What is an automobile accident?
Car accidents are the most common cause of personal injuries. Every year, millions of people are injured, or killed in car accidents. A car accident is a traumatic experience that can have a crippling and devastating effect on someone’s life.
There are different kinds of car accidents. Some accidents are minor but injuries such as whiplash result in requiring medical attention and treatment. You can suffer from those injuries for some time. You may, also, lose time from work resulting in lost wages. Other major car crashes can, unfortunately, cause serious and severe injuries, disabilities, and even death to those involved. The emotional grief alone can be unbearable.
As a car accident law firm, we understand how lives can change from one minute to the next when you are involved and injured in a car accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash that was not your fault or lost a loved one in a car accident due to the fault of another, it is important to immediately discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney. We will assist you with the property damage to your vehicle such as getting your vehicle inspected, repaired, and get you into a rental car – so long as there is applicable insurance coverage for property damage. We will also assist you to get the medical attention and care you need to help in your recovery process.
Sometimes, you may be partially at fault for a car accident. In California, you may be entitled to collect damages and compensation based on the degree/percentage of fault. For example, if it is determined that you are 25% at fault, you can collect 75% of your damages. In such cases, it is our job to refute claims that you were responsible or at least limit and minimize the amount/percentage of your fault and the amount of reduction of your damages.
Dealing with the insurance company yourself or settling your case on your own may have adverse effects for you including but not limited to giving up or signing away certain benefits and rights you deserve and just compensation which you are entitled to such as adequate payment for vehicle repairs, rental car expenses, medical expenses, loss of earnings/wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering, among other things.
At Lena Law, we answer your questions, advise you of your rights, help ease your concerns and make a stressful situation as easy and comfortable as possible for you. We represent and advocate for you to get the justice and fair compensation you deserve. We are on your side. Don’t try to handle accident claims on your own – let us deal with the insurance companies for you while you concentrate on your recovery and feeling better.
What To Do In A Car Accident?
- Get medical help right away. Call for emergency assistance if anyone is injured and seek medical attention even if you do not feel severe pain. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or fractures may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care protects your health and helps document your injuries.
- Never leave the accident scene without exchanging information. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. If possible, photograph their driver’s license and insurance card.
- Document everything. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, accident scene, road conditions, and surrounding area.
- Do not admit fault or argue. Even if you think you may have caused the accident, avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Keep conversations brief and factual.
- Call the police. Ask that the accident be documented. If officers do not respond or prepare a report, record important details yourself, including the date, time, location, direction of travel, lanes involved, weather conditions, and other driver information.
- For hit-and-run accidents, do not chase the vehicle. Try to safely obtain the license plate number, call 911, and file a police report as soon as possible.
- Look for witnesses. Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident. Independent witnesses can be especially important when drivers disagree about what happened.
- Look for nearby cameras. Businesses, homes, traffic cameras, or Ring-type devices may have captured the accident. Ask the owner to preserve or provide the footage when possible.
- Preserve independent evidence. A driver may admit fault at the scene and later tell their insurance company something different. Witness statements, photographs, and video footage can help establish what actually happened.
- Be careful with social media. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or activities while your case is pending. Insurance companies may review social media and attempt to use posts against your claim.
- Never say you are uninjured simply because you feel fine immediately after the crash. Some injuries and symptoms can develop days or even weeks later.
- Speak with your attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Do not provide recorded statements, sign releases, accept settlements, or file claims online or through an app before obtaining legal guidance whenever possible.
- Be cautious of quick settlement offers. Insurance companies may offer an early settlement in exchange for releasing all future claims before the full extent of your injuries is known.
- Remember whose interests the insurance company represents. Insurance companies seek to limit what they pay. Your attorney represents your interests and works to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What are Causes for a Car Crash?
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, adjusting controls, or anything else that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can lead to a serious collision.
- Drunk Driving / Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, reaction time, coordination, and the ability to drive safely.
- Speed: Driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases both the likelihood and severity of a crash.
- Running a Light: Entering an intersection against a red light can cause dangerous side-impact or intersection collisions.
- Running a Stop Sign: Failing to stop completely at a stop sign can put other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
- Unsafe Lane Change: Changing lanes without checking mirrors, blind spots, or surrounding traffic can cause sideswipe and multi-vehicle accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Tired or drowsy drivers may react more slowly, lose focus, or even fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Obstruction: Debris, construction equipment, stalled vehicles, or other roadway obstructions can create unexpected hazards for drivers.
- Weather: Rain, fog, wind, and other poor weather conditions can reduce visibility and traction, making it more difficult to control a vehicle safely.
Common Injuries Caused by Accidents
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision.
- Head Injuries: Injuries ranging from concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck Injuries: Strains, sprains, disc injuries, and other trauma affecting the neck and cervical spine.
- Back Injuries: Injuries involving muscles, discs, nerves, or the spine that may cause ongoing pain or limited mobility.
- Shoulder, Arm & Hand Injuries: Sprains, fractures, nerve damage, and other injuries to the upper extremities.
- Leg, Knee, Ankle & Foot Injuries: Injuries that may affect walking, mobility, and everyday activities.
- Broken Bones / Fractures: Bone fractures caused by the force and impact of an accident.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding that may require immediate medical attention.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, fear, trauma, and other emotional effects resulting from a serious accident.
- Wrongful Death: Fatal injuries caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful actions.
Do you need help?
Let Lena Law handle the insurance companies and guide your case from beginning to conclusion while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries.