Echo Park Car Accident Lawyer

Echo Park Car Accident Attorney

A car collision can cause property damage, emotional trauma, and physical injuries, which can affect your life for weeks or even years. The financial and emotional damages associated with these accidents can be compensated when someone else is to blame for the crash. If you were in an auto accident, an Echo Park car accident lawyer can determine if you can recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.

The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes can help you find justice when someone else is responsible for your car accident. With more than 40 years of experience in many types of personal injury claims, including auto accidents, we can provide the legal support you need. We know how to recover the costs of vehicle damage, medical treatment bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Car accidents and resulting insurance claims can be very complicated, and you need an attorney who can navigate it effectively. Our Echo Park personal injury lawyers can determine what options you have to recover compensation and diligently pursue what you are owed.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Echo Park

The cause of an auto accident is crucial. California is an at-fault state for car accidents, and the cause of the accident can help determine who was at fault. This may be a third party, such as a public agency, a mechanic, or the owner of a vehicle. However, in most cases, the accident is caused by the negligence and carelessness of one of the drivers on the road. Some of the common causes of traffic collisions include:

• Distracted Driving: If another driver was texting, eating, drinking, looking at their navigation system, or talking with others in the car, these actions take their eyes or attention off the road. When this causes an accident, they can be held liable.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes unsafe lane changes, dangerous maneuvers, and speeding. These actions make accidents more likely to happen. When a driver speeds, it also increases the resulting damages in a crash.
• Fatigued Driving: Many drivers operate their vehicles while tired, and this can be incredibly dangerous. Fatigued drivers may swerve out of their lane or even fall asleep and drift into opposing traffic.
• Traffic Violations: Any violation of road laws can cause an accident, like failure to stop at stop signs and lights, improper turns, failure to signal, or not yielding the right of way.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while influenced by alcohol or drugs is illegal and incredibly dangerous. Driving intoxicated prevents drivers from reacting quickly and making rational choices. A driver who causes an accident while under the influence faces civil and criminal penalties.
• Vehicle Malfunctions: The malfunction or defect in a car part can cause an accident, and many parties may be to blame for the car’s failure. If the owner or driver failed to address their vehicle’s needed repairs, it may be their fault. Improper maintenance by a mechanic may also be to blame. If the car part was unreasonably dangerous, it may be the fault of the manufacturer.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Poor visibility, harsh weather, and badly maintained roads can all contribute to a collision. Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their speed and driving behavior to account for these factors. There are some cases where another party is also liable for these issues, such as a governmental agency that failed to upkeep the roads.

Car collisions can cause severe injuries, from whiplash to broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. When a driver, agency, mechanic, or other party is at fault for an accident, they can be held liable for these injuries. Investigating the cause of the accident is crucial to identifying the at-fault party, and an attorney has the resources to conduct an in-depth investigation.

FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident in California?

While you are not required to get legal representation after a car accident in California, it is incredibly beneficial to have a lawyer by your side. With an attorney, you are more likely to have a successful insurance or civil claim, and you also have a greater chance of obtaining the maximum settlement that is available in your case. An attorney can investigate the cause and at-fault party in your accident, gather documentation of your damages, and handle all aspects of your claim while you recover.

How Much Do Car Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

Car accident attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis in California. A car accident leaves you with numerous costs, and it’s understandably difficult to imagine also paying the costs of an attorney. However, in a contingency fee arrangement, an attorney is only paid their fees if they win your case, and they are paid a percentage of your settlement. This means that you have limited to no costs if you do not recover a settlement. You do not pay out of pocket if you do have a successful claim.

How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in California?

There is no average car accident settlement value that will help you understand your own settlement in California, as all settlements are unique based on the damages you suffered. Car accident settlements are primarily determined based on the economic and non-economic losses you sustained in the collision. They also rely on factors like:

• If you work with an attorney
• The skill of your attorney
• How much evidence supports your case
• Whether you were partially at fault
• If the case is settled in negotiation or litigation

Can You Sue Someone for a Car Accident in California?

You could sue someone for a car accident in California, although you are typically limited to a car insurance claim. However, if the at-fault driver does not have the required insurance, you could file a civil personal injury claim to recover damages. If the driver does have insurance, but it is insufficient to cover your damages, you may be able to file with your own insurance policy or pursue a civil claim. Discussing your case with an attorney is crucial for determining your options for maximizing compensation.

Get the Legal Support You Need After an Accident

Insurance or civil claims should be investigated thoroughly and filed very quickly after a collision occurs. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible when you are attempting to recover from your injuries. The team at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes can manage these aspects of your claim and craft a compelling case for you. Contact our law firm today.