Car accidents in California have the potential to cause major injuries or even fatalities upending lives and livelihoods. A vast majority of car accidents are caused by some type of negligence or wrongdoing. When a car accident occurs, it is often the victims and their families who bear the brunt of the physical, emotional and financial burdens in the aftermath. If you have been injured in a California car accident as a result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.
The experienced California car accident lawyers at the Vaziri Law Group have a long and successful track record of representing the rights of injured victims and their families. We will help you gather and compile strong evidence in your case so you are in the best position to receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in California?
If you've been injured in a car accident in California, you may be wondering if you really need a lawyer to take up your case or if you might be able to handle things on your own. The answer to this question depends on the types of injuries and damages you've sustained in this crash. If you have been fortunate enough to escape with a few scratches and mostly suffered property damage, you may be able to work things out with your insurance company. If you are experiencing serious pain after your car accident, you'd likely benefit from taking advantage of a free case evaluation.
But, if you suffered injuries so severe that you had to get medical treatment and had to miss work time – even if those injuries were not life threatening – it is imperative that you get an experienced car accident lawyer early on in the process. Auto accident statistics show that injuries sustained have a high potential of affecting victims throughout their lifetimes. A personal injury attorney can play a crucial role in getting you the compensation you need to pay your medical expenses and bear other costs.
Here are just some scenarios in which you should call a California car accident lawyer:
- Your car accident injuries require medical attention
- You must stop working to recover from your injuries
- Your accident involved multiple vehicles and parties
- Your accident was caused by a commercial vehicle
- Your accident was caused by a rideshare vehicle
- Your accident was caused by a government employee
Common Types of Car Accidents in California
Our California car accident lawyers handle a number of different types of cases including but not limited to:
- Street intersection accidents
- Accidents involving delivery drivers
- Car accidents involving commercial vehicles such as big rigs or buses
- Car crashes involving rideshare vehicles such as Uber or Lyft
- Hit-and-run collisions
- Distracted driving accidents including texting and driving
- DUI collisions
- Failure to yield or stop
- Head-on collisions
- Wrong-way crashes
- Rear-end car accidents
- Freeway car accidents
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit on Your Own: Is it a Good Idea?
Under California law, if you have been injured in a car accident, you can file a lawsuit on your own. But, is it a good idea to represent yourself? Our car accident attorneys would strongly recommend against it, for several reasons. First, in order to file such a lawsuit, one must have a thorough knowledge of California state law and courtroom proceedings. You must know how to gather, compile and present evidence, which proves the elements of your personal injury claim. You must also know how to secure testimony from eyewitnesses and experts. It is also important to understand that a vast majority of car accident claims are settled out of court. So you must be a skilled negotiator in order to obtain the best possible settlement in your case.
California car accident lawyers who have handled similar cases are in a much better position to understand what your case is worth and how to help you receive maximum compensation. You stand to lose a significant amount of money and very likely, your peace of mind, if you decide to do this on your own. In addition to understanding the law and the legal processes involved, you must also be sure to meet filing deadlines or the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident or injury in California.
If you are worried about what an attorney might cost, please remember that reputed car accident lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis. We don't get paid unless you receive compensation in your case. In other words, our fee would be a percentage of what we win for you.
What is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury case will be based on the nature and extent of your injuries and damages. For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident that caused you to become paralyzed, your case will be worth a lot more than if you were to suffer a broken arm. Here are some of the factors that could determine what your case is worth:
Often, the worth of a personal injury case will also depend on the degree of negligence on the part of the defendant. In some cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs are also awarded punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the defendant for an egregious level of negligence. An experienced Los Angeles auto accident lawyer can help you properly assess the value of your case.
Common Injuries in California Car Accidents
You need a knowledgeable and resourceful lawyer who can fight insurance companies to get just compensation for your losses. This is crucial because it can have an impact on the type of medical treatment you receive and how soon you can recover and get back to living your life. It also has a serious effect on your financial stability.
After a car accident, you may suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, internal organ damage or soft tissue injuries. It is important to remember that in addition to the treatment you receive now, you may also need ongoing care in the future. For example, you may need additional surgery or rehabilitative treatment such as physical therapy down the road. You may suffer a permanent disability, which means you may need to train for a new career. All of these costs should be factored into your settlement. This is why it is critical never to rush into a quick settlement with your insurance company. Your attorney will make sure every detail is included so you get a fair and full settlement.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit on Your Own: Is it a Good Idea?
There are a number of factors that could impact the amount of compensation you receive after a car accident. If you have suffered severe or life-changing injuries, your case is likely to be worth much more than if you sustained relatively minor injuries. While a broken bone injury is serious and could take several months to recover from, a catastrophic injury such as a limb amputation or paralysis will increase the value of a car accident case significantly because of the irreparable losses suffered.
The value of a claim also depends on how much wages you have lost as a result of missing work. If you've lost your capacity to earn a living, your claim could be worth more. A car accident claim can also seek non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by such a life-changing event.
The skilled and experienced California car accident lawyers at the Vaziri Law Group have an extensive background when it comes to negotiating the best settlement for our clients. If we need to take your case before a jury, we have skilled trial attorneys on our team who can help you achieve the best possible result. Call us at 877-812-1085 to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation today.