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Follow the link below for the best tips to prevent accidents of all kinds. If you have a specific question, or if you were injured in an accident, reach out to one of our attorneys today.
Car accidents can turn life upside down. It is not just the physical impact but the emotional and financial toll it can take that often feels overwhelming. At such a challenging time, an auto accident lawyer can shoulder some of that burden for you.
If you recently had a car accident in North Tustin, we are here for you. We will help you as a legal expert, advocate, and supporter who understands what you are going through.
Together, let's embark on a path towards recovery. We will begin by understanding how a car accident lawyer can assist you regaining footing in life.
Following an accident, you must go through the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings for lawful compensation. Having someone to guide you through the legal maze can be a lifeline during such challenging times.
To help you gain an idea, we have highlighted the series of 11 steps that we follow to build your case and pursue a favorable outcome:
The process begins with a meeting where the car accident lawyer will listen to your story in detail. The lawyer will also review any available evidence to assess the strength and viability of your case.
In this stage, the legal professional determines if you have a case worth pursuing. It is also an opportunity for you to evaluate the lawyer's competence and decide if they fit your needs.
At this stage, the lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident. Our lawyer will gather evidence like accident reports, medical records, witness statements, or other critical documentation.
The legal professional will also talk to friends and family to learn about the impact of the injury on physical, psychological and financial areas. Our team will also consult medical experts or accident reconstructionists for clarity if required.
The lawyer will calculate all the losses, including medical expenses, missed wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to your injury.
After assessing your damages, your lawyer will draft a demand letter to the responsible party and their insurance company. This letter outlines your case, the evidence, and the amount of compensation you are seeking.
Getting compensation is not that easy. It involves extensive negotiation and discussions. Thankfully, if you hire us, you can rest assured that we will handle all the communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf. This will spare you the stress of constant back-and-forth conversations for negotiation.
The lawyer will file a lawsuit if negotiations don't result in a fair settlement. At this step, our lawyer will prepare legal documents and submit them to the court.
During discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence. Your lawyer will continue to gather evidence, take depositions from witnesses, and build a strong case to support your claim.
Even after filing a lawsuit, negotiation does not end. Usually, we bring mediators (former judges or experienced attorneys) to help both sides reach an agreement. Your lawyer will represent your interests in these discussions.
The case will go to trial if a settlement is not reached even after a negotiation and mediation. At this stage, your attorney will present your case in court, including opening statements, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
When the court rules in your favor, the lawyer will work to collect the awarded compensation.
If the verdict is not favorable, we will discuss the possibility of an appeal.
Your lawyer will handle these, ensuring that your interests are represented until the final resolution of your case.
Each car accident case is unique, and your lawyer's specific steps can vary based on the circumstances. The attorney’s goal throughout this process is to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and related losses. If you want to evaluate your case, call us at (888) 527-1267 and talk with a car accident attorney in North Tustin now.
From drivers' behavior and road infrastructure to weather challenges, the causes of car accidents vary in each case. For your general understanding, we have outlined some common reasons for car accidents:
This includes texting, phone use, eating, or any other activity that diverts attention from driving. A distracted driver may not notice changes in traffic flow or road conditions, leading to inappropriate speed and maneuvers. This distraction while driving can cause catastrophic accidents.
The higher the speed, the less time there is to respond effectively. When a vehicle is moving at high speed, the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations is significantly diminished. Such unforeseen circumstances include road obstacles or actions of other drivers on the road.
Intoxication often gives drivers a false sense of confidence in their driving abilities, leading them to take risks they normally wouldn't. An intoxicated driver might make sudden or unsafe lane changes or ignore traffic signals. This false sense of confidence can cause devastating crashes.
Mechanical failure in a car can lead to accidents by compromising the vehicle's functionality. Such failures can occur for various reasons, including poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear over time. Some risky mechanical issues that can cause serious accidents are brake failure, tire blowouts and steering system failure.
Road conditions significantly impact driving safety. For example: In areas without sufficient street lighting, drivers will have difficulty seeing the road ahead, particularly at night or in bad weather. Such conditions can lead to severe collisions
Adverse weather conditions increase the risk of car accidents by affecting visibility, road surfaces, and vehicle performance. For instance: Heavy rainfall can significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, road signs, and pedestrians.
Injuries sustained in a car accident can range from minor to severe and, in some cases, can be life-threatening or lead to long-term disability. The nature and severity of injuries often depend on factors like vehicle speed, accident location, and speed angle. Here are some of the common injuries caused by a car accident:
Whiplash is caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck during the collision. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, blurred vision, or memory problems.
Cuts and lacerations happen when the person comes in contact with broken glass or metal debris during the accident. The most visible and immediate symptom is bleeding, whereas in the long term, cuts and lacerations can cause infection and nerve damage.
During a car collision, drivers can be thrust forward, causing their chest to collide with the steering wheel or even be thrown against the dashboard. This force impact can lead to broken ribs and internal organ damage like lungs or heart.
During a car crash, individuals can come into contact with hot surfaces like car engines and exhaust pipes. Also, post-collision, a car can catch fire due to damaged fuel lines, leaking gasoline, or overheated engines. Occupants can suffer burns if trapped inside or when trying to escape the vehicle.
While physical injuries are usually immediately apparent, the emotional impact of an accident can be more subtle and may emerge over time.
Following a traumatic event like a car accident, the victim may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, feel worthless, or have persistent fatigue. Likewise, you may also develop a fear of driving, which can affect your independence and quality of life
Car accident laws in California are designed to manage the responsibilities and procedures following a vehicle collision. If you recently had a car accident, understanding these laws is crucial to protect your legal rights. Here are key aspects:
California operates under a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the person who is legally at fault for the accident is responsible for the damages.
California law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The minimum limits are $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.
According to California law, any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the California Highway Patrol or local police within 24 hours.
Additionally, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceed $1,000.
California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means if you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for an accident, you will receive only 70% of the compensation.
In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury and three years for property damage. If you miss these deadlines, you are barred from filing a lawsuit.
Nordean’s car accident lawyers in North Tustin are well-versed in all these laws, which ensures that you need not be burdened with the complexities of legal intricacies.
If you are involved in a car accident, it is wise to consult with a North Tustin based car accident attorney, especially if there are significant damages or injuries. The guidance can be invaluable in navigating the legal landscape, helping to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.
Determining liability in a car accident case involves analyzing several legal principles and factual analysis. Here’s how lawyers typically determine the liability:
This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, surveillance footage, and any available traffic camera recordings. These pieces of evidence help reconstruct the accident and understand how it occurred.
Liability is often determined based on the California Vehicle Code, which contains all state laws regarding driving behavior. If one or more parties are found to have violated these laws (e.g., speeding, running a red light, DUI), this can be a significant factor in establishing fault.
A key aspect is establishing negligence, which requires proving that a party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the accident, resulting in damages. Negligence can involve actions (like driving recklessly) or omissions (like failing to signal a turn).
Testimonials can be crucial in piecing together the sequence of events leading to the accident. This can be especially important in complex scenarios involving multiple vehicles or in situations where the cause of the accident is not immediately apparent.
The process of determining compensation can also vary based on local laws and the specifics of each case. In general, these are the types of compensation you are entitled to:
This covers easily calculable damages like medical bills, property damage, and missed wages at work.
The compensation also covers the legal expenses associated with the accident. Such costs include attorney fees, expert witness fees and all other administrative costs.
Such compensation covers intangible losses like physical pain, suffering and loss of consortium.
Punitive damages are legal recompense for a defendant guilty of wrongdoing or offence. For example, punitive damages may be pursued if a driver causes an accident and then leaves the scene. The driver must pay the damage, especially if injuries or fatalities are involved in the accident.
It’s important to understand that various factors influence the timeline for receiving compensation, which can vary significantly from one case to another. Understanding these components can help you better understand the time frame for resolving your case.
Here are some of those factors:
More serious injuries often mean more complicated and longer medical treatments. In such cases, it takes time to fully understand the extent of the injuries and the compensation required.
Gathering evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony can take time. The availability and accessibility of this evidence play a role in the timeline.
If liability is clear, the case will be resolved quicker. However, disputes over who is at fault or the extent of the damages can significantly lengthen the timeline.
Insurance companies do not give up easily when it comes to minimizing the compensation amount. They use various tactics like disputing the severity of injuries or arguing about the extent of damage and fault. The prolonged conversations with the insurance company can extend the timeline for receiving compensation.
The legal process can add considerable time if the case goes to court. Court schedules, motions, discovery, and potential appeals affect the duration.
At Nordean Law, we charge our clients based on contingency fee arrangements. This means that the lawyer fee depends upon securing a settlement for the client. Here is how it generally works:
Percentage of the Settlement: The lawyer's fee is a percentage of the total settlement or award amount. It commonly ranges between 33% to 40% of the settlement amount.
No Upfront Fees: Clients do not need to pay any upfront fees under a contingency fee arrangement.
No Fees if No Recovery: If the lawyer does not win the case or obtain a settlement, the client typically does not owe any attorney fees.
Sam Nordean has made a commitment to helping victims get back what was taken away from them. He fights for people that are injured and can’t fight for themselves.
“Going to court or negotiating a settlement is not akin to my client winning a lottery ticket. It’s about balancing the scales; it’s what they’re owed.”
Sam Nordean
Attempting to navigate the legal process independently can be daunting. You might find yourself spending excessive hours at the Orange County Courthouse, trying to understand the next steps. Without professional legal assistance, not only do you risk losing valuable time, but you might also receive, on average, 40% less in settlements. Furthermore, with expert help, the resolution often arrives much faster.
We offer a free consultation, and we encourage you to contact us with any queries or for an estimate of potential compensation.
If you wish to take this court journey independently, Orange County Courthouse is located at 700 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92701. However, if you seek professional guidance, our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers in Orange County is ready to assist you every step of the way.
"We never lose sight of the pain and suffering of your recovery, not to mention emotional trauma that lasts for years."
North Tustin is a suburb located in Orange County, California. It is home to 25,708 individuals. Not officially a city, it is governed by the county adjacent to the city of Santa Ana and is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In North Tustin, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
We’re proud to have helped countless clients across California achieve justice and compensation.
"After my car accident in Irvine, I didn’t know where to turn. This team took care of everything, from dealing with insurance to getting me a fair settlement. Highly recommend!"
"I was injured in a truck accident on the freeway near Riverside. They fought hard for me and won my case in record time. Professional and caring every step of the way."
"Nordean Law is working in my injury case and can't thank them enough. Sam and his team have been reaching and keeping me informed with all pending matters. I appreciate that because with all that is currently going in right now, I need some stress off my shoulders. Thank you Nordean Law!!!"
"The best lawyer in the area! He and his team will take great care of you. They are very good with taking questions and answering them without lying to you. I will use Sam and his firm for any cases I might encounter. Highly recommend!!"
"If you are worried about your claim you should contact Nordean Law. Sam Nordean and his team are not only true professionals with integrity, but also sincerely care about their clients well being and state of mind throughout the process."
