Experiencing a car accident in Glendale, CA, can be a life-altering event. Beyond the physical injuries and emotional distress, you’re likely facing a complex web of insurance claims, medical bills, and legal questions. Dordulian Law Group, a leading team of car accident lawyers serving the Los Angeles area, is dedicated to providing experienced and compassionate legal representation to Glendale residents. With over 75 years of combined experience, our attorneys are committed to helping you secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Glendale, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your future. Our Glendale Car Accident Lawyers are here to guide you through every stage of the legal process, ensuring you receive the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Understanding Car Accidents: What You Need to Know
What Constitutes a Car Accident?
What Are Car Accidents?
Car accidents, also known as motor vehicle collisions, encompass any incident where a vehicle crashes into another vehicle, object, pedestrian, or animal, resulting in property damage, injury, or even death. In Glendale, as in any urban environment, these incidents can range from minor fender-benders to severe crashes with devastating consequences. Determining fault is crucial in car accident cases, as the at-fault driver is typically liable for the resulting damages. While driver negligence is a primary cause, other factors can contribute to accidents, including:
- Defective Vehicle Parts: Malfunctioning brakes, tires, or other components can lead to accidents.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, or inadequate signage can create dangerous environments.
- Adverse Weather: Rain, fog, or other weather conditions can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Glendale due to any of these factors, a skilled Glendale car accident lawyer at Dordulian Law Group can investigate the circumstances and fight for your rights. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take, and we are dedicated to easing your burden.
Glendale Car Accident Statistics: Understanding the Risks
Car Accident Trends in California and Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County, including Glendale, unfortunately experiences a high volume of car accidents. Each year, tens of thousands of people are injured or killed in traffic collisions in this region. Statistics reveal concerning trends:
- High Accident Rates: Los Angeles consistently ranks among the areas with the highest rates of injury-causing and fatal traffic accidents in the nation.
- Increase in Fatalities: Recent years have shown an alarming increase in crash fatalities, highlighting the growing dangers on our roads.
These statistics underscore the reality that living in or driving through Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area carries a significant risk of being involved in a car accident, even for cautious drivers.
Common causes behind these accidents, beyond general negligence, include:
- Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions remains a leading factor.
- Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, texting, and other distractions are major contributors to accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drug impairment significantly increases the risk of collisions.
- Aggressive Driving: Road rage and reckless behavior behind the wheel endanger everyone.
- Fatigued Driving: Drowsiness impairs reaction time and judgment, leading to accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Improper merging, lane changes, and right-of-way violations are frequent causes.
National Perspective on Car Accident Fatalities
While local statistics are alarming, it’s important to consider the broader context of car accidents in the United States:
- Tens of Thousands of Fatalities Annually: The U.S. sees tens of thousands of car accident fatalities each year, making it a significant public health concern.
- Vulnerable Road Users: A substantial portion of fatalities involve pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists, emphasizing the need for increased road safety for all.
- Time and Location Patterns: Data reveals patterns in when and where fatal accidents occur, such as nighttime hours on weekends and summer months, which can inform safety initiatives.
Local Data: Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics (Recent Years)
Examining recent Los Angeles car accident data provides a clearer picture of the current situation:
- Increase in Traffic Fatalities: Recent years have witnessed a worrisome surge in traffic fatalities in Los Angeles, including Glendale.
- Rise Compared to Previous Years: Fatalities have increased significantly compared to previous years, indicating a worsening trend.
- Serious Injuries: Alongside fatalities, the number of serious injuries in car accidents remains high, impacting many lives.
These statistics emphasize the critical need for experienced legal representation if you’ve been injured in a Glendale car accident. A Glendale car accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of a crash and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Viable Car Accident Case in Glendale?
In California, car accident cases hinge on the principle of negligence. To establish negligence, and thus have a strong case, your Glendale car accident lawyer must demonstrate the following:
- Duty of Care: The other party (defendant) owed you (plaintiff) a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold this duty of care through negligent actions.
- Causation: This breach of duty directly caused your car accident and subsequent injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Examples of driver duties include obeying traffic laws, maintaining vehicle control, and being attentive to surroundings. If a driver violates these duties and causes an accident, they can be held liable. Dordulian Law Group’s Glendale car accident attorneys excel at building strong cases by thoroughly investigating accidents, gathering evidence, and proving negligence to maximize your compensation.
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Determining Liability in Glendale Car Accident Cases
Liability in car accidents isn’t always straightforward. California’s “comparative fault” law acknowledges that multiple parties may share fault for an accident. Even if you are partially responsible, you can still recover compensation, although your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you are deemed 20% at fault and another driver 80%, you can recover 80% of your damages. To protect your interests and minimize your assigned fault, consulting a Glendale car accident lawyer is essential.
Beyond driver negligence, other parties can be liable:
- Government Agencies: If hazardous road conditions caused by negligent maintenance contribute to an accident, government entities may be liable.
- Property Owners: Accidents on private property due to owner negligence can lead to liability claims against property owners.
- Vehicle Manufacturers/Repair Shops: Defective vehicle parts or faulty repairs causing accidents can result in liability for manufacturers or repair shops.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for maximizing your compensation. Dordulian Law Group’s Glendale car accident attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover all sources of liability and pursue all avenues for recovery.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Glendale
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident in Glendale, your actions are critical for your safety and any potential legal claim. It’s crucial to remain calm and prioritize the following:
- Check for Injuries and Call 911: Assess yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel initially unharmed, seek medical evaluation promptly. Some injuries manifest later.
- Call the Police and File a Report: A police report is essential for documenting the accident and can be crucial evidence for your claim.
- Exchange Information: Gather contact and insurance details from all involved drivers.
- Collect Witness Information: Obtain contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, accident location, and any relevant factors.
- Report to the DMV (if necessary): In California, accidents with over $1000 in damages or involving injury/fatality must be reported to the DMV within 10 days.
Crucially, before speaking with insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers, consult with a Glendale car accident lawyer. Insurance companies often prioritize their profits and may offer settlements far below what you are entitled to. Dordulian Law Group will protect your rights and negotiate for a fair and just settlement on your behalf.
Maximizing Financial Recovery After a Glendale Car Accident
Damages recoverable in a Glendale car accident case are designed to compensate you for your losses. These damages can be categorized as:
-
Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses, including:
- Medical Expenses (past and future)
- Vehicle Repair or Replacement Costs
- Lost Income (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
-
Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective, non-monetary losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Disability or Disfigurement
California law does not cap compensatory damages. However, non-economic damages, particularly pain and suffering, can be challenging to quantify. A skilled Glendale car accident lawyer at Dordulian Law Group will meticulously assess your losses, gather supporting documentation, and effectively present your claim to maximize your financial recovery. In cases of egregious negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be pursued.
If you are uninsured, California law restricts your ability to recover non-economic damages unless the at-fault driver was convicted of DUI. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide compensation if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
The severity of your injuries significantly impacts the potential value of your case. Serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations, often result in higher settlements or verdicts due to their profound and lasting impact on your life.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in California
It’s vital to be aware of the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe generally bars your right to sue.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations exist in certain circumstances, such as:
- Wrongful Death: The statute begins on the date of death, not the accident date.
- Minors: The statute is tolled (paused) until the injured party turns 18.
- Delayed Discovery of Injury: In rare cases where injuries are not immediately apparent, the statute may begin when the injury is discovered.
However, relying on exceptions is risky. It’s always best to consult with a Glendale car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline and to begin the process of building a strong case.
Contact a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t navigate the complexities of a car accident claim alone. Dordulian Law Group’s experienced Glendale car accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success, recovering millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Let us be your advocates and guide you towards a just resolution after your Glendale car accident.
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Distracted Driving Accident
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Drunk Driving Accident
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Reckless Driving
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Drowsy Driving
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Low-Impact Collision
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[ Car Accident Whiplash Injury
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Self-Driving Car Accident
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Rental Car Accident
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Intersection Car Accident
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ATV Accident
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Taxicab Accident
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[ Parking Lot Car Accident
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What is the process for reporting car accidents?
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