Serving clients throughout the state of California
Thousands of people are injured in car accidents on a daily basis. Car crashes are some of the most common causes of serious injuries. If you or a family member have been injured in an auto accident in California, BD&J is here to help. Our California accident attorneys understand how challenging it can be to pursue justice when you are dealing with medical bills, health complications, missed time at work, and the emotional and physical exhaustion of being involved in an accident. That is why we are here to help.
Car accident not your fault? Let our skilled accident attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today!
Common Car Accident Injuries
The most common car crash injuries in California include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury usually caused by a sudden jerking motion. It’s most often seen in rear-end collisions.
- Broken bones: Bone fractures can happen in any part of the body but are particularly common in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common in severe accidents. These are especially serious since they potentially lead to long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity, and may require extensive therapy to manage.
- Internal injuries: High-impact crashes can cause damage to internal organs or internal bleeding that requires immediate medical attention.
- Cuts and bruises: While usually minor, these injuries can still be painful and may require medical treatment to prevent infection.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, you might need medical attention right away. Our experienced car accident lawyers in California can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and recovery.
Types of Car Accidents We’ve Handled
Our attorney team has extensive experience handling collisions of all types, including:
- Head-on collisions: This is when two vehicles crash front-to-front.
- Intersection accidents: Collisions at intersections are often caused by running red lights or failing to yield.
- Hit-and-run accidents: This is when a driver leaves the scene without providing contact information or assisting the injured parties. This can complicate the claims process.
- Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions often happen when following too closely or driving distracted.
- Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipes happen when two vehicles travel side-by-side and make contact. This can result in loss of control and even subsequent crashes.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Complex accidents usually involve multiple cars and can cause serious injuries and property damage to many people.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Claim
The outcome of many car accident lawsuits hinges on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person or entity behaves in a careless manner that results in injury or harm to another person. Under the law, a person is required to exercise reasonable care whenever they are driving a motor vehicle, essentially staying aware of any pedestrians, road obstacles, or other drivers. In addition, they are responsible for controlling the speed their vehicle is going. If they fail to exercise this care, it can be considered negligence.
BD&J can help you determine if negligence was involved so the responsible party can be held liable. In order to prove negligence, you may need to show:
- The defendant owed duty to the injured party (plaintiff)
- The defendant breached this duty in some way
- That breach specifically caused the victim’s injuries
- The harm could have been reasonably predicted based on the negligence
- The victim suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)
Depending on the case, the defendant may be automatically presumed negligent and will need to prove otherwise to avoid paying damages. For example, if they were in clear violation of driving laws, whether due to drunk driving, right-of-way violations, or something similar.
Our California car accident lawyers can not only hold the negligent party responsible, but also thoroughly assess your case to determine if there were any third parties that may have led to the accident, such as Uber, Lyft, Postmastes, Doordash, construction companies, bartenders, employers, local municipalities, and more. We can also assist with wrongful death claims if your loved one died in the accident.
Protect your rights and your future. Talk to a BD&J injury lawyer now! Available 24/7
Determining How Much Compensation You Can Pursue After a Car Crash
I was in a car accident – How much compensation can I expect to receive? The answer depends on numerous factors and there isn’t an average settlement for a car accident case. Once your attorney knows the details of the case, they can better determine what compensation you might be able to pursue for the highest possible settlement. There are several factors that will likely impact the value of your claim. These include:
- The type of insurance policy each party holds, and the associated coverage limits.
- Ability to thoroughly document the scene of the accident and collect evidence that proves liability.
- The extent of current and future medical treatments, medications, and hospital stays.
- Your attorney’s ability to negotiate a full and fair settlement with insurance agents.
- The time it takes to return to work or the need to find alternate employment after the accident.
- Property damage associated with the accident (vehicles, homes, belongings, etc.)
- The overall impact on your life and family, now and in the future.
Compensation for Your Car Accident Case
There are 4 types of damages that we can help you obtain after your involvement in a car accident:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for surgery, medication, rehab and any future medical treatments needed after the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries keep you out of work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income, including future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: These are for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: This is for repairing or replacing your vehicle and getting you into a rental car in the meantime.
We can help you get the results that you want and need. Don’t wait to contact our legal team for the guidance you need through your case!
What Our California Car Accident Law Firm Can Do for You
Here is what you can expect when you work with BD&J Injury Lawyers:
- Assess your case: We start by evaluating the details of your accident to determine the strength of your case and identify the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
- Identify your damages: We can help you collect your medical records, insurance paperwork, property appraisals, and more to strengthen your claim to damages.
- Determine the cause: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements and surveillance footage.
- Make a case for negligence: We build a strong case by proving the other party’s negligence or fault, which is essential for securing compensation in car accident claims.
- File your claim: Our attorneys handle all the paperwork and legal formalities required to file your claim to ensure everything is done correctly from the start.
- Defend you in court: We represent you in court and in settlement negotiations, advocate for your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Negotiate settlements: We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages and losses. Our reputation and track record of success ensures your claim is taken seriously.
- Provide free consultation: Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case, answer any questions, and provide the information you need to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being in a car accident?
Prioritize your health and wellbeing after a car crash and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s important to get injuries evaluated as soon as possible to prevent worsening symptoms or permanent damage. This also creates a medical record for the crash.
What caused my car accident?
Reasons for car accidents typically fall into one of two categories: Those caused by driver error and those not caused by driver error. Driver error accidents typically occur due to reckless driving like failure to comply with traffic laws. Collisions can also be caused by dangerous road conditions, adverse weather, and vehicle failure.
Who else could be at fault if it wasn’t the driver?
In cases where accidents are caused by poor road conditions or improper signage, the local municipality could be found responsible. Alternatively, if the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction, the manufacturer or a mechanic could be liable.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call our car accident lawyers in California today and make sure you get fair compensation.
Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident, or can I handle the claim myself?
No, car accidents do not require legal representation, and sometimes claims are easy to handle on your own if there are few disputes and minor injuries, if any. However, if your accident involves severe injuries, liability disputes, or any other complication, it’s a good idea to talk to a California car accident attorney for a FREE case review.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in California?
Most California car crash law firms don’t charge until they win your case. This is called a contingency fee, where your lawyer is paid a percentage of your final compensation rather than charging an hourly rate. This often works to your advantage because, unlike hourly attorneys that may extend billable hours to increase their paycheck, contingency attorneys must provide the best possible results to be paid for their hours worked.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Yes, California has a comparative negligence law which allows victims to pursue compensation for an accident even if they are partially responsible for the accident. In this situation, your final compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are found to have. If your award is $100,000 but you are found 10% liable for the crash, you can recover a maximum of $90,000.
Will I have to go to court, or can my case be settled out of court?
Filing a lawsuit for a car accident does not automatically mean you will have to go to court. In reality, a vast majority of these cases are settled through negotiations and will not need to go to trial. However, if a trial is necessary, a car accident attorney in California will help you prepare for court and will argue your case tirelessly to get you what you deserve.
How to File a Car Accident Claim in California
What happens during a car accident claim? Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown.
- Collect evidence: Photos, videos, contact information, medical records, police reports, and more will be important for proving what happened and who is responsible.
- Notify insurance: Most policies have a deadline for filing claims, so make sure to check on your insurance policy and notify them of the impending claim.
- Get in touch with a California car accident attorney: Sit down for a FREE consultation with a trusted legal expert for guidance on your case.
- File the claim: Either with your attorney or on your own, fill out forms and submit evidence that shows who is responsible for the accident.
Dedicated to Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Our Clients
The BD&J team has more than 20 years working on all manner of car accident cases and has won a combined $2 billion* in compensation for clients. Our trusted California car accident lawyers are committed to supporting you and your family during a difficult time and won’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Reach out to schedule your FREE consultation today and start pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
