Rancho Palos Verdes Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Rancho Palos Verdes offers breathtaking coastal views and winding roads to Californians. But these roads can also present unique hazards to drivers. Hawthorne Boulevard or the curves along Palos Verdes Drive can become the scene of a sudden collision that alters drivers’ lives in an instant. Seek a Rancho Palos Verdes car accident lawyer as soon as possible if this occurs to you or a loved one due to another driver’s carelessness.

Car accidents can leave physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills in the aftermath. You don’t have to face such challenges alone. The Shaffer Law legal team is here to help you navigate changes caused by a car accident.

Why a Car Accident Claim Is Necessary

After the initial shock of a collision subsides, the reality of financial losses will set in. Insurance companies may reach out to you offering settlements, which rarely cover the full extent of your damages. In many cases, they take advantage of accident victims’ vulnerability and lack of legal knowledge to minimize their payouts.

When you hire a car accident lawyer, you send the message to insurance companies that you aim to receive the fair settlement you’re entitled to.

The Importance of Establishing Liability

Alcohol and drugs often contribute to motor vehicle collisions. Recent data revealed that 10 DUI arrests were made in Rancho Palos Verdes in one recent year. For the entire state of California, DUI crashes accounted for 13,247 of 114,718 crashes last year.

Also consider how an attorney can help you identify all possible avenues of compensation. For instance, an accident may have been caused by factors other than alcohol or the other driver.

If a vehicle defect caused the other driver to crash, the vehicle manufacturer might be responsible. Also, if hazardous road conditions contributed to the collision, a government entity could be liable.

A seasoned personal injury lawyer can complete a thorough investigation into these matters and uncover layers that you might be unable to uncover on your own. At Shaffer Law, we give attention to every possible avenue in our pursuit of justice for you.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Knowing California’s car accident laws on liability and comparative negligence is imperative to the success of your case. In the Golden State, you can still acquire damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

When you hire a car accident lawyer in Rancho Palos Verdes, California who prioritizes clients’ needs and has experience fighting for fair settlements in negotiation and litigation, you gain an advocate, investigator, and shield against aggressive insurance adjusters.

An attorney can work with the Lomita Sheriff’s Station on Narbonne Avenue in Lomita and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles to gather evidence, including police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements. Additionally, a lawyer can work with accident reconstruction experts.

Why Shaffer Law

The Shaffer Law legal team has spent decades representing communities in Southern California and guiding residents through legal matters. Our founder and lead attorney, Douglas D. Shaffer, has helped clients maximize the value of their car accident claim, recovering more than $100 million.

He was awarded the Trial Lawyer of the Year Award for his accomplishments and commitment to justice in the community, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year for more than a decade.

FAQs

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?

How much your car accident lawyer costs in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, depends on the factors of your case, the level of negligence, and whether litigation is necessary. Also, consider that every firm’s pricing model is different. You can determine whether your lawyer works with flat fee structures, retainers, hourly rates, or a set percentage of the settlement you receive during an initial consultation.

How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

How hard it is to win a car accident lawsuit in California depends mainly on the evidence you present. To win, you must prove the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached their duty due to negligence, their breach caused the accident, and it caused you to suffer damages.

Straightforward rear-end incidents are easier to prove than cases involving disputed liability or multiple parties. In either case, having skilled legal counsel improves the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?

You should get a lawyer after a car accident in California if you sustained injuries, incurred property damage, or if there’s a liability dispute. For minor fender benders that don’t result in injuries, for instance, you might not need legal counsel.

Consider that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. If you don’t have a lawyer, you’re at a disadvantage during negotiations. A lawyer protects your rights and ensures you don’t settle for less than the value of your claim.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

There is no average settlement for a car accident in California, because every accident is unique. Settlement amounts are determined by economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

A minor whiplash settlement will be less than a case involving severe injuries. An attorney can provide a more accurate estimate upon reviewing the specific details of your injuries and losses.

Obtain a Just Settlement With a Rancho Palos Verdes Car Accident Lawyer Today

The decisions you make in the days and weeks after a collision will have a lasting impact on your financial stability and how you recover. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and chaotic, but you do not have to do it alone.

Take control of your situation as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the statute of limitations approaches or evidence disappears. Contact our office to schedule your consultation, in which we can discuss the details of your incident, answer any questions, and outline a clear strategy forward.