Irvine Car Accident Lawyer
Having to suffer from a car accident that was someone else’s fault is never fair. While recovering from your injuries, the defendant’s insurance company may be pressuring you with all the paperwork and compensation offers you don’t understand. The personal injury law in California makes you liable for a certain amount of compensation to help cover your expenses and grant you a form of financial ease. You may be misused and offered unfair compensation if you’re ignorant about your rights and insurance policies.
An Irvine car accident lawyer can help you get through your sufferings by offering strong representation when dealing with the defendant’s insurance company. It is best to have legal guidance and right-hand support throughout every stage of the personal injury case.
Irvine Car Accident Statistics
The state of California has a tragic history of accidents. According to an Analysis of Car Accidents Causes in the US, the densely populated state reported 150,000 accidents in 2021 alone, the highest number in the country. The total number of car accidents in Orange County reached around 11,951 that year. Among all the injured victims, the paper found that 57% sustained tolerable plain, 36% sustained visible injuries, 6.24% victims were severely injured, and 1.26% suffered fatal injuries.
Irvine is the most populous city of Orange County, with more than 300,000 residents. According to the Fatal car crashes and road traffic accident report, in 2019, the city suffered from 6 heartbreaking car accidents in which 9 people lost their lives. It was also found that 89.2% of them happened during broad daylight, and the conditions had improved compared to the report in 2018 when the number of fatal accidents was 18, and 19 people lost their lives.
Do I Need a Lawyer For a Car Accident Claim in Irvine?
Car accident claims can be made independently, but you require in-depth knowledge and experience in everything that goes into a personal injury case. Navigating the legal system without a professional from the field of law may be a recipe for disaster. From what we have witnessed, many victims do not understand the range their accidental injuries may amount to and end up with everything the defendant’s insurance company offers that may be much lower. The job of a personal injury lawyer is to prevent you from that situation.
Yes, it would be best if you had a lawyer for a car accident claim in Irvine. Consulting with a lawyer and hiring a lawyer are two different things, and either of those could benefit your case based on its severity rather than pursuing it without a lawyer at all. You can consult with attorneys for free; they will guide you through everything you need to understand and do in your injury claim process. They will review your case and help you make the best decision. You can keep them updated and take suggestions from them throughout the timeframe to ensure that every procedure is done fairly.
Common Types of Car Accidents
The most common types of car accidents are:
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Irvine?
When you get into a car crash, your first concern is addressing everyone’s injury and bringing everyone to safety, including yourself. If you are severely injured, and in a lot of pain, the people around you will surely help you, or you can ask for help if you can. On the other end, if you can get yourself out of the situation, do it, and help others out as well. If anyone is injured, call for paramedics immediately. Your primary focus is to get everyone into safety as the accident scene may still be in threat of fire or explosion.
If your injuries don’t need emergency medical attention, you must visit the doctor immediately to get them checked. Accidental injuries must be addressed as soon as possible because you may not realize how serious they may be due to the adrenaline rush. As everyone’s injuries have been addressed or treated, you must call the police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to report the accident. As per the Vehicle Code § 20008, every accident must be reported within 24 hours to the authorities.
After you have your medical report and police report in hand, contact an Irvine car accident attorney immediately to seek counselling on how to proceed with your case from this point.
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How To Determine Fault in a California Car Accident?
Determining fault in a car accident can be a complicated process in California. Depending on the facts of the case and applicable laws, it may be difficult to pinpoint who was at fault for the crash. However, certain steps you can take may help you determine fault in a California car accident.
Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes photographs, videos, and witness statements. Document the damage to the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
Review the police report: Obtain a copy of the police report filed at the scene. It typically includes details about the accident, statements from involved parties and witnesses, and the officer’s opinion on fault.
Consider traffic laws: Determine if any traffic laws were violated. In California, common violations include speeding, running a red light or stop sign, reckless driving, or driving under the influence. Violations can help establish fault.
Assess negligence: California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means fault can be assigned to multiple parties. Evaluate each driver’s level of negligence, such as distracted driving, failure to yield, or improper lane changes.
Consider eyewitness accounts: If there were witnesses to the accident, their statements could be crucial in determining fault. Speak to them, collect their contact information, and request written statements if possible.
Consult an accident reconstruction expert: In complex cases, an accident reconstruction expert may be called upon to analyze the evidence. They use scientific methods to recreate the accident and provide an objective opinion on fault.
Insurance company investigations: Insurance companies conduct their own investigations to determine fault. They review evidence, statements, and applicable laws. However, their determination may not always align with legal fault.
Evaluate comparative negligence: California applies the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning fault can be shared among parties based on their percentage of responsibility. You may still be eligible for compensation even if you are partially at fault.
Seek legal advice: If you disagree with the assigned fault or need assistance navigating the claims process, consult a personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests.
File an accident claim: Submit your claim to the relevant insurance company, providing all the gathered evidence and supporting documentation. The insurance adjuster will assess the claim and decide based on fault.
Remember, fault determination is a complex process, and it’s important to consult legal professionals to protect your rights.
Common Car Accident Injuries In Irvine, CA
As per the past accident reports made in Irvine, CA, here are some of the most common car accident injuries:
- Whiplash injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Laceration
- Fractured forearms or legs
- Muscle injuries
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Irvine
The most commonly reported causes of car accidents in Irvine, CA, are:
- Excessive speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Using phones while driving
- Difficult weather conditions
- Difficult road conditions
- Presence of unfamiliar, sharp substances on the road
- Running past red lights/breaking traffic rules
Most Dangerous Intersection in Irvine, CA
Being aware of the dangerous streets can help you in selecting safer routes while navigating the city. Furthermore, it can help you remain vigilant when traversing a hazardous area.
According to the study from Aitkenlaw, here are the 10 most dangerous intersections in Irvine, California. Aitkenlaw collaborated with 1Point21 Interactive, a data visualization company that analyzed collision data nationwide, to obtain the information.
Between the years 2010 and 2018, there were almost 3,400 crashes that occurred at intersections within the city of Irvine. These accidents resulted in over 3,200 injuries and, sadly, 19 fatalities.
Jamboree Rd & Walnut Av: Located at a bustling part of Irvine, this intersection has seen 16 crashes, resulting in 1 fatality and 26 injuries, making it the most dangerous in the city.
Alton Pkwy & Gateway: A significant crossing point, it has witnessed 26 collisions, with 33 injuries but fortunately no fatalities.
Culver Dr & Irvine Bl: Another major junction, it has had 15 accidents, leading to 1 fatality and 27 injuries.
Jamboree & Walnut: Possibly a different segment or direction of the first intersection has recorded 31 crashes with 32 injuries and no fatalities.
Barranca Pkwy & Harvard Av: This intersection has seen 12 accidents, resulting in 27 injuries but no fatalities.
Armstrong Av & Mcgaw Av: A notable spot with 14 collisions, it has led to 24 injuries with no fatalities.
Harvard Av & Michelson Dr: A particularly alarming intersection due to its high fatality rate, it has had 4 crashes resulting in 3 fatalities and 6 injuries.
Alton Pkwy & Irvine Center Dr: With 22 collisions, this intersection has resulted in 21 injuries but no fatalities.
Barranca & Harvard: Another key junction, it has recorded 14 accidents with 22 injuries and no fatalities.
Hearthstone & Irvine Center Dr: This intersection has seen 13 crashes, leading to 21 injuries but no fatalities.
Each intersection has been ranked based on the Crash Risk Index (CRI), which considers the number of collisions and the severity of injuries.
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How Might A Lawyer Be Able To Assist You?
To help you better understand the role of a lawyer in your car accident injury case, let us break down everything they will assist you with throughout the process.
Collect And Analyze Evidence
An injury attorney will help you gather all the necessary evidence for your accident. Medical reports and the reports made to authorities are the most vital pieces of evidence to back your accident and injuries. At the same time, you may also need other substantial evidence like security camera footage of the scene or contacting the accident witnesses for their testimony. Your lawyer will study all this evidence and help you determine an initial price they amount to. They will also analyze the fault distribution of the case, and if your fault is recognized, they will help you identify how much compensation you will receive.
Legal Knowledge
Your lawyer has a much better understanding of the law and policies connected to your case. It is their job to counsel you about what the state offers and what you are eligible to receive by the law. They will also guide you through the insurance policies. With proper legal knowledge, you will know what you deserve and stand up against the defendant’s insurance company if they offer anything less.
Deal With Insurance Companies
Your lawyer will do all the paperwork, phone call meetings, as well as in-person meetings with the insurance companies to prevent any chance of mistakes or miscommunication on your end that the defendant may misuse. At the same time, car accident attorneys are expert negotiators. They have the confidence and the ability to identify any wrongdoings of the insurance company by keeping the legal system in hand. They will stand by the proposed amount and will not agree with the insurance company’s offered amount if it cannot be justified.
Maximize Compensation
Oftentimes, insurance companies try to take advantage of the situation and offer you much lesser compensation than you deserve. With a lawyer, there is very little to no chance of being gaslighted by such tactics of the insurance company.
For instance, when you negotiate for your settlement on your own, and the company offers an amount that seems like a lot at the moment, you may accept it. But later, when you understand the depth of your case, you may realize you deserve more compensation than what you receive. A lawyer understands your injuries and standpoint in the accident and helps you attain maximum compensation.
File A Lawsuit And Court Representation
If the settlement meeting has failed as you are unsatisfied with the conclusion, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the defendant or their insurance company. Your lawyer will help you through the process, from properly filling out forms to writing a complaint. They will also undergo all the pre-trial processes and help solidify the evidence. At court, they will represent you before a judge or a jury.
Receiving the compensation
Once a settlement is reached, and you are satisfied with the amount that justifies the accident and your losses, you will receive compensation. Your lawyer plays an important role at this stage as well. They will help prepare a release form stating the settlement compensation amount. The defendant’s insurance company will send the settlement cheque to your lawyer and deposit them into their trust account. They will help you pay out any medical bills, court fees, and lawyer fees from the money. They will then fetch the cheque, and you will receive the compensation amount.
How Much Is Car Accident Case Worth?
There are three different types of damage compensations your car accident case may be worth:
Economic Damages
After the accident, there may be direct expenses resulting from the accident, like your medical expenses, lost work wages, therapy expenses, the cost of repairing your damaged property, etc. These are known as economic damages and are covered by economic damage compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include the pain and suffering you endured or a temporary or permanent degradation of the quality of life. These kinds of losses cannot be calculated at a certain price. Instead, non-economic damage compensation intends to grant the victim financial ease to balance such losses.
Punitive Damages
Suppose the defendant of the car accident had an opportunity to make better choices and prevent the accident from happening but intentionally chose to put others’ safety in danger. In that case, the court charges them with punitive damage compensation as punishment.
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Contact Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
Car accidents don’t come with a warning sign, and the consequences can be overwhelming to deal with. So you require a top-rated accident attorney to guide you through what you can expect or represent to win a fair settlement from your defendant.
Nordean Law has a team of expert car accident lawyers that have helped many clients win deserving compensation after falling victim to tragic car accidents. We believe everyone is liable to fair compensation, and drivers who choose to be negligent on the road must be punished. Our connections to expert witnesses across Irvine and asses to a wide range of resources help gather concrete evidence for your accidental injury. We are dedicated to helping anyone we can and guiding them through all the procedures, and ensuring any third-party companies are appropriately treating you.
Local Courthouse Near Irvine, CA
Hiring the right Car Accident Attorney will make a huge positive difference in this unfortunate and difficult part of your life. You can spend countless hours at Irvine, CA Courthouse, trying to determine what you need to do next. By not hiring an attorney, you are throwing countless hours out the window; you will also get, on average, 40% less when the settlement finally comes around, which will happen much faster with professional help.
It’s free to talk with us, and please reach out if you have any questions or would like an estimate of what you could be owed. In California, you have up to two years to file a claim and sue for compensation. If you want professional help, our Car Accident Lawyer in Irvine, CA, will gladly help you. Get directions to Irvine’s local courthouse.
Final Thought
Car accidents can be of many types that require a different strategy to analyze, distribute faults, and recognize the cause. Some cases may be too complicated to asses from the surface from a naive perspective. When you go to an insurance company with only a vague idea about the accidents, you may be mistreated and taken advantage of. A car accident lawyer protects your legal rights, make you aware of the situation, gathers concrete evidence, and stands up against the insurance company to help you win fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your personal injury case.
About Irvine, CA
Discover Irvine, CA, a captivating master-planned city located in southern Orange County, California, USA. This vibrant city is renowned for its top-tier educational institutions, including the prestigious University of California, Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, and Irvine Valley College.
The city’s development owes much to The Irvine Company, which played a significant role in shaping its growth. Irvine offers a delightful blend of modernity and natural beauty, providing residents and visitors with various recreational and entertainment options. Whether you seek academic excellence or a fulfilling lifestyle, Irvine welcomes you with open arms. Experience the magic of this exceptional city and create lasting memories in its warm embrace.
Our Service Areas Throughout Orange County
From our office in Costa Mesa, we are proud to extend our services to a wide range of cities within Orange County, building strong connections with the communities we serve. We take pride in catering to clients in the coastal beauty of Newport Beach and also the bustling hubs like Los Angeles, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Norwalk. As we continue to expand our reach, our mission remains unwavering: to serve these diverse communities with utmost dedication and excellence.
FAQs About Car Accidents In Irvine, CA
What Is The Average Settlement For Car Accident Cases In California?
In California, the average settlement amount for car accident cases is from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the severity of the case.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations Of Car Accident Cases In California?
The statute of limitation in California for personal injury law is 2 years, and property damage is 3 years from the accident date. In case the injury is discovered later, the statute of limitation is 1 year from the discovery date.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim In California?
You must file a car accident claim immediately after the accident and after your injuries are under control. The statute of limitation for filing a personal injury lawsuit is just 2 years from the date of the accident. If you delay filing the claim and the settlement meeting doesn't go well, there may be limited to no time to file a lawsuit, and it may cost you your compensation.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation?
It may take one to six months to deal with the insurance company and negotiate a settlement price. If you file a lawsuit, it may take another six months to two years for the trial to happen. After a settlement, you will receive the compensation within 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I Settle My Car Accident Case Out Of Court?
Yes, when you file a personal injury case, it doesn't go to court just yet. With the help of a car accident lawyer, you will take the facts about your case to the defendant's insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement amount. If there is a disagreement or you are not satisfied with the offer, you only have the option to take it to court.
How Can An Irvine Car Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Claim?
An Irvine car accident lawyer can educate you about your legal rights in the situation, help you gather evidence and investigate them, take it to the defendant's insurance company for negotiation and take the case to court if necessary.
Can I Represent Myself In A Personal Injury Case, or Do I Need A Lawyer?
The liability in a car accident depends on sharing faults among the involved party. It may be different for every case.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Yes, having an attorney for a minor car accident is important. Even if the injury and property damage is minor, you still may be entitled to compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. However, negotiating with an insurance company on your own can be challenging, especially if they are not offering a fair settlement.
The Other Driver Was Cited for Reckless Driving. Will That Help My Case?
If you were injured in a car accident and the other driver was cited for reckless driving, this can help your case. It’s important to remember that proving fault in an auto accident is critical to recovering compensation if you have been injured. The citation of the other driver for reckless driving can be used as evidence that they were negligent and at fault for your injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault?
If you are involved in a car accident that was not your fault, the most important thing to do is to check for injuries and stay safe. It is important to assess the situation and document any damage or injuries before doing anything else. If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately.
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