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Car Accident Attorney in California
California is well known for its diversified population, thriving cities such as San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, as well as its vast road network, which includes the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), I-5, and I-405. California has more than 30 million registered vehicles. This leads to a significant number of car accidents every year.One stretch of the PCH has even earned the name “Dead Man’s Curve” due to the amount of accidents and the severity of each accident; the full stretch of highway is also referred to as ‘Blood Alley’ by locals.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in California, navigating the legal and insurance complexities can be daunting. With much of our team native to Santa Barbara, we truly care that you get the best representation possible and take pride that you are getting the best service we can offer. Working with an experienced California car accident attorney from Care for the Injured’s network ensures you have someone knowledgeable about the unique characteristics of the state’s roadways and legal system. Most Americans are unsure what to do after getting in an accident, but we are here to help you on the path to recovery.
California Car Accident Laws
Car accident laws can be confusing, so understanding them is paramount to pursuing a successful claim. Below find explanations for laws and terminology you may encounter.
Statute of Limitations
Statute of limitations (SOL) refers to how long you have to file a claim after your accident. In California, the SOL is generally two years from the date of your accident. Our network of California car accident lawyers understands how to navigate important deadlines and will assist in gathering additional information or witnesses as necessary.
Mandatory Insurance
California requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage drivers should have includes $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Unfortunately, not everyone follows these rules. This can mean that accidents involving someone without insurance can result in more complicated cases. If this situation applies to you, having a trusted advocate on your side can make a huge difference in navigating a car accident case.
Why Choose Care for the Injured in California?
Extensive Experience with California-Specific Cases
Our network of attorneys has handled many vehicle accident cases across California—from the crowded streets and freeways of Los Angeles to the scenic, yet hazardous, mountain roads near Sacramento. Every California car accident attorney in our network understands the unique risks and accident hotspots throughout the state. They also understand that different areas of California have different challenges, and they are prepared to assist in all of them. With our proven track record, you are able to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side.
Unique Traffic Challenges in California
Like many other states, California drivers face a variety of challenges that require heightened awareness. Urban areas like Los Angeles experience some of the heaviest traffic congestion in the nation. Rural areas may present hazards such as winding roads, steep mountains, frequently or quickly changing weather, and limited visibility.
As mentioned, California's climate also plays a significant role in driving safety. Many know that California is known for it’s sunny weather, but mountainous areas like San Diego can get significant snow, while the coastal regions such as San Francisco see heavy fog. Sudden rainstorms or squalls can make roads slippery, and the state’s wildfire seasons frequently result in poor air quality and reduced visibility. Regardless of the time of year, heavy winds can further exacerbate the unpredictable weather conditions, making driving conditions even worse. By working with an experienced California car accident lawyer, they know how to navigate cases involving any number of factors.
Services Offered
Care for the Injured’s network of attorneys provides comprehensive legal assistance for car accident victims across California. Services include:
Personal Injury Claims
An experienced California car accident attorney from the Care From The Injured network will ensure every aspect of your claim is handled effectively.
Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Cases
Despite mandatory insurance laws, many drivers in California remain uninsured. Our network can help you navigate claims against uninsured or underinsured drivers. These cases may be more complicated or may require more research than an average rear-end accident, for example.
Wrongful Death Claims
In the tragic event of losing a loved one, a compassionate California car accident lawyer from our network will provide the support and legal representation you need to seek justice for your family. They can spearhead the process of securing compensation to cover expenses related to funerals, burials, or past medical bills.
Trucking Accidents
In California, extensive highway networks and bustling urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco see a significant number of trucking accidents. The California Department of Transportation reports numerous collisions involving large trucks on state highways every year, many of these leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident requires a deep understanding of both state and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. Our network of attorneys is adept at investigating factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance failures, and compliance with safety standards to build a robust case for victims. We are committed to securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional distress that follows these traumatic events.
Motorcycle Accidents
California's typically warm, sunny climate and scenic routes make it a popular destination for motorcyclists. However, this popularity comes with increased risks. In 2021, motorcycle fatalities in the state rose by 3% from the previous year, totaling 500 deaths. Cities like Los Angeles and San Diego have seen higher incidences of motorcycle accidents. Frequent causes of these accidents result from factors such as speeding, improper turning, and failure of other motorists to yield the right-of-way.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian safety remains a critical issue in California's urban areas. In 2021, pedestrian fatalities increased by 9.4% from the previous year, reaching over 1,000 deaths statewide. Cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are said to have some of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents in the nation. These incidents often occur due to factors like distracted driving, speeding, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks and crosswalks.
Bicycle Accidents
Cycling is becoming a more and more popular mode of transportation and recreation in California, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Sacramento. However, bicyclists are vulnerable on the roads.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Just like other states, California experiences a variety of car accident causes, including:
Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, or other distractions are among the leading causes of accidents, particularly in congested urban areas, when drivers also have to pay attention to pedestrians.
Weather-Related Hazards
Coastal fog, sudden rainstorms, and mountain snow create challenging driving conditions. Due to the quick changes in weather, roads may also become blocked or closed, causing detours and leading drivers to ride on roads they are less familiar with.
Drunk Driving
Despite strict DUI laws, impaired driving remains a serious issue, especially during weekends and holidays. The three most dangerous driving holidays in California are New Year's Day, Independence Day, and St. Patrick’s Day, with the percent of alcohol-related deaths growing each year.
Traffic Congestion
Locations such as the 101 Freeway and the Golden Gate Bridge often experience elevated accident rates due to congestion leading to driver frustration. Road rage can also impair a driver's decision-making skills, causing unsafe behaviors that can more easily lead to accidents. With many national parks and landmarks, congestion on California roads will not be going away any time soon!
A skilled California car accident attorney can help identify the causes of your accident and build a strong case on your behalf.
See if you may qualify for compensation
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Resources for California Car Accident Victims
Emergency Services:
California Highway Patrol: Call 911 for emergencies or (800) TELL-CHP for non-emergency assistance.
Los Angeles Police Department: For city-specific incidents, contact (877) ASK-LAPD.
San Francisco Police Department: Call (415) 553-0123 for non-emergencies.
San Diego Police Department: Dial (619) 531-2000 for non-emergency incidents.
Medical Care:
Northern California:
Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto): Renowned for advanced trauma care.
UC Davis Medical Center (Sacramento): Leading specialists in emergency medicine.
Southern California:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles): Known for its comprehensive injury treatment.
Rady Children’s Hospital (San Diego): Premier care for injured children.
Central California:
Community Regional Medical Center (Fresno): A top trauma center serving the Central Valley.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
No car accident is the same, and no car accident injury is the same. Minor accidents can have minor injuries, but they could lead to more complications than you realize. Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, muscle strains, bruises, aches and pains, and contusions. Though these issues may not seem as serious as others, they can have lasting, long-term effects and should still be checked out by a doctor to make sure they do not lead to something worse.
Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries such as brain bleeds, affecting the memory or other important functions. If you believe there has been any impact to your head, you should treat the accident as an emergency and go to a hospital.
Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs and spinal cord damage, or even a broken spine, may be possible even in smaller fender benders.
Fractures and Joint Injuries: Broken bones and ligament tears may require an even longer healing time, potentially leading to time away from work and loved ones.
Psychological Injuries: PTSD and emotional distress. After an accident, many people report anxiety and stress, as well as being too uncomfortable to even get back in a car. If you are feeling this way after an accident, don’t worry; that is normal! Attorneys in our network may be able to recommend doctors if you feel additional help is needed.
A California car accident lawyer from our network will ensure that every aspect of your injuries, including long-term effects, is thoroughly documented to strengthen your case. Our legal team may also be able to assist in obtaining medical records and other important information to get you as much compensation as possible, but it is always important to keep your own records to be sure you can provide the attorney with everything they need.
It is important to go to the emergency room or your primary care provider as soon as possible after an accident to make sure there are no serious injuries that you don’t know about.
FAQs for California Clients
How do I file a car accident claim in California?
Filing a claim involves gathering evidence, reporting the accident to your insurance company, and possibly pursuing a lawsuit. Traditionally, insurance companies try to pay as little as possible after an accident, regardless of the property and personal damage. A California car accident attorney from Care for the Injured’s network can guide you through this process and be sure that you are getting what you deserve.
What compensation can I receive for medical bills?
Compensation can vary and depends on the severity of injuries and accident circumstances. A California car accident lawyer will fight for damages, which can include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical expenses. We cannot guarantee any specific settlement amount, but our team will always work our hardest to get you as much compensation as we can.
Is California an at-fault or no-fault state?
California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in California, don’t face the aftermath alone. Schedule your free consultation today with an experienced intake specialist and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Contact a California car accident attorney through Care for the Injured now to get started.
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