Car Accident Attorneys in Orange County
If you’ve been injured in a car crash on one of Orange County’s busy roads, there’s a lot at stake for you. You’re about to grapple with the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, not to mention the medical bills that come with accident-related injuries.
Even if it’s obvious that you weren’t the at-fault party, you shouldn’t assume that the other driver’s insurance company will do the right thing and pay up.
Instead, find a trusted & verified Orange County car accident lawyer to handle your claim below.
As you browse our listings, know that each law firm is a verified local attorney with a physical presence in Orange County, who’s ready to help you.
Orange County Car Accident Lawyers:
Helpful Information About Choosing an Car Accident Attorney
- You can research the Bar license status, suspensions or reprimands of an attorney at the California Bar Association website.
- The California Bar Association does not have a “Specialty” certification for auto accident attorneys like some other areas of practice, but many lawyers choose to focus their entire practice on auto accident & injury matters.
- Car accident lawyers are paid on contingency, typically 33% – 45% (plus cases costs). Discuss this with your attorney when you call.
- Some attorneys will be able to meet with you at their office, your home, the hospital, or over Zoom. It’s important to ask these questions when you call.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While car crash statistics are moving the right way in California, there is still work to be done. In total, there were over 3,800 traffic fatalities in California in 2020. This represents a significant spike in the state’s fatality rate. The rate of serious injuries has also increased over the last few years.
Knowing what causes car accidents can help you avoid dangerous drivers and protect your family. While you can’t control what other people do, you can watch out for suspicious behavior and move away from cars that are driving erratically or unsafely. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in California include:
- Drunk and drugged driving
- Driving while distracted
- Fatigued driving
- Unsafe turns and late changes
- Failure to yield right of way
- Driving above the speed limit or going too fast for conditions
- Reckless driving
- Ignoring traffic lights and signs
Car Crash Injuries Lawyers Typically See
The compensation you may receive after a car accident depends primarily on how serious your injuries are and how much proof you have that they were caused by the accident. This is why it’s so important to get checked out by a medical professional right away and have your injuries documented. Some of the injuries commonly reported after a car crash include:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Infection caused by open wounds
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Damage to the neck and spinal cord
- Traumatic brain injury
- Sprained and strained muscles
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
It’s critical to go to the hospital and get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Not only can a delay in treatment make injuries worse, it can potentially convey that your injuries weren’t serious enough to see a doctor after the accident. This may potentially lower the compensation available to you.
Car Accident Attorneys Near Me:
200 W Santa Ana Blvd Suite 630 Santa Ana, CA 92701
How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The average car accident case is worth $23,900 and cases involving injuries averaged $29,700; 58% of car accident settlements are less than $10,000 (source Martindale-Nolo 2020 survey). However, the value of a car accident claim can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the severity of injuries, the amount of property damage, and the fault of the parties involved.
For example, if your car accident resulted in only minor injuries and minimal property damage, the case may be worth a few thousand dollars. However, if your accident resulted in severe injuries or death, the case could be worth much more, possibly even millions of dollars. Additionally, if the other driver was found to be at fault, the case would likely be worth more than if the victim was found to be at fault.
What Type of Car Insurance is Required in California
The state of California requires all drivers to have minimum liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries that you may cause to another driver or their property while operating your vehicle. The minimum insurance coverage required is:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
In California its optional to have additional types of coverage such as collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, etc. These types of coverage can help protect you financially in you are in an accident.
No Win, No Fee Car Accident Lawyers
Accident lawyers typically charge on a contingency or “no win, no fee” basis, which means that they only get paid if they win your accident claim. If they get nothing for your claim, they are responsible for the fees incurred pursuing your claim and you pay nothing.
The contingency fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict, typically about 33% to 45%. Most attorneys may also charge additional fees for expenses such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and other costs related to the case. It’s important to discuss all of the costs and fees with a lawyer before hiring them to make sure you understand what you will be responsible for paying.
Evidence Needed After a Car Crash to Get Maximum Compensation
If you’ve been involved in an auto collision on Orange County, there are several types of evidence that can be helpful to gather to improve the likelihood that an accident claim will be successful. This can include:
- Contact information: You should obtain the contact information of the other driver, as well as any witnesses to the accident. This information should include names, phone numbers, and addresses.
- Photos & videos: Taking photos and video of the accident scene can be helpful in establishing fault and damages. Be sure to take pictures and video of the damage to both vehicles, any skid marks, the person driving the other vehicle, traffic signals or signs, and the overall scene of the accident.
- Police report: If law enforcement was called to the scene of the accident, obtain a copy of the police report. This report will contain important information about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and a description of what happened.
- Medical records: If you were injured in the accident you should get medical attention immediately, keep a record of all medical bills, diagnoses, and treatments. This can help establish the extent of your injuries and any ongoing medical needs.
- Insurance information: Make sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident.
- Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the motor vehicle accident, ask them for their contact information and if possible, a written statement detailing what they saw.
- Security footage: If there were any security cameras in the area, obtain any available footage of the accident.
It is important to gather as much evidence as possible after a crash and a local car accident law firm can help with this. Strong evidence like listed above can help with insurance claims and any legal action that may be necessary.
California Car Accident Statute Limitations
In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim resulting from a car accident, which include claims for bodily injury or property damage resulting from a car accident, is generally two (2) years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident or you may lose your right to do so. However, that time frame is lower if the accident involves a government entity.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations is a strict deadline and missing it can result in the dismissal of your claim. Therefore, if you have been involved in a car accident in California, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any applicable deadlines. Read more details about the statute of limitations and be sure to immediately discuss the details of your potential claim with a lawyer.
Should I Accept an Offer From the Insurance Company?
While accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company after a car accident may seem like a quick and easy way to resolve your case, there are several reasons why you may want to consider not accepting an initial offer and pursuing a personal injury claim with an Orange County car accident attorney instead:
- The settlement offer may not fully compensate you for your losses: Insurance companies often make initial settlement offers that are lower than the actual value of the damages you have suffered. Accepting a settlement offer without consulting with a lawyer may result in you receiving less compensation than you are entitled to.
- You may have additional damages that are not immediately apparent: Some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not become apparent until days or even weeks after an accident. Accepting a settlement offer before fully understanding the extent of your injuries could mean that you are not fully compensated for your losses.
- The insurance company may try to take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge: Insurance companies are businesses that are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. As such, they may try to convince you to accept a settlement offer that is not in your best interest. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
- You may be giving up your right to pursue further legal action: Accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company typically involves signing a release of liability, which may prevent you from pursuing further legal action related to the accident. If your injuries worsen or you discover additional damages later on, you may regret having signed away your right to seek additional compensation.
- An attorney can help you negotiate a better settlement: An experienced accident lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and obtain a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses. In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement that is significantly higher than the insurance company’s initial offer.
So while accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company may seem like an attractive option, it is important to carefully consider the offer and seek legal advice before making a decision. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, loss of wages, property damage, etc.
Where do Our Listed Attorneys Serve?
The car accident lawyers listed on this page serve clients in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, La Habra, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Brea, Ladera Ranch and all courts throughout Orange County and Southern California. If you or a family member was injured in an auto accident and need to talk to a lawyer and get your questions answered, call an attorney listed here today.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Car Accident Claim
Car accident claims are generally paid out by the liable party’s insurance company, rather than being paid directly by the at-fault party. This means that you’ll need to go through the other driver’s insurance company if you want to get compensation for your injuries.
Insurance companies know exactly what it takes to get an accident victim to accept a low settlement or give up on compensation entirely. If you want to avoid this trap, you’ll want to enlist the help of an Orange County car accident attorney.
Need help finding the right attorney? Our listings can guide you to the right lawyer for your needs. Contact one of the law firms listed here to talk more about your accident and what comes next.
See More Attorneys
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Contact Details
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(949) 518-0204
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