Imperial Highway and Marquardt Avenue
- Pickering Avenue and Hadley Street
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Whittier
There are numerous possible causes of car accidents in California. It can be difficult sometimes for people to determine the cause of a crash, which is why it becomes important for victims to hire a personal injury lawyer.
An attorney can conduct their own independent investigation into a crash to determine the actual cause and help victims pursue compensation for their losses. In general, some of the more common causes of motor vehicle crashes in Whittier include:
- Distracted driving
- DUI of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Reckless driving
- Inclement weather
- Defective automobiles
- Unsafe lane changes
- Wrong-way driving
- Failure to stop for traffic lights or signs
- Driver fatigue or drowsy driving
- Tailgating
- Dangerous roads
Common Injuries In Car Accidents
Car crashes have the potential to cause a wide variety of possible injuries, and people can face prolonged recovery in many cases. Death is clearly the worst outcome in all cases, but there are many other catastrophic injuries that can drastically impact a person’s life.
Some of the types of injuries Arash Law has helped victims file car accident claims for include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Facial injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Arm injuries
- Leg injuries
- Whiplash
- Limb loss
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe burn injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Concussions
- Sprains and strains
- Dislocations
- Lacerations
- Crush injuries
Six Important Steps To Take After A Car Accident
Step One: Your Own Safety
The California Driver Handbook stresses that people should ensure that they are out of harm’s way following any motor vehicle accident. People should move their vehicles out of traffic lanes or onto the shoulders of highways when possible.
Step Two: Contact The Authorities
The California Department of Insurance states that people should always call 911 when a car accident results in injuries. Police officers will complete an accident report that a person can use when they are filing an injury claim, and the police report will often be critical to most claims.
Step Three: Exchange Information With Other Drivers
People should obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of all other drivers, as well as license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers. It can also be beneficial to get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notes that the types of acceptable insurance in California include a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, a cash deposit of $35,000 with the DMV, a DMV-issued self-insurance certificate, or a surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California. Minimum liability insurance requirements under California Insurance Code § 11580.1b include $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for damage to property.
Step Four: Document The Crash Scene
Take steps to record as much information as possible about the car accidents. In addition to writing down all important information relating to a crash, use the cameras on your cell phones to take photographs or videos of the crash scenes.
Capture as many pictures as you can of the accident scene, particularly noting the position of the cars, damage to a vehicle, and any traffic signs in the area. You should also look for other time-sensitive evidence, such as skid marks.
Step Five: Seek Medical Care Immediately
Every single person involved in a car accident needs to go to a hospital as soon as possible, even when people do not think they have suffered an injury.
You need to understand that many injuries have delayed symptoms. You will want to have a doctor review your condition and ensure there are no hidden injuries. Visiting a doctor several days or weeks after an accident could weaken your potential claim, as it may imply that your injuries were not significant.
Step Six: Call Arash Law’s Car Accident Lawyers In Whittier, CA
In many cases, insurance companies for the at-fault party will attempt to contact the victims injured in a car accident. Insurers want to resolve cases as quickly as possible. They may offer settlements that do not reflect the full extent of your losses.
Consider consulting our team of Whittier car accident attorneys at Arash Law for legal representation when dealing with insurers. Our lawyers are experienced in negotiating with them and can help you avoid making statements that might weaken your claim.
Arash Law has decades of experience handling injury cases, including car accidents, in the Golden State. We represent injured victims on a No-Win, No-Fee policy, meaning that you do not pay attorney’s fees unless a settlement or court award is obtained. However, you may still be responsible for other expenses related to your case, and we will help you understand potential costs during our free initial consultation.
Compensation Victims Can Seek For Car Accidents In Whittier
When injured victims seek financial compensation for a car accident claim, the goal of any settlement is to restore them to their original condition or as close thereto as possible. Generally, insurance companies work to minimize payouts and resolve claims quickly, making it difficult for many victims to pursue the compensation they may be eligible for.
Arash Law helps victims seek compensation for the damages they may have suffered, including:
- Current and Future Medical Bills — Many car accident victims are going to have staggering medical expenses, with future treatment often being required. Negligent drivers may be liable for all of these bills.
- Lost Income — Victims may be entitled to compensation for any time they lose at work because of their injuries. Lost income compensation can also cover other losses relating to car accident injuries, such as an inability to work because of long-term or permanent injuries.
- Pain and Suffering — Perhaps the most common kind of non-economic damage awarded in any car accident case, almost every injury will involve some degree of pain and suffering. These awards can vary depending on the severity of a victim’s injuries.
- Permanent Physical Injuries — There are some accidents that can leave victims with lifelong ailments that lead to drastic changes in their lifestyle, as well as new living accommodations. They may seek compensation for any modifications they need to make to their home or in-home nursing costs.
- Property Damage — Many car accidents result in damage to motor vehicles, and victims may pursue compensation for repair costs from any negligent drivers.
- Wrongful Death — When a victim dies in a motor vehicle accident, the family left behind may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for damages, including the impact of the loss on their family income.
Not every accident will involve all of these kinds of damages, but there may be other damages not listed above that victims may be eligible for. Arash Law can help you seek compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Pursuing Compensation On Behalf Of Loved Ones Injured In Car Accidents
There are many cases in which victims suffer severe injuries that will leave them unable to care for themselves. As a result, the immediate family of these victims has to step in to help care for the injured individuals.
Providing support for catastrophic injuries can be very challenging, and people can be confused about what rights they have in these cases. In certain situations, families may have to hire a caretaker to assist with caring for their loved one.
People who have suffered some of the most serious injuries may be incapable of picking up a telephone to call a lawyer or going to court to file a claim. Loved ones often have to take the lead in helping these people pursue compensation for their injuries.
Arash Law can provide legal support for your loved one’s case. Our firm can assist in arranging medical care for your loved one by referring them to qualified physicians. Additionally, we can handle the legal aspects of the case to help reduce the stress of managing the claims process on your own. We can assist you in pursuing the compensation they may need for ongoing and future care.
What If My Loved One Dies In A Car Accident?
There is just no getting around the basic fact that car accidents in California have the potential to become fatal crashes. It is possible that a person can succumb to their injuries several days or weeks after the crash originally occurred.
The California state wrongful death law is found in California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, and the law provides that a cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another can be asserted by any of the following people or a decedent’s personal representative on their behalf:
A decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and the issue of deceased children, or, when there is no surviving issue of the decedent, the people, including the surviving spouse or domestic partner, who will be entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession. When the parents of a decedent are entitled to bring an action, and the parents are deceased, the legal guardians of a decedent can bring an action if they were the decedent’s parents.
Wrongful death damages may include burial and funeral expenses for a decedent, any amount a deceased person would have earned as income, pain and suffering or disfigurement of a decedent, and compensation for the loss of a decedent’s companionship and support. A wrongful death claim is different from a survival action under the California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30.
A survival action is a lawsuit a deceased person would have brought had they lived, whereas a wrongful death lawsuit is a claim for compensation for the losses that a family has suffered. The big difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action is that punitive damages are not available in wrongful death cases, but may be available in survival actions.
Why Consider Choosing The Whittier Car Accident Lawyers At Arash Law
Arash Law has extensive experience in handling a wide range of car accident claims. Our Whittier car accident law firm has the knowledge and skills to assist victims in navigating various types of injury cases.
When your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, we can arrange to visit you at your home or hospital room at your convenience. We can coordinate your medical care and connect you with doctors to begin your treatment. We are committed to supporting your recovery from your injuries so you can return to your normal life.
At Arash Law, our experienced lawyers offer skilled court representation. We prepare your case to be trial-ready, so if negotiations fail to reach a settlement, we may take your case to trial, presenting key evidence to strengthen your claim.
Our car accident lawyers in Whittier can help you pursue compensation in and out of court. We aim to advocate for your rights and help you throughout the process.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Other Accident Cases Arash Law Handles
In addition to car accident cases, our Whittier Injury law firm also handles the following cases:
- Truck Accidents
- 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Dog Bite Accidents
- Brain Injuries
- Workers’ Compensation
- Amusement Park Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Big Rig Accidents
- Birth Injuries
- Boat Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Chemical Exposure
- Childcare Injuries
- Commercial Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Crane Accidents
- Cruise Ship Accidents
- Delivery Truck Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Elder Abuse
- Elevator Accidents
- Farm Accidents
- Heavy Machinery Accidents
- Helicopter Crashes
- Lyft and Uber accidents
- Mesothelioma
- Negligent Security
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Taxi Accidents
- Train Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Wrongful Death
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Whittier Car Accident Lawyers
Do I Need A Car Accident Lawyer?
Victims do not technically need to hire legal representation following a car accident. However, legal counsel can advocate for a fair settlement with insurance companies. They can help level the playing field and help address issues that might arise when pursuing an insurance claim.
Hiring a car accident attorney for your case can be beneficial because they can conduct their own independent investigation into your crash to support your claim. A lawyer has a better understanding of important deadlines relating to the statute of limitations in your case. They can assist you in filing your claim within the legal timeframe.
California generally allows people two years to file automobile accident claims, and they may lose their right to pursue compensation after this time limit has passed. It is crucial to act quickly after a car accident because the legal deadline might not give an attorney enough time to thoroughly investigate your case. Consider hiring a lawyer to review your case after your accident.
How Is Liability Determined In A Personal Injury Case?
In most car accident cases, the driver who caused a collision will be at fault and responsible for covering the damages stemming from a crash. The unfortunate truth about many accidents in California is that fault for a crash is not always immediately clear, so people can have difficulty obtaining anything on their own in these cases.
You can benefit from working with Arash Law because we can investigate your accident to determine the actual cause, and we can help you seek compensation for your losses. Every single person in California has a responsibility to act with reasonable care to prevent causing harm to others, known as a duty of care. Individuals who commit DUI offenses often do so while speeding or exhibiting negligent behavior, thereby violating their duty and becoming liable in such cases.
Most car accident cases are resolved through settlements with insurance companies, but there are occasionally cases in which a settlement cannot be negotiated, and cases must proceed to trial. California allows victims involved in a car accident caused by negligence to file a claim for their losses. A person’s award may also be reduced by their degree of liability in connection with an accident. This is known as comparative fault, which applies in California, where a victim can still seek compensation even if they were partly at fault.
How Long Does A Whittier Car Accident Case Take?
The duration of a car accident case in Whittier can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate, and whether the case proceeds to trial. On average, car accident cases typically take several months to resolve, and in some cases, they can take years.
How Much Is My Whittier Car Accident Case Worth?
Estimating the value of a case can be another tricky area to discuss because, once again, a number of factors can come into play that impact how much compensation a victim may pursue. Arash Law can help determine the value of damages for a car accident victim, including lost income, property damage, medical bills, and other financial losses. We also assist victims in seeking fair compensation for these damages.
If I Suffered An Injury In An Accident Caused By A Drunk Driver, Would My Case Be Automatic?
When a crash is the result of a DUI offense, the drunk driver will usually face criminal charges. A DUI case will be handled in a criminal court, while the injury case in connection with the drunk driving accident will be handled in a civil court. A DUI case is going to need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, a very high standard to satisfy, while a personal injury case only needs to be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, essentially meaning more likely than not. While drunk driving can certainly be one of the clearer-cut examples of negligence, people should understand that other factors can complicate the pursuit of compensation in these cases.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer To Represent Me After I Am Injured In A Collision?
Having experienced legal representation from a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial when it comes to dealing with the insurers who handle your injury claim. They can help you navigate the complexities of filing insurance claims and address any issues that might weaken it. A lawyer can also handle negotiations on your behalf and advocate for a fair settlement of your losses.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyers In Whittier For A Free Initial Consultation
Major car accidents often have the potential to cause life-changing injuries. People who are involved in these kinds of accidents can benefit from retaining legal counsel as soon as possible so they can be confident that their cases are being properly handled.
Arash Law helps injury victims throughout California, and we also focus on handling vehicle accident cases, such as car accidents. Our firm understands how to investigate these cases and can negotiate with insurance companies to pursue compensation for the damages our clients have suffered.
We have been handling car accident cases for decades and have a thorough understanding of California state traffic laws and how they impact these kinds of cases. We provide our legal services to you at no upfront cost, and you only pay attorney’s fees if compensation is obtained. However, case-related fees may still apply, and we will discuss these with you during our consultation.
Contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online for a free initial consultation. We can discuss your case with you and outline the steps we can take to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Our Whittier car accident lawyers serve injured victims in many surrounding areas of Whittier, including Pico Rivera, South Whittier, Hacienda Heights, Santa Fe Springs, East La Mirada, La Mirada, South El Monte, Avocado Heights, La Puente, Montebello, Norwalk, La Habra, West Puente Valley, El Monte, and Downey.
