San Pedro Car Accident Lawyer

San Pedro Car Accident Attorney

Finding yourself in the aftermath of a San Pedro car accident can be terrifying. You may be suffering from a wide range of injuries and have sustained damage to your vehicle or other property. You may have a long road of recovery ahead, and you need the financial assistance necessary to avoid hardships when medical bills accumulate and you are unable to return to work due to your injuries. A San Pedro car accident lawyer can provide support.

When a car accident is caused by negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing by another party, you may be entitled to seek certain forms of legal compensation. When you work with the dedicated and competent attorneys at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes, you can rest assured you have the right team in your corner, aggressively fighting for you to receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Let us handle the legal aspects while you focus on healing.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Pedro

Every time you get into your vehicle and head out onto the state roadways, you run the risk of getting into a car accident. Most of the time, these accidents are preventable and can be avoided. Unfortunately, many accidents occur as a result of reckless or negligent driving and, in these cases, the parties at fault must be held accountable.

There are several parties that may be at fault in these cases, not just drivers. Manufacturers, designers, and distributors of car parts can be held liable, as well as certain government entities or municipalities, depending on what exactly caused your accident. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in San Pedro, California, include the following:

• Driving While Distracted: Distractions can happen at any point while operating a vehicle, and some are unavoidable. Cell phone usage, changing the radio station or temperature controls, or interacting with passengers can cause you to take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, leading to a devastating accident for all involved.
• Driving While Impaired: It is illegal in the state of California to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances can include recreational marijuana and even some over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs. These car accidents can be amongst some of the most fatal.
• Recklessness: Behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, running stop signs, making illegal lane changes, failing to yield, making illegal left turns, or drag racing are all considered behaviors of reckless driving and can lead to severe consequences for those involved and other drivers on the roadway.
• Unsafe or Poor Roadway Conditions: Harsh winds and heavy rain can play a role in the occurrence of a car accident. Vehicles may hydroplane, slip out of control, or suddenly veer into the path of oncoming traffic. Additionally, roads that are not maintained properly by the local governments can lead to car accidents.
• Mechanical Defects: When a car’s design is first drafted, then built, and then sold with defective components or components that are not correctly maintained, this can lead to accidents as a result of a serious malfunction. These can cause devastating injuries to individuals inside and outside the vehicle.

Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes: Defending You in a Car Accident Case

When you hire the San Pedro personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes, you are obtaining legal counsel with over four decades of experience. There are several actions we can take in our representation of you to seek the maximum amount of compensation for the damages you have suffered. We can:

• Collect evidence to support your claim, including witness statements from those who saw the accident take place
• Obtain and review your medical records as they pertain to the case
• Calculate the damages, both economic and non-economic
• Talk to the involved insurance companies on your behalf
• Negotiate with the insurance company, the at-fault party, and their legal team to reach a fair settlement amount
• Take your claim before a judge in court litigation

FAQs

What Injuries Are Common in a Car Accident in California?

There are several injuries that may result from a car accident in California, each one causing devastating damage to the victim if they cannot afford their medical bills and are left unable to return to work. Common injuries in these accidents include whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones, amputations, blunt force trauma, paralysis, and concussions.

What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Car Accident in California?

It can be tricky to offer an exact number for the average settlement amount for a car accident in California; however, there are several forms of compensation you may be entitled to, depending on the exact nature and severity of the accident and injuries you sustained. These forms of compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, punitive damages, and wrongful death.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in California?

In the state of California, all personal injury cases, including car accident claims, are held to a strict timeline known as a statute of limitations. Currently, this statute of limitations stands at two years, meaning you have exactly two years from the date of the accident or the date of the discovery of the related injury to file a claim for compensation against the at-fault party.

What Should You Do Following a Car Accident in California?

If you have been involved in a car accident in California, there are several actions you can take to protect your health and safety and your right to any future claim for compensation. If you are physically capable of doing so, move yourself to a position of safety off the roadway and call the police and any necessary medical services. Give a statement to the police, but do not discuss fault.

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured or sustained damages in a San Pedro car accident, you need the legal support and guidance of a car accident attorney from the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes. We are here to work alongside you during this difficult time and assist you in navigating the complexities of the California legal system. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.