Car accidents are an unfortunate reality in bustling cities like Los Angeles, and each one brings its own unique set of challenges. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, your experience and losses are personal to you and deserve the dedicated attention of an experienced Accident Lawyer. At The Dominguez Firm, we recognize the hurdles that car accident victims face as they navigate the recovery process. As a comprehensive legal practice, we have a dedicated team of trial attorneys, resourceful investigators, and the necessary financial strength to manage your case effectively from start to finish.
Our primary objective is to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your injuries – not just what insurance companies are willing to offer. Choosing an accident lawyer who genuinely prioritizes your best interests is crucial. Contact the personal injury attorneys at The Dominguez Firm today.
Call us now to discover how we can assist you and your family. (800) 818-1818. We are available to help you 24/7.
Is Hiring an Accident Lawyer Necessary After a Car Accident?
Following a car accident, it’s natural to question whether you need to hire an accident lawyer. Many accidents are minor and can be resolved directly between drivers or through insurance companies. In straightforward cases with minimal damage or no injuries, handling the claim yourself might seem quicker. However, even seemingly minor accidents can become surprisingly complex. For instance, injuries may not appear immediately, or the at-fault party might not fulfill agreed-upon compensation.
Certain situations and severe accidents unequivocally require the expertise of an accident lawyer. Specifically, if a car crash results in serious or lasting injuries that impair your ability to work or enjoy life, seeking immediate counsel from an accident lawyer is essential. Similarly, if you encounter difficulties with insurance – either your own or the other party’s – an experienced accident lawyer becomes invaluable.
Potential issues include:
- Disagreements about fault in the accident.
- Refusal by the responsible party or their insurer to cover accident-related damages.
- Involvement of a government entity as the other party, which alters the process and timeline for filing a personal injury claim.
Key Questions to Ask an Accident Lawyer Before Hiring:
Questions for your accident lawyer to ensure they are the right fit for your case
- Have you previously managed cases similar to mine?
- Will I be responsible for any costs if my case is unsuccessful?
- What is your fee structure?
- What resources, both in staffing and finances, do you have to support my case?
- How many years have you specialized in handling car accident cases?
- What is a realistic timeframe for resolving my case?
- What strategies can be employed to maximize my chances of a favorable outcome?
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident
- Move to a Safe Location and Dial 911: Report the accident to the police immediately.
- Cooperate fully with the responding officer, providing a clear and factual account of the incident to the best of your ability.
- If possible, collect contact information from witnesses and take photographs of the vehicles involved and the accident scene.
- Seek immediate medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of any potential injuries.
- Retain a reputable and strong law firm to manage every aspect of your car accident claim.
Actions to Avoid After a Car Accident
- Never admit fault or wrongdoing. Even an apology can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Avoid speculation or guessing when providing information to the police officer. Stick to the facts.
- Do not delay seeking medical attention. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for your health and your claim.
- Refrain from giving any statements to ANY insurance representative, including your own, without legal counsel.
- Do not accept any settlement offers or sign any agreements without first consulting with an accident lawyer.
Common Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
It’s a common misconception that high-impact accidents with significant vehicle damage always lead to more severe injuries. In reality, even minor-seeming accidents can cause serious harm. The spine, brain, joints, and bones are vulnerable, and significant injury can occur even from low-impact forces.
What are the prevalent types of injuries in car accidents?
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Wrongful Death
- Spinal Cord Injuries, potentially leading to temporary or permanent paralysis (partial or full)
- Whiplash and nerve damage, including radiculopathy
- Internal organ injuries, such as bruising, damage, or lacerations
- Crush Injuries
- Facial injuries, eye injuries, dental damage, and scarring
- Bone Fractures
- Ligament Tears
- Joint Dislocations or Derangements
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Muscle Strains and Sprains
Understanding the Legal Process and Timelines
It’s important to distinguish between a car accident insurance claim and a car accident lawsuit, as they are distinct processes, though both may involve a ‘settlement’. This section focuses on personal injury lawsuits related to car accidents.
Car accident injury lawsuits are generally categorized as personal injury lawsuits and are pursued in civil court. Here, the plaintiff (the injured party filing the lawsuit) seeks financial compensation from the defendant (the at-fault party being sued). This legal action is separate from the insurance claim process, although a plaintiff dissatisfied with the insurance settlement may choose to sue the insurance company as well.
- Filing a Complaint: The initial step is to file a formal complaint (or petition) with the court. This document includes a standard court form detailing the incident, the damages claimed by the plaintiff, and the legal grounds for the lawsuit. It’s critical to file within the state’s statute of limitations – in California, typically within 2 years of the accident. This timeframe can vary based on specific circumstances.
- Serving the Complaint to the Defendant: Once your accident lawyer files the complaint, the defendant is officially notified of the lawsuit. This formal notification, known as ‘serving the complaint,’ must adhere to specific legal procedures.
- Defendant’s Response: The defendant then files a response, likely admitting or denying the factual allegations in the complaint and outlining any legal defenses.
- Discovery Phase: Following the filing of the complaint and response, both sides engage in ‘discovery,’ a process of requesting and exchanging evidence. This may involve producing documents, answering written interrogatories, undergoing depositions, and requesting similar information from the opposing party.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial. Both plaintiff and defendant present evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine opposing witnesses, and present expert testimony. After the trial concludes, the judge or jury deliberates and delivers a verdict, deciding in favor of the plaintiff or defendant and, if applicable, determining the compensation amount. It’s worth noting that most cases are resolved before reaching trial.
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit in California is complex and demands significant legal expertise. Attempting to file a lawsuit without professional help is not advisable. Consulting with a qualified accident lawyer is crucial to guide you through this intricate process.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
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Medical Expenses: You have a right to compensation for medical costs associated with your injuries. This can be claimed through your own insurance or the at-fault party’s insurance, depending on fault determination. Medical expenses can cover:
- Hospital stays
- Ambulance services
- Physical therapy
- Surgical procedures
- Specialist consultations
- In-home nursing care
- Mental health therapy
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Property Damage: If another party is at fault, you are entitled to compensation for property damage, typically covering the repair or replacement of your vehicle.
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Pain and Suffering: These ‘non-economic damages’ address the emotional and psychological impact of the accident on your life. An experienced accident lawyer can help quantify these often-complex damages, which can constitute a significant portion of your total compensation.
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Lost Wages: If your injuries have hindered your ability to work, you are entitled to recover lost income.
Other Important Considerations
Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents and Relevant Statistics
Car accidents vary greatly. Common types include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Left-turn collisions
- Side-swipe collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Merging accidents
- Failure to yield accidents
These accidents involve various types of vehicles:
- Passenger cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks)
- Minivans
- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
- Pickup trucks
- Motorcycles
- Light utility trucks
- Box trucks
- Large commercial trucks (semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers)
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, phone use, etc.)
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Impaired driving (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Disregarding traffic signals and signs
- Vehicle defects or recalls
- Road design, repair, or maintenance flaws
- Inexperienced or teenage drivers
- Adverse weather conditions
- Construction zones
According to 2020 data from the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- 3,982 car accident fatalities occurred
- 203,888 individuals sustained injuries
- Fatalities among vehicle occupants increased by 11% compared to 2019
Nationally, 42,514 people died in car accidents in 2022, a 1.7% decrease from 2021.
Can Undocumented Individuals Pursue a Car Accident Claim?
Yes. California law prohibits the use of immigration status against individuals in personal injury cases. If someone’s negligence causes you harm, your immigration status is legally irrelevant. Our attorneys protect client privacy by objecting to any questioning intended to elicit immigration status information.
While court proceedings are in English, interpreters are commonly used for non-English speakers. Our firm works with skilled interpreters, often matching dialect and tone, to accurately convey your story and emotions.
Legal Options When Partially at Fault for a Car Accident in Los Angeles
Yes, legal action is still possible because California operates under a “comparative fault” system. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if your total damages are assessed at $1,000,000 and you are found 25% at fault, your recoverable amount is $750,000. You can even pursue a claim if you are deemed 99% at fault. An experienced accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case to determine fault percentages.
Car Accidents During Work Hours
Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may be eligible for both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit against at-fault third parties (non-employers). Our firm is equipped to handle both, with expert accident lawyers and a dedicated workers’ compensation department with extensive experience across various workers’ comp cases.
The Dominguez Firm: Your Los Angeles Accident Lawyers
J.J. Dominguez founded The Dominguez Firm on the core values of Compassion, Service, and Results. His vision was to deliver exceptional legal representation and client service to the community. The firm’s long-standing success reflects this commitment.
Attorney Juan J. Dominguez, founder of The Dominguez Firm, a leading accident law firmFor over 30 years, The Dominguez Firm has aided thousands of car accident victims in rebuilding their lives, securing over $1 billion* in settlements and verdicts while managing every aspect of our clients’ cases.
As a full-service personal injury firm, we possess the resources to challenge major corporations and insurance companies. We are not a referral service and will not compromise your settlement for a quick resolution.
Contact The Dominguez Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 800-818-1818. We are available 24/7 and can come to you at your home or hospital.
