Car Accidents
Car accident law refers to the legal rules that determine who is responsible for the personal and property damage resulting from a traffic collision. This area of the law consists of the principles of negligence, as applied to this particular category of personal injury cases. Like other cases in which negligence law applies, car accident litigation is governed almost entirely by state law.
Car accidents are the primary cause of personal injury claims in California and nationwide. These sudden and violent incidents can disrupt lives in profound and even catastrophic ways. The physical and emotional trauma, the hefty medical bills, the loss of income during recovery, and the potential of long-term or permanent disability are just some of the hardships you may face in the aftermath of a car accident.
These accidents can last seconds, while their consequences can endure for weeks, months, years, or a lifetime.
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident is often a stressful and frustrating process. These corporations primarily aim to protect their profits and may employ tactics to deny your claim or devalue your injuries. They may seek to blame you for the accident, delay the process, or unfairly reduce the settlement to which you are entitled, all of which can intensify your anxiety and compound your financial distress.
A skilled and tenacious personal injury lawyer becomes indispensable at such a time. At Atoyan Law, our experienced car accident attorneys can champion your rights, ensuring you are not bullied or taken advantage of by insurance companies. We fight hard to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and vehicle damage or loss.
Request a confidential consultation with a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney. Call Atoyan Law at +1 (213) 807 0077 or connect with us on our contact form.
Causes of Car Accidents in Southern California:
Car accident Injury claims are based on negligence in which human error is a primary factor, whether from another driver, a car manufacturer’s defective product, or a governmental agency in charge of road design, construction, or maintenance.
Common scenarios involving drivers causing accidents can include:
- Speeding
- Texting While Driving
- Drunk or Drugged Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Yield
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
- Tailgating
- Improper Lane Changes
- Simple Inattention
- Other Violations of Traffic Law
In some cases, faulty vehicle equipment can also cause or exacerbate injuries, such as defective seat belts, airbags, tires, brakes, etc.
All of these forms of negligence can lead to severe and diverse injuries, ranging from whiplash, concussions, lacerations, and sprains to broken bones, internal injuries, and catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage, paralysis, and severe burns.
Such injuries can put you out of work for extended periods or even make it impossible to return to the job or career you once had. While financially distressed, you may need expensive medical care for months or even years.
Fortunately, personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for all you have suffered and lost. However, securing a fair settlement is not always easy. Most injury victims fail to understand that insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts on claims, which can leave you without the financial resources you need to recover fully. If you, or someone you care about was recently injured in a collision, be sure to reach out to an auto accident attorney in Los Angeles right away.
Get The Representation You Deserve - Call us now to get a free 20-minute consultation with a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney by calling a team member at +1 (213) 807 0077 or connect with us on our contact form.
Work With a Trusted & Proven Team of Auto Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles
While no amount of compensation can genuinely erase the trauma and suffering caused by car accidents, it can alleviate the financial burden and provide a means for victims to rebuild their lives.
At Atoyan Law, we are committed to providing aggressive and dedicated representation for car accident victims, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. We can handle all aspects of your legal case while you focus on recovery. Any Los Angeles car accident lawyer at our firm can work for your best interests in negotiating a fair settlement or take your case to court, where necessary.
Specializing Attorneys and Specialists on this Area
We serve Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita. Our services are available in English, Armenian, Russian, and Spanish.
Some Legal Insights:
The first thing to do after a car accident is to remain silent about who is to blame for the incident. As simple as this may seem, admitting fault is by far the most common mistake potential litigants make in the moments following a crash. Ordinarily, the rules of evidence do not allow out-of-court statements (aka "hearsay"). But there is an exception for admissions. Even a simple apology can potentially be used against you.
Following an automobile accident, taking the appropriate precautions will assist protect everyone's safety and make the insurance claim process easier. Here's a simple guide on what to do:
- Check for injuries
- Move to safety
Call 911 - report the collision to the authorities - Avoid admitting fault - be cautious with your words, do not say “I’m sorry”
- Exchange info (contact & insurance details)
- Get medical attention - even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be noticeable right away
- Contact a Los Angeles car accident attorney near you at Atoyan Law: +1 (213) 807 0077
Following these steps can help protect your interests and support a smoother recovery and claims process.
Following a car accident, you might wonder if it’s necessary to hire an accident lawyer, even if you haven’t suffered any injuries. It's important to recognize that what initially seems like a minor fender bender can later unfold into a more complex situation. Immediately after the accident, the shock might prevent you from fully recognizing any injuries, which could emerge later, bringing significant discomfort and further health issues down the line. In such circumstances, having the support of a car accident lawyer is invaluable.
While it's not legally required, it's always a good idea to work with a car accident lawyer. Even in small accidents, a knowledgeable attorney may help you negotiate a fair settlement allowing you to get reasonable compensation. If the insurance company does not acknowledge the entire nature of your claim, or if talks fail, getting in touch with an attorney may be critical for defending your rights and interests. Reach out to a law firm experienced in handling automobile accident claims in Los Angeles today.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, this time-frame can vary depending on specific circumstances, such as if the accident involved a government vehicle or if you were a minor at the time of the accident. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible ensures you don't miss the deadline.
Yes, even if you were partially at fault in the car accident, you may still be able to recover damages. California follows a comparative negligence law, which means your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process and fight for the maximum recovery possible.
In a car accident case, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages: income lost due to missed work, as well as potential future earning capacity
- Property damage: repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property
- Pain and suffering: compensation for physical and emotional distress
- Other expenses: rental car fees, towing costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses
An experienced car accident attorney can help you identify and pursue all available damages to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.