California Auto Accident Lawyer, are an unfortunate part of life on the road. No matter how safe a driver you may be and follow driving laws, crashes can and do happen. Fortunately, California law empowers a person injured in a car accident to seek compensation from those responsible. That starts with consulting a proven car accident lawyer at Banafshe Law Firm, PC. At Banafshe Law Firm, our car accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in vehicle collisions, drunk driving crashes and a wide variety of other accidents. We combine decades of legal experience to ensure that the people we represent get the maximum compensation available under the circumstances. Our accident lawyers take pride in guiding clients through the legal process with experience and professionalism. We understand the tactics that insurance companies often use to try to minimize or avoid pay outs and we work aggressively to get you the money you deserve.
AN ACCIDENT LAW FIRM THAT OFFERS LEGAL EXCELLENCE AND COMPASSION
We also take pride in assisting our clients with obtaining the medical care they require to treat their injuries and fully heal. Once our office is retained, we assign a team of professionals to guide our clients through the legal process and handle all phases of their case so our clients can focus on obtaining the medical attention their desperately need. We have the knowledge, experience and resources to make sure our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.
Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have helped countless clients get back on their feet after an injury with optimal financial support. That includes six- and seven-figure settlements and judgments for people injured in car crashes. Our firm gives clients the confidence to focus on their physical recuperation with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we are out there fighting for them.
COMMON CAUSES OF AUTO ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a crash, from driver error to poor weather conditions. Although the result of the accident may be the same, top-notch car accident attorneys know that identifying the cause of the crash is often a key element to obtaining money damages for your injuries.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Failure to Yield: State and local laws require drivers to yield to others on the road in a number of different circumstances. These “right of way” laws are meant to avoid confusion that can set the groundwork for a collision.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: There are appropriate times and places for lane changes. There’s also a correct way to make those changes when needed. Lane changes should be made only in situations in which the lane to which you’re moving is separated from your current lane with a broken white line. Drivers must always properly signal when making a lane change. They’re also expected to avoid sudden lane changes that may not give others adequate time to react. That’s especially true when traveling at high speeds or in difficult weather conditions.
- Driver Fatigue: Tiredness and distraction behind the wheel often go hand in hand. The more fatigued a driver is, the more likely he or she will succumb to distraction. Still, fatigue also raises its own separate set of safety concerns. Even if you’re not actually falling asleep behind the wheel, fatigue and drowsiness can significantly slow reaction times. Fatigue is often the result of lack of sleep, certain medications, long hours on the job, or drinking and driving. Drowsy driving is also regularly to blame for accidents involving large trucks and other commercial vehicles, where drivers are commonly pushed to spend long stretches of time behind the wheel during busy traffic times.
- Poor Weather: Mother Nature is no friend of the motorist. Weather can wreak havoc on driving conditions, making roads difficult to see and surfaces treacherous to navigate. Whether it’s, rain, snow, wind or natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, poor weather is a common culprit in car accidents. Even when a storm has passed, it may leave downed street signs and traffic lights and cause roads and streets to be obstructed with debris.
Understanding the cause of the crash is just one step on the road to getting compensation for car accident injuries. In some cases, the factors contributing to a collision may not be readily apparent. That’s why it’s vital that a person injured in a crash in Southern California seek the advice and counsel of a seasoned car accident lawyer.
California law is meant to protect people injured in car accidents, but these cases can also come with unnecessary complications for people who are not well versed in the law. Insurance companies often try to take advantage of these situations by aggressively pushing quick settlement for pennies on the dollar. It is vital that you do not accept an insurance settlement without first consulting an experienced car accident attorney. An insurance company is a business just like any other and their adjusters are trained to settle cases early and for as little money as possible in order to increase profits. The insurance company adjuster will be compassionate, caring, and befriend you to carry out this goal. The “final offer” or “maximum offer” an unrepresented accident victim receives is rarely, if ever, the maximum money the insurance company is willing to pay.
A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER CAN REVIEW YOUR CASE AND HELP DETERMINE FAULT AND LIABILITY
A driver who doesn’t live up to the duty of care is likely to be held legally liable for any accidents that happen as a result.
The money damages usually available in California car accident cases are intended to compensate an injured person for the losses related to the crash. That includes compensation for past and future pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical bills stemming from the injuries sustained in the accident, mental therapy related to the accident and expected future medical treatment. Reimbursement for car and other property damage and missed wages due to time away from the job while the injured person recuperates is also common.
In the tragic situation in which a person is killed in an automobile accident, his or her family has the right to seek similar compensation for wrongful death.
In many cases, an injured person may be partially to blame for the collision. A driver who is speeding when he or she hits a car that changes lanes without signaling, for instance or was distracted by the GPS, may be found to share at least some of the blame.
California’s comparative negligence system determines liability based on share of fault for the accident. In other words, a person who is partially to blame for a crash will have his or her potential money damages reduced proportionate to the person’s responsibility for the collision. If this is the case, our car accident attorneys and team of professionals have the experience to reduce the amount of comparative negligence to the lowest possible amount.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
When choosing a car accident lawyer, there are several factors you need to consider. You should not simply choose the first law firm you find, and you should be wary of any lawyer who claims to be the “best” in his or her field. When it comes to representing car accident victims, here are some of the most-important qualifications a lawyer can have:
- Experience Representing Car Accident Victims – Maximizing your financial recovery after a serious car accident is not easy. You need a lawyer who has extensive experience proving fault, calculating victims’ medical expenses and other losses, and pursuing all types of car accident claims.
- A Practice Focused on Car Accidents and Other Personal Injury Cases – An attorney who focuses his or her practice on car accidents and other personal injury cases is far more likely to have the experience needed in order to represent you effectively.
- A Success Record in Settlement Negotiations and at Trial – While the goal should be to settle your claim for the maximum possible compensation, you need to know that your lawyer is prepared to fight for you at trial if necessary.
When to Contact an Accident Attorney After a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident or other kind of traffic accident, do you need to hire a accident lawyer, or can you handle your insurance claim on your own? If you need a lawyer, when should you schedule a free initial consultation?
In order to protect your legal rights and maximize the amount you receive for your medical expenses and other losses, you are going to need experienced legal representation. You cannot rely on the insurance companies to voluntarily pay what they owe. With this in mind, if you have been injured in a car accident, you should:
- Contact a accident attorney as soon as possible. You can call from the scene of the accident if you are still there, or you can call from your home or hospital bed. Our car accident lawyers and team are available 24/7.
- Tell your insurance representative that you have a lawyer. While you can file a claim on your own, you should not engage in any additional communications with your insurance company at this time.
- Keep all information and your photos of the scene of the accident, all vehicles and your injuries until you can give them to your auto accident attorney.
WHAT TO DO KNOW ABOUT HIRING A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Driving on a daily basis in tough traffic situations is a common occurrence. While driving a car in California is generally safe, many people will inevitably get into an auto accident at some point. If you are in an auto accident, meeting with a lawyer could be a good option. There are several tips to follow when you do meet with an auto accident lawyer.
Find the Auto Accident Experts
One tip to follow is to find an attorney that specializes in auto accident law. Auto accidents are unique situations and you need to have a representative that is familiar with this type of case. The Banafshe Law Firm is a local law firm that is well aware of auto accident law and can provide you with great services to ensure you are properly represented.
Meet with the Car Accident Law Firm Quickly
After an auto accident, it is important that you meet with the lawyer as quickly as possible. After you have been in an accident, the last thing you want to do is sit and wait for the case to develop. Instead, you should try and meet with the attorney within a few days of the accident to ensure you start the legal process quickly. If you wait too long to start you could fall behind the process and end up losing out.
Bring Evidence and Documents to the Consultation
When you are meeting with your car accident lawyer, you also want to bring as much detail about the situation as possible. This should include brining the police report, accident reports, information about the other driver, and auto damage reports. This will give the attorney enough information to properly assess your situation and determine what the right course of action will be.
Be Honest with your Car Accident Accident Attorney
After an auto accident, many people are concerned that they will be deemed liable and will be punished. While you may be nervous to give a fair account of the situation, it is important that you are as honest as possible — even if you were doing something at problematic as texting and driving or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This part of the process will require that you continue to give accurate information about what happened, even if you are at fault. This will help your accident lawyer make informed decisions about the case.
Discuss All of Your Options
Depending on how the auto accident occurred, what the damage is, and who is at fault, there are many different avenues that you can pursue. Some of the most common things that you could do will include filing a claim with your insurance company, suing the other party if they are at fault and are not covering damage, or considering other actions to take.
Follow the Law Firm’s Advice
Most importantly, you need to follow the advice of your legal counsel. Your attorney will provide you with suggestions that will give you the best chance of winning your case and receiving a fair judgment. Because of this, you should be sure that you follow the attorney instructions as much as possible and stay in compliance with all other legal instructions you receive. If you found an attorney you’re comfortable with and revealed all of the important information, the advice provided by the law firm is likely your best option.
COMMON MISTAKES CALIFORNIA AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIMS NEED TO AVOID
In addition to taking certain steps in order to protect your rights, there are some all-too-common mistakes you need to avoid as well. For example, after a car accident, you should not:
- Handling the case yourself or having a family member or friend assist you
- Wait any longer than necessary to seek medical attention
- Wait any longer than necessary to speak with a car accident lawyer
- Leave your doctor’s office without understanding your diagnosis and treatment needs
- Ignore your doctor’s advice
- Try to return to work or resume any form of strenuous physical activity too soon
- Assume that any details about the accident are minor or insignificant
- Assume that you will only be able to recover what the insurance company offers you
- Trusting the adverse insurance company without first consulting with a Personal Injury or Car Accident Lawyer
FAQS: GETTING HELP FROM A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
When Should You Hire a Lawyer After an Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident, you should hire a lawyer right away. Our phones are answered 24/7, and our lawyers can get to work on your car accident claim immediately.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
It costs nothing out of pocket to hire an accident lawyer. At Banafshe Law Firm, there are no upfront fees, we handle all car accident claims on a contingency-fee basis, and advance all costs. Your initial consultation is completely free, you never pay anything out of pocket, and we only recover our fees and costs if we are successful in helping you recover just compensation. We only get paid after we collect money for you.
How are Contingency Fees Calculated for Car Insurance Claims?
Our contingency fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. As a result, you will always receive payment if your claim is successful. Additionally, even taking our fees into account, if we take your claim, it is because we believe that we can help you collect more (and probably far more) than you could collect on your own.
How Do You Choose a Car Accident Lawyer?
In addition to the factors we discussed above – experience handling car accident claims, a practice focused on personal injury representation, and a record of success in settlement negotiations and at trial – there are some other important factors to consider as well. For example, when choosing a car accident lawyer, you want to choose someone who will be there for you 24/7, and who will actually pick up the phone when you text or call.
At Banafshe Law Firm, we are dedicated to client service, and we prioritize communicating with our clients. You will be kept fully informed about the status of your case from day one, and you will never be left wondering when you will receive a response.
If I Already Filed an Insurance Claim, Can I Still Hire a Law Firm to Represent Me?
Yes, if you have already filed an auto insurance claim, you still have time to hire a car accident lawyer. However, it will be important for you to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the insurance companies will try to take advantage of unrepresented claimants; and, the longer you wait to seek legal representation, the more difficult it could become to collect the full compensation you deserve.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me if My Insurance Claim has Been Denied?
Yes, if the insurance companies have denied your claim, a lawyer may still be able to help you. At this stage, the options that are available will depend on both (i) why your claim was denied, and (ii) how long it has been since the insurance company issued its denial. Once again, it will be important for you to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, and we encourage you to contact us immediately for a free consultation.
If my car is declared a total loss, how is the value of the vehicle determined?
Your car may be declared a total loss even if it is salvageable. This occurs when the insurance company weighs the cost of repair with the car’s value. If the repairs costs are high enough, say 70% of the value, then your car will be deemed a total loss. The car’s value is determined much as it would be if you were placing it up for sale. An insurance representative inspects the wreck to determine the mileage, modifications made to the car, and its apparent condition before the accident. The insurer will then refer to actual sales figures of comparable vehicles, and price guides like the Kelly Blue Book to arrive at a figure. You should do your own research to avoid being low-balled by the insurer.
What are Uninsured Insurance and Underinsurance Insurance Coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects the policyholder from being unable to recover damages in an accident where the liable party has no insurance, or not enough coverage to pay for expenses. It is useful to purchase such insurance, especially considering that in California an estimated 20% of drivers have no insurance. It is very important to purchase UM and UIM coverage with your insurance. A good rule of thumb is to carry the same UIM and UM coverage as you have in your regular policy. If you do not have or unsure if you have sufficient UM or UIM coverage contact your insurance broker.
If I Make a Claim with My Uninsured Insurance Coverage or Underinsurance Insurance Coverage Will My Rates with My Car Insurance Carrier Increase?
Your insurance rate only increases if you are “at-fault” in the car accident. Making a claim for benefits under your uninsured insurance coverage (UM) or underinsurance insurance coverage (UIM) should not increase your rates if you are not at fault for the accident. UM and UIM coverage is something you pay for and you should use, with the assistance of a personal injury attorney, if the unfortunate circumstance arises
SPEAK WITH A KNOWLEDGEABLE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY
Don’t go it alone. If you have been involved in an accident, contact a car accident lawyer at Banafshe Law Firm as soon as possible for a free initial consultation.
Our office is conveniently located in Beverly Hills and we gladly serve clients throughout California. Contact us online, call 310-706-2561 or email us to speak with an car accident attorney today. Any delay might affect the outcome of your settlement and your ability to receive full compensation. Remember, our accident lawyers advance all costs and we don’t charge if we don’t collect money for you.
