Car Accident Attorney in California

Table of Contents

  1. Common Causes of Car Accidents
  2. Do I Need an Attorney?
  3. Why Hire a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
  4. Why Trust RightsMatters Car Accident Attorneys with Your Case?
  5. Car Accident Lawyer’s Strategies
  6. What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident

Overview

With over 7.5 million registered vehicles in Los Angeles County, driving is essential yet dangerous. According to LAPD and IIHS statistics, more than 250 people die annually in car accidents in Los Angeles, with nearly 4,000 deaths across California. Los Angeles County is particularly hazardous for pedestrians, leading the nation in pedestrian traffic fatalities. Additionally, almost 4.5 million people nationwide suffer serious injuries from vehicle collisions each year. The NHTSA estimated the economic cost of motor vehicle accidents at over $240 billion in 2010, driving insurance companies to rigorously contest auto accident claims.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in California

Distracted Driving Distractions like texting, eating, and phone use significantly contribute to accidents, with reports attributing up to 50% of accidents to distracted driving.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs In 2016, drunk driving accounted for 28% of total traffic deaths in the US. In California, driving under the influence can be a felony, but proving negligence is essential for a civil suit.

Lack of Sleep Sleep deprivation severely impairs cognitive function. The CDC equates 18 hours without sleep to a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.05% and 24 hours to 0.10%, exceeding the legal limit. The NHTSA attributes over 80,000 crashes and nearly 900 deaths annually to lack of sleep.

Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving, including speeding and reckless behavior, is linked to 50% of fatal car accidents.

Unsafe Road Conditions Poorly maintained roads in California contribute to congestion and accidents, costing Californians over $60 billion annually. The American Society of Civil Engineers graded California's road conditions as a "D" in 2017.

Do I Need an Attorney?

Compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering is crucial after a car accident. Hiring an attorney can ensure all medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damages are covered. Research shows that individuals represented by attorneys can receive up to 40% higher settlements.

Benefits of Hiring an Attorney:

  • Advocacy and support
  • Peace of mind
  • Proving negligence
  • Free case reviews

Insurance companies often offer low settlements to unrepresented individuals. An experienced lawyer ensures fair compensation and handles all communication, allowing clients to focus on recovery.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in California?

Not all law firms are equal. RightsMatters attorneys focus solely on car accidents and personal injury cases, leveraging years of experience to better serve clients. Experienced attorneys can quickly assess claims, negotiate settlements, and pursue litigation if necessary.

Benefits of Hiring RightsMatters:

  • Specialized skills
  • Experience dealing with insurance companies
  • Targeted evidence gathering
  • Potential for higher settlements
  • Ability to take cases to trial

Why Trust RightsMatters Car Accident Attorneys with Your Case?

Specialization in Auto Accidents RightsMatters focuses on auto accidents, providing effective representation tailored to the needs of car accident victims, from dealing with insurance companies to ensuring optimal medical care.

24/7 Concierge Service RightsMatters offers round-the-clock access to attorneys, ensuring clients can discuss their cases at any time. This client-centered approach fosters a supportive environment.

Local Expertise in Los Angeles RightsMatters has a deep understanding of local laws and regulations, giving them an edge in handling Los Angeles car accident cases. They also offer services to Spanish and Farsi-speaking clients, accommodating the diverse Los Angeles community.

Free Case Review RightsMatters provides a risk-free initial consultation to review case facts and develop an effective strategy. Clients are never pressured to accept unfair settlements.

Car Accident Lawyer’s Strategies

Proving Negligence To win a negligence claim, the attorney must prove:

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed the plaintiff a legal duty.
  2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty through negligent actions.
  3. Proximate Cause and Cause in Fact: The defendant’s actions directly caused the injury.
  4. Proving Damages: Demonstrating the extent of damages, including medical costs, repair costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident

1. Call the Police Obtain an official report documenting the accident.

2. Do Not Admit Fault Provide only factual information to the police and avoid admitting fault.

3. Collect Evidence Take photos, videos, and notes. Gather information from the other driver, including their license, insurance, registration, and contact details.

4. Seek Medical Attention Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, get a medical evaluation to document any potential injuries.

5. Resist Accepting Low-Ball Offers Do not accept quick settlement offers from insurance companies. Consult with an attorney to ensure fair compensation.

Contact RightsMatters

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, contact RightsMatters to ensure all critical steps are taken. RightsMatters attorneys will help you navigate your case, fight insurance companies, and secure a swift settlement. We are available to speak 24/7, and your initial case review is completely free.

Testimonials Visit our testimonials page to learn more about our commitment to providing a client-focused environment.

Accessibility for Clients RightsMatters offers online consultations and services in Spanish and Farsi to meet clients' needs during the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in California? Liability may extend beyond the driver to include manufacturers, employers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance.

What Damages Can I Recover? Victims may recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Claim? Generally, you have two years to file a personal injury claim, with specific exceptions for government entities and property damage claims.

What Should I Do If the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me? Consult an attorney before speaking to the insurance company to avoid jeopardizing your claim.

Do I Need to See a Doctor Even If I Don’t Feel Injured? Yes, get a medical evaluation to document any injuries, which is crucial for your health and legal claims.

What Evidence Is Important in a Car Accident Case? Collect photos, eyewitness accounts, police reports, medical records, and documentation of financial losses.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident? Under California’s comparative negligence system, you can recover compensation proportional to your degree of fault.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer? Consult an attorney to ensure any settlement offer fully reflects the extent of your damages and covers all your future needs.